WAHM Forums

How has the bad economy effected your businesses? Have sales been up or down?

With Homemade Gourmet, andour incredible mission of "Bringing Families back to the dinner table" - our company sales are UP!

My unit was up in sales every month (except one)in 2008.
Ouraverage consultant ordering average is also up.
In 2009, our company was up over 10% in sales in January (not sure on the exact % but I think it is a bit higher then that - I won't know till later this month on my Director call).
We are helping women make money through our business - but also helping everyday families save money and have great meals on theirtablewhen more women are going back to the workforce.


My January was incredible - and I was able to pay for a Disney trip (in which I leave on Monday) in cash wiht my personal sales.

People are eating at home more. They want delicious meals, healthy meals, and to feel good about themselves. HG does that and more (they can eat on a budget).

I am happy that I can help women be the HERO in the kitchen during these difficult economic times. It warms my heart when I am able to share grocery plans and products that are helpful to them - and give them some valuable time with their family connecting around the kitchen table.

My overall sales are up from last year. January was a little soft, but that is normal. Being that Watkins offers consumables, the economy won't effect our business.
Like Rebecca said, people need to eat and the trend is leaning towards eating at home more often. Also, society is becoming very serious about living healthier with better food consumption and creating a healthier environment. Watkins green products delivers just that in one stop!

Sales and Team building have both been up here at For Every Home. I have not seen really any changes, if anything I think we have increased our number of parties and because of our changes in 2009 with our free shipping so far our customer orders have been more.


It also helps having a product with a lower price point, $2.50 - $22.

We have done over and Above so far this year, adding 100 new Distributors a week in Advocare!
This is literally exploding!
Advocare always advertises specials andFree shippingto continue to be affordable and offer product bundles to save $$.

I'm not surprised that people have been joining up right and left. But what about your income?

Sales and bookings are up for me. http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley20.gif



Amanda

NO effect at all and we make NO excuses economy or no economy.
Sales are exploding thanks to our simple team system that works for anyone who plugs into it.

My team was up 6.25% here in Michigan for this January vs. last January and TRUST ME, that's something when I live in the state with the highest unemployment rate in the Nation.

Our company was also up (as they were for 2008) but like Rebecca, I won't know exactly how much until our Senior Team Mentor call later this month.

Congrats to so many of you able to "buck the trend." It is rough out there for several of our peers so I wish them the determination to work through this and continued success to those of you already doing well.

My business is way up, but I just started selling lia full time, so that's to be expected. My actual show averages have gone up over $100! And like Jennifer said, I am also in MI so that's huge! Like so many have said, it's all in your attitude. I live my life like everything is fabulous and it is. If I acted as though i were in a downward spiral, well, I would be. Having a positive attitude is so important. My husband and I are both laid off from our jobs in a steel mill, and we have taken this opportunity to spend time together, build my business, and take some classes. If we can have a positive attitude, anyone can. So let's go ladies and have a great year!!!

Thanks for your responses! I have to admit I am very surprised. Understanding that you do get what you put into it, have those of you who have had an increase in sales had to work harder for it than you have at other times?

I haven't had to work harder but I do work smarter. But I also have a 15 month old. I can't afford to make several trips to the post office or have parties cancel. I consider this time a "maintance" time. I am doing thinks that I should have done before, shame on me for not doing them then. Ie, coaching hostesses completely, staying organized, etc.

Ummmm,my siggy says it all! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif

I have to say that I was more deligent with hostess coaching. I want to make sure it is a 'win-win parternship' for the eventsI did do. I want to help the host get what she wants and a simple question is, 'What is the main reason why you decided to book this event with me?"

I even shared what dates I wanted to work - as I only had certain dates available. I did the same thing this month -and was able to take control of my calendar.

In addition, Creating a good parternship and relationship keeps shows to stick more often. They tend to be more involved and do a better job in over-inviting and keeping to original dates.

With myself being gone over 1/2 of January and my sales were higher - I can't say I worked harder. Like the above posts, just smarter.

I expect my February sales to also be up - and again I will be gone 10 days of this month as well.

Being intentional and creating relationships is a big part of a growing business. I work business hours - and even so - I feel very balanced.

Isn't it great that we can determine our outcome?

I just joined AVON, so I really have nothing to compare it to. But I haven't had any problem getting sales!

Hi Mommyto8kiddos! Welcome to WAHM.

We need to create a subfolder just for moms with many children. I have 6 and I feel like I do a lot of laundry, but I'm sure you have more :)

The economy and talk of how the economy is doing makes all of us uneasy. But I have found that women Love to Shop, and Love to Shop with Friends! So party plan businesses typically do very well in bad times.

And my team is growing! Many people are feeling a lack ofsecuritythese days.I have a bank manager signing up this week, she said she wantsthis to be her "just in case"back up plan.

Sheryl,

I'll join that subfolder, I have 5 kids ranging from 17 down to 6years old!

Hi Heather~ Mine are now ages 10-23, so there are only 5 still at home. But you know how it is, there are sometimes as many as 10 kids here for dinner!

We could talk about grocery shopping, sales on clothing and school supplies, Orthodontists that give discounts for multiple children, and referals for 7+ passeger vehilcles.

And share ourreal thoughts aboutgoing shoe shopping with all the children at one time http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif

"And share ourreal thoughts aboutgoing shoe shopping with all the children at one time</font> smileys/smiley36.gif"


Lol!!! Or shopping for ANYTHING with all of them at one time!

Hi Heather~ Mine are now ages 10-23, so there are only 5 still at home.



You have kids aged 10-23???

In looking at your pic you look 25 years old!!!! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley3.gif


You look great! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley1.gif

Deb

I'm with Rebecca, host coaching well is a MUST for me. I need more "tushies in the seats" these days then I have in the past. People are spending less "per person" than they did even a year ago so I need to make up for that with attendance.

So I might be putting a bit more effort into it but it's worth it. I'm not going anywhere. This is my business I've worked hard to build for the past 10 years so I have to "ride out" whatever comes my way these days.

In it to win it! http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley2.gif

Up and Up for me!

Thanks Deb :) you are too sweet and you made my day!

That picture was taken 2 years ago on a cruise that I had won with Premier, so I was 38 at the time.

I tell people all the time that I started too young and loved babies too much,that's why I have 6! I was just 17...wow, that seems so young now when I say it, but you know at the time I thought I was all grown up.

Heather ~ You must have been 10 when you had your first one! They keep you young, don't they? Either that or they will kill you http://www.wahm.com/forum/smileys/smiley36.gif Seriously!

It has stayed steady....I have seen a decrease in parties, sales...in fact, I think people are more excited because they have their party with friends and shop too! No mall guilt! HA!