Tastefully Simple

[Hmk012]

Hello All! I have a question for those of you who do Direct Sales....hopefully there's some on these boards! I recently started selling Tastefully Simple. I love and strongly believe in the products! I'm having the worst time booking parties! 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. So I'm hear venting since I can't vent to them! What ideas do you have to get business other than family/friends? I've had a few random orders, most out of state, which is great since it gets mailed directly to them. I just really want to do well and need some advice!
Thanks!

 

[mickeyboat]

Hello All! I have a question for those of you who do Direct Sales....hopefully there's some on these boards! I recently started selling Tastefully Simple. I love and strongly believe in the products! I'm having the worst time booking parties! 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. So I'm hear venting since I can't vent to them! What ideas do you have to get business other than family/friends? I've had a few random orders, most out of state, which is great since it gets mailed directly to them. I just really want to do well and need some advice!
Thanks!

Love me some beer bread!

I think the economy is really putting a damper on home parties. It's also a very busy time of year for most families with school and activities starting.

It's not really fair to be frustrated with your friends and family. It isn't their job to support you by having a party if they can't or don't want to. These parties are really expensive to throw (appetizers, drinks, etc.) and I can't blame people for not wanting to make that kind of financial commitment. It also takes a special kind of person to throw those parties which basically ask other friends to buy stuff they really don't need and have parties of their own so that the host can get free stuff.

I hope things pick up for you once the economy recovers.

 

[AprilShowers]

I feel for you, but you might not like my opinion. The only thing you can do is talk favorably about your products. Bring them to parties with friends/family. When they ask, tell them how easy to have a party.
DON'T BE PUSHY with friends & family. (they will start to avoid you if all you talk about is Tastefully Simple.)

It is not their responsibility to make sure you do well with your business. You are certainly within your rights to ask them to help you out, but they are well within their rights to refuse.

Once you find your customer base, word of mouth is the best advertising you can get. Good luck.

 

[disykat]

If it's any consolation, I'm sure they're even more annoyed that you're asking them to throw parties.

Anyway, do you know anyone that sells other products? I know in our area sometimes a bunch of direct sellers throw sort of a "fair" at a community center etc. and invite everyone to come visit all the booths. Networking with other direct sellers could really help get you started WITHOUT having to inconvenience your friends and family.

 

[Hmk012]

Thanks for the responses. I'm in no way a pushy type of person. I've asked once and I didn't get any type of response. I guess my issue is I've ALWAYS supported all of them and have gone out of my way to help whenever they've asked. I just feel like I never get the same in return, but I guess that's just the way it is sometimes. Thanks for the advice...I will continue to keep trying and hopefully it will work out!

 

[Handbag Lady]

Along with what mickeyboat said, people just don't want to support other people when there is nothing in it for themselves mostly (not always).

Have you suggested getting a really good friend to "host" using your house? You would then do the cleaning and the set-up and appetizers and drinks, and your friend can get hosting credits and you can introduce your product line to your friends this way.

I usually run now when people want me to do candle parties or tupperware, etc., but I might be interested in attending one.

Also, make sure when you have parties that you do not do the major faux pas: do NOT single everyone out and have them sit next to you to go over what they are buying. I know direct sales people are taught this, but it killed our candle parties. We enjoyed the candles and often bought wax, but there are only so many candle holders a person can buy. I also felt horrible when I attended a party and I didn't want to buy anything. The seller lady made me feel bad and I stopped going to her parties.

 

[kpm76]

I agree with the PPs. I love TS and have a good friend who is a consultant but I was honest with her and told her I would not be having a party for a while because I did not want to burden family and friends. The difficult economy has affected many people and even though you always say just come don't feel you have to buy anything, we all know we feel pressured. As a PP pointed out, there is also an expense for the hostess. I always buy little extras and have wine and soft drinks.

Sorry this is difficult for you but I really would not be mad at family and friends.....this is a bad time for home parties.

 

[DisneyMom81]

If you actually want to book parties, you should become one of those gold BUYERS. Everyone wants to go to a party where they come back with extra money.

 

[Hmk012]

I do realize some people have money issues right now and I would NEVER be upset with anyone for that reason. My sister did have a party for me and got $50 in Free products and loved every minute of it. I would never make anyone feel bad for not buying anything, that's just not in me. I can stand pushy sales people so I would never be like that. It's a good idea to say maybe they can host, but it will be at my house. I honestly don't mind making the food and having everything ready! Thanks again everyone...I don't feel so bad now!

 

[DisneyMom81]

double post!

 

[MerMom60_94]

I know a woman who sells Tastefully Simple and I love her approach. Perhaps it could work for you. Twice a year, when Tastefully Simple changes their products, she holds an open house. She prepares every product and has wine and soda available and makes it a night for Moms to get together and chat and have a glass of wine and try products out. She takes orders from those who are interested and will book future parties if anyone is interested. I actually just got an email from her last week that her Fall open house is coming up. Normally I have standing plans on Friday nights but I am actually considering changing my plans to attend this event since it gives me a chance to see old friends from around town and see if there is anything I might like to stock up on. I know she also sets tables up at craft fairs and has samples of a few key products available for people to try and buy.

Perhaps her approach would allow you to get things rolling without having to rely on friends and family. Good luck!

 

[piglet too]

I have been a Tastefully Simple consultant for a total of 6 years (I took a year off at one point) and getting bookings has always been a struggle. Are your children involved in any activities where you could ask other moms if they are interested? I have found that once I get away from my family/friends circle, my sales and bookings are higher. My only other advice is to not give up hope.

 

[taylor3297]

I know a woman who sells Tastefully Simple and I love her approach. Perhaps it could work for you. Twice a year, when Tastefully Simple changes their products, she holds an open house. She prepares every product and has wine and soda available and makes it a night for Moms to get together and chat and have a glass of wine and try products out. She takes orders from those who are interested and will book future parties if anyone is interested. I actually just got an email from her last week that her Fall open house is coming up. Normally I have standing plans on Friday nights but I am actually considering changing my plans to attend this event since it gives me a chance to see old friends from around town and see if there is anything I might like to stock up on. I know she also sets tables up at craft fairs and has samples of a few key products available for people to try and buy.

Perhaps her approach would allow you to get things rolling without having to rely on friends and family. Good luck!

The open house is the best way to go. For each person who buys something at the open house, you can put their name in a drawing for them to be the "host" and that person gets the free product/discounts.

 

[rgf207]

Thanks for the responses. I'm in no way a pushy type of person. I've asked once and I didn't get any type of response. I guess my issue is I've ALWAYS supported all of them and have gone out of my way to help whenever they've asked. I just feel like I never get the same in return, but I guess that's just the way it is sometimes. Thanks for the advice...I will continue to keep trying and hopefully it will work out!

It does cost a little bit of money to throw one of these. My wife had a tastefully simple party and it's not that cheap. With the economy the way it is, I don't think people are that willing to spend money. I do, however, love their products. Their beer bread is awesome. Love the black bean dip and the garlic, garlic seasoning

 

[krcit]

I know a woman who sells Tastefully Simple and I love her approach. Perhaps it could work for you. Twice a year, when Tastefully Simple changes their products, she holds an open house. She prepares every product and has wine and soda available and makes it a night for Moms to get together and chat and have a glass of wine and try products out. She takes orders from those who are interested and will book future parties if anyone is interested. I actually just got an email from her last week that her Fall open house is coming up. Normally I have standing plans on Friday nights but I am actually considering changing my plans to attend this event since it gives me a chance to see old friends from around town and see if there is anything I might like to stock up on. I know she also sets tables up at craft fairs and has samples of a few key products available for people to try and buy.

Perhaps her approach would allow you to get things rolling without having to rely on friends and family. Good luck!

This sounds like great advice! I would go to a get together like that. I also think the craft fair is a great idea. What about at a PTA meeting? Not hard sell, but if you agree to make all the refreshments for a PTA meeting and have some business cards/catologues available. A women who owns a pizza place around here brought a bunch of pizza to a meeting once and I know she got some business from it. Good luck.

 

[piglet too]

It does cost a little bit of money to throw one of these. My wife had a tastefully simple party and it's not that cheap. With the economy the way it is, I don't think people are that willing to spend money. I do, however, love their products. Their beer bread is awesome. Love the black bean dip and the garlic, garlic seasoning

Do you recall how much she spent? Myself, and other consultants on my team, have asked our hosts to keep track, and it averages out to be $10-15. If you consider that a lot of people spend a lot more on beverages and snacks for other DS parties, that is really not that much.



Open Houses are wonderful, and doing a Mystery Hostess is always a draw for me.

 

[rgf207]

Do you recall how much she spent? Myself, and other consultants on my team, have asked our hosts to keep track, and it averages out to be $10-15. If you consider that a lot of people spend a lot more on beverages and snacks for other DS parties, that is really not that much.



Open Houses are wonderful, and doing a Mystery Hostess is always a draw for me.

You know, I can't recall exactly. I was thinking more along the lines of 25 - 30 but I could be wrong. The other thing is that she did get a certain amount of money off her tastefully simple order because a lot of her guests ordered. But that still costs money because you get $10 per $100 spent so it didn't amount to that much. It probably totaled close to $100 after all party supplies and what we bought from tastefully simple (including discounts)

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

I did TS for about a year and a half. I found it hard to get bookings outside of my friends. Actually, a few said they would host once I got going and then backed out once I told them I started. It was a major let down. I even had one woman at a party criticize me and tell me her consultant threw a better party. But what the hostess didn't tell me was that she was holding a Mary Kay party the same night. It was stressful! I let it go when I had my DS.

I see a lot of people having mini parties at craft fairs, but you really have to get in right when you know the fair is accepting vendors. Otherwise, another TS could already be there. Also try your local county fair, festivals, art fairs, or farmers markets (this is where I met my consultant).

I would also suggest taking out an ad in your local paper (like a local register, leader, etc) or if you have a HOA newsletter. Especially around holidays and Super Bowl! TS always makes a good last minute gift or something for that person who has everything. Who could pass on Beer Bread or applecake? Good luck!

 

[RadioNate]

I too was going to suggest you hosting your own open house.

While I'm sorry to be blunt, I tend to think the only people who like hosting and having these parties are the people who become consultants. No one in my circle likes to even be invited to them. There IS an obligation to buy, no matter what the host or consultant says. The entire point of the party is to sell the product.

Don't get me wrong, I like Tastefully Simple products but I don't want to attend or host a party. I want to buy on my own terms and not feel forced into getting something.

What about catalogue shows? Could you just hand out catalogues to friends/family and they can order without the whole 'party' thing?

My neighbor is a Creative Memories consultant and she has a friend who sells Tastefully Simple. They do a joint open house type 'shopping' event around Christmas where people can order products from the various things they sell. I think they have a friend who does Longaberger that also participates. What about something like that.

The economy is bad and everyone I know has cut extras and for you that means people aren't into hosting parties where their friends are expected to buy something.

 

[princess momma]

To be honest, I'm sick of being invited to these little sales parties. I used to go out of obligation but I just don't do it anymore. I've always refused to have the parties myself. I don't like to pressure my friends and family into spending money, especially with so many people hurting financially.

I think it's just bad timing to go into this kind of venture, OP.