-The Schwan’s Experience.
Ok, in the “about me” post I stated that I used to be employed as a Schwan’s Guy. Yes, there are also Schwan’s Gals. Let’s call us SG’s for this post. There is a fancy title that upper management likes, but our customers call us SG’s.
This post is entirely my own personal thoughts and experiences about Schwan’s. It is unofficial and not endorsed by Schwan’s. I’m writing this largely for the benefit of my fellow SG’s who work very hard to service their customers. Also, for our current customers to answer some frequently asked question from a SG’s perspective. And finally for those of you that haven’t enjoyed Schwan’s in your home yet. I used to be a field supervisor for Schwan’s and I had to sign a non-discloser agreement which I believe that I’m still bound to. So, there are a few specifics about the company which I cannot discuss.
What is Schwan’s? Schwan’s www.schwans.com is a large national company that brings really good food to our customer’s homes for a reasonable price. It’s all about quality, convenience and piece of mind. There are no programs, plans or minimums. We are not like the “meat guys” that jack up your freezer for three to six months. Nor, will we try to sell you a freezer. Very simply we stop by once every two weeks to see what you would like this time. If you have a good SG, they will also let you know what is new and what might be on sale this time.
Quality. First, a 100% quality guarantee, if something isn’t up to your standards, we’ll buy it back. My customers realize that this is a commission only job, so if they need to return something, most will get something else to help offset my lost sales. Schwan’s is a large company with a lot of buying power. Our buyers get the best stuff. Unlike Costco, Price Club or Sam’s Club whose buyers shop for price. Remember this “good things aren’t cheap and cheap things aren’t good.” I stole that from a friend’s father.
Convenience. Your SG will do everything he or she can to meet your family’s busy schedule. On an urban or suburban route your SG might not have much flexibility about the day of the week for your service, but we can normally work with you on the time of the day. Understand that your SG is normally in your neighborhood from about 9 am to after 9 pm. We simply need to know what works for you. Also, I have customers who have given me a high level of their trust. For example, I might have the garage door code and a credit card on file. In rural areas sometimes there isn’t as much time flexibility. I’ve run desert route days where I could only make one pass through. Those customers were serious. They were ready and someone was waiting for the SG.
Piece of mind. Flash frozen is better than fresh, period. All of our products are flash frozen. Take veggies and fruits for example. They are not harvested until they are ripe.
And then they are immediately flash frozen. There is no transit time. They are not in some state of decay. How long ago was your “fresh” produce harvested?
Also, what happens if product goes out with something wrong with it? If you got it from the grocery, maybe you’ll here about a recall on the news, maybe not. Maybe you still have the receipt and the store will take it back. Maybe you’ll never know and feed it to your family and the manufacture crosses their fingers that they don’t get too many law-suits. In four years with Schwan’s, I’ve seen this happen two times. We call it a recovery because that’s what we do. The very next day I visited my customers and bought the product back.
I know this almost sounds like a commercial for Schwan’s. That’s ok, everyone should at least give the service a try. It truly is some of the best food your money can buy. We know Schwan’s isn’t for everyone. Some people don’t care about quality, convenience or piece of mind. I personally don’t want a customer who is internally fighting the experience every step of the way. There are enough smart people out there for me, although I am always looking for more.
In the west there is currently a great new customer offer where for only $19.99 one can try over $35 worth of food. Ask about it. WWW.Schwans.com or 1-888-724-9267. This offer might only be good through the month of June.
The unofficial FAQ’s and answers to statements.
How many hours do you really work?
Typically, I’ll walk into the depot about 9am and leave at little after 10pm. There are some days a little longer, few are shorter. It was worse in my early days. I had one day where I had start by 8am and got done well after 11pm. The Department of Transportation stepped in a few years back and now limits us to no more than 14 hours.
Isn’t your turn over of SG’s pretty high?
Yes, Schwan’s is painfully aware of the high cost of our high turn over of personnel. The number one reason is the long hours. We have been experimenting with new programs to reduce the hours.
I’m on a diet.
I had a lady lose 140 pounds over the course of 18 months while being a Schwan’s customer. I helped her lose the weight. Our meats, poultry, and sea food are portion controlled. She stayed away from the ice cream. And, she ate lots of veggies. We now have a program called “Livesmart” only certain products meet its criteria. Basically they are healthier choices.
My husband is between jobs and I can’t get anything now.
SG’s see all of life’s events big and little. We’ll check back keeping you in the loop. By the way we’re hiring.
Do your customers tip you?
The official answer is no. The honest answer is yes, some do. But, not to get the IRS in an uproar. Not as many as in most service jobs and not nearly as high a percentage as say waiters and waitresses. So, yes if you feel a tip would be appropriate go ahead and offer one.
My SG seems a little stressed out.
He/she might very well be. We have to visit an average of one home every 6 to 8 minutes to make a living. That includes everything, getting to the next stop, taking the order, showing the new stuff, finding the product on the truck and saying thank you. So, yes it can be stressful especially for the new guys.
Is there anything I can do to help my SG?
First, work with them on your best service time. Call them if they miss you on the first pass. That way they know that you made it home and are waiting. Try to be prepared for the visit with a list of what you want. Pre-order if you can. Give them a minute to show you the new stuff.
What’s your average customer or average sale?
There is no average per se. Everyone is different. One stop might be a little ole widow lady that only needs a Maple Nut ice cream. Another would be a large busy family shopping to the tune of $300.00 or more. We love them all. As long as my customers are fairly consistent and willing to try something new from time to time, I’m a happy guy.
Is the SG position really only commission?
Yes, it is. Schwan’s pays a training salary until the SG takes over their route. Then a very small daily base that declines over time as they learn their route and build more customers. Finally, if your SG has been around very long they’re only paid their commission. No, it’s not a very high percent. We have to visit a lot of “buying customers” to earn a living.
Can I get you something cold to drink?
My problem isn’t finding a cool drink. I carry a lot of water with me. Sometimes the problem is finding a safe place to “get rid of the water.” So, I actually tell my customers that if I ask permission to borrow their bathroom it’s kind of like a compliment to them. It means that I trust them and feel comfortable enough with them to ask.
Is being a Schwan’s Guy a good job?
Yes it is for the right person. If you like non-offensive sales. We are always hiring. Call 1-800-336-7569 or go to www.schwansjobs.com. Your background must be squeaky clean. DMV, Medical, Drug test and background checks will be done. After all you will be going into people’s homes.
The company is strong. We have a good benefits package even including a matching 401k and profit sharing. But, you will work a lot of hours. I recommend interviewing with the Local General Manager to see if it might be a fit for you. Also, remember that you are also interviewing that manager for the position to be your boss. If you don’t feel like you would be comfortable working for that person, walk away.
