Direct sales question

[lilmrsellis]

I'm trying to find a direct sales job that's worth the hassle. Here are the ones that are so popular in my area that they aren't worth it:
Thirty-One, Longaberger, Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Scentsy, Park Lane. It seems that so much is WAY to expensive to buy to be practical. Any different suggestions?

 

[gjl]

I would have said Thirty-One as that's what my wife does (and successfully), but you said your area is overpopulated with consultants!

My sister in law does Rodan and Fields. Skincare products made by the makers of Proactiv. PM me if you want her information.

 

[cinmouse]

I did Creative Memories for a bit, but really for the discount.

 

[davedmaine]

Don't do it. Your friends and family will come to hate you.

 

[jgreco]

A friend of mine is just getting into Origami Owl, the products are very inexpensive and is a new company.

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

Don't do it. Your friends and family will come to hate you.

I agree. It isn't that certain brands/products are saturated. The problem is that there are so many of these home parties going on that people are tired of being invited to things to spend money. So it doesn't matter if you are the only rep in your area for that particular brand or product. Since the market is so oversaturated with home party reps, a lot of people are not going to buy from you because they already spent their discretionary money at other parties.

And they are going to be mad at their "friends" who only invite them over to a party where they are expected to spend money (even when they say you don't have to buy anything, just come to socialize and eat...)

 

[mombrontrent]

I agree. It isn't that certain brands/products are saturated. The problem is that there are so many of these home parties going on that people are tired of being invited to things to spend money. So it doesn't matter if you are the only rep in your area for that particular brand or product. Since the market is so oversaturated with home party reps, a lot of people are not going to buy from you because they already spent their discretionary money at other parties.

And they are going to be mad at their "friends" who only invite them over to a party where they are expected to spend money (even when they say you don't have to buy anything, just come to socialize and eat...)

I totally agree, I hate to be invited/pressured into going to any of these type of "parties". They all sell overpriced junk at huge markups. I make it a rule to never attend any of these parties no matter who is hosting or what the product is.

 

[gjl]

I totally agree, I hate to be invited/pressured into going to any of these type of "parties". They all sell overpriced junk at huge markups. I make it a rule to never attend any of these parties no matter who is hosting or what the product is.

How do you know it's all "JUNK" if you never attend any parties? You certainly don't have to attend, but you also don't have to offend those that sell telling them all their stuff is JUNK!

 

[bumbershoot]

How do you know it's all "JUNK" if you never attend any parties? You certainly don't have to attend, but you also don't have to offend those that sell telling them all their stuff is JUNK!

I agree. I've never been involved on those sales apart from buying FYI, and I have never been pressured in any way. I am still using the creative memories scrapbook stuff, some pampered chef stuff, and I still wish I could've bought this one party lite thing! I don't find those thing to be junk, and I can't find equivalents anywhere else for what I bought and the quality of them, so there's no prove to compare it to. So I can't call it overpriced.

And I have never resented friends for inviting me to the parties. I thought it was lovely to spend some time with new people like that.

 

[dmiller64152]

If you're into cosmetics, a friend of mine does BeautiControl. The products are so good (albeit pricey) that people book parties all the time. She is a SAHM, her husband is an engineer, and she makes more than he does! Also ... again on the higher end ... have you looked at Silpada? Their stuff is fabulous and I know a lot of women here in Kansas City (where the company started) who have become very wealthy with it. If you have connections who can afford it, surely it would be better to sell one item and make a hundred bucks than to have to sell two dozen geegaws.

 

[MrEVILdrPorkchop2u]

I have worked for another ds company so i can understand your comment but I beg to differ with my company. I had an $800 party at Christmas. I took home $360. Not all ds companies are created the same. They all have different compensation plans.

Off topic, but Bamagirl love your name and picture! Our DS is geaded to Bama this fall!!!! Roll Tide!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I don't think the stuff is all junk. I've gotten a lot of good products from the parties. It is just the quantity of parties in some areas of the country that are getting out of hand.

It used to be that the direct sales parties were a new, fun way to get together with friends and see some unique products that you couldn't find in stores. Now (in my area at least) it has gotten to the point where people only have get-togethers because they have a friend that is a rep for something and they feel pressure to have a party to support their friends. And the backlash is that people are refusing to go to any parties because they don't have the money, or don't want to get added to the party circuit and feel obligated to go to every party.

I'm sure in some areas people can still have fun and make good money. But the OP said in their post that there are lots of reps for some of the major brands in the area. So even having a really great unique new product may not be enough if people are tapped out financially or just plain tired of the parties.

 

[BamaGirl]

Off topic, but Bamagirl love your name and picture! Our DS is geaded to Bama this fall!!!! Roll Tide!

Thanks! ROLL TIDE!!

 

[gjl]

Stitches- that makes more sense. Party overload on the customer isn't good for any Direct Seller!

 

[Jenny3]

A newer company that seems to be doing well is It Works. They sell body wraps, greens, defining gel, etc. I've seen some amazing before & after photos and am very tempted to try a wrap!

Also, if you have the confidence for it, Passion Parties or Slumber Parties reps do very well. Those parties are a hoot!

 

[njmom47]

A newer company that seems to be doing well is It Works. They sell body wraps, greens, defining gel, etc. I've seen some amazing before & after photos and am very tempted to try a wrap!

Also, if you have the confidence for it, Passion Parties or Slumber Parties reps do very well. Those parties are a hoot!

I used to do PP and my upline person did not help me at all! So if you decide to do these types of home-based sales and have a "mentor" (whatever term they use) make sure she/he is very supportive.

 

[snarlingcoyote]

I used to have a co-worker who did beading parties and did very well at it. I don't remember the name of the company, alas, and she was already an avid beader when she started, but the parties were a blast and well priced. She managed to migrate this into teaching beading classes at the community colleges; she did women's workshops at churches and community centers, bridal parties where the bridesmaids got to make their own wedding jewelry etc. She was always finding new venues. It wasn't direct sell exactly, but it was, you know? It was like corks and canvas but travelling.

 

[cel_disney]

First - i am NOT a consultant of any kind...Not sure where you live - but in my region - Wildtree is new and it's what I would recommend. We used to have a bunch of those food prep meal places around and they have all gone away ... Enter Wildtree - helping people host their own food prep party! Who doesn't want to go home with prepped meals! Locally - a Wildtree rep has also paired with our local butcher store and holds parties there weekly! They do all of the prep work for you and bring all of the Wildtree products for use! 165$ and I leave with 10 dinners for 4! LOVE!

In my area there are a lot of parties - I can tolerate going to most of them about once a year when I need to refresh my jewelry, need new makeup, or want a new purse - but I could probably do Wildtree every couple of months! (I actually go monthly to the butcher shop for them! )

 

[sweetdana]

Party lite and Oragomi owl are 2 that have products I like. And hot those that say friends n fam will hate you, I'd disagree. I skip the ones I don't like ... Like basket or pamper chef, but love and get excited to go to some too.

 

[Malibelle]

I think the key is to get out of your circle of friends quickly when you begin holding parties for direct sales companies so you don't feel like you are over saturating you friends and family. Plus you will come to a dead end. I have done direct sales in the past as a side job and it was a flop and there was not much support. I now do Thirty-One in a overly saturated area but I have not had a problem and trust me it was a huge factor when decided for me but i loved the products so much I had to try. People love the stuff and it sells itself am it's one of the most amazing companies I have ever worked for and I have worked for many Fortune 500 companies. It really depends on you and how you run your business. The best part is making the friends I have made too. I don't feel like I am on my own because the support system is so strong. It's just been a blessing in my life.