Stella & Dot...what Did I Just Do? a Buy-in Home Based Business?

It sounds like you are already overwhlemed. You don't need more stress.

I don't know what Stella and Dot is, never heard of it, but it sounds like you got schnookered into signing up for something when maybe you weren't ready. Someone really targeted you at a weak moment.

I'd claim the 3 day remorse and unsign myself.

I know this will sound like a total downer, but I have two kids and two jobs and I'm about to have a nervous breakdown! Seriously, something has to give. I cannot IMAGINE taking on anything else, and as cute as I find Stella and Dot -it is quite over-priced (and this is coming from someone who likes and often purchases high-end items). I can find comparable and even better jewelry at local boutiques and the mall for less -in fact, there was one Stella and Dot necklace I was in love with last year, and it cost around $152. I found one that looked almost just like it at an Ann Taylor Loft outlet store for $12. If I were you, I would get out of it. I know several people who have done Stella and Dot, but not more than a few months. I'm sorry not to be more encouraging, but you're already taking on two jobs -at some point it just gets to be too much! You need to have some time to sleep and some time for yourself!

:-) I admire you for wanting to help increase your income.

I have a friend who cleans homes for $20 per hour if a regular and $30 per hour if a one time or occasional client. I think cleaning will pay for than any sales job. Also, in our neighborhood, when we find good workers, several of us give cash bonuses and tell all our friends how great the worker is.

Even if we were best friends, I would not attend a sales party. Now that I finally have financial security and a clutter-free home, I am not tempted to buy things I don't need. The economy is another reason to save instead of spend. I would however pay you $$$ for professional quality help cleaning the windows and tile floor.

If you're already a bit overwhelmed, why would you add more stress to you life? I would imagine that a home-based sales business requires a lot of work. Maybe right now is not the time. You need to prioritize...and this will fall to the bottom--even if you don't want it to.

Best of Luck!

I went to my first Stella and Dot recently. You are right, the jewelery is super cute, but my jaw dropped when I was handed the bill for my necklace... $52 for a piece of string and ONE charm?

As much as I want to be supportive for you (and really, I do!!), I agree with the previous post- these economic times are tough. It also looks like you have plenty on your plate as it is!!

If you go forward, good luck, and I hope it will be fun for you. I can tell you that the girl that did the party I went to made it entertaining: She had "foo-foo" drinks for us to sip on while we looked and it was great to get together with friends, so there are alot of positives here, too.

Best wishes for success!

I have learned that to be successfull you have to be in a business that the products are consumable. How often does someone run out of jewelry, or pots and pans or storage containers? I had never thought about it untill I started my own home based business and the products are consumable, I have clients that order monthly and others that order every couple of months etc. Honestly if you don't do in home presentations you won't meet people and build your client list. Good Luck oh and yes I am having success with my business.

I agree a little with mollyx.

Just look here on ebay for what stella and dot items are selling for:
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1...

I'm a jewelry designer, and I do okay, but it does come down to price a lot when people can buy trendy and cheaper things at the mall, and really how much jewelry does a person need?

But, if your friends don't mind spending some money and love to get together and be trendy, and if they have good friend that can send referrals, than you may do okay.

You poor thing--looks like everyone is putting down this new adventure of yours. I say if you want it bad enough go for it! Yes I do agree things are expensive but if you are in the right area you could do well with it.

I personally got involved with a company called Homemade Gourmet where we sell consumable products. I feel that has helped my business (I promoted to Director in just 2 short years!) because people order over and over from me with mixes that cost only $5+ They are able to put quick and easy meals on their tables and call me over and over again to reorder.

You gotta do what works for you! Direct sales can be a GREAT thing and if you get into the right one can allow you to quit some of those other jobs so you don't have to be so stressed!

Good luck in whatever you decide!

Hi C.!
You poor thing! I'm sure you are planning on exchanging one or more of your jobs once the 'fun' career of the jewelry takes off? I recently went to a lia Sophia jewelry party and although I love the jewelry, it was super expensive, and most people only bought one thing- and looked like they looked through the books and bought the cheapest things just to be kind. It is a tough time in the economy for many people to be buying extras.
I have a home based business, and host in home presentations (in fact, I work with Michele M, below) ;) The key is to keep things light and fun! Lots of yummy little snacks, wine, or yummy drinks. I think some light back round music is always good, candles and dim lights- these parties can be awkward for those attending.
I feel your stress- I also have a 2.5 yr old and an 8 month old- and just work this one job and I can hardly keep up!!! Feel free to msg me anytime to chat, or exchange stress! ;)

Hey Mama!

How you doing with your Stella & Dot these days? It's been a couple of months. Are you settling in and finding your groove? The first couple weeks/months can be overwhelming, but take it from me--it's worth it! I'm also a Stylist for Stella & Dot and while I *really* love the money I'm making with the business, the real perks for me have been the "me time" with the fabulous women I'm working with! I've made so many new friends within my pool of colleagues, hostesses, and guests at trunk shows! If you're still feeling a little bit like a fish out of water, find a local S & D team meeting. It really helps to get together with other Stylists for support and idea-sharing! I've got a great list of "ideas to jumpstart your business" that I'd be happy to email to you if you message me your email address. I think the best advice I can give is to focus on the fun part of it all. Why did you join in the first place? Revisit and refocus on that and then go get em! It can be so fun! Let it be one of your outlets, not one of your stressors!

To all of the naysayers out there, to compare Stella & Dot jewelry to the other home party jewelry lines is like comparing apples to oranges. Ladies, this stuff has been featured in InStyle magazine 83 times! It's got some real design cred! Besides that, the quality you're getting far exceeds what you'd get at outlet stores or cheaper venues. The silver jewelry is sterling silver and the gold is sterling silver is gold vermeil, dipped 20 TIMES in gold--the industry standard is dipped twice. We stand by our product and the return policy proves that. Yes there some more expensive pieces, but 50% of the line is under $50! If you've gotta have that high end piece, host a trunk show at your home and be like our other hostesses who earn an average of $250 per trunk show in free jewelry plus additional pieces at half off.

I love it all! I love the jewels, I love the trunk shows, I love being a Stylist! Congratulations on your new venture, C.! You can totally do this!!

xoxo,
K. H.

Congrats on your new venture. I have been mentoring work at home moms for over 6 years and I have found that you can be successful at anything you commit to planning the time to do. No one has spare time, so you do need to prioritize and build it on purpose if you want to succeed.
Don't worry about the money down, there is not a legit home business that you don't have to put something down on financially some are just way more than others, mine was only $29 and it was refundable for 4 months though.
I don't have a home party business with inventory like Stella and Dot because I did not want to leave my home and kids to work from home by being gone at parties all the time but again if you put your mind to it you can achieve what you desire.
If in the future you desire something without parties and inventory visit us to request info at www.WorkatHomeUnited.com/JOBS
Also I am in your area so contact me and I would be happy to come out and support your first party :)