At home party consultants?

[HappyTogether]

I recommend watching the Penn & Teller show ******** about this. There are people who are successful selling a product, but most who are only looking to increase their downline.

If you do anything that makes you minimum wage for the hours you put into it, it is not worth doing. Your time is worth something!

 

[MissManda]

I think the problem with these multi level marketing "businesses" is that they exploit relationships.
You are told that your family and friends are your natural customers because they will want to help you and you will be able to tell them how much you love the product, however, in all honesty, your friends and family don't like being "sold to", there is always the feeling of obligation to buy from you, and then also they never know of you are hanging out with them because you like them or because you're fishing for a sell.

I don't feel at all as if I'm exploiting my friends and family and those relationships. Of course when you first sign up to sell something you will sell to your friends and family first. Its natural that they would want to support you and your new business opportunity. But its not like you are forcing them to buy anything.

When I was younger, I got a job waiting tables. My family never ate at this particular restaurant before I worked there but when I started working there they started eating there as well. The same went for my friends. I kind of see it as the same thing. The people that love you will support you.

Now, I know that there are some super aggressive people out there that will try to exploit their relationships. There is at least one on my facebook page right now that is being a little obnoxious about her products that she sells. I think she is going over board, but she seems to be in the minority.

I just signed up to sell Perfectly Posh in January. I honestly only signed up because I truly love their products. I had been looking for naturally based products to use and this sort of fell into my lap. I knew I would spend money on these products because the quality is there and its something that I truly want. I thought to myself, instead of buying from my cousin and putting money in her pocket, why not become a consultant and get a discount on the products via commission each month. If I earn extra money in the process through extra sales then its just a bonus.

Yes, I have given samples to all of my friends, family and may co-workers. My circle of friends are all into clean healthy eating and so I think that introducing them to naturally based skin care would be a good fit for them. If they like the samples and want to purchase something then that's great. If they don't care for it, that's great too. I'm not going to force someone to buy anything. I also have co-workers that are very much into natural products (one lady makes her own dishwasher detergent, buys goat milk soap, etc), so I figured she would be into these products as well. So, I gave her samples too. Again, I would never pressure her into buying anything and I would not want her to feel obligated to buy anything. Its all in the approach.

That's just my two cents based on my experience.

 

[MissManda]

Pretty much every stay at home mom that I know 'does' one of these. I think it is really rooted in our (a woman's) desire to feel important beyond that of her job being a mom.

In any event, my friends that have the most success and make the most money work for Dove Chocolate Discoveries and Beachbody. Both are incredibly annoying with the 24/7 advertising and recruiting, but they're making money, and I am happy for them.

I sell Perfectly Posh and I have a 40+ hour a week job and a family to take care of. I sell because I love the products not because I need to feel important.

I don't know anything about the Dove Chocolate, but I agree with Beachbody. I'm actually doing a Beachbody program right now. The woman that is my "coach" has shared her weekly earnings and its quite impressive. She's making over $2,000 a month and just recently turned in her resignation so she can do it full time. I'm not sure what is involved in it, but that's pretty nice to sit behind a computer and "coach" people. I will say though that she is always in active recruit mode. But, she doesn't come off as aggressive with it. She has found a good balance of selling her business and not being too pushy with it. She comes across as very sincere. Perhaps that is why she is so successful. Its obviously working for her so more power to her!

 

[Hannathy]

I'm with the posters who say your family and friends hate when people they know are selling stuff. Yes you do feel obligated and know everytime you see them they are going to be talking about what they are selling. You say "oh I don't expect them to buy" "I don't put pressure on them"

BUT you are answering from your side, on our side we don't feel that way. WE feel obligated and feel like you will think less of us if we don't. It is only human nature to feel this way.

I'm glad I'm old enough to not care if I keep every acquaintance so I can say Nope don't want to buy anything, but it is still annoying. And those parties have always been disliked, I disliked them 40 yrs ago and still dislike them and know many people who feel the same way!

Oh and just bringing the book into work in case you want something is about as bad.

 

[Southernmiss]

I'm with the posters who say your family and friends hate when people they know are selling stuff. Yes you do feel obligated and know everytime you see them they are going to be talking about what they are selling. You say "oh I don't expect them to buy" "I don't put pressure on them"

BUT you are answering from your side, on our side we don't feel that way. WE feel obligated and feel like you will think less of us if we don't. It is only human nature to feel this way.

I'm glad I'm old enough to not care if I keep every acquaintance so I can say Nope don't want to buy anything, but it is still annoying. And those parties have always been disliked, I disliked them 40 yrs ago and still dislike them and know many people who feel the same way!

Oh and just bringing the book into work in case you want something is about as bad.

Love.

 

[piglet too]

Hi Paint! Miss chatting with you on the Chicago thread.

I've been a Tastefully Simple consultant for almost 10 years. I love it, and stick with it because I love the food. I don't do a lot of parties, but do enough in sales to stay active each quarter. I have two ladies on my team, both kinda just fell in my lap.

I am also an Origami Owl consultant since November. The reason I decided to start this was also because I love the products. Another great thing, my daughter will be able to be a designer with me once she turns 12! (That is in 2 months) The company was started by a 14 year old and they really are about Being a Force For Good and empowering people. I've done great with this in my few months and hope it will continue being so successful.

One thing that I love doing with both companies, is fundraisers. It feels so good to help out the different organizations and benefits.

I personally enjoy going to parties of any type. I may not always buy something, but I try to make a point of talking to he consultant and letting her know what I liked about her presentation.

Obviously I don't agree with the other posters who feel these are only about forcing your friends & family to buy stuff. I have two "open house" parties a year, and while I invite family and friends, they are not my best customers and I don't expect them to be. I also don't push anyone to "join my team".

If you have any other questions, just let me know.

 

[jen73]

I have 3 friends who sell Silpada Jewelry, Stella & Dot, and Jamberry (nail decals). My Stella & Dot friend is a long time friend and yes, I felt obligated to help support her business. I hosted a party after JUST moving to a new town...so I knew no one...lol But she did some inviting of her own. She does send out a lot a LOT of emails about specials and possibly signing up as a Stylist and I finally had to say it just wasn't for me. She still brings it up once a month, but I just ignore it...lol

I do get invited to most of her parties but I haven't gone to any.

The Dove Chocolate one looks interesting...lol

Good luck!! I always enjoyed going to the Tastefully Simple and the Pampered Chef parties (I love to cook!!)

 

[VAfamily1998]

I sell Perfectly Posh and I have a 40+ hour a week job and a family to take care of. I sell because I love the products not because I need to feel important.

I don't know anything about the Dove Chocolate, but I agree with Beachbody. I'm actually doing a Beachbody program right now. The woman that is my "coach" has shared her weekly earnings and its quite impressive. She's making over $2,000 a month and just recently turned in her resignation so she can do it full time. I'm not sure what is involved in it, but that's pretty nice to sit behind a computer and "coach" people. I will say though that she is always in active recruit mode. But, she doesn't come off as aggressive with it. She has found a good balance of selling her business and not being too pushy with it. She comes across as very sincere. Perhaps that is why she is so successful. Its obviously working for her so more power to her!

Ugh I really despise the Beach Body "coaches." Do they have ANY actual training in physical fitness or nutrition? Most of the ones that I've seen are actually not in very good shape (many would even classify as obese) and are really only doing it to sell those "shakeology" drinks.

 

[Buckalew11]

I sell with a new DS company called Mialisia. It's jewelry that can be worn many ways and I love the product and that makes it easy to sell. People want a bit more "bang for their buck" so if you can wear one piece about 6 or 7 ways by itself, and more if you add another piece, what's not to like? All I have to do is show the concept and the product sells itself. We're brand new so there are lots of changes happening and we get to give a lot of input too.

I'm not a high pressure person. I've owned my own business for 20 years and been in the business (hair) for 31 years. This is just a concept that spoke to me and answered my own personal issue with jewelry so I'm enjoying it. If you are interested, PM me and I can share more.
My best advice is find something you love and do NOT tie up a lot of money into inventory if you do not have to. Lucky for me, I have the option and choose not too.

 

[MissManda]

I'm with the posters who say your family and friends hate when people they know are selling stuff. Yes you do feel obligated and know everytime you see them they are going to be talking about what they are selling. You say "oh I don't expect them to buy" "I don't put pressure on them"

BUT you are answering from your side, on our side we don't feel that way. WE feel obligated and feel like you will think less of us if we don't. It is only human nature to feel this way.

I guess your experiences have been different than mine. I have tons of friends that sell different products and I've never felt obligated to buy from them and I've never felt like they would think less of me for it. If they would think less of me for saying no, then they really weren't a very good friend to begin with.

I do think that when anyone first starts a new job or business (be it home parties or whatever) the people that care about them will want to support them. That's just how it works in my world. I have a family friend for instance that is planning to open up his own game shop. Now, I personally could care less about games, comics, and anything else that he is going to sell. But, he is my friend and when he does open up shop, I will be there to support him and will probably spend a little bit of money and I will probably help spread the word on facebook. Will I be his best returning customer, no, I will not because its not my thing. But I will certainly support his initial effort to get his business off the ground. That is what friends and family do.

In regards to home parties, for instance, I am not a jewelry person, so I would never buy from any of the jewelry consultants on a regular basis. I don't have a problem saying no to them and I just simply tell them I'm not that into jewelry. I haven't had any issues with anyone getting mad at more or pressuring me.

Now, I do buy Scentsy and sometimes I do buy Pampered Chef because I like and use their products often. On a rare occasion, I will purchase something form thirty-one. But, I have also left some parties without buying anything at all.

If someone didn't want to buy from me, I would certainly hope they would be honest and tell me that. I don' t want anyone to feel like I'm putting a gun to their head and making them spend money. That is just crazy. Honestly, I only want people to buy from me that will love and use the product as much as I do.

Again, just my two cents based on my own experience from both sides.

 

[MissManda]

Ugh I really despise the Beach Body "coaches." Do they have ANY actual training in physical fitness or nutrition? Most of the ones that I've seen are actually not in very good shape (many would even classify as obese) and are really only doing it to sell those "shakeology" drinks.

My "coach" is a financial analyst. She doesn't have any formal fitness or nutrition training. She is in pretty good shape though, so I will give her that. She does push Shakeology A LOT. But, you can always tell her stuff is scripted (mainly because I hear almost the exact same wording on the DVD I'm using). When I purchased the program that I'm using, a bag came with it. It certainly didn't taste quite as good as it is made out to be but it does keep me full. Not sure its all its cracked up to be though, given the cost.

 

[paintnolish]

Hey, Piglet. I am leaning towards Tastefully Simple. I always enjoyed going to the parties and I think their products are relatively inexpensive.

I have gone to parties and not purchased anything. I have had parties and had people attend and not buy anything (I've said I don't care if you buy anything and meant it.).

As for being annoying on Facebook, there are a multitude of ways to be annoying! Like this post if you hate child abuse. Like this and God will grant your prayers. I'd rather see people pushing what they sell!

 

[ewalshslp]

I've been selling Thirty-one gifts since August... It's all what you put into it... I do about 1-2 catalog or home parties a month...that's enough for me. I always loved the products and the company is fantastic. I don't pressure my friends to buy... They all love the stuff and were thrilled when I started selling it.

Feel free to private message me if you have any questions.

 

[disneybound2010]

I'm with the posters who say your family and friends hate when people they know are selling stuff. Yes you do feel obligated and know everytime you see them they are going to be talking about what they are selling. You say "oh I don't expect them to buy" "I don't put pressure on them"

BUT you are answering from your side, on our side we don't feel that way. WE feel obligated and feel like you will think less of us if we don't. It is only human nature to feel this way.

I'm glad I'm old enough to not care if I keep every acquaintance so I can say Nope don't want to buy anything, but it is still annoying. And those parties have always been disliked, I disliked them 40 yrs ago and still dislike them and know many people who feel the same way!

Oh and just bringing the book into work in case you want something is about as bad.

Maybe that has been your experience and I am sorry if you have had friends make you feel that way. Those are the types I like to refer to as vultures. One of the reasons I chose to start selling Scentsy is because it really does sell itself. I did let my friends and family know I was selling it when I first started almost 2 years ago and I told them then and there that if they wanted to try it they could, but no pressure. A couple have asked to throw parties, others have not, and a couple have joined as consultants themselves. I may post a picture or two on FB or let everyone know if I am closing out a party, but I tend to post about a lot of other stuff as well. I don't do cold calls and I don't bombard my friends, but I can tell you that I just had a bunch of private messages and emails asking if my new catalogs/testers were in because they want the new product. That is MY experience. I don't need to push when the product is good and when I have learned what works so as not to alienate people.

 

[lauradis]

I recommend watching the Penn & Teller show ******** about this. There are people who are successful selling a product, but most who are only looking to increase their downline.

If you do anything that makes you minimum wage for the hours you put into it, it is not worth doing. Your time is worth something!

Love Penn & Teller.

As far as parties go I don't like going unless I want to buy something from that company.

Love:
Mary Kay
Partylite
Simply Tasteful
Pampered chef
Avon

Not into costume jewelry, hand bags, or couples toys.

It really don't mind being asked to go to parties or host them, but then again I have no problem saying No Thank you.

 

[bossart7203]

I sell Jamberry nails and I love it! Who doesn't love to have their nails done, especially with all of the designs they offer. In less then a month I've earned back the joining cost. And unlike other companies you only need a sale a yearly amount instead of monthly.

 

[cybrkitn]

I used to do Partylite but gave that up for a few reasons.

1. I was spending more of my own money getting things for shows than getting sales.

2. Trying to get shows booked was like pulling teeth. No one was interested. Not even for a book party.

And the biggest reason: The friend that got me into this was also a consultant and was very controlling and a bit pushy. I couldn't go to friends b/c we had the same group. So pretty much she had the "market". When I wanted to do a craft show that our church was doing, she kind of pushed me out of the way and had her mother (who was also involved with Partylite with her) do a table I was basically told that I couldn't do it. Rather than encouraging me and help me build it up, she discouraged me, pushed me out of the way and took over. Never again.

I used to love Partylite. I still like the look of their candles and the way they burn. However, I don't like the scents (due to my allergies) nor do I like the look of the accessories anymore. Nothing catches my eye like it used to.

 

[phorsenuf]

It's been a very long time since I did any type of those home parties. Remember Christmas Around the World? That I did love doing.

I thought about trying something but couldn't really get into anything, plus being in a new area it's hard. So I thought about what I do like to do and decided to open an Etsy shop instead. I'm not making a killing by any stretch of the imagination but it takes time to build a clientele. I like that I can work on my craft whenever and wherever. I always have a project with me. Plus you don't really need a lot of inventory so there is not a huge upfront cost. I make a piece and list it in my store and then as orders come in I make one up. I'm always adding new items and at the same time I am working on getting some inventory made up because I'll be doing a table sale in the near future. But you can have as much or little as you want.

Just another avenue to think about.

 

[design_mom]

I am another one who always feels pressure to buy something, even when the host says "don't feel like you have to buy."

I don't mind Tastefully Simple parties too much. I generally feel like the products are good quality, and although they are kind of expensive for what they are, I can make a purchase without spending a ton of money and I know I'll enjoy what I bought. In addition, since the products are consumable, I've usually used up my previous purchases by the time I'm invited to the next party.

I also like the products from Scentsy, Pampered Chef, and Thirty One (and Usborne Books and Discovery Toys when the kids were younger) but I feel like I've reached capacity on how many of these items I need or can afford. I kind of dread these parties because I feel like I *should* buy something (to support the host), but I also feel like I *shouldn't* buy anything (for budget/storage/usefulness purposes.)

I usually try to avoid make-up and jewelry parties. I have very sensitive skin and a lot of things make me have a reaction (I broke out in hives during both the Mary Kay parties I attended -- which kind of kills the mood for everyone. Now I decline.) Jewelry has the sensitive skin issue too, as well as being expensive. I tend to react more with anything that lays tight against my skin (like earrings, which tend to be the least expensive thing in the catalog.)

In short, if I can buy something for <$25 that I'll like, I'll usually buy something to support the host. For me to spend more than $25, it's got to be something that I'll love. And if I don't think I can find something at all, I'll probably try to decline the party because it's really uncomfortable to go to those parties and not buy anything... even when the host says "don't feel like you have to buy." That's the whole purpose of the party and everyone knows it.

 

[runsandjumps]

I don't go and I don't buy. I dislike the pressure. If I want something bad enough I will find it online myself.