OT: Tell me about becoming a Tupperware consultant for personal discount

[Tiger926]

My hubby and I have pretty much phased out most of our plastic containers, especially Rubbermaid, as we don't care for it. We've switched to mostly glass and a few BPA free baby containers, but then realized that we do need plastic for the kids. We have looked at adding Tupperware as we have a few pieces, but it's very expensive!

We are now looking at signing up as a consultant to secure the personal discount, but minimums here in Canada are so high - $500.00 every 4 months. What are your minimums in U.S.? I read on one website that said $250.00/4 months, and one that said $350.00? Which is it? Not that it matters as Canadian mimimums are ridiculously high!

That being said, we can join, buy a bunch of stuff (have to buy business kit though) and then become inactive. Has anyone done this in order to secure the discount for themselves? I am a full time highschool teacher, and so I wouldn't be selling Tupperware at all - most friends and family are content with Dollar store plastic containers or Rubbermaid, so this would be just for us. We need to buy quite a bit of Tupperware in order to re-organize our kitchen and replace.

Do you think it would be worth it from a budget perspective to do this? We don't need everything in the kit, but most of it would go to good use.

Anyone a Tupperware consultant - any advice or tips for me? Thanks, Tiger

 

[allison443]

I can't imagine it would be worth the hassle. You said you need tupperware for the kids-what specifically do you need, sippycups? A few bowls and plates?
I think you need to figure out how expensive it would be to buy just whatever you need for the kids, then compare that to the cost of buying it with a discount, factoring in the business kit, the other items you really don't need, etc.
I have had a number of Tupperware items over the years-attended a few parties-and honestly it's really something I could live without. I really don't use many plastic containers.

Maybe I am missing something about your question??

 

[lastminutemom]

I to can't imagine that this is worth it. Do your kids lose lots of containers? Otherwise, in my experience, Tupperware lasts forever. So these should be infrequent purchases at best.

 

[Melrosgirl]

How much tupperware could you possibly need (and buy) in a few months to justify the cost of the business kit?

If you want to sell to others to make this a part time job, yes I could see that.

Personally, I used to LOVE tupperware. I love its warranty, etc. I haven't bought any in years though bc there are other products out there that I like just as well now (and cheaper) such as Lock and Lock.

 

[Tiger926]

Thanks for replies. Here are answers:

1. We don't currently have any Tupperware (except for a Shake container and one soup mug), so we would like to purchase containers, major kitchen storage items (need to replace canisters and Rubbermaid cereal containers), kids' stuff and a few toys.

2. As I mentioned, we don't care much for Rubbermaid as it doesn't last, stains, etc., Also don't care for other containers as many of them contain BPA or other chemicals.

3. We figured Tupperware would be a good investment as we are very gentle on our things - don't lose or break. Just celebrated our 10th anniversary and so this would be a 1 time investment (that's why I said I would buy and then deactivate), especially with kitchen storage containers and canisters.

4. I live in Canada and so I haven't been able to find any items that are comparable to Tupperware - can you give me some brands besides Rubbermaid or Lock and Lock? I do not shop at Dollar Store, so I won't buy any of those containers.

5. We are very environmentally conscious in our household, and so after having just had to throw out a bunch of Rubbermaid and other containers that are worn, we want to invest in something that is more friendly for environment (don't like having to toss worn our containers or use plastic baggies for snacks, etc.), as well as being safe and durable for kids' lunches and on the go.

Thanks for all responses - much appreciated, Tiger

 

[lovesmurfs]

All of our Tupperware I've bought at yard sales and thrift stores.....

If you add up your initial outlay and calculate savings, I'm not sure you'll come out ahead. It might be better (and less hassle), if you're not inclined to sell to family/friends, to just bite the bullet and realize it has (or used to have...it's been a while for me) a lifetime warranty.

 

[Swimnoid]

Look on ebay. There is a ton of tupperware on ebay and sometimes you can get a really good price on it.

 

[Tiger926]

Look on ebay. There is a ton of tupperware on ebay and sometimes you can get a really good price on it.

Thanks for the suggestion, we aren't EBAY people at all. Don't like the whole process of it, but I might visit the site to compare prices to new items.

Thanks, Tiger

 

[Illuminations_Rocks]

I don't know about the whole being a consultant thing. It is expensive to get quality.

I do own lots of Tupperware. Sometimes you can find what you like in the sale part of the website and in the online exclusive part is always cheaper - maybe just not in a preferred color - and of course what's on there varies especially when the seasonal merch changes. You could maybe try like a craft fair kind of thing where there may be a tupperware former consultant or something - I know I got some pieces as a gift that were purchased this way, brand new.

I also have the Rubbermaid Premier containers. I like them - they do not stain like the regular rubbermaids and are way sturdier - it's a completely different feel of plastic. You should look into these for snack type/leftover containers. They sell a boxed set of 20ish in a few sizes at Target (I'm sure elsewhere as well). I don't know about the BPA thing though, I've never looked into it on any of the products.

 

[Tiger926]

I don't know about the whole being a consultant thing. It is expensive to get quality.

I do own lots of Tupperware. Sometimes you can find what you like in the sale part of the website - maybe just not in a preferred color - and of course what's on there varies especially when the seasonal merch changes. You could maybe try like a craft fair kind of thing where there may be a tupperware former consultant or something - I know I got some pieces as a gift that were purchased this way, brand new.

I also have the Rubbermaid Premier containers. I like them - they do not stain like the regular rubbermaids and are way sturdier - it's a completely different feel of plastic. You should look into these for snack type/leftover containers. They sell a boxed set of 20ish in a few sizes at Target (I'm sure elsewhere as well). I don't know about the BPA thing though, I've never looked into it on any of the products.

Thanks for the info. We actually have a few Rubbermaid Premier containers, but they contain BPA, so we don't use too much. I have all of the BPA info on all products, so I know exactly what products from each company contain BPA. Company websites are very informative in this regard as of late.

Thanks again - we are still contemplating our decision on whether to sign up as it appears that TW consultants get sales plus consultant discount, which is a pretty good savings, Tiger

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Thanks for the suggestion, we aren't EBAY people at all. Don't like the whole process of it, but I might visit the site to compare prices to new items.

Thanks, Tiger

Oftentimes, the Tupperware on ebay is new. (Someone got a gift they didn't want, discontinued colors, consultant selling off supplies, whatever.) I've bought several items that were new. (Listed as such in the auction.)

 

[tikilyn]

What kind of discount are you looking at if you become a consultant? Will your savings outway the fee's you'll be paying to sign up? If your planning on buy 100s of dollars in containers (to fill a large pantry) then maybe it might be a good idea but only if you are saving a large amount. I guess I know I didn't help at all.

 

[Skatermom23]

I get what you are asking. My kitchen cabinets look those those in the catalog. Every cabinet is done with modular mates! I'm a little OCD! Years ago I contacted a consultant and told her what I wanted to do and she was able to offer me a pretty good discount because of the quantity I bought, without the hassle of me becoming a consultant. Then last year the modular mates went on sale for like 40-50% off in January, and I finished off the rest of cabinets. I think they do have that big sale every January. I'm not sure it is worth it to become a consultant just for the product, but you might contact your local rep and talk to her and see if she can tell you when the deals are coming based on what you want to purchase.

 

[bclydia]

Having been a consultant, my thought is you should do it. I am not a consultant anymore -specifically because they brought in the minimum sales quotas.
I do think that the initial kit is a very good deal and worth getting. The discount also applies to many of the sales items and January typically offers some very good deals. Be sure to process your personal order as a party to get the most of your hostess items and discounts. Then, when you're done, deactivate.
The modular mates are often part of the January specials!!

 

[Tiger926]

I get what you are asking. My kitchen cabinets look those those in the catalog. Every cabinet is done with modular mates! I'm a little OCD! Years ago I contacted a consultant and told her what I wanted to do and she was able to offer me a pretty good discount because of the quantity I bought, without the hassle of me becoming a consultant. Then last year the modular mates went on sale for like 40-50% off in January, and I finished off the rest of cabinets. I think they do have that big sale every January. I'm not sure it is worth it to become a consultant just for the product, but you might contact your local rep and talk to her and see if she can tell you when the deals are coming based on what you want to purchase.

Yup, this is what I'm talking about. I just found out that consultants get to take advantage of sales, plus get the 25% consultant discount, so a sale on Modular Mates would be a substantial savings. From what the TW manager told me, I have to make retail sales of $500.00 each 4 months to remain active (500 minus 25% discount, so it's 375). If I don't make sales (or buy for myself), then I have another 8 months to stay active, if not, then I am kicked out of system. I do not have to book parties, nor attend meetings. I have to buy Business Kit, most of which I would use and shipping seems to be same for consultants and customers. So, it doesn't seem like too much hassle to save lots of money as we need a lot of stuff. We are very organized people, but would be starting our TW collection from scratch as we need to redo our cabinets (switch out older canister set, replace sippy cups, etc.) and figure this would be a great way to do it.

Good idea about discount - the consultant who would be my upline offered me a 10% discount even though we would be spending hundreds, so it seems like signing up would be the best option.

I am actually a Creative Memories personal use consultant as well (I do have a few friends/family customers), so, I am aware of the way the whole MLM system works out, but I am still going through the consultant contract with a fine tooth comb. I am an English teacher, so this is no problem for me.

Thanks again for the discussion - it's been very informative, indeed! Tiger

 

[jessica52877]

Yes, I signed on to be a consultant just to buy us tupperware. I have no idea what the minimum was at the time. I think I did it for 6 months. I really enjoyed being able to get the special items that normally weren't available.

I also sold on ebay what I didn't want out of the kit. I know a while after I became inactive they made some new rule about not being able to sell it on ebay. But I would assume that once you weren't active anymore that you could sell it. I have alot to sell from a flea market and I will be selling it.