Indie sales stars have fingers on buzzers for great scores
Keeping their fingers on the buzzer of indie sales is important for agents and they’re happy to reveal how stacking up the points means prizes.
Sticking with the theme of TV game shows, where the welcome return of Deal Or No Deal has given the genre something of a renaissance, PG asked a collection of independent sales agents to show their hand and respective scoreboards.
In the last of the series, we hear from Richard Pass, Rosie Trow, and Lucy Sharp…
Contestant: Richard Pass
Wheel Of Fortune: “I cover the north of England and represent Alljoy Design, Dandelion Stationery, Natural Partners, Ohh Deer, Redback Cards and Two Little Monkeys. I also represent Ginger Betty and Lucilla Lavender in the north east.”
Was 2023 a Deal Or No Deal: “The last year was a deal year, however, there was a lot of hard work and some very committed retailers and publishers. Most of the shops have reported that, overall, they’re pleased with the year. Christmas was interesting with a mix of early buying or very late buying.”
The Weakest Links: “The weakest link was Autumn Fair, with all the negativity surrounding Connect. At least show organiser Hyve Group saw sense to say goodbye to that!”
Fingers on buzzers: “This would have to be Al Murray’s Pub Quiz. We travelled with friends on the York to Inverness train, and I set up a pub quiz. By the end of the journey we had the whole carriage playing. Although I do get competitive at pub quizzes, I think Laura at Wild at Heart, Tynemouth has banned me from ever participating in their local one!”
Contestant: Rosie Trow
Wheel Of Fortune: “The south west of England with a portfolio of Blockbusters, including Belly Button Designs, Bewilderbeest, Crumble & Core, Emotional Rescue, Glick, Go La La!, Janie Wilson, Jellycat, Life Charms, Museums & Galleries, Paper Salad, Redback, Wendy Jones-Blackett and Wrendale Designs.”
Was 2023 a Deal Or No Deal: “It was really a case of just trying to Play Your Cards Right and continue to keep the Wheel Of Fortune going for both customers and principals. There’s always an obstacle cropping up in most towns, whether it’s road works, scaffolding in all the wrong places or increases in parking charges in most towns, so keeping customers positive was the name of the game.
“Every month had The Chase to do better than the year previous, which brings a bit of anxiety at the end of each quarter to whether you’ve reached the Sale Of The Century but, generally, I believe it was a positive year.
“I also feel the principals I work with have helped with The Price Is Right, and not imposing price increases for 2024 has boosted confidence for the year ahead.”
The Weakest Links: “I think my weakest link in my trading year was me behind the wheel and the Jeopardy of driving into what I thought was a puddle and not coming out the other side!”
The Mastermind high scorers: “I think the Countdown to Christmas with the previous year’s experience of Royal Mail letting the industry down hung in the air, fortunately the GCA and the #Cardmitment campaign was the Tipping Point we needed to Strike It Lucky with consumers wanting to keep in touch with friends afar – and recognising that a 75p second-class stamp went a long way.”
Your Catchphrase for 2024: “It would have to be ‘nothing is impossible’.”
Fingers on buzzers: “I’d like to be a host on Give Us A Clue as it’s funny, full of laughter and nobody takes it seriously.”
Contestant: Lucy Sharp of Sharp Stuff Sales
Your Wheel Of Fortune: “I cover Scotland and look after Abrams & Chronicle, Caroline Gardner, Jellycat, Roger La Borde and Talking Tables.”
Was 2023 a Deal Or No Deal: “Definitely a deal – that’s not to say there weren’t some hair-raising moments, testing all of our endurance and trying not to hit The Wall or drop ’em, but for most of those customers who had enough of the best stock it was very happily a winner.”
The Weakest Links: “We live in challenging times, from digital overwhelm, stock challenges, weather events, worries about Christmas coming late, the cost-of-living and on and on and on. It felt like Gladiators’ pugil sticks were being waved relentlessly to knock everyone off their perch! But most have come back fighting and I’m cracking on with my own gladiator training to fight back and be even stronger for 2024.”
The Mastermind high scorers: “I’ve started so I’ll finish sums it up! Being quick on the buzzer and seeing it through till the final whistle made 2023 a winning round.”
Your Catchphrase for 2024: “In it to win it! Now, will you start the fans please?!”
Fingers on buzzers: “I’d be a Taskmaster contestant. Working alongside a team of different, often ridiculous, personalities, none of you knowing what’s going to confront you next, using a million different random skills, pivoting like mad and all while having a real giggle.”
