Need Real Experiences

I work from home... I decided not to get involved with a party business because it could end up being a new collection and I honestly don't think I have the self control for it! :)

L.
http://www.HealthyFamilyHome.com

I did party lite and i enjoyed it but i didn't make any money it wasn't worth it. I am currently selling Avon and Love it there is no parties unless you want to do one. Your kids can go with you where ever you bo it is not a big money maker at first but can be if worked at. It only cost 10 dollars to sign up and start selling and you get so many different benefits to being a avon rep. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com or you can IM me through yahoo messenger jenniferke2001 is my sign on for this. J.

I would go with your gut ......i've tried 2 different companies, Partylite, and Lia Sophia,, both at different stages of my life. I loved the social aspect of it,,, I run a home daycare,,, and I needed adult time.

Partylite, was selling like crazy in 1999-2006,,,I made an average of $800 a month or more hosting 6 shows a month.

Then jewelry became very popular again in 2007,,so I started selling Lia sophia,,, I made $7000 in 2007.

I've hosted Tastefully simple parties, bought alot of food, did alot of prepping for the party, and didn't recieve hardly anything for free. I LOVE TASTEFULLY SIMPLE PRODUCTS, and buy them often,,but I didn't feel like the hostess program was very generous. I won't have another party again.
But from what I understand,,, they offer other options for selling the products,, so keep an open mind.

Good luck with your decision.

Hi L.,

I've never had a Tastefully Simple party alone. I've done a few with my Silpada jewelry and I LOVE their products. Have you considered Silpada? All of our jewelry is .925 Sterling Silver (that's the best quality of silver you can get and comparable to Tiffany's). I've been in business for almost 3 years and LOVE it! I can work my business around my family (twins age 6, step-son age 15, step-daughter age 19). Let's face it, you can't walk around holding candles or kitchen products everywhere you go, but you CAN wear your jewelry everywhere to advertise for FREE. I always have women complementing me on my jewelry in random places (grocery store, mall, post office, etc.) Silpada's hostess rewards are the best in the party plan industry with a show average of $750 retail (that's $225 in your pocket). There are no boring presentations to memorize either and you have NO inventory to store in your basement. I would love to give you more information to see if Silpada is a good fit for you. Please call me any time at ###-###-#### or email at ____@____.com luck!
C. Schofield

I think it depends on your personality. There are people that are extremely successful at this kind of business, but it depends on what you are willing to do. I have never done Tastefully Simple, but I LOVE their products and have a rep that I adore.

I know she struggles as I did in my home business. One of the things that got me SO upset was taking time from my family to get ready for a show and be prepared, only to have them cancel at the last minute. That was so frustrating, because when I give my word - count on it - I'll be there!

Plus, like mentioned before, you have to take a look at the bottom line - sure the $$ may be great, but deduct catalogs, gas, clothes if you need it, bags, samples, hostess gifts/discounts, customer marketing, etc....I think you might be surprised at the bottom line.

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like to talk further, but I know several people who do great at this type of work and others that don't :) Good luck to you!!

L.,
I'll be honest with you. I did a party type business for almost 2 years and really went into it really seriously. I didn't make any money in fact I spent quite a bit of money on it, BUT it really changed my life drastically.
I was a quiet person lacking self-confidence and it really helped me with that. I am now more decisive and have learned how to do things that I don't want to do (like I hated making the 'sales' calls), I met some great people that I learned a lot from.
I consider it money and time that was training for me.. I have a piano teaching and young child movement business now and it helped with that too.
BUT if you are looking to make quick money, then I don't think that happens. Like any business it takes time, resources and committment. Some do great at it, but you have to build a network and find people to help on your 'team' so to speak.
I quit when I was pregnant because with my son I am much more particular with my time and I don't have time for training or parties that will keep me away from my family.

I was involved with two other direct sales company and made more in product than I did in money but that worked for me at the time I was more interested in getting the product. I am currently a Mary Kay consultant and until I really started trying all the products have I been able to build my business in both money as well as with a team. Ultimately know all the ways you can make your money, believe in/use your product and make sure you know where this will fit into your life, so you can keep your mental/family balance. I have found what I put into it really shows by how much I get out of it.
Good luck - I am sure you will be great at it if you put your mind into!!!
R.

Would you consider Discovery Toys? I'm getting started an am looking for peole to join my team. There are people that make a lot of money doing this. I'm still new but the potential is there. The key is believing in the product your are selling. If you are not crazy about it you won't be able to sell it. If you are interested in learning more, call me.

S. S.
###-###-####

I sold partylite, for 2 years...before I had my DD.
I worked full time and went to school at the same time. It was easy $$ but it isn't just about doing shows, you have meetings, phone calls(to get more shows). I would do it again, I'm not sure with the same company...I just can't see spending that kinda $$ on something, and don't want to push others to spend it. I would maybe try something like tastfully simple, but not till my child is much, much, much older. She is my # one priority.
keep us informed on what you do :)

HI L.,
It really depends on your situation. For stay at home moms it can be great if your dedicated. I worked part time and sold tupperware and got really burned out on having to go to the meetings and schedule shows. You need a really big support group to keep you going and lots of people to have parties for you right away. The pay wasn't awesome but it was a little cash to burn. Think of your gas prices driving around too. At tupperware they would give us goals to have so many parties a week, then we would get a gift at the meeting if we met our goal. I wouldn't do it again, but there are the women out there that do it and love it. In your situation you do seem to have alot going on inyour life, I wouldn't think that it would be worth it honestly. I know I'm probably making alot of in home sales women mad but you do have to admit, it is hard work, and not just doing the parties, but there is alot of time in preparing for the parties and getting parties scheduled.

Hi L.! Did you ever end up becoming a Tastfully Simple Rep? If not, you should check out Silpada Designs Jewelry. I researched some of the other companies and have found that Silpada is very different. First, I LOVE that we always get to look "Sassy" and "Chic" because we get to actually Wear the product we sell. But the other great things are: We don't have to do ANY presentations, there are NO quotas, we don't carry ANY stock, and the product is shipped directly to the customers so our hostesses never have to deliver anything. Our websites are completely free and we accept credit cards with NO charge to us. Plus are party averages are over $950, which means a lot of cash in your pocket when you leave the party!! I make over $300 on average at a party. If you haven't found anything yet and would like more info. or the link to my website so you could see our new catalog, I could email it to you. It might be a really good fit for you. My email is ____@____.com.
C. Bussey

Hi L.,

I was just wondering how things turned out? I'm new here and I just saw your request. I've been to a Tastefully Simple party before and the food was really good. It sounds like you're pretty busy. :) Good luck!

T.

Hi L.,
I know just saw this post, better late than never right? Anyway if you are still thinking about TS, please email me @ ____@____.com. I am a TS consultant who will give you the facts.
Thanks
T.

I've tried so many "selling" type businesses and I have to say that it certainly seems that unless you give up your life entirely and focus 100% on the business, you'll never really get ahead. If you'd rather get into a business that has REAL earning potential, feel free to email me at ____@____.com and I will send you the information.