'Pinoys are best sales people in the world'

MANILA, Philippines - Filipinos are world-renowned for their hospitality, their smiling faces, their ability to adapt to changes and for one thing that’s often overlooked… selling.

Yes, Filipinos are the best marketers in the world.

Proof is the recent Saladmaster Pacific Rim Convention held  at the Makati Shangri-la Plaza where Filipino dealers and distributors lorded it over the top spots.

Seven out of the top 10 distributors of the world-renowned brand in stainless steel and healthy cookware are Pinoys.

Saladmaster president Keith Peterson says he is simply amazed at the work ethics and marketing savvy of Filipinos.

“Filipinos are special as they are resilient and hardworking. They’re very driven and their sentiments are back at home. They work hard so they can send money back to the Philippines,” Peterson says.

And when they’re given an opportunity to market a world-renowned product, Filipinos excel and become very, very good at it. 

“At Saladmaster, they found the right vehicle to fulfill their dreams. They have financial freedom because they can work part-time or full time. At Saladmaster, their hardwork and dedication pays off,” Peterson enthuses.  

Unknown to many, Saladmaster cookware is also a hit among Filipinos who like to serve only the healthiest dishes using a quality cookware. 

“I think Saladmaster appeals to Filipinos in two ways.  For consumers, they want healthy food to eat and for our distributors, they want a lucrative career at Saladmaster. But it all boils down to Filipinos loving, valuing, supporting and taking care of their families.” Peterson stresses. 

Brenna O’ Dell, senior sales promotion manager, agrees with Peterson, reiterating that Saladmaster clicks in the Philippine market because Saladmaster bodes well with the Pinoy’s family values, their way of life and their culture. 

“The cookware is very important to the family because of health and nutrition. It’s in the Filipino culture to feed their loved ones and people and Saladmaster is perfect for the Filipino lifestyle,” O’Dell says. 

She also says Filipinos sell Saladmaster cookware to advance their career in selling.

“As a business opportunity, it can fulfill your financial needs. It’s a perfect business venture,” says O’ Dell. 

Filipino top Saladmaster distributor and vice president of Global Filipino markets Pidoy Pacis said the reason why the convention was held in Manila is to honor the top performers of Saladmaster worldwide. 

“Filipinos were the 2011 World Champions of Saladmaster. Filipino dealers are in the Top 10 worldwide, out of over 400 dealerships in 38 countries around the world. This is the first time in the history of Saladmaster, an international company that Filipino marketers achieved this feat. I think we need to be proud of our Filipino champions and heroes,” Pacis said.

“What does that mean? Filipinos are always concerned about their performance, when they do something, they excel. The mere fact that the regional conference is held here in Manila speaks a lot about how Filipinos dominate in selling and marketing Saladmaster,” Pacis says. 

Another thing that he’s proud of is how Saladmaster has embraced Gawad Kalinga as its major advocacy and CSR. 

Saladmaster does not advertise and is spread through word of mouth. It has been referred as the “best kept secret in town”. 

“Our focus is on teaching people on the healthy way and method of cooking. How to retain nutrition while cooking,” Peterson says. 

Peterson stresses the Philippines is an important market. 

“It is a growing market. It’s not just the Philippines but the Filipinos abroad too who represents a major chunk of our worldwide market. We are so proud of the Filipinos. In a multinational company and international market with the Filipinos leading the way, I think the Filipino people should recognize and must be proud of this accomplishment,” Peterson says.