What is Vector Marketing?

Vector Marketing may be perceived as the sales division of Cutco Cutlery.

Could you elaborate on how this functions?

Throughout its operational history, Cutco Cutlery has identified itself as a direct sales organization.

In the initial phases of its journey, Cutco Cutlery lacked a primary distributor. Its products were vended by a myriad of independent, small-scale, direct sellers and it had not singled out a preferred direct sales company.

However, in 1981, the emergence of Vector Marketing Corporation brought about significant changes, as it rapidly began to outpace all other independent sellers in sales performance. Consequently, in 1985, Cutco procured Vector Marketing, making it its principal seller. The successful model employed by Vector was subsequently replicated across Cutco’s operations, resulting in the two companies becoming intertwined.

Ultimately, Cutco operates as a single-level direct sales organization, implying that Vector Sales Representatives cannot establish downlines and earn commissions from new recruits, as seen in MLM structures.

Contrary to certain online speculations claiming that Vector handles the ‘MLM operations’ for Cutco, the reality is that Vector functions as the exclusive at-home distributor of Cutco knives.

Thus, present-day interactions, such as receiving a call from a company receptionist or viewing an employment opportunity advertisement, are most likely from Vector Marketing rather than Cutco directly.

Over the years, Vector Marketing has attracted criticism for what many consider as unethical recruitment strategies. It has frequently been accused of disseminating misleading information, with a particular focus on targeting college students, stay-at-home parents, and high school graduates with ostensibly lucrative side-job opportunities without sufficiently communicating the realistic earning potential.

Vector Marketing has weathered numerous legal battles, with a notable lawsuit in Wisconsin accusing the company of allegedly incorporating false or misleading information in its advertisements.

Complaints from many who have been associated with Vector Marketing reveal that their income was minimal, and in fact, a significant proportion claimed to have incurred losses through their engagement with the company. A survey conducted by The Washington Post in 1996 confirmed this sentiment, with half of the 940 Vector recruits admitting that they were unable to make any profit, with some indeed reporting financial losses.

In response to what was perceived as predatory recruitment practices by Vector Marketing, a group of students formed an organization known as SAVE (Students Against Vector Exploitation) to resist the company’s methods.

It is critical to highlight that these allegations have been directed at Vector Marketing and not Cutco.

Despite these controversies, Vector Marketing has managed to navigate through the challenges and has continued to market Cutco Cutlery products consistently.

What Products Can You Sell With Cutco Cutlery?

Cutco Cutlery’s scope extends beyond simply the sale of knives. The brand offers a diverse range of products to its clientele.

It’s noteworthy that Cutco knives, undeniably their most sought-after item, have become synonymous with the brand itself.

The company provides Homemaker Sets comprising meticulously crafted blades, lauded for being among the finest quality available in the market.

The product catalogue is extensive, including Cook’s Tools, Tableware, additional Cutlery items, Cookware, Pots, Pans, culinary gadgets, baking tools, utensils, and cutting boards.

One of the appealing factors of Cutco products, especially their knives, is the use of durable, premium-grade materials in their construction. An illustrative example is the use of thermo-resin in the manufacture of their knife handles, which bolsters their resistance to repeated dishwasher cycles while maintaining their strength and durability.

This commitment to quality and durability is carried through all their product lines, a factor that contributes to the brand’s presence in an estimated 16 million homes.

Here is an overarching catalogue of the products offered by Cutco (Kindly note that availability may vary and some products could be discontinued at the time of reference):

Knives and Knife Sets

The highest revenue-generating product offered by the company is Cutco Knives.

This category encompasses a variety of kitchen knives, table knives, outdoor knives, and accompanying storage solutions.

The assortment of knives offered by the company includes Bread Knives, Carving Knives, Cheese Knives, Chef Knives, Fruit & Vegetable Knives, Specialty Knives, Table Knife Sets, and the French Knife.

In relation to storage solutions, Cutco provides Wood Blocks, Knife Trays, Drawer Organizers, Countertop Organizers, Wall Organizers, and Knife Sheaths.

Among the company’s top-selling products are the Cutco Knife Sets, featuring the company’s patented recessed ‘Double D,’ 440A stainless steel blade with a recessed edge renowned for delivering precise cuts.

Shears

Specialty scissors or shears enjoy significant popularity among Cutco’s customer base.

The shears’ versatility extends from kitchen utility to outdoor use, capable of cutting a wide array of items from vegetables to metallic objects. Demonstrations have shown these shears capable of cutting pennies, dimes, and quarters.

Outdoor

Cutco’s outdoor product range includes items such as hunting knives, pocket knives, sporting knives, and gardening tools.

Cutco Cutlery Lifetime Guarantee?

An additional incentive for customers to invest in Cutco knives is the lifetime guarantee provided by the company.

Cutco assures its clients that should they find any of their products dissatisfactory in performance, the company will make the necessary rectifications, given that the product is being used as recommended.

This Lifetime Guarantee applies to all Cutco products, regardless of whether you were the original purchaser or if the item was received as a gift.

The procedure is simple; send the product in need of sharpening or repair, and it will undergo a meticulous multi-step process before being returned in near-new condition. Cutco does not require a receipt or product registration.

Should Cutco products become damaged due to unconventional use, the company offers replacement at half the price, including the applicable sales tax.

Earning Revenue with Cutco Cutlery

There exists an opportunity to generate income by selling Cutco Products, although it is important to note that this is not a simple task. Face-to-face sales may not suit everyone, which is also a reason why many individuals are unable to establish their own businesses.

However, this does not negate the possibility of achieving monetary success by selling knives, provided you’re willing to invest sufficient effort. Several individuals have managed to earn substantial revenue by selling these products, often starting with no prior experience.

The pathway to becoming a sales representative is relatively straightforward:

1. Attend an interview.
2. After being hired, undergo a three-day training course.
3. Provide a list of potential leads.
4. You are then furnished with a sales script and a presentation, which will guide your interactions with potential clients. Sales representatives are encouraged to gather contact information, including phone numbers and email addresses, from prospective buyers for inclusion in the client database.

Previously, Vector Marketing required sales representatives to purchase a kit for their presentations.

Currently, Cutco Cutlery provides the kit free of charge to active representatives.

An active representative is defined as a salesperson required to sell a minimum of $100 worth of cutlery or cookware each month.

If the sales representatives do not meet this target, they are obligated to return the kit or purchase it at half the price to continue sales operations.