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View Full Version : Inventory vs Samples
mommy32
12-28-2005, 01:26 PM
I am getting ready to place an order and was wondering --do you find that it is more beneficial to spend money on stocking up your inventory to have items on hand when people ask about them or purchasing samples for people to try?
Soonergirl74
12-28-2005, 02:07 PM
I have to say that, with the exception of the RE9 set, I prefer samples. (And sometimes with that also) I do not really carry inventory. There are a few things I stock up on, like the travel size items out during the holidays, to give as small gifts when I need to. I might also buy items we don't have samples of & put those in sample size jars to give to people for them to try.
To be honest, I find people don't really need to try anything before they are willing to buy except the skin care or make up. (And I do have the full make up set to show people & let them try) People will start buying things they already use or might want to use if they understand the difference or if they have already liked something else, like our skin care. Now, on some things I might need to explain to them why they need it but they don't usually want to try it first before they decide to buy.
To be honest, I find people don't really need to try anything before they are willing to buy except the skin care or make up. (And I do have the full make up set to show people & let them try) People will start buying things they already use or might want to use if they understand the difference or if they have already liked something else, like our skin care. Now, on some things I might need to explain to them why they need it but they don't usually want to try it first before they decide to buy.
AtHomeLeah
12-28-2005, 04:07 PM
Robin,
I'm gearing up for my first big order on January 1st as well. It will be very interesting to hear what people have to say. Thanks for asking the question!
I'm gearing up for my first big order on January 1st as well. It will be very interesting to hear what people have to say. Thanks for asking the question!
MyLittleRiley
12-28-2005, 04:26 PM
I have RE9 kits, the concealer sample and ABC products.
arbonnebev
12-28-2005, 08:17 PM
I usually keep an extra clear advantage set on hand because people run out of this & freak out! They want it right away! I'd stock up on the small sea salt scrubs to use as gifts & maybe the awaken sea salt scrubs since it is the Dec special, its a great price!
mommy32
12-29-2005, 04:07 AM
Thanks for the advice everyone!
I'm a little scared starting out and just not sure if I can make it to DM.I know with any business there are financial risks, just can't afford to set out a whole lot right now.
My sponsor is very supportive, which completely motivates me. I know that the passion is there, just uncertain if the customers are.
I'm a little scared starting out and just not sure if I can make it to DM.I know with any business there are financial risks, just can't afford to set out a whole lot right now.
My sponsor is very supportive, which completely motivates me. I know that the passion is there, just uncertain if the customers are.
AtHomeLeah
12-29-2005, 05:20 AM
Robin,
I'm right there with you! For weeks now my DH and I have been back and forth over how much to invest in Arbonne at this time. I think our most recent decision was to find some extra money and even put some on our credit card if we have to. It just seems like I need to have 3 of the sets in order to do the business I want. And then there are the other products I want to purchase for my own use. Yikes! It may not be the best way to start out the New Year (in debt) but I have faith that this will work. And I figure that if worst comes to worst, I can probably sell what I have left to any of the numerous consultants around me. Not that I'll have to, though, because I feel committed to this for the long haul. smileys/smiley2.gif
I'm right there with you! For weeks now my DH and I have been back and forth over how much to invest in Arbonne at this time. I think our most recent decision was to find some extra money and even put some on our credit card if we have to. It just seems like I need to have 3 of the sets in order to do the business I want. And then there are the other products I want to purchase for my own use. Yikes! It may not be the best way to start out the New Year (in debt) but I have faith that this will work. And I figure that if worst comes to worst, I can probably sell what I have left to any of the numerous consultants around me. Not that I'll have to, though, because I feel committed to this for the long haul. smileys/smiley2.gif
Soonergirl74
12-29-2005, 08:19 AM
OK ladies. I'm putting on my cheerleader hat now. And I am sorry for the length but it can’t be helped. <?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
I understand you're scared. You should be because starting a business is scary. It's scary because of the risk & it's even scarier because your success or failure is your responsibility. And it doesn't matter if you are starting a business for $2000 or for $200,000; the scariness factor is the same. I know because I've done both & I did them the same month! (And no I wasn't rich, but I am deep in debt now, lol)
First, remember that if you are buying products for your business/business aidesthen you will be able to get the tax advantages of that. If you get it done in December then you can use it for this year's taxes,so you'll see the benefit of that investment quicker.
Don't go into this with those doubts. If you don't believe fully that you can do this or that it is real then borrow your sponsors belief until you have your own. Or borrow mine; my belief in Arbonne is solid. I KNOW it's a valid business that is very lucrative. If you share Arbonne you are going to find people who love it, period. They are out there.
I mentioned earlier that success or failure is your responsibility. One of the great things about this business is that you are in business FOR yourself but not BY yourself. And that is true. Utilize your sponsor, they are there to walk through this with you & make sure you have everything you need to be successful. I am there with my BB every step of the way, they don't do one on ones, we do two on ones b/c I do them with them. However, ultimately the responsibility of each of our businesses lies with us.
It is not up to the sponsor to stay in activity, it’s up to the BB. I can make sure they know all the information about the meetings, conference calls etc but I can’t force them to do it. I can’t force them to listen to the L&B & do <?:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arbonne</st1:PlaceName> <st1:Place w:st="on">University</st1:place></st1:place>. So I can give them all the tools but it’s up to them to use them. That is an area that the responsibility is on them. And I have to tell you that those things are important.
Another thing that is their responsibility is to make that first contact with their prospects. They make that first contact which sets up our two on one. The contact should be very quick, less than 5 minutes. If they make that first contact I am right there with them the rest of the way. But they have to bring me the prospect to help them with; I can’t contact their market for them. It’s a huge step & very important b/c if they don’t do this then they don’t grow their business.
When you start this business & are ready to invest whatever amount you decide to invest, start it out right. Don’t set yourself up for failure by all the negative thoughts & doubts. Your thoughts & what you say is VERY important. (Read DR. Helmstetter for more on that)
You have to jump in with both feet & commit yourself 100%. Be coachable, I assume you joined with your sponsor b/c you believed in the system she uses & you believe she could help you to be successful. So then do what she trains you to do. Attend every meeting you can possibly get to, listen to every conference call & learn & burns, finish <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arbonne</st1:PlaceName> <st1:Place w:st="on">University</st1:place></st1:place>. If you commit & you do the activity of sharing Arbonne then put the fear you have now out of your mind because you WILL be successful. It’s simple; this business is what you put into it. You want to make it worth the $$ you put into it then do what you have to do. If you don’t care about making it worth that then do just enough or just what you feel like doing. Maybe you’ll get lucky & somehow succeed, more likely you won’t.
Everyone wants to know the secret of how the VP’s got there. It’s simple, they went to meetings even when they didn’t feel like it, they used all the other learning tools we have available even though there was probably something else they’d rather be doing at the time. They made those contacts & shared Arbonne with everyone they could & subsequently they’ve heard more no’s than any of us. That’s it, it’s that simple. So just do it! smileys/smiley1.gif
I understand you're scared. You should be because starting a business is scary. It's scary because of the risk & it's even scarier because your success or failure is your responsibility. And it doesn't matter if you are starting a business for $2000 or for $200,000; the scariness factor is the same. I know because I've done both & I did them the same month! (And no I wasn't rich, but I am deep in debt now, lol)
First, remember that if you are buying products for your business/business aidesthen you will be able to get the tax advantages of that. If you get it done in December then you can use it for this year's taxes,so you'll see the benefit of that investment quicker.
Don't go into this with those doubts. If you don't believe fully that you can do this or that it is real then borrow your sponsors belief until you have your own. Or borrow mine; my belief in Arbonne is solid. I KNOW it's a valid business that is very lucrative. If you share Arbonne you are going to find people who love it, period. They are out there.
I mentioned earlier that success or failure is your responsibility. One of the great things about this business is that you are in business FOR yourself but not BY yourself. And that is true. Utilize your sponsor, they are there to walk through this with you & make sure you have everything you need to be successful. I am there with my BB every step of the way, they don't do one on ones, we do two on ones b/c I do them with them. However, ultimately the responsibility of each of our businesses lies with us.
It is not up to the sponsor to stay in activity, it’s up to the BB. I can make sure they know all the information about the meetings, conference calls etc but I can’t force them to do it. I can’t force them to listen to the L&B & do <?:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arbonne</st1:PlaceName> <st1:Place w:st="on">University</st1:place></st1:place>. So I can give them all the tools but it’s up to them to use them. That is an area that the responsibility is on them. And I have to tell you that those things are important.
Another thing that is their responsibility is to make that first contact with their prospects. They make that first contact which sets up our two on one. The contact should be very quick, less than 5 minutes. If they make that first contact I am right there with them the rest of the way. But they have to bring me the prospect to help them with; I can’t contact their market for them. It’s a huge step & very important b/c if they don’t do this then they don’t grow their business.
When you start this business & are ready to invest whatever amount you decide to invest, start it out right. Don’t set yourself up for failure by all the negative thoughts & doubts. Your thoughts & what you say is VERY important. (Read DR. Helmstetter for more on that)
You have to jump in with both feet & commit yourself 100%. Be coachable, I assume you joined with your sponsor b/c you believed in the system she uses & you believe she could help you to be successful. So then do what she trains you to do. Attend every meeting you can possibly get to, listen to every conference call & learn & burns, finish <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:PlaceName w:st="on">Arbonne</st1:PlaceName> <st1:Place w:st="on">University</st1:place></st1:place>. If you commit & you do the activity of sharing Arbonne then put the fear you have now out of your mind because you WILL be successful. It’s simple; this business is what you put into it. You want to make it worth the $$ you put into it then do what you have to do. If you don’t care about making it worth that then do just enough or just what you feel like doing. Maybe you’ll get lucky & somehow succeed, more likely you won’t.
Everyone wants to know the secret of how the VP’s got there. It’s simple, they went to meetings even when they didn’t feel like it, they used all the other learning tools we have available even though there was probably something else they’d rather be doing at the time. They made those contacts & shared Arbonne with everyone they could & subsequently they’ve heard more no’s than any of us. That’s it, it’s that simple. So just do it! smileys/smiley1.gif
Kiana's Mom
12-29-2005, 08:48 AM
Go Jennifer, Go Jennifer...LOL!
Soonergirl74
12-29-2005, 10:18 AM
lol, thanks Teresa. Sometimes I just can't stop myself. I just believe so much in this business & so much in anyone who wants to be successful. If you want it then you can do it.
Robin & Leah, I know you both want it & have the passion. I know you can make it to NVP if you choose to...you know it also. You just may not fully realize you know it yet. smileys/smiley1.gif
Robin & Leah, I know you both want it & have the passion. I know you can make it to NVP if you choose to...you know it also. You just may not fully realize you know it yet. smileys/smiley1.gif
MegJB
12-29-2005, 10:29 AM
Well Said Jennifer!
When I decided to be a buisness builder, I decided I would invest in what I need to show effectively. The Hostess Bonuses havehelped a lot, but in the 4 months I've been doing this, my profits are pretty much all rolling back into the business.
I have a few RE9 sets (both mens and womens), and usually 10 SSS's (for my hostesses) on hand at all times. I prefer the sample packs for people to try, and My Husband (and biz builder) just invested in 10-10packs ofeach the mens and women's RE9 on hand. I keep a few RE9 eye creams and Day Creams on hand becasue they sell fast.
I do have one baby set, 1 basic set (n/o) and the After Sun set to show at presentations, along with the basics (hand cream, etc) and aromatherapy for people to try. I am waiting for a figure 8 set, and working on a plan for a "New Year, New You" type event in January. Any suggestions for that would be appreciated!
I am working on getting all the color to demo. I have about half, and plan to have all the shadows and blushes soon.
Question:
Has anyone found an effective way to show the lipsticks? I love the color pallette for the shadows and blushers, but would like a better way to show thelip colors.
Thanks!
Meg
When I decided to be a buisness builder, I decided I would invest in what I need to show effectively. The Hostess Bonuses havehelped a lot, but in the 4 months I've been doing this, my profits are pretty much all rolling back into the business.
I have a few RE9 sets (both mens and womens), and usually 10 SSS's (for my hostesses) on hand at all times. I prefer the sample packs for people to try, and My Husband (and biz builder) just invested in 10-10packs ofeach the mens and women's RE9 on hand. I keep a few RE9 eye creams and Day Creams on hand becasue they sell fast.
I do have one baby set, 1 basic set (n/o) and the After Sun set to show at presentations, along with the basics (hand cream, etc) and aromatherapy for people to try. I am waiting for a figure 8 set, and working on a plan for a "New Year, New You" type event in January. Any suggestions for that would be appreciated!
I am working on getting all the color to demo. I have about half, and plan to have all the shadows and blushes soon.
Question:
Has anyone found an effective way to show the lipsticks? I love the color pallette for the shadows and blushers, but would like a better way to show thelip colors.
Thanks!
Meg
AtHomeLeah
12-29-2005, 10:43 AM
Jennifer,
THANK YOU!
You know what, I had a big long reply all typed up and ready to go. But I have chosen to not even go there. I want to stop giving in to my fears. So rather than say all those things that scare me, I'll just say this:
I know I can reach the level of success I desire with Arbonne. And better yet, as I'm a sure a business coach would want me to say, "I am reaching the level of success I desire with Arbonne"!
THANK YOU!
You know what, I had a big long reply all typed up and ready to go. But I have chosen to not even go there. I want to stop giving in to my fears. So rather than say all those things that scare me, I'll just say this:
I know I can reach the level of success I desire with Arbonne. And better yet, as I'm a sure a business coach would want me to say, "I am reaching the level of success I desire with Arbonne"!
Soonergirl74
12-29-2005, 11:32 AM
Good for you Leah! I am so glad you chose to not go there. 2 reasons.
One, we all know all of your fears because we've all had/have them. Believe me, everything you are scared of are the same things any consultant is or has been scared of at some point, including VP's. The details may be different but they are still the same base fears. You have to feel it, acknowledge it & then do it anyway. You will be SO empowered when you do. Again, I know this from experience & it's things I struggle with at times myself still.
Two, if you write those fears out or say them you give them power. Do NOT give your fear power over your life. If you do then what you fear will come true. You don't realize you're doing it but you'll make it come true. When you think something scary try to turn it around to something positive & replace it.
So good for you for changing it & reaffirming a positive belief instead. I know it seems silly & corny but it works!
You go girl!
One, we all know all of your fears because we've all had/have them. Believe me, everything you are scared of are the same things any consultant is or has been scared of at some point, including VP's. The details may be different but they are still the same base fears. You have to feel it, acknowledge it & then do it anyway. You will be SO empowered when you do. Again, I know this from experience & it's things I struggle with at times myself still.
Two, if you write those fears out or say them you give them power. Do NOT give your fear power over your life. If you do then what you fear will come true. You don't realize you're doing it but you'll make it come true. When you think something scary try to turn it around to something positive & replace it.
So good for you for changing it & reaffirming a positive belief instead. I know it seems silly & corny but it works!
You go girl!
