I've been invited to a Longaberger party . . .

[tar heel]

by a neighbor I really like. She is someone I consider a casual friend, and I like her a lot and would love to get to know her better. That being said, I have absolutely no interest in spending that kind of $ on a basket. It doesn't fit in my budget and $50 or more there would mean I couldn't use that $ for something I would rather have. I understand from the website that I can get a "button basket" for a mere $29 -- I think I'll pass. It also doesn't look like there is a truly inexpensive item available -- a jar of jam is $20, and I would be surprised if it were as good as my strawberry preserves and my MIL 's raspberry jelly. The baskets are nice but, for me, are not in the category that justifies the expense. I am perfectly happy with cheap baskets from Pier I or Target.

I can't be the only person invited who doesn't want to spend $$$$$ on a basket. Do you tell the hostess why you don't want to come or just politely decline?

 

[Tiger Fan]

I've had tons of home parties (not LB however, sorry) and sometimes it's just nice to have people there, even if they cannot/do not want to buy something. I might speak to my neighbor and tell her that you've looked at the website and there is just not anything that you need that will fit into your budget at this time. Ask her if it's important to have a set number of people there (often hostesses get gifts or incentives to have certain number of attendees) and tell her it would be a chance for you to get to know her/other neighbors better or if it's not a big deal, you'd just decline. I would appreciate someone being honest and would most likely encourage you to go ahead and come over, socialize, enjoy the snacks and the company whether you wanted to buy or not. Just a thought. Good luck.
Lisa
Tiger Fan

 

[jonestavern]

I had the exact situation pop up! My neighbor was the sweetest, but those prices...ah, we all have our own addictions!
I dropped off a homemade pie--unasked for-- the morning of & mentioned I would not be buying anything, gave no explanation & Alice was too polite to ask.
I went, made myself useful to the hostess, watched the demo & left early.
We get the Peterboro Baskets here in NH & can go to the 'factory' to buy seconds--IMHO, just as good & much cheaper..
Hope this helps--
Jean

 

[FreshTressa]

Hmm, I have been a victim of the Longaberger baskets. I now have two $120 baskets that sit unused on top of my piano and barely match my decor.

 

[Mandabella]

All I can say is....

RUN!!!

I don't go to these parties anymore...Tupperware, Mary Kay, After Hours, etc.

 

[dg39]

Years ago when I went to many, many of these house parties, I would buy something even if I didn't need/want it out of the obligation that I felt. Now, if I get invited to any, and if I have no interest in the product I just say thanks for inviting me and decline the invitation. I tell the hostess that I don't really need xxxx and she usually says to come anyway, that no one has to purchase anything and it'll be a nice night out. I still decline, because I just feel funny going and not buying.

 

[720L]

I'm invited to a Silpada party tonight (overpriced jewelry). It's one of my good friends so I told her I can't buy anything and she said to come anyway. I probably won't though because I feel wierd not buying! When I have home parties I don't care if people don't buy anything. I have the parties for fun.

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Of all the demonstration parties these are the most expensive IMHO. I now have three of those overpriced baskets. I use them the same as I use my cheap Target ones. If you go you will spend something, I know. Maybe you can just tell your friend that the baskets are over your budget but you'd love to come and maybe brings some muffins or a cake along.

 

[720L]

I agree, it is the most expensive party-besides silpada!!

 

[sjh801]

Let me begin by saying that I have liked the quality of Longaberger products enough to become a consultant. And, yes, the cost is comparable with good products and higher than cheap products. I have never bought anything at a party just to be polite. I buy only when I want to and cannot be "sold" anything I don't want. A good consultant won't pressure you or bother you.

I only go to parties where I truly like the product. And then I only buy what I really feel is worth it. If the hostess and the consultant are good people, they only want you to come and be part of the party. Go and have a good time. Buy only if you want to.

Addressing the cost, what my mother has always said is true- You get what you pay for. I can argue the same point when it comes to Walt Disney World vs any other place. I have Longaberger baskets, Peterboro baskets, Mountain Trails baskets and inexpensive baskets. They all suit thier purposes. When I want a quality basket, made in America, that will last and that I will use, it has to be a Longaberger.

Sandy

 

[goofy17]

Better start saving now!

 

[Disney1fan2002]

Let me begin by saying that I have liked the quality of Longaberger products enough to become a consultant. And, yes, the cost is comparable with good products and higher than cheap products. I have never bought anything at a party just to be polite. I buy only when I want to and cannot be "sold" anything I don't want. A good consultant won't pressure you or bother you.

I only go to parties where I truly like the product. And then I only buy what I really feel is worth it. If the hostess and the consultant are good people, they only want you to come and be part of the party. Go and have a good time. Buy only if you want to.

Addressing the cost, what my mother has always said is true- You get what you pay for. I can argue the same point when it comes to Walt Disney World vs any other place. I have Longaberger baskets, Peterboro baskets, Mountain Trails baskets and inexpensive baskets. They all suit thier purposes. When I want a quality basket, made in America, that will last and that I will use, it has to be a Longaberger.

Sandy

"You get what you pay for"

So true. But for some people, paying $120 for a basket is just not possible. No matter how much they may like the quality of the basket.

I think Longaberger has some beautiful items. I delivered mail to a consultant, so I was at her door everyday. I wanted to have a party so badly, but I knew that none of my friends had that kind of money to spend on baskets. She even tried to get me to book during an AMAZING sale, but even the sale prices were out of reach.

 

[Melrosgirl]

Former LB consultant here...buy a small piece of pottery then. Their pottery (dishes) are great quality. Or just buy a set of napkins or something. You can get out of a LB part with $15.

 

[sandramaac]

I will comment as to the Longaberger baskets. These aren't your everyday run of the mill wicker/flimsy baskets. These baskets are based on designs of a time pass, and crafted to the highest of quality and craftsmenship. They are made the way things use to be made, when folks used their baskets as an absolute home necessity--on a daily basis, for shoppping etc. They really are beautiful.

I have a neighbor who collects beanie babies. On one occasion, about 5 years ago, she went out and spent $60 on 7 new beanie babies that had just come out. These 7 beanies sit in a longaberger basket of, at the time she spent equal value on from a party. She complains everytime someone talks about longaberger, and how she spent $55 on a basket. Funny thing I went and looked up the value, 5 years later on her beanie vs. the basket. Well, the value of the beanies has actually decreased, worth only now the cost to actually make the beanies about $3.50 (yes, that .50 cents per beanie, made in a sweat shop type of condition in China). The longaberger basket, well that little sucker is now worth $160 dollars. Made in the USA, by craftmen who take pride in a product they make.

I am in no way a longaberger fanatic. I have a neighbor that has almost 60 of them. However, I do have a number of the baskets, love them and use them all the time. These baskets will appreciate in value, and will become hierlooms.

 

[pirateofthecarolinas]

I would just tell her that you don't need any baskets at the moment. Save your money for a Southern Living at Home party!

Lori

 

[Melrosgirl]

, that .50 cents per beanie, made in a sweat shop type of condition in China). The longaberger basket, well that little sucker is now worth $160 dollars. Made in the USA, by craftmen who take pride in a product they make.
.

I have to jump in here, lol. Former Longaberger consultant (stopped selling 2 years ago). The baskets are not worth as much as you think. Go to ebay.com and get the actual selling prices there. Longaberger baskets have decreased in value over the years. (thanks to ebay making things readily available and lack of demand as compared to five years ago, for instance). Do not look at the "bentley collector's guide" for values. Those are incorrect. Ebay will give you the real values. Only a handful of baskets are worth a lot of money. Longaberger baskets will hold close to their value unlike Beanies though, lol.

If you like a product, buy it. Don't buy it because you think it will increase in value. May have been somewhat true years ago, but that is not the case anymore with LB.

 

[KirstenB]

I love Longaberger. I just bought myself a Mother's day/birthday present basket, LOL!! Having said that, I've bought about 10 baskets over the years. 8 of them I've given for gifts. If you go to the party, could you buy something and save it for a gift? Also, in the catalog I just got, they have a section with items under $30. I love going to home parties, because I can see different colors/textures/decorating ideas that I can use in my home. Even if I don't buy that exact product, it's still helpful for ideas.

 

[gemjoy]

GUILTY I'm a collector of Longaberger.... my girlfriend got me hooked about eight years ago. Don't get me wrong ~ I too think there are many baskets out there that are very nice (nantucket, pier 1, target etc.) however, I LOVE the look and quality of Longerberger ~ now they're the only baskets in my house, BUT... I use them all! If you just set them on a shelf or put them in a corner.... are they expensive and a waste of money??? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!! Most of my collection consists of the "special baskets" "hostess baskets" and of course the cute little booking baskets! My daughter was born in May, so I have the may baskets (all named after flowers) Anyway ~ I use the papertrays near my computer, the bread basket for the obvious, magazine basket... yes magazines, the small key - makeup, med key by the back door with keys in it, large key hanging on the wall with hydrangia in it, keepsake basket in the LR with throws in it, chore basket is perfect for carrying cupcakes to school ~ my point... they are all being used and look fantastic!
If you like the baskets but don't want to spend the $$$ ~ my suggestion, book a party off your friends ~ it will get her credit and you can earn free baskets!!! win-win!!! Your friend will appreciate the booking as much as a purchase!

 

[Blondy876]

Whenever I have had these I am just happy to have people over to get together. I always make sure my guests know that there is no pressure to buy anything. I have just started selling BeautiControl and I am finding that I have to make sure people know that there will be no pressure to buy/join or they won't schedule a party. I would go and not feel obligated to buy anything. Just have a good time.

 

[snoopy]

My mother got hooked on Longaberger baskets....she had about 30 of them when she died. My sister and I inherited them....I sold mine on ebay two summers ago and and made enough to buy all of us APs at Universal.

I knew Mom wouldn't mind....baskets aren't really "me", and don't go with my more contemporary decor.

If you are in the market for a good quality basket, though, its the brand to buy. They are lovely if you like that sort of thing.

As for accepting an invite and not buying anything, I've never been able to do it. My time is pretty limited as it is, and unless its a product that I really want or need, I usually decline the invitation.