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View Full Version : Boyd's Bears Home Parties?
nolabelplez
06-12-2007, 10:08 PM
I was researching a bear to list on Ebay, and found that Boyd's Bears are hosting home parties now.
I submitted my info and am waiting to hear from them. Has anyone here even heard of a bear party?
I collect, make, and sell bears, so everyone that knows me thinks I'd be great at these kinds of parties. I just wonder if I'd really make any money.
I submitted my info and am waiting to hear from them. Has anyone here even heard of a bear party?
I collect, make, and sell bears, so everyone that knows me thinks I'd be great at these kinds of parties. I just wonder if I'd really make any money.
AvParties4u
06-13-2007, 05:44 AM
Oh wow, how cool.. I LOVE Boyd's Bears.
JoyfulHome
06-13-2007, 11:00 AM
I used to collect Boyds (the stones, not the plush), but stopped after Gary sold the company. I still like them, but the explosion in the number of products that they now produce made it no longer feasible to actually have a complete collection. It's different with the plush collectors, I guess, because most I know who collect the plush were never really interested in having a complete collection, but only in getting the ones that "spoke" to them. http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif
Anywho, the problem that I see with the way Boyds has set their "Home Reunions (http://www.boydshomereunions.com/)" program is that the consultant program is done THROUGH the local retailers (brick-and-mortar stores such as Hallmark, etc.). I've talked to several people who requested info and werenever contacted. My guess is that the retailers are turning their nose up at the concept of home parties... either that or they feel it would be competition for them. But regardless of the reason, I have yet to find anyone who has joined and been successful with it. If you hear of anyone that has, I'd love to hear their story! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif
Blessings,
ChristyEdited by: JoyfulHome
Anywho, the problem that I see with the way Boyds has set their "Home Reunions (http://www.boydshomereunions.com/)" program is that the consultant program is done THROUGH the local retailers (brick-and-mortar stores such as Hallmark, etc.). I've talked to several people who requested info and werenever contacted. My guess is that the retailers are turning their nose up at the concept of home parties... either that or they feel it would be competition for them. But regardless of the reason, I have yet to find anyone who has joined and been successful with it. If you hear of anyone that has, I'd love to hear their story! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif
Blessings,
ChristyEdited by: JoyfulHome
BabyCrazyKat
06-13-2007, 01:50 PM
It doesn't sound like the Boyd's Bears Home Parties is well thought out yet (at least for the rep -- thanks, Christy, for the input). If you make your own items, do you have alot of samples? Maybe you canhave your own home party for your own creations and show samples of your own items and place orders for you to make to fill? If someone throws a home party for you to show your wares, maybe you can make up your own hostess compensation with a free item and discounts for their orders based on sale orders. Who knows, if it really takes off, maybe your business will be the next up and coming home party company!
Good luck to you and wishing you much success.
(Your sun hats and clothing are adorable and is that one of your own bears that you've made yourself in your icon? It's so cute!!
Kathy T.
Edited by: BabyCrazyKat
Good luck to you and wishing you much success.
(Your sun hats and clothing are adorable and is that one of your own bears that you've made yourself in your icon? It's so cute!!
Kathy T.
Edited by: BabyCrazyKat
nolabelplez
06-13-2007, 07:10 PM
Boy am I glad I checked here. I won't sit around waiting for a call back. I may drop a hint the next time I'm in town. Maybe if they knew I'd be working a different territory...Of course, without support for the program, it will never work.
Wow Kat,
That's ambitious. I like the idea, but I'm not sure if I have that kind of time or capital to invest right now.
The problem is, my bears are all One Of A Kind. I don't think I could make two the same if I tried. If I got really ambitious, I could take them to local gift shops, but I'm not sure I could keep up with orders.
Thank you, yes, my avatar is Shelby, one of my needle felted bears. I make bears that are needle felted, crocheted from yarn, and mohair or synthetic fur traditionals.
I also do hand smocked baby dresses. I've seen some pretty prices on themat specialty stores. I keep thinking that I should take some dresses to the local shops, but what I really need is an income.
Wow Kat,
That's ambitious. I like the idea, but I'm not sure if I have that kind of time or capital to invest right now.
The problem is, my bears are all One Of A Kind. I don't think I could make two the same if I tried. If I got really ambitious, I could take them to local gift shops, but I'm not sure I could keep up with orders.
Thank you, yes, my avatar is Shelby, one of my needle felted bears. I make bears that are needle felted, crocheted from yarn, and mohair or synthetic fur traditionals.
I also do hand smocked baby dresses. I've seen some pretty prices on themat specialty stores. I keep thinking that I should take some dresses to the local shops, but what I really need is an income.
BabyCrazyKat
06-14-2007, 11:04 PM
Your Shelby bear is adorable. So, you sell them on ebay? They are so precious!
If you want to enter into the flexible world of home party/direct sales world for income, I would suggest is to choose one that complements your market of whatyou make hand-craft. That way as you build your clientelle for your party plan company, you can also make them aware of what youcreatfor sale, as well. I think people would be real interested in learning about that and be very responsive.
Have you checked out Noah's Ark? Maybe that will be of similar interest for you. If you are, I know a rep for that company that can send you information about it. And of course, you are welcome to check out my website for BabyCrazy, too. You don't "make" anything with our company but it services moms and their babies - 4yrs old and that may be your target market.
I wish you lots of luck and success! :)
Kathy T.
If you want to enter into the flexible world of home party/direct sales world for income, I would suggest is to choose one that complements your market of whatyou make hand-craft. That way as you build your clientelle for your party plan company, you can also make them aware of what youcreatfor sale, as well. I think people would be real interested in learning about that and be very responsive.
Have you checked out Noah's Ark? Maybe that will be of similar interest for you. If you are, I know a rep for that company that can send you information about it. And of course, you are welcome to check out my website for BabyCrazy, too. You don't "make" anything with our company but it services moms and their babies - 4yrs old and that may be your target market.
I wish you lots of luck and success! :)
Kathy T.
