Permanent store employees often have a work area and storage space for their equipment and supplies. They must be strong enough to set up and tear down their demonstrations every day and carry their own equipment and supplies. Food Demonstrators are usually asked to supply a card table, table cloth, crock pot or electric skillet, cooking utensils, and other equipment. The areas designated by the store management for demonstrations may be cold or drafty. On occasion, Demonstrators work outside in a plaza or from a truck that is parked at a temporary site.
Most Demonstrators stand on their feet for long hours and work under fluorescent lights.
They may sometimes get cuts or minor burns. The work can get boring during slow shopping periods. Customers can be rude or mean at times. Demonstrators working for a specific product line or in a department or specialty store are expected to dress well and be neatly groomed. Food Demonstrators working in grocery stores that are under union contract must join the Retail Clerks Union within 30 days of being hired.