WAHM Forums

Hi everyone! I am just curious if many of you book parties with other party plan companies, as in host parties in your own home with companies you are not a rep for? I do about one every other month for different companies I want to try out and not only is it a lot of fun getting together with my friends (they are usually girls' night out things) but it is SO educational seeing what the other reps do, what their hostess plans are like, their customer service etc. I have learned a lot of things TO do and a lot of things NOT to do from being a hostess! It also gives you a great perspective when coaching your own hostess, knowing how it feels to be one. I had one Tuesday night with Jockey Person to Person and had so much fun, their stuff is SO soft and comfy and it was double hostess credits month so I got $180 in clothes and 3 half priced items. I LOVE party plan!!!! My next one is a Once Upon a Family party in October and I just booked Party Lite for December. If you don't know of any reps for companies you are interested in, most corporate offices have home webpages where you can request a local rep to contact you. Seriously, book some parties. You'll get some free, you'll learn something for your life AND your business, and you'll help support the direct selling profession!!

I don't thinkI have had another company's party since I started with SHS. I am not opposed to having them, however, I will not have a party that has a product line that competes with my products.

I do attend every party that I am invited to, if I am available and I ALWAYS make a purchase.

That being said, in Sept. I am having a BeautiControl for Kari (aka SpaDivaMO) and she is having a SHS party for me. We just recently found out that we don't live that far from eachother, so we are swaping next month.

In January, my friend and Iwant to do a romance party, butI haven't found a rep in my area yet.

So, if you are with a romancecompany and in the St. Louis area, pm me!

I party swap quite often, it is really fun. Like Nikki I only do companies that don't compete with mine. I love getting the free products! I have had a Weekenders and a Partylite party before.

When I was selling Mary Kay years ago, I hosted a Pampered Chef party for my friend (she did a Mary Kay for me later) but what was funny was she got 4 bookings at my show! However, she was from out of town and didn't think she could come back to do them so I joined that night and took the shows for her! I ended up doing about 8 shows, got a ton of free products and made some great extra Christmas money and then went back to my Mary Kay!

You never know what will happen at a show that you host!!Edited by: Dbacksmom

I would encourage you to not just book parties when someone will swap and do one for you - in my experience that only works if the rep is REALLY excited about your product line and would have booked one anyway. If they are only doing it out of obligation to you, they aren't as enthusiastic, at least that's how it's been for me! I book them because I am excited about their line and want to help them in their business. If they like what I do and book, that's a bonus but setting it up that way can backfire. It may turn out "Ok" but I'd rather have an excited hostess who really has fun with it! If you're lucky to get both in one, that's awesome! Just hasn't happened for me yet but my products have a pretty specific market (people with little kids) so it could be different because of that.

Another thing is the comment about not booking with a competitor - there is really something for everyone out there and is every single person you know buying ALL their whatever-you-sells from you? Probably not or we'd all be rich! LOL So hosting parties even with companies that sell similar items is a service to your friends and family, exposing them to things they may not have ever seen before. If you've already shown them your stuff, how can it hurt to show them someone else's stuff? They know what you do and how to reach you already, we can't expect everyone to be our customers, people have different tastes and styles etc. Just an idea. I know it is harder to get excited about a line you see as a competition for your business, but if you meet a rep who is really good at what she does and doing a party with her would benefit your friends and family, don't rule her out! It's all about creating a fun evening for your guests and showing them that buying through party plan is fun and rewarding. The more we can get that message to others, the better off we will ALL be in the long run! :)

Edited by: funfelt

I'm closing out a TOHE party tonight from this week. I hosted an Uppercase Living Party a few months ago to help launch a new consultant. It can be fun and informative to see how other reps run their business. I've even had hosts that rep for a competing companyask me todo a Sensaria spa for them and then switch to our products. Your right Cheryl, you never know what will happen at a party!
The funny thing for me is everytime I host for another company my friends ask me if I'm adding another company.http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif I just tell them I'm too busy and having to much fun with my current biz.
Amanda

In the past I've hosted Partylite (TONS of them!), Pampered Chef (after I stopped selling...still loved the product), Mary Kay, Creative Memories, Stampin Up, "Secrets", Southern Living (before joining), Longaberger ...maybe more!...that was in FL, my friends and I LOVED parties..great time to catch up and hang out.

Since moving I don't know a TON of people yet but have hosted a moms club fundraiser here that was Southern Living/Pampered Chef - it was fun!


Even though I'm back selling I would TOTALLY still host parties - I think they are fun and I like being the hostess and getting pampered a bit and taking time off! Now that I know people better and know more I'd LOVE to host some ones that are different - like maybe a Pole Party!Or the Wine one - my cooking club would LOVE that! Or the new Dove one! I have a gourmet cake business too so that would be cool! Can't wait until they get here!

Sorry so long! LOL But yes, if I have time and it's not one of those crazy busy months (not just with business but kids too) I would totally do one - I think they are FUN girls nights out! And being in someone's house you can laugh and get loud and crazy and not have to worry like being in a restaraunt! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif

I actually don't recommend swapping parties either, becauseI have been burned on that before. (Thinking back, I did have a show for someone else shortly after I started. We swapped... Well halfway anyway! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley13.gif) But you are right, both reps need to be excited about BOTH parties!

However, Kari was so excited about my products and I love the'spa' experience that she offers. The last timemy friends and I had one the rep was new and didn't know how to handle us!

I've only hosted a Partylite party, but I loved it!! I just only honestly know a small amount of people or I would host more parties.

Yes, I have found myself much more open to having parties myself since I became an Uppercase Living demonstrator. The first one was a swap with a Tupperware consultant. Next week I'm having a Beauticontrol spa party. I'm considering doing UDesign Jewelry next.


I've also found that I have a lot of hostesses who are also party plan reps. I just did parties for a Southern Living consultant and also for a Creative Memories consultant. I have one in a few weeks with a Party Lite rep. I love when people in other companies book with me. They know how to have a good party. You don't really have to do much hostess coaching.
Nikki, what part of St. Louis are you in? I'm in St. Charles county. Did you know there is a new DSWA chapter that just formed in St. Louis? There is a romance consultant there. I don't remember the nameof the company she is with, Booty something. Anyway, if you are interested in networking with other direct sales women, you may want to check out a meeting sometime!Edited by: nt1224

I don't have parties other than my own open houses. I do enjoy attending other parties and I will always attend when my friends have a party.

Noelle, I am in Jefferson county, between Arnold and Fenton. I did know about the DSWA chapter. A group of us were supposed to go to the meeting next week to see Nicki Keohohou, but she has been rescheduled.

I would like to check out the meetings though. Are you a member?

I do host parties, for product lines that I use & enjoy.

I don't, however, swap parties. I just simply host because I want free product. In fact, this month, I'll be hosting a Silpada party and later in the month a Homemade Gourmet party. I'll host about 4 to 6 parties per year.

A byproduct of my hosting a party for another company...several consultants often begin or increase doing business with me. It is never my goal, but it just happens that way.

This Summer I had 2 parties for other companies. I hosted a Lia Sophia jewelry party and a Southern Living party. They were both a girl's night out event. Of course we had my wines to sip, but we did not do a wine tasting, these events were simply for the other reps. I ended up with some beautiful jewelry for myself and my oldest daughter and some awesome home decor items that I have been wanting. I really want to host another party but am not sure what next, There are so many great companies with products that I would love to have that I am having a hard time deciding!
Julie

I host for other companies about four times a year. Usually twice for Stampin' Up to make a pile of greeting cards, and twice for Gold Canyon Candles.

After we finish building our house, I'll probably host for some home decor companies!

I try to if I can. I'm going to be hosting a Tastefully Simple party in later September to help a new friend get her biz going. I had hosted one earlier in the year and really love the food. Me and food are well acquainted http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley17.gif!

I have other friends that do DS, such as passion parties and scrapbooking, but I'm not into the adult toys and I don't have the patience for scrapping.





I do try and buy as much as I can from other WAHMs. Gotta support each other.

I've never been burned by swapping parties with people. I love doing that and have had some really successful shows.I think other direct sellersmake some of the best hostess' because they know the more enthusiastic they are the more free stuff they are going to receive! They know how to invite people and how to follow up, I think it's great!

I'm hosting my first one in a LONG time....I'm doing a CAbi party. I saw how much stuff some of my friends earned and of course LOVE the clothes...so I thought what the heck. Just do it! But i agree with doing favors too...I have no intentions of asking her to host a Cherish Bound gathering for me, unless she asks and wants to. I hate having that cloud hang over my head or even worse having someone else feel like they owe me. But it's a must that we all support each other...so when we're looking for something specific it's good to support each other.

I host parties all the time for companies that I am excited about their products and I want some for FREE!! I have swapped partied BUT only if I really want and like the other company. That way I wouldn't be disappointed.

In my opinion, I feel like if I expect other people to host shows and take direct sales seriously, than I should. As they say when you are trying to build a team- you should be doing what you are asking your team to do.

I also attend parties and open houses that I am invited to- I am a complete shopaholic!!!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

However, I have not participated in events where other consultants have openly admitted they would NEVER host another companies parties, competing or not.

As a head of a DSWA chapter, I feel I need to practice what I preach and be involved with consultants who want to make a positive impact in this business!!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

If you guys want a really easy and fun party to host, try Cookie Lee ( I am not a rep, just a fan) they don't do a demo they just set up their jewelry and you can do party food, drinks, chit chatting etc. and try on all the jewelry while your friends ohh and ahh over it. LOL Mine was one of the most fun parties ever, and So easy, and it's not like others where your friends are dying to catch up and chit chat but "have to" listen to a formal demo. LOL

I really miss having parties. And, I miss going to them also. Life took a turn, and that part of it got filed away. I wish it were different. I miss all of the free goodies I used to get.

Pat

If you guys want a really easy and fun party to host, try Cookie Lee ( I am not a rep, just a fan) they don't do a demo they just set up their jewelry and you can do party food, drinks, chit chatting etc. and try on all the jewelry while your friends ohh and ahh over it. LOL Mine was one of the most fun parties ever, and So easy, and it's not like others where your friends are dying to catch up and chit chat but "have to" listen to a formal demo. LOL

I agree with that ...I think everyone is so busy that the home parties are great get togethers/girls nights out and time to catch up - no one really wants to listen to a presentation.I am keeping my presentation to 10 to 15 minutes max and then shutting up and letting them move around, get food, chat, etc. http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif

I host parties all the time for companies that I am excited about their products and I want some for FREE!! I have swapped partied BUT only if I really want and like the other company. That way I wouldn't be disappointed.

In my opinion, I feel like if I expect other people to host shows and take direct sales seriously, than I should. As they say when you are trying to build a team- you should be doing what you are asking your team to do.

I also attend parties and open houses that I am invited to- I am a complete shopaholic!!!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

However, I have not participated in events where other consultants have openly admitted they would NEVER host another companies parties, competing or not.

As a head of a DSWA chapter, I feel I need to practice what I preach and be involved with consultants who want to make a positive impact in this business!!http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif


I agree 150% with you! I host when I can especially if it's a product I like ...I don't want my friends to think I am always asking them to come over and buy stuff so I do try to watch how often I host but I ALWAYS attend and buy from things I am invited to if I can! When I was doing Southern Living more actively (before the jewelry thing) I had this girl I know who sells Silpada actually say she couldn't host a party for me or come to an open house because she is so busy with her business and such and "doesn't do home parties".... that completely turned me off - I thought the same thing you said...how can you honestly expect others to host for you or how can you talk about how much fun it is to host a show and get together with your friends if you don't "do home shows"??!!!???

edited to say: when I said I always buy or go if I can I meant I always go if I can and if I can't I do pretty much 99% of the time buy something - I can usually find something I like or something I could use for a gift,etc. I wouldn't expect others to buy from me if I don't support them - both the consultants AND hostesses! What goes around comes around and I do totally practice what I preach! And I too am a shopaholic! LOLEdited by: shoppingmamma

I like to swap parties. I mostly do it to break into new areas or towns. Of course, I always work with consultants in party plans that I am excited about and I make sure they are excited about the jewelry also. I haven't ever been burned by swapping and it is win win for both of us.