Tastefully Simple

[zulaya]

How are you going about it? Are you just asking, without further info?

As a consumer, no matter what sale I look at, there's always a little nagging thing in my mind:

What's in it for me?

If you aren't sharing what's in it for someone to be a host, then they won't know why they should consider it.

As far as Tastefully Simple goes, it may be a hard market for you right now. Your product line has its high points. But at the same time, people are watching their pennies and it may not be high on their priority list.

I don't know is TS does this, but have you considered offering fundraising parties? If you have a fundraising program, that could be a venture to look into.

I'd also consider marketing Holiday Shopping. People may not be purchasing items for themselves, but your product line is good for gift giving. People are already starting to shop for gifts so give them some ideas.

I find that people don't come out of obligation, but for a reason to catch up. How many times have you told a friend, "We should get together." and then you never do. This is a social opportunity for many people. They give themselves that reason to come, to catch up and see friends.

I also recommend finding craft fairs or holiday bazaars and be a vendor there. A lot of times, you'll find more hosts than receiving sales and that's helpful to your business.

 

[starann]

I am a consultant for a romance company. I can honestly say right now, it's tough out there, but getting a new direct sales busniess going was hard, even 4 years ago. You have to get a client base, which takes time....a lot of time.

Other posters suggested ways...school activities, an Open House is a GREAT idea.... if you make it a ladies theme or holiday theme. People are cutting back on what they are spending (my parties used to be a minimum of $400-500 are now barely $200), but with your products I know at least I am willing to spend since I use them for cooking (as opposed to a basket that will just sit there)!


Does your home office give you leads? Ours does, which is a huge help. Also, unlike PP who said when peopel go they feel obligated to buy...just not true anymore. I have parties of 10 to 15 people and will only have 5 or 6 buy. I know if I can't afford to spend something at a party, I will not go and eat the hostesses food and drink and the consultants time, but that is me personally!


Good luck....keep at it!

 

[golfgal]

I have to agree with others, I am sick of all these in home parties-come friends spend a bunch of money you don't want to because you feel guilty not spending the money so I get a bunch of free stuff.

I have a friend that does TS. She has a great website and I just order from her when I need anything. It is shipped right to my house without any problems. I met her through a networking group. I would suggest trying that.

 

[TaraPA]

I've also been a Tastefully Simple consultant for over 6 years, and I find that the twice-a-year Open Houses are VERY successful. The least amount I've sold at one was $400, and it was a day it was icy! My customers also aren't into the home party thing anymore - everyone is too busy & watching their wallets right now. I haven't done a home party in over 2 years. My customer base just wants to order when they want, on their terms. I've found that I get more re-orders on my TS website than I do actual phone or email orders. People like that they can go to my website 24/7, pay with a credit card & have it shipped right to them. No fuss no muss! Online catalog shows are great as well, if you have a hostess that wants to earn free items, but doesn't want to have a home party. If you have a website maybe you should promote online shows & orders, rather than live shows. And most definitely - pick a date for your Fall/Winter Open House!

Good luck & keep plugging away. Our products sell themselves!

 

[Tomader]

I will say if I booked a party it would be Tastefully Simple. I like the product and the prices are reasonable. If I had a family member who was starting out I would help them. I guess that is what family does. If your family won't help who will??

 

[disykat]

. If I had a family member who was starting out I would help them. I guess that is what family does. If your family won't help who will??

Her family may be very willing to help her by ordering product (if they like the product), helping her at a craft fair, telling friends about an open house, etc. Throwing a party to sell things to your friends is more than helping someone.

 

[MrsPete]

You probably won't like my answer, but I promise you it's what many of your friends and family are thinking: We just don't like the at-home selling parties.

Sure, you can say, "Just come and have fun. I don't care if you order anything." But we all know that once you get there, you ARE obligated to buy something. When you say that, you're hoping / assuming that once people taste the stuff they'll like it and will be willing to pay for it. I'm sure the products are good, but they're also expensive, and that's not something that many of us are interested in budgeting for -- not when we have so many other necessities to pay.

Speaking only for myself, I decided years ago that I just don't enjoy this type of party, and I will neither attend nor host such ventures.

I know that this isn't helpful in the least, but it IS what many of your friends and family are thinking. Perhaps it's some insight into the other side of the fence.

 

[MrsPete]

Her family may be very willing to help her by ordering product (if they like the product), helping her at a craft fair, telling friends about an open house, etc. Throwing a party to sell things to your friends is more than helping someone.

If I was interested in the product, I'd be willing to order it from a catalog or a list in the breakroom at work. But I don't want to attend a thinly-veiled social event that's really an obligation to buy.

Perhaps you could hold ULTRA LOW STRESS tastings at a large company during lunch. Not a full-fledged party, just a taste of a few things, and then there's a list where you can sign up if you want to buy. No pressure on a host to invite people, easy for people to skip it if they wish.

 

[Ilike2Lurk]

I'm really starting to get annoyed with family and friends since none of them are willing to help me out and have a party.

I couldn't imagine expecting my relatives/friends to host a party. I think it is somewhat rude to take on this venture and then become annoyed that loved ones won't pedal your wares

I think TS is ok, but quite expensive. I will buy once in a while, but would never host a party. I am not into inviting friends over for a good time and then having them spend money so I can benefit.

Why do you need to sell TS? What are you trying to obtain funds for that is so important you feel friends and family should get involved?

Have you fallen on tough times? Can you directly ask them for money or donations towards your cause? They may be more willing to help you out if they knew why you needed cash so badly.

Or could you find employment elsewhere, perhaps in a job that won't cause you to become annoyed towards your loved ones?

Good luck.

 

[Ilike2Lurk]

I will say if I booked a party it would be Tastefully Simple. I like the product and the prices are reasonable. If I had a family member who was starting out I would help them. I guess that is what family does. If your family won't help who will??

Reasonable?

$8.50 for a small jar of jelly? $9.00 for a small jar of caramel? $4.50 for a 7oz bag of chips? $9 for a jar of bacon bits?

I don't think they are reasonable at all

And to expect (and then get annoyed that they won't) family to host a party and sell this stuff to their friends is a bit bold.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

You probably won't like my answer, but I promise you it's what many of your friends and family are thinking: We just don't like the at-home selling parties.

Sure, you can say, "Just come and have fun. I don't care if you order anything." But we all know that once you get there, you ARE obligated to buy something. When you say that, you're hoping / assuming that once people taste the stuff they'll like it and will be willing to pay for it. I'm sure the products are good, but they're also expensive, and that's not something that many of us are interested in budgeting for -- not when we have so many other necessities to pay.

Speaking only for myself, I decided years ago that I just don't enjoy this type of party, and I will neither attend nor host such ventures.

I know that this isn't helpful in the least, but it IS what many of your friends and family are thinking. Perhaps it's some insight into the other side of the fence.

I completely agree If you want to invite me to a party-- great... But inviting me somewhere to sell me something?? No thanks...
I've gone to a million of these types of things... THe Body Shop, Creative Memories, Mary Kay, southern Living, Jewelry parties, etc.... I hate each and every one because of the technique-- not the products....
I even had my husband call me mid- "Jewelry Party" for an "emergency" ...thank goodness.....