Have you ever gotten free samples at a store? I bet you thought that the people giving those out were store employees. They're not! Those are paid demonstrators. And they are needed all over - not just at grocery stores but also at malls, retail parking lots, and even sporting events!

There are millions of dollars a year put into product demonstration. Demonstrators are in high demand and with the right skills you can start getting these jobs today. What's more is that these jobs can become professional careers with increasing benefits based on increasing expertise.

Demonstrations have the highest rate of return out of any form of advertising that companies do. As such, you can imagine that demonstrators are always needed! The main goals of demonstrations are:

• To teach the consumer about the featured product
• To get the consumer to tell others about your product
• To make your product memorable for future shopping trips
• To build product awareness

• Dress conservatively and wear clean comfortable black shoes
• Always use proper language
• Be polite
• Pay attention to details
• Show up on time, all the time with plenty of time to set up your display or work area
• Treat all materials as if they were your own

So you have the professionalism down and now are wondering what's next? That's easy! You have to get a demonstrating job. The best resource for these lucrative and exciting jobs is right here at ShadowShopper.com. We post thousands of jobs from all over the country so there is bound to be one in your area.

Once you get a job you will receive a kit from the agency. This will give you all the information you need to complete the demonstration. The kit will include a list of items you will need for the demonstrations as well as any specific dress requirements. It may also include promotional materials as well as tools. For example, if you are doing a cooking demonstration then often the kit will include information on what appliance to bring and instruct you to bring an extension cord. Any promotional materials included should be used entirely. Remember your goal is to make customers aware of the products. Using the promotional materials enhances this. If you do not receive the kit 3 to 4 days prior to your demonstration call the agency immediately.

So you got your kit and you're ready to go. Remember your professionalism and arrive on time. Also do not park right in front of the store. Those spots are for customers. Make a good impression on the store staff. After all, in addition to the sampling customers and the product manufacturer, the retail store is also a client.

Set up your demonstration area as described in your kit. Prepare your food and get ready to give away samples. You should give samples to anyone and everyone who wants one - even store employees! However, the product is mainly for the shoppers so only give employees one sample.

There are a few simple things to keep in mind when demonstrating. They are:

• Speak clearly
• Mention the product brand and key selling points often
• Smile and make eye contact
• Offer the consumer a coupon or sample

Food safety is very important when serving samples. Keep in mind these tips for food safety:

• Keep your hot food hot and your cold food cold
• Clean up any spills or messes you make
• Use a different utensil for different products
• Always display warning signs for hot samples
• Refrigerated product should be thrown away after being out 30 minutes
• Wear gloves anytime you will be in contact with food

If you run out of samples before the end of your demonstration you should not leave. Instead offer customers coupons and inform them of the key selling points of the product.

So your demonstration is over. What do you do? First, if you have extra samples left over at the end discard them in the trash. It is not ok to take the samples with you when you leave. Next walk the store and look for discarded sample supplies and place them in the garbage. Then pack up your demonstration table and cooking equipment. Lastly, load all the equipment into your car.

You're done, right? Wrong!

All agencies will require that you report the results of your demonstration. The reporting procedures differ from agency to agency. You will be informed of reporting requirements prior to your demonstration. If you are not, make sure to contact your agency before your scheduled demonstration.

As you can see, demonstrating is a fun and easy way to make money. The opportunities are endless. With increased training and knowledge you can increase your rate of pay. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and demonstrate!