At Home Parties Such as Jewelry, Home Tastings, Pocket Book Parties.....

I have been a Pampered Chef consultant for a few years. Since I work full time and have a 2 year old I am happy if I do a couple of shows every few months. I also have friends that do Silpada and Tupperware and it is fun to go out and buy a little something and just be with women friends. I agree, with the economy it is tough, but as a consultant I try to make it more affordable by reducing he S/H cost or give aways. Good food helps too...It can be fun if you don't have to invest too much into it. Good Luck and have fun!

I too agree with Everymom. At these parties the items are so marked up it's painful. Even when good friends host parties, I bow out. I just can't put myself in that position of being pressed upon to buy! If you're a rep you run out of friends and family fast, then you're trying to get strangers to host parties....oy!

GL to you!

D.

There are "parties" in our area every weekend. All kinds of jewelry, cookware, baskets, candles, purses, children's books, "gourmet" foods, oh the list goes on. Make no mistake: accepting an invitation to a Product Party is a commitment to making a purchase. The invitations come from friends (you don't want to say no to), friends of friends and neighbors down the street you barely know. It's like the girl scout cookie shakedown or the sports team "discount" cards but served with a glass of wine. I have yet to find a product at a house party that couldn't be purchased on-line or at a store for less. People buy stuff at these things not because they can't live without it but because walking out of there without making an order would be too awkward. Some of these operations even send out postcards after the party reminding "guests" "it's not too late to place an order!" Are they kidding? Talk about guilt manipulation!
The most successful Product Parties I've been too are fundraisers for a charity (ie:American Cancer Society) rather than a fundraiser for the hostess.
A quick way to have people start avoiding you is to try to sell them something every time you see them. Back when my daughter was little we stopped inviting one mom to play group because she was ALWAYS trying to get someone to hostess a product party for her. It was clear she didn't want friends she wanted customers.
If you want to have girl time you can each bring a bottle of wine or snack over to whosever house is the cleanest and save a LOT of money!!!

I wholeheartedly agree w/ Everymom's response.If I am interested in kids books or silver jewelry or whatever the product, I'll shop for it on my own at my leisure,at more reasonable prices at a discount store w/out high pressure sales tactics.As a mom of 2,my time to myself is rare and precious.I'd much rather spend an evening w/ friends than at a phony home party.I politely decline these type invitations w/out offering an excuse.If pressed,I simply say I'm just not interested in the particular product and wish the hostess good luck.

My answer is biased due to the fact that I am in direct sales. I just came back from my leadership conference where we were told that direct sales thrives in this type of economy. You can set your own hours, work when and how often you want and still be home for your family. That is why I started 3 years ago. Women are still coming to these parties. They may not be going out as much say to dinner, but they want the social interaction with their friends. My business is home decor (At Home America) and we find that people are willing to spend some money on their homes - especially if they cannot afford to move or upgrade. I never pressure anyone to purchase, there is usually one at every party who cannot afford to spend. These are the ones who would most benefit from hostess benefits or starting their own business. I hope that this answered your question.

I just read the other responses and had to add one thing...there are always reps who try to hard sell and who can make you feel uncomfortable. But please do not generalize the whole direct sales field. Speaking for myself, I can find plenty of hostesses - those who I know but most who I meet at "parties" and who are interested in receiving the hostess benefits. I too can find products at Target or the grocery store, but I try to support other direct sales companies as I feel it is a great opportunity for a women. If you do not want to be in that type of environment, then you are doing the right thing by staying home. Noone can make you feel pressured but yourself.

On a different note! I am a consultant for Athenas Home Novelties an Adult novelties company and I have not seen any drop in my sales related to the the economy. I have been working with Athenas for 3 years and I absolutly LOVE it! I make my own schedule and work only when I want to work. I make anywhere between $150-$600 in 3 hours of work! When I do my shows people have the opotion of attending and also the option of making a purchase, I never feel like I am bothering people to spend money, if they dont want it they dont buy it! I am not sure about other party plans but Athenas is Awesome and well worth the initial investment. Good Luck. If you are interested in learning more feel free to check out my website at www.athenashn.com/1155 or email me at ____@____.com.

C.

as soon as I saw your question, I KNEW it was going to hit some nerves. it's true that SOME people are overly sensitive about in-home parties and feel pressured, but that is their own issue. these are the same women who are sensitive about other things too. don't let their responses deter you. for each woman who freaks at the thought of an in-home party, there will be more who are happy to "shop from their seat, not from their feet" especially if you are providing education or a service. as a mom who has been in direct sales for over 3 years in 3 different states, I can tell you that it has been great for my family. I can stay home with my little girl while still contributing (significantly) to my family's income. I won't go on about which companies I am affiliated with since that is AGAINST MAMASOURCE POLICIES, AS IT IS CONSIDERED SOLICITATION! but I will say that you need to do something you are passionate about. your energy will dictate how successful you are. definitely do your research and only invest what you are comfortable with (in addition to a "kit," some companies require you to carry inventory which is money out of your pocket that you may not recover). over time, I have come to be affiliated with 4 different types of companies for diversity purposes. I can honestly say that business is good right now, despite what the economy is doing. last year was not as good, but I also lived in a different area. if you would like to chat further, feel free to contact me directly. I wish you all the best!

Hi there!

I recently got into home parties and before I did and was considering which parties to do, I just got a feel from my friends with feedback about what they would rather spend money on, and it actually ended up being food. With the company I joined with, Tastefully Simple, we do taste-tesing parties so we supply the food and the hosts just supply drinks for the ladies so it's really a cheap and fun Girl's night! As far as overall attitude, it has been consistent that women have said they would rather spend money on food right now, and the fact that we supply the food has definitely enticed people to book parties in this economic climate. I have had no problem booking parties once getting started because the food is so great and so easy to make, and the girls really do have fun. If you have any other questions or want to know more on being a consultant, please feel free to contact me. Good luck on your decision and with whatever you choose!

A home based business is a good thing - no overhead, no employees, flexible schedule. Network marketing is growing steadily right now and it's about the only field that is. The trick is to choose a) an excellent company b) a product that is consumable so that people need to re-order every month, and c) a product people need in tough economic times. Jewelry and pocketbooks are not things that people NEED. I have a friend who does a particular jewelry company, and my stepdaughter used to do it as well. It's a great company but you have up-front costs (inventory) and you have to book parties all the time. People DO feel pressured to buy if they come, unless you have a table at a bazaar of some sort. Then they can pass by after they look at your stuff - but you also don't have their undivided attention, and of course you have a table fee. It's a lot of work. My stepdaughter also did a food company - fun foods but she thought it was a ton of work. Again, she had to stockpile products. And, while the food is consumable (which is good so people use up what they purchased from you, some of it lasts a long time (like the herbs & spices), so people don't need to re-order the next month. You might do very well at a party and make $300, but then what are you going to do for income next month? You must have a fantastic network of friends. My stepdaughter says people don't want to see her coming now.

The other thing is, if these friends also have a business, they'll expect you to buy their products, which will eat up your income. You buy my jewelry, then I'll come to your party to buy your pocketbook. You're also both inviting the same group of women to come. Another friend does kitchen gadgets - great stuff, high quality - but again, once people buy, they are all set for a while. Another friend did toys - and her business went up and down, with a big push before Christmas but then nothing at all in January, you know? Also, all of these products appeal primarily to women, except maybe for the food - but still, you don't see men or children at these parties, and you therefore don't have them as prospective customers.

Because of the above factors, I chose do top-notch nutritional products that are giving people life-changing results. Health & wellness doesn't go down in a recession - especially if the products help counteract some things in your grocery bill. For example, people who get great health results don't' get sick and have prescription & office co-payments, cough & cold medicine, antibiotics, lost time from work, or even cravings for junk food. So they are putting their money into YOUR pocket instead of into the drug store and the supermarket. Products that are consumable and high demand create repeat business, which creates regular income.

Any home based business requires work, and you will get out of it what you put into it. Everything takes good follow-up to create good customers. But I find that, if I do good work for 2 months with someone, I create repeat business. You have to really find the right company, really do the training, make sure there are very low start-up costs and that there is a guarantee. If they don't guarantee their products, you could be stuck with a lot of inventory. Also find out what the renewal fee is every year. Make sure you have really solid support from the people above you (more than one) and make absolutely sure that you get paid every month by the COMPANY, and not the people above you. Even if you know and like the person immediately above you, if your monthly check has to come from 4 layers up, and the first person is late paying the second, the second will be late paying the third, and so on, until it gets down to you.

All companies will give you a great pitch about how easy it is, how nice the person above you is, and list how many people just got a bonus or took a cruise. The question is, is it duplicatable? Can you do this again and again, and do a lot of people have the potential to get these bonuses?

I chose my company because the start up costs were minimal, I don't have to carry inventory (although I can to get a better profit - but there is a buy-back, no questions asked), I make between 20% and 40%, I have 2 venues every week to which I can take prospective customers so they are hearing this info from others besides me (which really helps lend credibility), and I really am motivated by helping people. My company is well-regarded by business magazines, is a member of the Direct Selling Association (a watchdog group that only invites a few hundred of the very best, our of 5,000+ network marketing companies in the country), has been honored for its humanitarian work, and has squeaky clean ethics. It's so open, it even allows prospective distributors to attend the training sessions - how many companies open their training to "outsiders" and even competitors? Make sure your company does the same. My company is growing and added 5000 new distributors in January - make sure your company is growing steadily. Also find out what their distributor retention rate is - are they in the higher percentages among all network marketing companies, or do people do the business for a year or two, not make any money, and then quit? If they won't give you these figures, walk away.

I would not bother too much researching companies on the internet other than their official websites. If you just Google the name of the company, you will always find something good and something bad, but you can't determine the reliability of the sources. For example, is a dissatisfied person out there on the internet just badmouthing a company because they work for a competitor? Did they have a bad experience because they didn't follow the system and do things in a way to achieve success? Is their complaint credible? Or are they just venting and blaming their failure on the company? It's just not a reliable way to research things - you have to talk to a lot of people in that company, so make sure they have a way for you to do that. If you get in front of people, you can get a better sense of who they are - they are the ones you will be working with too.

Evaluate the company's profitability and history. Do they have a stable management structure, or are their CEOs moving around and bailing out after they make their millions? Do they have distributors who make more than the CEO? If so, that's good! Have they been profitable from the beginning? Are they publicly traded? You don't have to be a stock market whiz or an MBA - I'm certainly not. But I definitely did not want a company that is just like corporate America - the top guys get the spa treatments and the bonuses, and the people at the bottom do all the work before getting laid off!

Finally, make sure it's a company whose product you believe in. If you can't figure out why someone needs what you're selling, especially in a rough economy, you won't be successful. You'll lose your investment and be stuck with a lot of inventory which you'll either use yourself or give away to relatives for gifts!

These are some of the factors I think you should evaluate before you get locked into anything. Then you have to be sure you can and will work at it.

Good luck! Network marketing IS the way to go though, because you are not at the mercy of a company doing cutbacks. Just do your homework and don't jump into anything until you really assess the company's mission and your own goals.

a couple of things. 1 you should love what you sell. Your enthusiasm is a key to your business success. 2. for some companies, the economy is not affecting business significantly. Others are not doing so well. You need to offer a quality durable good vs a frivolous item. I would recommend that you try something involving food / cooking (examples: Pampered Chef (which I am a consultant for part time), wildtree, taste of home). People are looking to save money...these companies offer food choices that allow people to cook/eat at home and save money while the demonstration offers free products and a cheap night out.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email at ____@____.com. I'd be happy to give you a better feel for direct sales.

Best of luck in whatever you decides works best for you.

I think it's great that people can make money at these home shopping parties. I have two friends who have sold the expensive handbags. The first one quit after a year because she felt she had reached her network saturation point, that all the people she knew who would be interested in the purses had already attended her parties. The second one had success with the Lill bags because the company sent her leads to do parties in other towns. She still does parties but over the last year her party invites and her sales are way down. Of course, these bags are really a luxury item because of the price tag and the economy has had a huge impact on her business. That said, she has good support and leads from the company so she didn't reach saturation point.

Another friend sells Silpada jewelry and another sells Discovery Toys. They like the products and they're very outgoing people, but they don't push. They're more likely to be part of an event with multiple home-sales parties, like a margarita party where you can buy all sorts of different things or sell at a bazaar at a school fundraising event.

As with any sales job, you need to know your customer, know what they want, and have a great product at the right price(that hopefully brings in repeat business).

That said, I don't go to home parties because I don't want to feel pressured to buy my friend's Silpada jewelry or a purse that costs more than my weekly grocery bill. And that's okay too.

i have been asked to go to acouple of parties but declined. i just think its not a good idea with the economy to have these parties at this time. people have it rough right now. and you do feel obligated to buy something and sometimes pressured to have a party yourself. so i usually do not go.

just my opinion.

I tried being a jewelry rep but found that with the economy sales were down, people are buying things they need. I am now an Avon Representative and love it. There
is something for everyone, jewelry perfume, makeup, clothes, shoes etc at real affordable prices. You can visit Avon.com to see if it is something you my be interested in. The start up fee is only $10.00 and you can earn 20-30% of your sales.
M. Ellen K

I agree with Everymom - you do HAVE to buy something at these parties or the hostess or rep will think you're a loser! I was a rep for a home goods company and it lasted for about 6 months until I ran out of hostesses and it was difficult to get them. Unless you are a great salesperson and that is your thing - don't do it. I thought it would be a piece of cake but it wasn't. You have to be really motivated and a pain in the butt to keep it going. After you host a few of these parties or attend them - you are sick of them! Good luck!

Hi,
My advice would be to do Tastfully simple. People still need to eat, there is less pressure becuse you can get something small for a couple of bucks. I don't know if you have ever heard of them? But check it out. I know personally right now I can't afford the jewelry, pocket books, ect.. but there is always room for Beer bread & Nana's apple cake. I think I'll make one today.

My friend hosted a Pampered Chef party last year, and I must say- it was fun! She put on a cooking demonstration where we all got to help, using some of the kitchen implements. Was nice to be able to handle the products and try them out- and get to eat some good food, too. I purchased some great products, and love that I got something I'll use for long time. Hope that helps as a somewhat unbiased opinion.

Before starting a home based business make sure you do your research.. there are so many out there!!! I am a home based business owner and have been for quite a few years!! you have to make sure there is a market for what you choose.. I would love to chat further and add my advise.. I can recommend some great sites to help you do your home work and aslo recommend some great reading( books and articles) to help you get all the info to make an informed decision!!

I am a mom of 2 beautiful girls and I love what I do!! i also coach people on business choices.. I have a masters level in psychology and always try to get the best info to people.. Pay it forward!!!!!

H.
Home Office
###-###-####

Hello there!
What a great question! I believe it's never been a better time to start a home based business. More people who are not knowing where their next pay check may be coming from become more open minded and affirmed to know that they can be their own boss. More people are joining internet home based businesses now than in the past due to the flexibility that comes from working from home. I do think it is essential to find a stable opportunity where the need for the products and/or services are in demand and that these products/services span a wide audience of people. I have one opportunity that is awesome for anyone, anyone already in business because it helps build relationships among family members, friends, and business associates. That's crucial in a world that is fast paced and doesn't often focus on fostering each individual's feeling loved and supported. We all are familiar with the ones you've mentioned but what would help you stand out and be unique yet so foundationally beneficial for every single person you come in contact with? Feel free to contact me for more info. at ____@____.com or ###-###-#### but to answer your great question...YES! It is a great time to become a rep and start a home business. I would just find out about what gets you excited about offering to people? Is it a unique, integrity based, solid company with a great compensation plan? It's not always the one that comes to mind so do your due diligence in finding the right one. If I can help steer you in a direction, feel free to let me know.

Hi I will begin by saying I am not trying to sell you anything I am talking straight from experience, I have worked the home party I will call it circuit for 20 years as my second job. I have done Avon, tupperware, Home Interiors, Candle Light, I am currently doing Temptation Passion parties and this has been the only party plan that I have ever been successful at. Especially in this economy. I hate to say it but families (husbands) don't want to or can't afford to spend the extra money on another picture, make up, lotion, pocket book etc but they are anxious to have their significant others attend an Adult toy party, no questions asked lol. I know these parties are not for everyone, not everyone can be an adult toy consultant but from experience this is the only party plan that I have never had a problem with bookings or profit. The company I am with is a very tasteful, couples oriented company so I am very comfortable with it. Just my two cents.

B.

I went to 3 Lia Sophia parties in a month and agreed to host an additional one for a friend who really wanted to become a rep. I won't do it again, nor would I attend one again. The whole party is focused on what's for sale - so of course there is pressure to buy. I think when people have discretionary income it's a great excuse to get together and have fun. But most of us are on a tight budget now which just makes it NOT FUN.

Just my opinion.

This is a good time to start your own business, but you need to make sure you will NOT have products of luxury. In this economy, people are trying to save money. Many don't know if they will have their jobs tomorrow.

You will want something that everyone needs; things they use in their daily lives; they are necessities and cost effective products that work as well or better than store brands, but will also save you and people you know , time and gas, which is on the rise again.

I work with a health and wellness company that has been GREEN for 24-years. The best thing about what I do, I DON'T have to have home parties lugging around heavy boxes or cases and I DON'T have to sell.

I recently found out from a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Wal-Mart dictates what manufacturers like Proctor and Gamble and Johnson and Johnson can do with their products. A couple of times, they told the manufacturers, "You have to bring your prices down". Example: When you purchase a 24oz bottle of Mr. Clean, 409 etc, there SHOULD be 4oz of cleaning product and 20oz of water. Well to bring the prices down, they used less product and more water. So if a 24oz bottle is $2.49, you have basically paid for a bottle of water. I purchase a 16oz bottle of concentrate at $5.69, which I can dilute 4X, I have just saved over $9 and I am keeping a lot of plastic out of the landfill.

Wal-Mart next said to the manufacturers, you have to stop diluting your product and come up with a concentrate which evolved Tide 2X. I save $23 over the cost of Tide.

So you want to be able to offer folk something that is going to help them in this tough economy.

I would be glad to talk with you at any time, give you some details and have you research us with those consumer protection agencies. Research is best, because you don't want to spend money today and then find you got scammed. Right now money is a precious commodity.

M.
____@____.com
workathomelivewell.com

I prefer a home based business with no parties. I have been with Avon for three years. Everyone knows I sell without the pressure of having to buy. It is a great time to start this business because Avon has the nessecity items like deodorant, body wash etc. Even though the economy is down, my sales are up. If someone asked to host a party though you can do that as well.

parties are fun..... alot of home parties products are under 50$ keep in mind recession proof products are health and beauty alcohol and cigarettes. i have a home based business and it continues to be strong.... women are still going to buy product to make them feel good. good luck it is wonderful to make your own schedule and have the money you deserve and time with your family. my business is listed check it out it may be a right fit for you or someone you know..... K. d mother of 14 11 8 and 21 mths

You asked, so I'll be bluntly honest.

I loathe them.

I go to support my friends, but always feel pressured to buy SOMETHING for as little as possible.. and often something I don't need. Even if someone says, "you don't have to buy..." be honest, the pressure to do so is still there. Or the pressure if you "win" and get to host the next party (that happened to me, and I didn't know one person to invite!)

That's just my opinion. I know they are popular with many people and if it works for other people, that's great!

Good luck and hope it is a success for you :)

Since you asked - my policy is to never go to these parties - good economy or bad. I'd rather hand my needy friend $10 than buy this stuff. Yes - it is all pressure.

My one bit of advice is to do the research for the direct selling companies that you are considering, some of them require for you to keep inventory and if you have trouble getting friends and family to support you (as this initial group of people will help start your business)then you are spending money on inventory that you don't use. I also believe that you need to choose a product that you yourself use and believe in because this is going to help you sell the product much easier. I can tell you from my experience that the companies that are teaching families how to cook and prepare meals at home in a cost effective way with quality tools are succeeding because now more than ever people are choosing to stay at home and not eat out because they may not be able to afford it. If you have questions about what I do, please feel free to contact me at ###-###-####.

Good Luck,
Y.

Hi
I work from home and love my job. I share stories with people to help them gain back their good health and help them with their financial situation. My company is very unique because in this economic climate it is debt free.
Would love to share info with you. People reorder our products every month and it is safe and effective for anyone who can eat. Makes for a wonderful opportunity.
Guaranteed product, guaranteed business. fit it into the life you have.
J. H

I for one, think they are WAY overdone and I do usually feel pressured to get something. So, on the up side for your business a friend like me would purchase things but, on the down side it would make me uncomfortable.
I do belong to many mom groups so, I may be exposed to more than the average girl.
But, if you don't have to make a huge investment in start up materials - it never hurts to try.