How To Be A Food Demonstrator

You could be one of those people who offer food samples at the grocery store. The food demonstrators may work at a small table near the product for sale they are offering for tasting. Or they may walk through the store with a tray of samples to tempt the customers. What are the job requirements for this type of work? Let’s check it out.

*Job requirements and responsibilities: Well, you need to be able to stand for long periods of time. You have to have a pleasant personality, be happy and friendly. You have to like people and be able to talk to the shoppers knowledgably about the product you’re offering to them. You also may have to prepare the product that you’re demonstrating. You may be cutting and dividing samples before offering it to customers. Some foods may only require you to open bags and placing the samples on plates. If the product comes individually wrapped, they can be offered that way. Some places require a food handler’s permit especially if preparing and serving food items that aren’t individually packed. At the end of your shift, you’ll need to count how many samples you gave out. Fill out any paperwork that’s needed and have the manager sign your timecard. Clean up the area where you were working and take down your table.

*Dress requirements: It goes without saying that cleanliness and a neat appearance are important. Clothing should be clean and pressed. Sometimes you are asked to wear black or khaki pants and a white shirt. Sometimes you are given a shirt with the store logo or company to wear. Since you’re working with food, hair needs to be pulled back from your face. Also plastic gloves are required since you’re handling food. Wearing comfortable shoes is a plus since you’re going to be standing for long periods of time.

*Education needed: The educational requirements aren’t strict at all. Some companies take high school students. Other companies require a high school diploma or GED. Previous customer service experience isn’t necessary but could be helpful in getting the job. Sometimes the company may have training after you’re hired. The training could be in person or over the telephone. Once you’re at the job, there is actually very little supervision so make sure you have all your questions answered.

*Hours: Most hours are during the weekends because that is when more customers are shopping. Although sometimes you may work weekdays during daytime and some hours in the evening.

*Pay: Your pay depends on who employs you. Food demonstrators who work on a contract basis for a company could be paid $2 to $4 above minimum wage. If you’re hired by a grocery store or wholesale club, you may receive minimum wage or a few dollars higher. This is because sometimes the grocery or wholesale store could offer benefits and vacation time in addition to the wages that you earn.

Okay, so you like how this sounds and you’re wondering how to find the actual jobs. You can ask an actual food demonstrator how to reach their hiring manager. Some demonstrators actually get a referral fee for applicants that work out. Some product suppliers recruit their help through Salesheads.com, websites, internet ads and Craigslist. Retail kiosks in malls sometimes will have a small “help wanted” signs. Home improvement shows often rent booth space to businesses for special events. Contact the show organizer and ask where the exhibitors get their extra help.

So now you have all the information and you’re set. The only thing holding you back is you!

By Linda Lee Ruzicka

Linda Lee Ruzicka lives in the mountains of Western PA , happily married and with her 8 cats and three dogs. She has been published in Twilight Times, Dark Krypt, Fables, Writing Village, June Cotner anthology, The Grit, Reminisce , the book, Haunted Encounters: Friends and Family. She also does freelances work for Beyond and for Salesheads. More of her blogs can be found at Salesheadsblog.