Home Party for Thirthy One Products

I don't go to them if I can avoid them and I don't like being invited to them -- I am a SAHM, we watch our pennies, and it's always another SAHM inviting me to spend my money so she can afford to stay home. Often I'm invited by acquaintances who don't invite me to their house just for coffee or dinner -- only because they're trying to make money. I always feel pressured, no matter how much the hostess says "oh, don't worry about buying anything." And I've bought a few things but rarely have I felt I got a good deal or bought something I really appreciated having. I have a bag from 31 and I don't really see what the big attraction is, to be honest. It was given to me by my child's teacher as a thank you -- she bought it because another teacher was selling them -- so she was supporting another teacher on her teacher's salary. I was very appreciative of the gesture and it's a nice bag, but I would not have purchased one on my own.
Sorry to be such a downer on this one, but this is one area I have strong opinions on, and I would never be comfortable putting friends in this position.

I despise these parties, honestly & will never put my friends & family in the uncomfy position of inviting them a "party".

The last 2 I have gone to (Cabi clothing and some jewelry company) were overpriced & high pressure. We're talking a pair of capris for 90 bucks and 50 bucks for a necklace. I ended up feeling awkward & not buying anything at either one. I mean, I could've afforded them, but I couldn't justify the cost.

If there were a product that was reasonably priced & useful, I would consider going to the party & buying the product, but I have yet to find that, honestly. Calling it a "party" is b.s., honestly. It's sales call. It's just weird.

I like Thirty One, and I am one that hates home parties. There are some pricey items, but nothing I would be interested in. Their purses are high, but not my taste at all.
The small thermal totes are cool. I have the large collapsible utility tote that I probably use every weekend. I have the cinch sacks for each kid for overnight stays. Oh, I also use one of their bags as a diaper bag. I prefer that one over my expensive designer one. *Sigh*
I am going to have a party myself next month, because I really want the BIG thermal tote on wheels, pretty much like a cooler on wheels, and I want the luggage thing with wheels to use as a carry-on.
On your consultants page, there should be a grid of however much is spent at your party, you will get a certain amount free to spend on there products, you will also get an item half price, and then another discounted item.

The only reason I am having a party is because the items I want are expensive and all my friends want me to have a party.
We like it!

I like Thirty One, my favorite is the skirt purse, it's small yet roomy, and you can change the outside of it with different "skirts" as Thirty One calls them. It's a cool product and I got it for 1/2 off when I had a show. I had my party at 7pm on a Friday and just served spinach dip, brownies, veggie pizza..small finger foods. It was fun. If you have a show that I believe is $300 you get around $45 free product, plus a 1/2 off item, and if someone books a show from you, you get to select a free product at their party. It's pretty cool.

I have never gone to any MLM/Direct Sales party and enjoyed myself.

The invitiation alone is viewed as an "invoice" and I prefer to just write the hostess a check since she is having the party to make money and donate to her vs waste my time at a party when I don't want to be there and don't want the products.

NOW, if it is simply a social party with NO selling, NO presentations, NO gimmicks and just for socialization... Of course I would come and bring a bottle of wine.

I would not have a party and subject my friends to being trapped and obligated to buying something just so I could make a buck. I am not that kind of friend.

I love my skirt purse that I got from Thirty One. I am very hard on purses and this one seems to be holding up very well. I also like the fact that I can buy different skirts to change the look of it. I like going to the parties and seeing the different items. I also enjoy the social aspect of going to a party.

I personally hate the sell to your friends schemes. I found Thirty One overpriced. But they do have some good thermal type bags and stuff like that.

Since it's fall, you could do a nice fall themed party. I think what makes a party fun is a good crowd of people. Have yummy appetizers and drinks and you're good. Fruit, cheese and crackers, chips and salsa, maybe shrimp cocktail. I don't know, easy stuff. For drinks pitchers of mojitos, spiked punch, soda, beer.

I don't have a clue about the hostess gift and what not.

I went to a thirty one party, bought nothing. On the other hand, someone else did a passion party 50 shades themed and I bought several things. She went all out on that party. At that one, she had made a ton of food and had drinks etc but asked each lady coming to bring their favorite bottle of wine. Most of us also brought a dish of food. So she had tons of food and drinks. And a male stripper. So that was a good time! LOL.

I have enjoyed most of the home parties I've gone to because it's a chance to hang out with friends, chat, eat and possibly buy something if I'm interested. I've never been to a Thirty One party but know people who love the products. I don't 'seek out' the brands - like 'hey, i need something from pampered chef, is anyone selling or having a party?' but have loved everything I've bought from them so I'm willing to buy something again if someone has a party.

I've only ever hosted two parties:

First - had on a Thursday after work with pizza at 6, then the show and shopping. I was 8 months pregnant and went EASY!

Second - had on a Friday after work and served soup and cookies.

hostess deals - i usually look to see what I would buy if I were paying full price, then apply my deals to those items. For one of my parties I could have bought something at a reduced price but I didn't like the product so I just didn't get it.

Hope that helps!