WAHM Forums

I would love to hear what made you decide to be with your company. What type of things did you look for when searching for a party plan? What do you feel is important in a company? What makes your company stand out (paid hostess gifts, high commission, etc.)? What would you change if you could?

I have been with Country Bunny Bath and Body almost four years (2/06). I wanted a company that fit my family and would allow me to keep my family and my number one priority. I wanted a company that I believed in the products and I love to bathe so it was a perfect fit. The hostess program and comissions have improved by leaps and bonunds since I started. The company was only two when I started and I saw so much potential. Changes? I would not change anything, other than when I started. I wish I could have started sooner, but did not know of them sooner. This company is truly my passion and I look forward to the years to come.


~T

Wow these are great questions!


Why I choose Cool Sets: Well with Cool Sets trying the product was my first step. After that I knew I was in because of the quality, comfort and features which work exactly as stated. Also that it is a portable lightweight business to transport. A product that I believe in and that other's will too, as well as enjoying what I do!


The things I looked for when looking into a party plan were:


Contents and price Starter kit


Company paid Hostess Gifts


Great commission structure


NO deliveries


NO inventory


Shipping to hostess ordirect shippingto each customer/guests


Company paying sales tax


Additional fee's (credit card processing fee's)


Getting paid the night of the party/Receiving commission checks


Able to promote in many ways not just home parties


Being allowed to advertise online/offline


Return/exchange policy


Reasonable sales quota


Support and training provided via the company and sponsor


Rewards and promotions


What I feel is important about the company is that they truly care about the success of the consultants and that thereis support/training/tools to help them achieve such "with out breaking their bank".


What makes the company stand out is the Cool Balance technology that has beenappliedinto making the sleepwear/loungewear line with the "Party Model" in mind.


At the moment I would change that they have replicate websites for consultantsand they they add more plus sizes (which they are working on).


Glad I could share this!


Your Cool Sets Mom,


Edited by: PQMom

I actually NEVER imagined myself doing a Party Plan. I didn't like going to parties, would never have one, and certainly didn't think I would sell anything.


However... when a friend called me 4 years ago and told me about Southern Living at Home... I was intrigued. The only reason I became a consultant was because of the name. I loved Southern Living Magazine and thought so highly of it. I didn't know anything about hostess plans, compensation plans, or royalties. Didn't mean a thing to me. I didn't go searching for a business... it sort of dropped in my lap.


I am so impressed with gals who actually research companies. I just jumped in and was lucky to go with a company that has a fantastic reputation already. I guess for me, the company's reputation is what "sold" me. The compensation and hostess plan is great and I think it's one of the best in the industry, but I didn't learn about all that until after my first show!


What would I change? Nothing!


Susan Scarborough Smith / Star Director

I chose my company because of it's high standard of customer service and moral values. To me that is important. I am person of integrity and wanted to represent a company that had integrity. I also love that I don't have to do Home Parties but instead can do B-day parties, charity events, day cares, schools, scout troops ect. That my market is open to all kinds of people. I love that we have our own websites as well. If I had to change something I am not sure what I would I really do love my company. Oh and I also like that they provide us premade advertisment files that we can download and edit with our info. This saves a ton of time and still looks way proffessional.

I wanted quality products, affordable prices, and something consumable to help with reorders


Some of the perks I love about White Lily - the flexibility, the ability to grow and build a team, the fact that we have no minimum order amount, no quotas, we are able to sell where and how we want (online, in person, parties, retail stores, etc). I love that the hostess program makes it easy for hostesses to earn free products, and I am very happy that the hostess program is company sponsored!


I think it is important for companies to listen to their consultants, to get a feel for what works and what doesn't work, and to be dynamic and have the ability to make adjustments if needed. I am also very happy that White Lily has grown and developed and increased our product line and our scent line!


I love that I am able to work my business mainly online, I love that the company is fairly new so the market isn't saturated with our products or consultants. I love that our products are 100% natural. And most of all, I love that I don't have to shop at that store in the mall anymore smileys/smiley36.gif


As for now, I wouldn't change anything!

I think the most important reason to join a direct sales business is
because you are passionate about the products! I used to say that
I would NEVER do direct sales, but that was before I found out that I
could offer families all-inclusive craft kits through home
parties! I was a preschool teacher before I had my three kids and
I have always loved doing crafts with my kids! BYB was a perfect
fit for me!



I knew that I would love it and that my kids would love, but I never
expected to have so many other people be so excited about it,
too! I have never had a problem finding hosts and I have been
consistantly recruiting ever since I joined. I know that part of
the reason other people are so responsive to BYB is that I am SO
excited about it and so passionate about every aspect of the business!!!



If you would like more specific info about BYB please PM me! Good
luck in your search for the perfect business for you! Go with
your heart and you won't go wrong!

I actually NEVER imagined myself doing a Party Plan. I didn't like going to parties, would never have one, and certainly didn't think I would sell anything.


However... when a friend called me 4 years ago and told me about Southern Living at Home... I was intrigued. The only reason I became a consultant was because of the name. I loved Southern Living Magazine and thought so highly of it. I didn't know anything about hostess plans, compensation plans, or royalties. Didn't mean a thing to me. I didn't go searching for a business... it sort of dropped in my lap.


I am so impressed with gals who actually research companies. I just jumped in and was lucky to go with a company that has a fantastic reputation already. I guess for me, the company's reputation is what "sold" me. The compensation and hostess plan is great and I think it's one of the best in the industry, but I didn't learn about all that until after my first show!


What would I change? Nothing!


Susan Scarborough Smith / Star Director








It was the same with me, except I had attended some of my cousins partylite parties and it seemed like fun and a chance to get out of the house. I researched different various "Home Decor" businesses and Southern Living at Home was so impressive I decided to sign up right then. Everything is amazing about them from the consultant support, consultant incentives, the website, products are second to none and they truly care about customers and making them happy.


This company is backed by the largest publishing firm in the world! They are constantly updating and adding on to make service better for consultants and customers alike. What other company does this yearly? smileys/smiley4.gif

I would love to hear what made you decide to be with your company. What type of things did you look for when searching for a party plan? What do you feel is important in a company? What makes your company stand out (paid hostess gifts, high commission, etc.)? What would you change if you could?



Hi and welcome to wahm!!! :)


When I decided to start working at home, it was important to me to find a company that I loved the products and would use everyday. Something that was consumable and alot of people used. I found it in Mia Bella Gourmet Candles. These candles are the cleanest burning virtually soot free candles I have ever seen!


Our commission is up to 50% on suggest retail price and we make 5 to 10% on our downline if we choose to team build. I love to watch people smell our candles for the first time, their eyes light up and they are like "WOW"!


The most important thing is to find something you belive in, something that you will stand behind and use. I burn candles everday, I use our bath products everyday, thats standing behind what your company sales.


The only thing I would change is to add retail sites, but that is coming within a few months! Other than that, NOTHING! The products speak for themselves!!


Best of luck in your decision if you are looking for a home based business and when you decide on a company speak to different people on diff teams so that you will make an informed decision!

Oh man now I am feeling shleppy after just jumping into mine lmao I went to a party and thought wow that seems like fun. I sat on the idea for a few months. They were having a sign up special one month and I happened to see that and grabbed it and signed up just intending to do internet sales and then once I did my first party I was hooked and I have moved up pretty fast in my team and am growing my team pretty quickly so it must have been a good fit but man now I'm thinking I should have done more research lol or perhaps since I'm doing so well maybe just jumping in to what your gut says is the way to go!

I fell into my company because I wanted the kit, and needed some extra money, so I figured I'd give it a try. I never imagined it would end up supporting my family one day. I figured I wouldn't make anything. But I was having fun, and the money was bonus! smileys/smiley36.gifThat was over 4 years ago.


I've stayed because of my children and the growing income. They love what I do, are benefiting, I get to help others, and I love what the company and toys are about.


I feel a company needs to have good integrity and values, it helps to be established, and they need to carry a product you love and feel you can easily share with others. For me, I love to play so going to someone's house and dumping toys in the middle of their floor, and getting paid for it, is a dream come true! smileys/smiley36.gif


DT offers a lot, great compensation plan, hostess plan they take care of. And other little things, like they add the bags, and they pay credit card processing fees and are just easy to work with.


The only thing I'd change is I would have joined earlier! :-)


Best of luck to you,


Debbie

You know, I am NOT the type of person to wake up, stretch, and say to
myself "You know, THIS would be a great day to get into Direct Sales"!

I was a distributor for twelve years with Nu Skin, dabbled a little in a
couple of others, then gave up altogether. That was in 2003.

I was NOT looking for more to do. With five kids, and a busy esthetics
practice, I was plenty busy! Then my daughter got sick and I had to
immediately leave my skin therapy pracitce to be home full-time with
her...That was in November of last year. I learned about Taste Of Home
Entertaining in December, and because I was familiar with the brand ( I
subscribe to their cooking magazine, and have attended their cooking
school), I was immediately VERY interested in getting in on the ground
floor before they open to take orders in May.

What stands out? They are a Reader's Digest/Reiman Publishing-backed
company--Mario Batali of Food TV, Rachel Ray of Food TV and
magazine...High quality kitchen, entertaining, decorating, etc..at Target
prices... I just feel so LUCKY to have found this right now at a time when
my esthetics income has comletely evaporated! Almost..I do work 1/2
day at my business...

What was the queston again? LOL!!

Nondy

Hi & welcome to the boards!! I joined Home & Garden Party only after giving them a thorough lookover!!smileys/smiley1.gifAs with any party plan business there are several things we lookfor before joining the company- 1.Products-what kind of products do they sell, will my customers like the products & will they purchase them? Obviously "Yes" to all of the above was my answer. 2. What was the Hostess Plan like ? Would it benefit my Hostess' in a way that they felt rewarded ? My answer to that was "Yes" I loved their Hostess Plan. 3. Of course we can't leave out commision- 30%-40% commision isn't all that bad- usually $125 per party- depending on sales for that night. 4. Booking Gifts & Bonus buys were the exception as well,5. Health benefits were available for the designer(a +) 6. And did I mention training!! These are the" why's " I joined HGP! God Bless - Rosalee- www.ywave.com/~zelmyrs/ (http://www.ywave.com/~zelmyrs/)


Opportunity calls- 1-866-206-0240 Followed by 848226#Central Time- Toll FREE - 11:00, 2:00,5:00, & 9:00 pm-Mondays

Hi, first of all I knew I was looking for a candle company and I HAD TO LOVE the products. After narrowing in down to about 3 companies, I compared commissions, compensations plans.... then I went back to what grabbed my heart!


I'm with Northern Lights at Home, it's an awesome company!


Sandra

While I could say that I loved the commission rate (50%) and that I loved how many women make over $100,000 in Mary Kay, that is not what attracted me to the company.
I really liked the people that I met. They were down to earth, sincere, and loved what they were doing. I stay because the company is so incredibly awesome, in every way!
Valerie

Hi Summerfield~ Welcome to WAHM!smileys/smiley17.gif You will love this site and all the wonderful folks here!


I wasn't actually in the market for ahome biz. I was looking for a way to get the products I loved with ease! When I was searching for Watkins, I learned how much more it had to offer!


Watkins pays 100% of the hostess rewards as well as giving them an added gift just for hosting the party! We have more than 350 consumable products. I just love the repeat business!All of our products come with a 100% Money back guarantee!smileys/smiley1.gif


Honestly, I cannot think of anything that I would like to change about the company. Watkins always works on great benefits for their associates. It's like it's always getting better and better!


I've had a blast ever since! I get the products I love, and can share the products and business with others~


If only I would have started years ago! smileys/smiley1.gifEdited by: bianca5454

Hello Summerfield!


I have to say that I had been looking for months fora direct sales company to get involved with and I had many in mind. But, not the one I joined! I saw it in passing on some web sites but didn't give it much thought...then I recieved some samples in the mail from the woman who is now my sponsor. I am now completely hooked!!! They are truly natural bath and body products, and being a new mom that is extremely important to me. There are no rules on what can be labled "natural" in the skin care department so our founder set out to make products that were worthy of that title. I love them and I love teaching others about them! The money is nice toosmileys/smiley36.gif


Tiffany


daisyblue-naturals@hotmail.com

After narrowing in down to about 3 companies, I compared commissions, compensations plans.... then I went back to what grabbed my heart!


I love that ... "then I went back to what grabbed my heart!"


Well said! smileys/smiley1.gif


Sarah

I looked for a company that was a leader in its field and had the best products that I could truly stand behind.


Helped women be successful and confident.


Hadgreat commissions + bonuses - let's face it, we're in this to make real money, have flexibility and have fun!


Awesome training and support!


Perks, perks and more perks...

I agree with Motwa....it had to be a leader in it's field, it had to have the best products, and I had to be able to stand behind them heart and soul.

Other than that...Integrity, Integrity, Integrity.

Integrity in a product and it's ability to affect people's lives in a real and meaningful way.

Integrity in a corporate mind set that meant that every decision was made based on common sense, concern for the consultants, and concern for the customer...NOT money.

Integrity in my co-workers meaning the company had to "attract" like minded people to who I am. Common sense, compassionate, customer service oriented, and intelligent.

When I found it, I wrapped both hands around it and refused to let go!!! What a joy to never "doubt" motives in any layer of the business!

I chose Arbonne for several main reasons:


1-It didn't require much commitment from me up front. $29 to sign. No monthly quotas. No inventory stocking.


2-Not many people have heard of Arbonne in my area...this means a HUGE market


3-I have never used any skin care that changed my skin before. This is the first one that worked


4-I wanted something that I could do mainly on-line


5-They have one of the best pay plans I have seen


6-They operate out of integrity and really push all their consultants to do the same


All that to say, I think I chose the right company and I love it!Edited by: cindi8d

I joined Usborne because I LOVED the books! I wanted them at a discount for my girls. They also had a good commission structure, and I liked the fact that it was not just home shows...I do web sales, vendor booths, and school sales and school reading programs.


I did some background on them- and found they are traded on the NASDAQ- so they have to abide by strict rules and scrutiny, and they have been listed in Fortune Magazine 3 years in a row for fastest growing small company. They have also been listed 2 times for best small company to work for.


I love the fact that they take care of all the CC processing- and if someone orders off my website...the only thing for me to do is open the mail for my commission check the following month! (well...okay...I send a thank you note to my customer toosmileys/smiley2.gif)


They are generous with the payment plan, and with incentives for their consultants. In the first year with the company, I have earned an all expense paid trip to convention, a portable DVD player, a spa package, gift basket, GPS machine, free books...and..my favorite..CASH BONUSES.


Their start up kits are awesome too...and a great deal. They also have NO monthly sales quotas for consultants, so I liked not having that pressure if something happened and I didn't have sales for a few months! The training is great- and I love the people involved with the company. Even the CEO will get on the message boards, getting our opinions, and answering questions-


When kids are hugging a book that their parents bought for them...I know I made the right choice.


I LOVE USBORNE!!!!

I never saw myself doing party plans, But I love jewlery and researched everal companies before going with lia sophia. I loved the fact of the lifetime guarnatee and the styles of the jewlery. plus they didnt want an arm and a leg to become an advisor. They offer great hostess benefits and commison. and are on big family. I needed some new in my life that involed being around other people so i thought why not give it a try.

Hi Summerfield,


My name is Jen and I am having an absolute ball with Watkins! smileys/smiley17.gif


We have several ways to create an income from home, but since you asked specifically about a home party plan, I can tell you the following:


~Our home Parties are called "Good Tastings".


~Watkins has a Good Tasting assorment pack to get you started for 4 Good Tastings home parties and reasonably priced. smileys/smiley1.gif


~For your Hostess, the Host's incentive of free products is paid completely by Watkins, and does not come out of the YOUR profits which is a plus!!


~If you are really interested in doing Home Parties, we also have excellent training available as well.


~We are not just about Home Parties. There are so many ways to market Watkins that it makes it doable and flexible for anyone who just wants a "change" from Home Parties or a "change" from Online Marketing. smileys/smiley1.gif


~Finally, what makes our company stand out is that Watkins started Network Marketing. We are the "Grand Daddy". smileys/smiley17.gifWe also are distinguished as being a home based business that has been around since 1868. smileys/smiley1.gifVery rich in heritage and I am so very proud to be a part of Watkins!smileys/smiley17.gif


Jen


www.watkinsonline.com/jouellette (http://www.watkinsonline.com/jouellette)


http://www.tsginfo.com/index.php?rc=JE4922 (http://www.tsginfo.com/index.php?rc=JE4922)

Edited by: SpicesJustRight

I chose The Traveling Vineyard for one reason, and one reason only. I LOVE THE PRODUCT -- Wine. Its so easy to market a product that you love and use yourself. Plus, this is the ultimate consumable, so people don't tire of going to these events. They get to taste five new wines, and learn interesting things about each one, the wine making process and other neat tidbits. I love when people ask me for recommendations, and I really enjoy going to events. In a million years I never thought I would do home parties (I hate going to most of them because they are for things I don't use or already have too much of), I am a (more than) Full Time Attorney, but I find it really enjoyable.


And in my opinion, that is key, do you love the product. If not, its going to hard to sell. I also liked that the start up cost was low, it gave me the courage to try it out.


Good luck!


Lori

I just started up in October and It took me a long time and a lot of research before I found my product. I have a three year old and Discovery Toys fit me perfectly because my family can play with and sample the products. All the kids love coming over to play because I have the best toy room on the block! I always have gifts on hand for any occaision, and Christmas was much easier this year! The company incentives are easy to achieve if you attend the trainings and really do your best to get your name out there and grow your downline.Our incentive trip for 2007 is Rio and my uplines helped me to devise a strategy for me toachieve it, are supporting me and encouraging me to reach and achieve my goals. Its so much fun! I never imagined itwould be this fun. Yes, there is a bit of work you have to doto get your name out there and contact your customers withmailings and such, but the toys really do sell themselves, All you have to do is bring them, show people how they work, play with them and take the orders and ask if there is anyone there who would like to have your job.


So I guess Its all about the product. You have to find the product that you love and that you know others will love as well. Choose the product that you wont mind having an abundance of in your house! Choose something that youhave a need for in your everyday life.


..and if you wanted to choose toys, then contact me!smileys/smiley9.gifEdited by: gotTOYS

I am almost ashamed to say that I did notdo a lot of reseach before joining Premeir Designs.


I saw $$$$ signs.


I have 6 children and my time is incredibly valuable to me...I wanted to open a store in my town and had come to the realization that it was not as "romantic" as I had dreamed to own your own business. Then I heard about Premier.


Now, 3 years later, I have researched other Direct Sales Companies. And I feel that I made a Great decision, money wise,by joining Premier Designs.


Not to mention the fact that this company has Blessed my family in many, many way...that money has nothing to do with.


Follow Your Heart....


Sheryl

What made me choose The Bittersweet Candle Company? I knew I wanted to join a candle company - so that helped alot. I tested candles from a variety of companies and fell in love with the scent and clean burning candles from Bittersweet. I also knew I wanted a company that had a really good online policy. One that allowed me to sell online and drop ship orders to my customers. I didn't want to have any minimum order amounts or have a monthly quota I had to purchase. I got a few more things that I had hoped for with Bittersweet. I receive a great 40% commission, where I was used to 25% and I receive my website for FREE where I had to pay for a website in the past.


After writing everything down about the other two companies I was looking at, I knew this was the one for me. I have never regretted my decision!

I chose Gourmet to Go Because the food was real homecooked yummyfood. The commision is another factor because so many companies out there give a low percentage.





REgards,


Kristina


www.partyplancompanies.com (http://www.partyplancompanies.com)

Hope I don't ramble on, but the party company Ihave been with for the last2.5 yearsis ceasing direct sales at the end of this month. We wereinformed in December things weren't looking good and it broke my heart. I'm done with the tears portion of getting the news but after looking at similarproducts,I just had to go another direction completely.


I didn't want to sit around because I love the whole aspect of being my own boss, meeting new people and just sharing the products so after some searching I found the company I recently signed on with, Acara. I wanted to try alot of their products, ended up getting the kit and have been using them diligently. I am excited to say that I'm sold and I believe I made an excellent choicesmileys/smiley9.gif

I am one of those who also NEVER imagined working in sales, let alone a party plan! I'm somewhat shy, and don't know a lot of people.

So how in the world</span> did I end up doing BeautiControl?smileys/smiley36.gif

I went to a neighbor's Spa Escape, and believe me, I didn't even want to do that. No money, a lot of horrible things going on in my life at one time (separating, lost a baby, lost my house...all in the space of three weeks.)

But when I went to that Spa, I was like, "I could do this!" I knew I could do it because I loved the products and I loved the whole Spa Escape thing...therefore, since I was genuinely passionate about it, I knew I could sell it. It's such a unique experience.smileys/smiley2.gif

Plus, I really thought (and still do think!) they had a great career plan. I want that red Mustang convertible!</span>smileys/smiley32.gif The cool thing is about that, once you get it, it's YOURS. You can't lose it. You</span> get the title. Even if the next day you decide you don't want any part of BC, you still get to keep it. And it's not a huge deal to get there either: once you sign up at least 8 new active consultants, you can go into your DIQ (for 6 months) and at the end of that time, you get it.

My Director is a friend of mine's mom. She was in the top ten in earnings for all</span> BC Exec. Directors for December! She drives a GMC Yukon thru BC. Her last monthly commission check was for more than $7000.00, and one month last year she promoted out three new Directors--and received THREE CHECKS for $5000.00 EACH. </span>Her house is unbelievable. And she started out just as a wholesale consultant! And right now, as I type this, she is vacationing in Cancun--paid for by BeautiControl.

With an upline like that coupled w/my own passion for the products and the business--I can't fail.
</span>

I chose For Your Pleasure for many many reasons!


#1 was high commission because I wanted to truly work at home and stay at home. No other pt job etc.


#2 I love the idea of educating women! My husband and I are very close, closer than ever before after I opened up to him in the bedroom. I love this fact that I can help other couples. I may not be able to save the divorce rate, but I can have fun trying!


#3 Hostess Benefits paid for, no deliveries, no stock! 100% supported by the company and the commissions are mine, I don't have to share.smileys/smiley2.gif





Great Post! I looked for over a year at different Adult companies before I chose FYP. I wanted all my duckies in a row!smileys/smiley32.gif

Like many of you, I NEVER thought I would EVER do a home party. In fact I was "dared" to do my first one.


But after I did it, I realized :"WOW" That wasn't so hard.


3 years later, I am now one of the top selling consultants and team builders within my company. I am also a trainer as well. I LOVE helping other woman become successful!


There are two important things to consider when looking at any direct sales business.The first is you MUST enjoy the products. The second is you MUST be able to develop a relationship with your sponsor.


If you are looking into any business and you are not getting answers from the person you are talking too, talk to someone else. You should always feel like your sponsor is caring and considerate about you.