For those that scoff at the idea of doing a direct sales business because they think there’s no “real money” in it….
You are so sadly – wrong!
Over 30 BILLION dollars in direct sales is done in the United States alone, and at last calculated 29% of that 30 billion in sales was done through home parties!!
Not convinced?
Let us look at it another way…
13.6 MILLION Americans bought or sold goods at home in 2004! That was 2004…it has continued to increase.
So I wouldn’t say this is a little sleeper type business concept that very few are successful at – it just takes someone with ambition, vision and persistence.
I cannot tell you how many “woe is me” tales I have heard from women that joined a home business (direct sales) type company and within two months I hear, “I just wasted my money…it’s a scam!” Really??
Not to be harsh….but maybe they need to look in the mirror and see whom or what really is the scam. Don’t kid yourself. If you bought a direct sales kit and really did nothing to promote the business, book parties, pass out catalogs, learn about the products, attend provided training calls, online seminars, local meetings…then I wonder who is scamming who? Could it be these women are simply scamming themselves?
I’m not here to judge.
But I know of what I speak of…
I joined Southern Living at Home a few years ago. I was fired up….I was going to reach all the levels. I got my kit….and then promptly let it collect dust and did absolutely nothing to promote the opportunity or products. I opened the kit…looked at all the pretty things and that’s where it ended. Now….is Southern Living at Home scamming me?? Ummmm….NO. I sucked. I dropped the ball.
I just didn’t think it through. I work full time – so I didn’t realize how I would need to MAKE time for my new business. I didn’t look at their advertising policies. I didn’t really examine the comp plan or quotas. Plus….I can only handle so much home decor stuff anyway….so it was just wrong, wrong, wrong for me. And ME should have known that!
By not thinking it through and having a business plan – I wasted my time and money and their time as well. (Their stuff is really pretty though! And I live in the South!)
So I decided the next go around I would really think about what I wanted. I knew I liked to do most of my business online, that home parties would need to be a smaller portion of the business because of time constraints, and quotas……dang….don’t even get me started on $500 a quarter quotas – I can’t do that unless it’s something I really love to sell. Nor do I want to feel the pressure to do so.
So when thinking about your next home business venture…..if it’s direct sales….which is a GREAT way to make money….just think about how it will fit into your life, personality, budget, schedule….
#1 Understand What You’ll Need to Invest Upfront
This is important. Because if a direct sales kit doesn’t contain everything that YOU personally feel you’ll need to get started on your own – then it’s probably going to be a bummer. There should be at least a training manual, contact info, marketing materials and samples. Kits can be expensive. I’ve seen some around $299! I’m not saying they aren’t worth it – I’m just saying look over what you get carefully – is it enough for you?
#2 Is the Home Party Business/Direct Sales Company a Member of DSA
DSA: The Direct Sales Association. By a company being a member you are somewhat protected when you buy that big ole honkin kit! There is a membership policy in place to “buy back” INVENTORY within 12 months of purchase if you decide you picked the wrong home party plan business for whatever reason.
 SALEHOOWOW! Dreaming of eBay profits? Your own online store? |
#3 What is Being Sold? Is There a REAL Product?
If the main focus of the business is to recruit – and your profit comes from the people you recruit and there is really no product of value being offered – then it sounds like a pyramid scheme to me. We have ALL seen these. Mr. Scammer gets Mr. Don’t Know Better to join for $1000. Of that $1000, Mr. Scammer gets $700. Mr. Don’t Know Better needs to sell the “idea” to someone else for $1000 and make $700. There really is nothing being sold. Or the amount of product you have to carry as inventory is so high each month you have product stacked in your garage! Stay away…..keep looking for a business with real, genuine and unique products.
In the end….it should “feel” right.
Feeling embarrassed, or under pressure….or financially strapped due to a home business or home party plan business is just wrong.
When I talk to someone about Tastefully Simple, Barefoot Books or Avon – I never feel awkward or pressured to sell. I feel comfortable. I feel it’s something that would enhance their lives, or help simplify aspects of their lives. Whether it’s the convenience of shopping at home (or through my website), or products that save them time or energy. I never feel I’m making them uneasy with my product suggestions.
But on that same note….I gotta say….the Reps and/or Consultants that are so peppy and excited you think they’d just had a coffee enema…..over-kill….they make me REAL uncomfortable when they are so damn happy that you think you’ll break their hearts if you aren’t interested. It feels desperate to me. It needs to feel NATURAL. Not forced.
The main way I came to be a consultant with the home party/direct sales companies I am with now is that I was buying products from them anyway!! I knew the catalog, I used the stuff myself….I was already happy with what they sold!
So maybe buy a few things here and there from companies you’re interested in. I wouldn’t hit every rep up for samples….that’s hard on their budgets.
In the end…..you’ll have an “ah ha” moment and it will click if it’s the right business for you.
My site, MoneyMakingMommy.com has a great list of direct sales companies and reps with each company that can help you. You might even be able to find someone local.
Give it time….research it and let your gut be your guide!
Suggestions on picking the perfect home business are welcome!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi,
My name is Mary and I am an Independent Decorating Consultant with Home Interiors. Often times I wanted to have my own home-based business. Many years ago, I tried Avon and it worked for a while; however, that did not work out as planned. Eventually the idea of “inventing” something of my own has excited my senses and its something that will eventually be fulfilled. In the meantime, I still had the urge on having my own home-based business. Last year, I met a lady whom sells Home Interiors. She asked me to come over to her party. Hesitation set in, as most of us have, but decided to go in. She always told me that I would be good selling these products but the idea of being “scamed” frighten me. Needless to say, I went to her party. I wanted to see first hand how the other ladies at the party liked the products, how the products look and how their prices compared to the product. As I sat watching the enthusiasm of the ladies at the party, my mind began to open up a bit to the idea of selling. I saw first hand how great the merchandise was liked by everyone and the stories they had to share about the products. Yes, I had heard before of Home Interiors products and seen the products because some of my family members had purchased them before. But, when it comes to selling you want other opinions about the product.
On that day of the party, I also bought some items. I was happy to see that Home Interiors merchandise had affordable prices and that was something of a concern at first. Well, that first party I attended, was my decision maker and it was my “ah ha” moment because it felt so right! As soon as I walked into my home, I grabbed my husband and told him of the idea of starting my home-based business. He said, “if you believe in the products, then try it.” I firmly believe in them, otherwise I wouldn’t put my name or reputation on the line. I purchased my starter kit, had training and support with any questions I may had.
All excited, I prepared for MY first house party! I prepared flyers, contacted my neighbors, the old fashion way… door to door, as well as Email and telephone contacts to friends and family. On the day of the party I was extremely nervous because I was not sure if all of the ladies were going to show up. But, indeed they did! I had a huge success with my party selling over $900 dollars in retail sales! I was elated! Who could have guessed that in only two hours I was going to make such a great profit!
My other parties have been a huge success as well. I try holding two-three parties a month. This is besides my other orders. I also have Hostesses and Fundraisers which bring in additional income. Don’t get me wrong. There have been times when not all goes according to plan. There are ups and downs in this business but you have to stand firm in your believes and don’t give up. Not every business goes well all the time. But, when things don’t go as expected my brain works overtime and think of new promotions to get them in and purchase products. This is besides the regular Home Interiors promotion. I offer free merchandise and other discounts. Who doesn’t want to save money or receive FREE gifts!
My suggestion to anyone who wants to build their own work at home business is to RESEARCH IT! If it doesn’t give you that “gut feeling” don’t do it. Follow your instinct and do not allow anyone to pressure you into doing anything you are not comfortable with.
Take advantage of the company’s sales kit promotion. This is the best time to buy your kit. For instance, with Home Interiors right now, you can purchase your starter kit for only $99 dollars and YOU choose $500 dollars worth of merchandise, plus all of the materials you need to get started. Whether you are interested in a country, contemporary, traditional or romantic style Home Interiors now has over 1,000 items in its product line, including candles, accessories, bathroom decor, and so much more.
I agree with your comment “In the end….it should “feel†right.
Feeling embarrassed, or under pressure….or financially strapped due to a home business or home party plan business is just wrong.” And, I certainly feel that Home Party Business are NOT scams.
Mary
http://www.homeinteriors.com/maryrodriguez
Hi –
I’m Susan and I have a home party biz, and I love it. My biz is in a field I’m passionate about, the company has a stellar reputation, the products are ones I’d buy even if I never made a dime, and I love that I get to make such a positive difference in the lives of others… both with the products and with the biz op. And I earn a great income as well.
Yes, there is money to be made in doing home parties but as with so many things in life, you decide your own success.
For success in home parties, I feel you must first choose what is right for you, following your passion, your interest, your love.
Next, choose a company that you believe in, one that you are proud to say you represent. You may also want to choose one with online, as well as in person training to coach you to success.
Then, you must do what is required to promote your products and your biz.
And last but not least, write out your plan and commit to working your biz for a specific time, 9 mos., 12 mos., whatever. Why, because this forces you to have a plan to succeed, and without a plan, you’ll probably fail.
Health & blessings,
Susan
I no longer get a headache when I clean now that my home is CLEAN & GREEN… and I Save money too!
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