Walmart and MA Rodeo Coming Soon

[policy doctor]

I've been getting emails to "buy in" a spot for Walmart during the AEP season. Seems like a few IMO's have the contracts to lock in these booths. Talk about fresh leads!

Since I know of some seniors who signed up for a plan at a Walmart store, I know that accessibility played a big part. This way they don't have to set appointments with strangers coming to their homes, and probably in the back of their mind they're thinking....Walmart is credible, so this plan must be also.

Can we set something up like this in front of our local grocery store, for example? Or in front of any retailer? Wally World is into everything they can to make money. I can see a permanent insurance store since they now have banking. Is there a fit for us somewhere here? Target is expanding into vision care....so maybe retailers are thinking "mini mall' here.

Let's count the competition for this market: Medicare.gov, your CSR at MA 1-800, Wally World, Indy agent, Captive agent, .....any more?

 

[mississippiagent]

I would like more info on this...

 

[insureyou2@]

I have thought the same thing why not have a store front in a business that has thousands of clients a day. I have got the same e-mails about a booth but i would be tempted too offer other products to clients. If we could rent the space from a retailer since they came into your business no scope of appt form you pay the store for the space so you can sell any products. Maybe have a
computer like target has for gift registry so the client can make an appointment if he or she desires. Why would this not work?

please give feed back

 

[Mega producer]

I manned a both for 4hrs a day during AEP/OEP of 2007/2008. I actually did very well shaking hands, talking to as many seniors as I can, got referrals from the pharmacist ,I ended up with 45 enrollments, just from the Wal Mart initiative, and of course other agents manned the booth at different times.

2008/2009 was a totally different story, new rules and regulations. Cannot approach seniors or engage them, they must come to you. Just stand at the booth with a big smile and a big round button that reads, ASK ME ABOUT MEDICARE ADVANTAGE, looking like the guy from the Enzyte commercial who can't stop smiling. I did get a couple of referrals from the pharmacist for PDP, and a couple for MA, but they would not sign a scope of appt.

I stopped going after 2 weeks, I wasn't getting paid to be a greeter for Wal Mart.

 

[moonlightandmargaritas]

I've been getting emails to "buy in" a spot for Walmart during the AEP season.

Do they throw in one of those snazzy blue vests?

 

[JstBnMe]

And don't forget the smiley face stickers. That has to be part of the deal!

 

[Joe Moore]

Do they throw in one of those snazzy blue vests?

Only if you steal one, and don't get caught.

Last year we actually had many WalMart's that were available, we did not have enough serious agents to place in them. With all the problems, we had some stores that the agents made well over 6 figures in less than 6 months. Some were very good for the agent, and some were very bad. (Not everyone will make $100,000 in 6 months).

The products available, the competition, the agent's desire, and the demographics of the store were very important. We did 18 stores (mostly in East TN) with very mixed results. We feel, with all the CMS rules, a lot of the agents were afraid to put the pencil to the paper.

Although we are in TN, we had stores assigned to us in FL and TX, and could have had more if we had certified agents. After about 8 weeks, we finally decided our FL man could not pass the certification.

Since we are getting started very early, it is feasibly possible to add many more stores in many parts of the country. Last year we had the lists of all the unmanned stores, where agents could have operated, but we could not find warm-interested bodies.

Yesterday, I noticed that some other marketers were requiring a $500 deposit; we are not requiring any "deposit", unless dictated by the company (which we have not heard of yet). The only thing we are asking is if somone goes for this marketing method, to try to learn the products and rules, be honest with the clients, the company and us. Remember, we are guests in WalMart stores, they could do without our services. If you have a problem, quickly respond to it and if you cannot fix it, find someone who can.

We would love to increase this production to at least 50 well-run stores this year, and it can profitability and smoothly be done. Two or more agents can operate in a lot of the stores. Agents must be licensed in the State of policy written and the resident state of the client. Starting now, there should be plenty of time to get State Licensing, background check, training and certificaton done. Most training and certification can be done online.

We are not sure what will be available after the AEP or OEP for 2010, but this year agents could stay busy year-round with the Dual-Eligible Population in some areas.

You would need to commit to at least 15 hours per week in the store, and be willing to make out-of-store appointments. Agents pay would come directly from the company, not from us. Leads coming from these stores would not cost the agent anything.

The release rules are that you cannot have written 6 months for your present FMO, or the FMO would have to give you a written release.


Please contact me (Joe Moore) or my son (Greg Moore) to inquire. It may take us a while to find what is available in your area. Of course if you are willing to travel some, it could make landing a store easier.

Of course, we have many more companies products available in Final Expense, and th Senior Market. Check out our websites.

Joe

 

[midwestbroker]

When I started with Humana we were in every Wal Mart in KC for 4 hours a day, 5 days a week (this was 2006)

Scaled down in 2007, scaled further down in 2008 to the point where they are in only in a few Wal Marts.

By 2008 it was more of a customer service booth. Granted this was a captive Humana situation.

For a fresh or newer agent in the field, I would recommend it.