WAHM Forums

Hello,


I am considering joining a party plan. It is between two companies that sell similar items. One company has exclusive items but pricey. The other company does not have exclusive items but are priced more reasonablely.


I am really having a tough time with this decision. Both people who represent their companies are great! So it's a tie in that area. The comp plans are great for both companies also.


I joined a jewelry company that is going nowhere for me. I have had two open houses and no one showed. I don't know if I picked bad nights or what. But no one is interested in this product line.


Also, to be honest I don't wear a lot of jewelry so I could be missing opportunites.


What I do know is that I went to a function at my son's school and I was talking about joining these two companies and I actually had people listening and they were interested. One woman said to give her a call when Ijoin.


So,the question becomes how to decide between two companies.


The one company with out the exclusive items is a stronger contender but I don't want people saying, I can get that at so-so. Why would I buy it from you? Or, should I even think that way?


On the other hand, I don't want people to say your products are nice but too expensive. Which by the way is the comments I am getting about the jewelry.


Also, one comapny has a non-compete clause so I want to chose carefully.


Any insight or comments would be greatly appreciated.


Sorry to make this post so long.


Thank you,


Irene

Do you have links that we could look at the different companies and see which looks better? smileys/smiley1.gif

Hi Irene,


This is a tough call. The one thing that I wonder about, though, is the fact that you said that you don't wear much jewelry. Are you willing to start wearing jewelry all the time in order to promote your product? Your customers will want to know that you believe in the product before they are likely to buy it themselves. Therefore, whatever you choose to sell, you need to use it yourself if you want to be successful. So I guess what I'm really asking is... are you considering selling jewelry strictly because you think it would sell well, or is it because you love jewelry and want to share it with others? It has been my experience that the number one ingredient for success in any business is true passion for your product.


Consider this scenario... let's say you are thinking about buying a new blender. Two of your friends, Suzy and Mary, go shopping with you while you make your selection.Suzy points outBlender A and reads the features listed on the box. Mary points out Blender B, which has very similar features to Blender A... but Mary adds a personal testimonial because she owns the same blender herself. She tells you that she's had it for years and it has proven very reliable. Maybe she remembers a time that it got knocked off the counter and didn't break... or relates a funny story about when her daughter decided to do an experiment withpeanut butter and spun honey, and amazingly it didn't burn the motor out. When it comes down to it, Blender A could be just as good as Blender B... but which one are you more likely to choose? The one where you don't know anything about it except what it says on the box, or the one where a friend has had a personal experience with it and just raves about it?


SO... I recommend you consider which company has jewelry that you would feel more comfortable using yourself andrecommending to others. Or maybe, if you're just not a jewelry person yourself, you should consider another product line entirely... something that you DO feel passionate about. Just something to ponder while you make your decision. Hope I haven't confused things more for you! smileys/smiley1.gif


Blessings,


ChristyEdited by: JoyfulHomeDecor

HMMMMMMMMMM- Hi Irene! This is the procedure that I follow as a rule & most times it has worked out for me. When I compare 2 different companies, not only do I look at the product line, their prices, etc I ask myself if these are the products I & my customers would like to buy? Next I look at the Hostess program- what do they offer their hostesses? How much does the Hostess have to earn to qualify for the Hostess Free merchandise? will she be willing to work for that?(with great Hostess coaching most times yes), next I look at what is offered for the Guests' such as does the company offer bonus buys? And I also look at the commision & also what it takes for me to qualify on a higher level should I want to do managemet, etc. And I also look into the Company- I find out as much as I can about the company I plan to work for- what benefits & programs do they have to offer? etc. all these things fall into my choosing of a good business & Home & Garden Party fits that category for me!(and others too)smileys/smiley17.gifJust a few things to consider & then decide which 1 of the 2 companies has the best pros & cons for you & what you are looking for!! Hope this helps !


Rosalee Decker- Designer Home & Garden Party www.ywave.com/~zelmyrs/ (http://www.ywave.com/~zelmyrs/)


"This is the day theLORD has made;rejoice & be glad in it."smileys/smiley17.gif

Irene,

Which would YOU buy as a consumer? I signed with Taste Of Home
Entertaining, because I got so excited about three things:

#1. The Taste Of Home Brand. ( I have subscribed to their cooking
magazine*for years, an have attended their cooking school.)

#2. The high quality of the products at Target-type of prices.

#3. I would buy these products as a consumer in a heart-beat.

I immediately knew that this was the company for me. You do have a
"gut" feeling, so I would say if neither of these is the ONE you KNOW is
right, KEEP LOOKING! If you don't have strong intuition about either, you
will have as much success as with your current company.Sorry, that
didn't sound exactly right, but hope you get the gist of what I am trying
to say...

Nondy

Edited by: UltraSkinPro

I would choose the one that gives you the most freedom in how you sell - since you like both product lines and you like both hostess programs -


I did one that was awesome stuff and too pricey - after about a year it fizzled out on me - now I do companies that you can do parties but you can sell at fairs, festivals, 1:1, etc - and more reasonably priced and products that people will need to re-order -


That has worked better for me - I do parties when the opportunities arise - and I do county fairs, festival, craft fairs - when those arise -


Life changes, the economy fluctuates - so the more flexibility the better -


I would also look at the stability of the company - I've had two friends invest a lot - and then the company shut down - that was heartbreaking for them -


So Love your products, Love the hostess programs, Love the prices, Love the ways you can sell, Love the commission and leadership structure and you are set .......


Just my 2 cents - I wish you the absolute best !!


Meg

Hi!


Thanks for the responses.Talk about the light bulb going on! I am going back and reevaluate the companies based on the responses here.


Pinkribbonmom, the companies are Linen World and Private Quarters. I don't know how to do links but the addresses are: www.Linenworld.com (http://www.Linenworld.com) and www.myprivatequarters.com (http://www.myprivatequarters.com)


Thanks for the responses!


Irene

Irene


You have gotten some GREAT advice here - it is so true you have to be using what you are selling otherwise you cannot honestly tell your customers about the product - And it seemd that no matter what you sell there are always going to be those who say "it is expensive, I could get cheaper at such and such"


This is true for me with some of my Biz -I hear it ALOT but..


Tupperware -"oh that's too high I can get the samething at Walmart"but then I can say go ahead and buy the"same TYPE thing" at Walmart and in a couple weeks whenyou have to throw it away, go buy some more - but in 30 yearsI will still have my same Tupperware container, that comes with a warrenty


With Enchanted Potions - some say that's too high for shampoo, shower gel, lotion etc- well these are not the folks shopping at Bath & Body stores- and I get to choose what I want to smell like !


But you do need to use WHATEVER you are selling, you need to LOVE what you are selling - it will show!


Best of luck in your decision - New Ventures are always frightening yet wonderful!


Tonja

the companies are Linen World and Private Quarters.


Oops! Clearly, I misreadyour original message, Irene. Sorry about that! My basic message still holds true, though... select the company that you get excited about! smileys/smiley1.gif I also second the other things that have been said here about investigating the stability of the company, etc.


Blessings,


Christy

Hi Irene~


They both look like very nice companies~ The one fact you mentioned really grabbed me. It was where you said that the one has a no-compete clause~


Does this mean you can't be part of any other biz? Be careful. Things in our lives change and we as women smileys/smiley36.gif(and men) change our minds/direction. Don't get stuck into something that may make you uncomfortable later.


Good luck to you~smileys/smiley1.gif Sleep on it. This way you will be sure~

Hi!


It sounds like jewelry is not your think. You need to be passionate about what you sell. What gets you the most excited? Which product would you buy if you were shopping a product they both carry--as in which company would you go with? Which one would you host for?


Follow your heart!


Debbie

I'm in the same situation. My companies are beauty companies. I love makeup but I feel that most people are tired of makeup parties and would not hold a makeup party. I can sell wholesale.


The compensation plans are different.With themakeup company I can make up to 61%. The makeup line carries well know brands. The products are great.


With the spa parties I feel people would schedule a party because of the empowering part of it and spa parties seem to be hot right now. The products are great but pricey. The plan is 25% but could go up based on my level in the company. That has been a sticking point for me.


I figure I will stick with the one that compensates me the most. I have a passion for beauty and wellness.

Hi,


Again, thanks for all the wonderful advice.


Sisterceo, I know just how you feel. I believe that people would want the one company because it is new and the concept is different. But, the biggest concern is the pricey items.


The other company has reasonable prices and a great hostess program. It is just not a niche market but has good products.


Irene

Irene..I feel your painsmileys/smiley1.gifI had a terrible time deciding what company to go with before I chose Linen World. I originally was going to sign with jockey, but the same thing held me back...everything was so pricey. Take both catalogs and show them to your friends and family and get their opinions. They may bring up points you've never considered.I wish you the best of luck, what ever route you choose...I know you'll do great!


Lisa

Irene follow your heart!!!!!!!!!! and good luck on what ever you decide to do.

Irene - What great thoughts everyone has on this topic. We all have been there. It has already been said - Love your product. Longevity of the company plays a huge role, also, the Hostess Reward program is big to keep the bookings coming. Do you have items that people will always need, or are they just "luxury" items that people only splurge once in awhile on?


We all want to be in party plans for the fun, flexibility, and of course the financial gain.Some companies offer different product lines that you can do whatever party the hostess wants for the occasion. I originally chose UndercoverWear because I love my PJs, but nowwe have3 divisions that I can represent and do 3 different types of parties: Lingerie and sleepwear, Spa and Beauty, or Adult Romance Enhancing items. I never thought I would be selling some of the items I do, but it has proven to be extremely fun, very flexible, and has plenty of financial rewards.


You seem like a very motivated woman who will make whatever you choose succeed. Knowledge truely is power!

I am familiar with one of the companies,LinenWorld,the other one I have never heard before,but they both look like they have great products.The only thing I can say it is what you are most comfortable with,also what is best for you.Compare comp plan,and make sure you are teaming up with a good sponsor,that can make or break your buisness.I know that it is a hard choice to make,but make sure that you choose what is best for you and your family,if you feel pressure to join one over the other than I would not.Good luck in your decision!smileys/smiley1.gif

You have been given lots of great advice! I would second the idea to go with what you can love and promote! Which one of these keeps you awake at night!


I love the look of MPQ, because I love the feel of really upscale bedding, linens etc - it really is so pampering! From the limited amount I know of both of these companies - they seem to have a pretty different theme to their product lines, very distinctly different. Which one gets you jazzed?





Also, I would not base it entirely on what friends and family would buy, your goal is to launch off into the groups that WILL buy your product! If you can get excited about it, you will connect with others that are too!


Best wishes!