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I would appreciate your opinions on a few different direct sales businesses. I'm trying to decide which one to go with.


Here's the list: The Body Shop at Home, Arbonne, Mary Kay, Lia Sophia, Premier Jewelry and Signature Homestyles.


Thanks!


Mary

They are all great companies!You just have to decide what you are most excited and passionate about!Deciding is often hard to do,just make sure that you choose what you are the most comfortable with and what you would enjoy!Good Luck!smileys/smiley2.gif

Hello ,


Lia Sophia is one company that I am with also...I simply LOVE the company and it's products. The support is outstanding and I feel the quality is also outstanding too. Lia Sophia is very picky with the quality we ship to our customers and thats a very good thing. Along with the fact that they offer a great commission plan and much more. I really LOVE this company and the people. If you are not working with anyone from Lia Sophia I would be more than happy to talk more about this with you. Simply let me know!


E-mail: cozypassions@yahoo.com (cozypassions@yahoo.com)








I also am a lifestyle consultant with Princess House...yet another awesome company! If you would like more info about Princess House send me an e-mail. I can send you our new spring line catalog along with tons of info. I'll be more than happy to send you info about us. rosemiller5@myprincesshouse.com


Rose Miller


Halifax, Pa 1-717-362-4347


E-mail: rosemiller5@myprincesshouse.com


Website: http://www.princesshouse.com/consutlants/rmiller005 (http://www.princesshouse.com/consutlants/rmiller005)

I agree with Nattiesmother, see what are you most passionate about.


Just a suggestion that may help. Make a list and rate them from 1 to 6 by the one you are most interested to the least interested. Then continue your research on them from there on. Edited by: PQMom

Go with the one you would personally spend the most money with. :-)


If it's still a tie, ask around and feel out your friends. And compare comp plans. But in the end, it all balances out and depends on you.


Best of luck!


Debbie

Wow, each company is so different. That's a hard choice. I would start making a list of all the pros and cons of each and start tallying it up. I like Debbie's question of which one would you spend the most money on yourself. That's a good indication of which you would be more excited about to share.

Good luck! Keep us posted!! :)

Thanks ladies for your input - I welcome any more opinions!smileys/smiley1.gif


Mary

You have to pick a company that has products that excite you, that you love, or you may end up burning out in a few months. It’s happened to me a few times. I have joined companies because I thought the products would sell (and they did) but I was not in to them, I never used them so I just could not get excited and I quit. Now I found a product that I love and can honestly say I just about everyday. It’s much easier to sell because you can see how much I love my product when I’m talking about it. <?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

My recommendation is to compare each company side by side. You have 3 companies that offer spa products and 2 companies that sell jewelry. Make yourself an excel spreadsheet with all the information you need answered by each company.


You will be happier and more successful if you follow your heart! Ask a lot of questions and take your time.


Good luck with your decision!

Hi Mary,


Breaking your list down by product types, I see beauty, jewelry, and home decor. I'd say your first step would be to decide among those types of products which one excites you the most... which do you feel most passionate about?


Once you've decided on a product category, then start looking at the features of each company within that category. Look at every aspect of the compensation plan, quotas, selling methods, rules and regulations, etc. Decide which package best suits you personally.


Good luck! smileys/smiley1.gif


Blessings,


Christy

Mary, have you ever heard of Latasia Jewelry? If you'd like me to email you a full catalog PM me and I will. We have beautiful Fashion Jewelry, reasonable start up costs, amazing compensation plans and trips and there are only around 500 of us nationwide. I just joined them and things are going amazingly well. I know you mentioned 2 others but I thought I'd mention Latasia to you. I had never heard of it until I talked to my former Petra Director and found out that ALOT of our former Petra women went to Latasia when Petra closed their doors and are succeeding wildly at it.


If you'd like me to call you and tell you the details or email you the catalog just PM me. In the meantime you can visit www.latasia.com (http://www.latasia.com) for a brief overview of the company. They are launching a brand new, more comprehensive site this coming week but you'll get an idea and know if you'd like to know more from the site now. I hope to hear from you.


Regardless, the same as all the other ladies say, go with your passion and what excites you. If you aren't having fun and loving your own product you won't be able to get it across to other people. And Research, research, research!! I pray for all the best for you!!!!

Krystal - I had never heard of Latasia. I took a look at the website and liked what I saw!


I would be interested in having a catalog!


Mary

I think the jewelry business would be loads of fun and I love jewelry, but when I've asked friends and family - they are not overly excited.


The cosmetics/spa business would also be fun - I think, but once again the feedback I'm getting just isn't there. I have a good friend with Mary Kay right now and she's doing pretty well. I've tried Arbonne and like their products....


I have decided against the Signature Homestyles. I'm not the best interior decorator and not sure how well I could sell the items.


I know with Mary Kay and Lia Sophia it's $99-$100 to join. Is Arbonne the same?


I've made some wrong choices in the past looking and siging up for a new business - I just don't want to make a wrong choice again.


Thanks for listening!


Mary

Here is a very unscientific experiment you can try. Get a current catalog of
each company's products, and ask ten friends which products they would
order. Now, which products would YOU order?

For example, I love skin care. It's my professional career choice. But, I also
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to cook and entertain! I satisfy my love of skin care in my
professional life, and I will satisfy my cooking/entertaining fetish with my DS
company...! Gotta love that!

Nondy

Edited by: UltraSkinPro

I know that Arbonne is cheaper if im not mistaken there signup kit is like 29.00?If Im wrong someone please correct me.What are you passionate about?What can you see yourself doing down the road.Choosing is never easy,make sure you do not base your decision on whether or not your family and friends will buy.You can only get so far by just selling to them.Just make a list of companies that you are interested in and take a look at what they have to offer.Then when you have narrowed your search start interviewing potential sponsors.Make sure that you choose a sponsor that is willing to help,train and motivate you.Make sure there interested in your success and not just seeing dollar signs.Good luck!smileys/smiley1.gif

Mary~


I have to agree with everybody else. What are you most passionate about? Make a list of pro's and con's. Be your own customer and ask yourself which of those biz's would you purchase from first or most?


If I was to answer your first question, I could tell you that I am not a make up person but I love jewelry (also, don't know what the body shop is).


So, being your own best customer, which would you use most? By using your own products, you become the expert! And your enthusiasm will shine through!


Good luck to you! Keep us posted! smileys/smiley17.gif

aww, don't let Mochamocha scare you awaysmileys/smiley2.gif


she/he doesn't like any at home sales companies, but do your research and make your own decision.


I am with Arb0nne and I like it a lot. It does cost $29 to sign up, and $15 to renew after a year.


There is something for everyone. It has a wide spectrum of products, including weight loss, vitamins, hair care, mens line, baby line, several skin care choices, and the make up and aromatherapy, and last but not least, the hormone balancing cream. That is actually the product I focus on a LOT! It has helped me with my PMS, and helped many of my friends,family and clients with hormone imbalance problems. I like their philopsophy of pure safe beneficial, and feel good about educating women on choices about ingredients and products they use for personal care, etc. It has helped me have a healthier lifestyle in general, and make better choices in foods, cleaning products and other things I use around the house, to protect my kids and myself from harmful chemicals.


So, as you can see, I am passionate about the products and what the company stands for. So it makes it easy to sell them. I am a stay at home mom to 4 kids and I homeschool. It is easy to make money on the side without building a team, stocking inventory or doing a ton of parties. Depending on what your income goals are, you can run your business several ways.


If you know someone close by with arb0nne, see if you can go to an opportunity meeting. they are usually free and a great resource to get information.


or PM me for more info!
Good luck!Edited by: anet

You sound like you have the same problem I do. You like TOO many companies. Companies that sell very different stuff.


But you got to imagine yourself doing 3-4 parties a week. Which business would you prefer?


Think about...


Dress: Do you want to be dressy or casual?


Consumables: Do you want to sell something consumable or would you rather not have to deal with constantly making sure you have enough to "show"?


Inventory: Do you want to have in stock inventory or would you rather order as orders come in?


Recruitng: Which company plan do you think would make for easier recruiting?...this is the biggest source of income...


Family: Which company is family-oriented? Can you bring kids on the trips? Is that important?


Burn-Out:Which company do you see you least likely to get burned out on?


WHICH ONE could you see doing for the rest of your life and having a BLAST at? Read Build it Big. Read a book by Sark. Sit down and write what you WANT out of life and the company you're with. Now which one fits the mold???


GOOD LUCK!!!!!





Edited by: Charlee

Wow! Starting a new venture is SO hard , but SO fun- you have gotten ALOT of great advice - you are your best advertisement - by using the products, so ya gotta LOVE them!


Take your time and don't jump at the cheapest start up, the highest comission (how much are you willing to work toreach that level) So many things to look at..


Best of Luck in your search!


Tonja

My feelings exactly!It is hard deciding,but it is so worth it just make sure you research the company,comp plan and havea plan on how you are going to work!You have gotten a lot of great advice here,now the rest is up to you......smileys/smiley2.gif

I think the jewelry business would be loads of fun and I love jewelry, but when I've asked friends and family - they are not overly excited.


The cosmetics/spa business would also be fun - I think, but once again the feedback I'm getting just isn't there. I have a good friend with Mary Kay right now and she's doing pretty well. I've tried Arbonne and like their products....


I have decided against the Signature Homestyles. I'm not the best interior decorator and not sure how well I could sell the items.


I know with Mary Kay and Lia Sophia it's $99-$100 to join. Is Arbonne the same?


I've made some wrong choices in the past looking and siging up for a new business - I just don't want to make a wrong choice again.


Thanks for listening!


Mary





Don't worry about your friends and family. They won't be much help in the long run.smileys/smiley2.gifThe best way to build a business is outside your circle of who you know, and there are tons of great ways to meet people--fairs, expos, lead boxes.


If you asked me, I'm not excited about Jewelry of makeup either, but I know plenty of people who are doing awesome and making great money, and having fun.


So if you love Jewelry, go for it! You are the one who will drive your business.


Best of luck!


Debbie

Hi Mary, I agree with most of what everyoone has told you. But I have another angle as well. I think you should look at your goals. Is your goal to make an extra $200-$400 a month? Or is it to go into leadership and make much more. If it is a lower goal, and you don't have designs on moving up, then go with a plan that pays a high percentage on sales. If you want to move up, look closely at the rewards for doing so. I also think that you need to decide what products you can be excited about. Mary Kay Ash used to say that she would rather have one person who is enthusiastic rather than 10 people who know a lot. Also, keep in mind that start up costs also vary because in some you get a LOT for the money. In MK, you get over $300 in full sized product in addition to the supplies, etc. So, it's worth the $100 investment. Best of luck on your search, keep us posted!
Valerie
Sr. Sales Director

Just my $.02... look at the hostess plan also. I am hosting a party for someone soon and their hostess plan leaves much to be desired. IMHO, it has to be worth it for the hostess in order for you to get bookings.

Before I signed on with Silpada Designs I thought about the following?:


1. Am I excited about the product?


2. Is my area over saturated with reps for that company?


I agree with everyone that you HAVE to love your product or it will be very hard to sell.Also, you do not want to sell the same or similiar products that everyone in your area is selling.It will get old fast!!


Best of luck to you!!





Edited by: silverlady

Hi Mary!


I noticed that one of the companies you're looking at is The Body Shop At Home. I'm an Independent Coordinator with them and have been with the company since November 2004. If you'd like to get more information about us, you can either pm me or send an email to pamperyou@nycap.rr.com. Take care!!

Before signing any contract know what ypu're getting involved in.


Some companies only allow certain types of advertizing.


Some have restrictions on how and where you can cannot sell the products.


Some have restrictions on doing public shows (like at a recreation center) to sell the product.


SOme have certain monthly, yearly quotas.


Be sure to know about what their policy is for inactivieity, in case of a fmily emergency (wouldn't want to be kicked out b/c of a dealth, illness or other unforseen problem that you had to tend to)


Find a consultant with each company to REVIEW their policy and restrictions, or ask to read the books on the company


Find out if the company will allow you to keep clients/customers if you move out of state, country (that's a factor for me since DH is in the Navy.)


Ask consultants with each company what they like best and least in their company.


WHat is the % that you can get refunded for inventory or unused products if you decide to leave before a year.


What is the policy of returned products (Most companies if you return to quit, then you can not re-join again)


What is their policy for bad products, 100% refund?


What is the shipping cost?


Do you need an inventory? do they direct ship to customers?


Can you have more than one DS business? Most will not allow you to have a company that could be seen as competition to the one you want to join


Can you have out-of-state parties?


Do you need to have consent or release forms signed?


What is the best hostess plan?


Do you have to pay for hostess gifts?


HTH! Sorry so long! But It's important to ask lots of questions before joining any company!

Ladies-thanks for all your words of wisdom!


You have brought up some great points and things to check out and ponder.


I've been contacted directly by Arbonne, Mary Kay, The Body Shop at Home&amp; Lia Sophia reps. THANKS!


Mary

You've gotten so much greta advice from these experienced ladies. One small thing I can think to add, is check to see if you can place small individual orders, or have a party min to meet before you can submit an order. It looks like you've narrowed it down to skin/body care or jewelry. Does one co.'s products spark a little more excitment in you than the others? With both my companies, I knew I would be using the products even if I never made a dime. I can't comment on any of the companies you've mentioned specifically, because I'm not familiar with their details. I'm personally not a jewelry or make-up person, but love bath/body/skin care. I have some great stats on the skin care industry from a TNI training call, if you'd like me to post them. I'll have to come back later, because my little one is trying to get me away! :)


Good luck!


Jennifer

Hi Mary -


I wanted to add something - you obviously had an interest in home decor, but were afraid you didn't have enough home decorating skills to succeed. Well, I'm here to tell you that when I started with my company, I was the most decorating, florally challenged peron on earth! Our company offers so much training in this area - on the website, person-to-person, teleconferences,...even I can do it now!!


I don't want you to pass up on something you may be passionate about, just because you may not think you are talented in that area. We only grow when we step outside of our comfort zone!!


Nora

That is very true,well worded!smileys/smiley2.gifI couldnt have said it better myself!

One other thing to consider when looking at comission structures and how much you want to earn a month is what are the sales potential for each company. I know the ones you listed all have different pay structures from 30 to 50%. Now on the surface it would be easy to say that you would make more with a 50% comission than with something lower. However, that is not always the case. You also have to look at what the sales potential for each show will be too. For example, my SIL reps for 2 different companies, one a 30% pay co. and the other is a 50% pay co. (I will leave these companies nameless so as to not pick on anyones compnay.) She actually makes more money for the same amount of time with the 30% pay company. The reason is the 30% company has better sales potential, and she has a much higher slaes average with them than with the 50% company. Her show averages with the 30% pay company are over $800, and she has had several shows well over $1000! Her show average with the 50% pay company is only around $250!





Anyway, my point is to also look at the sales potential, not just the pay.

You definately have a point Kristie - thanks for bring it up.


I think I do get focused on how much commission up front and have a hard time looking at the big picture.


Ok, I'm down to Arbonne and Lia Sophia.


Any more feedback/thoughts on the two companies - please throw them out!smileys/smiley1.gif


Mary

Well, I rep for lia sophia so I'm a little biased, and I cannot attest to Arbonne, but I love my company! Lia sophia has a huge earning potential. The company says average sales per show are round $700 now. My personal average is much higher though. AND the shows are super quick and easy to do. I am usually done with the show and packed up within 2 hours of starting! Of course there are times that things run over, but ladies are very impressed with how little time it takes to have a show.


As far as repeat customers go, we have a very loyal customer base. I have only been with lia sophia since the end of July, and since then have had 3 repeat hostesses and many repeat customers!


Also something to consider is transporting all your stuff. The jewelry can all fit into one easy to carry bag. I make one trip from the car into the hostesses house and that is it.


Finally, something to consider is how much money do you really need to invest to get your business going? I know both companies have low start up costs, but how much more do you need to invest into samples, supplies, and paperwork, and how soon? How many shows can the starter kit really do on its own? How much are samples and supplies going to cost? How often are you going to have to update your samples? These are all serious questions. With lia sophai the starter kit comes with enough stuff for 5 shows according to the company, I say it's more like 3 shows. Just enough to get some money into your pocket before you need more paperwork! Also, we have a program called excellent beginings where you can earn $600 worth of jewelry for your table! Also within your first 5 weeks with the company your can purchase up to 24 pieces for display samples at a 77% discount. So with us, the starter kit can get you going, but at some point you are going to want/need more samples and supplies, and we provide a very affordable system for you add to your table.





If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I know you said you have been in touch with someone from LS already, but I would still be more than happy to answer questions or pass along information!


Happy deciding.

You definately have a point Kristie - thanks for bring it up.


I think I do get focused on how much commission up front and have a hard time looking at the big picture.


Ok, I'm down to Arbonne and Lia Sophia.


Any more feedback/thoughts on the two companies - please throw them out!smileys/smiley1.gif


Mary








Also look at other things, often when you get a higher percent other things are not included and it balances out in the end:


--hostess plan (this can be a huge chunk of your commission if it's not included)


--Credit card fees, bags, online support, guarantee, returns


Plus, many companies start out lower but it increases with your sales because of discount buyers. This enables people to join and not do a lot, but rewards those who sell more.


Best of luck!


Debbie

Wow, you have gotten a lot of feedback and advice here. I guess it's my turn smileys/smiley1.gif


First of all, I am a unit manager with lia sophia, but I also try to be as objective as I can regarding comparing one business with another.


I had a show recently and there was an Arbonne rep there so I asked her some questions. The main difference between the two companies that I noticed was that Arbonne seems to work more on the multi-level marketing concept and lia sophia is direct sales/party plan.


With lia sophia I make the most money by selling my jewelry and building a team of ladies who sell jewelry. The impression I was left with by the Arbonne rep was that the income was more in bringing new people in to the business rather than selling first and recruiting second. I'm not knocking that....it just isn't what I want to do.


One of the most exciting things for me about lia sophia is that every time I leave my house I am advertising my business by wearing the jewelry. I got a $200 from the owner of our local Mexican restaurant because she admired the ring I was wearing and I gave her a catalog! When you add in our guarantee, which covers both normal wear and tear and accidental breakage FOR LIFE, and the save plan, which gives the customer her most expensive piece of jewelry for 1/2 price when she orders 3, AND the hostess bonuses, you've got an incredible business opp.


At this point in your search, I think it's less about the product and more about the fine details of your choice. Look down the road at what your goals are, as well as the support you will receive from the two companies....from your upline and the home office. How do they deal with returns/exchanges, etc.? Are they the responsibility of the consultant or the company? How long has each been in business? What is the growth potential? What is the company doing to get the business recognized by the public?


Good luck on your decision!

Personally, since I am inclined to an interior decorator career (http://www.schoolofinteriordesign.org/interior-decoration/five-ways-to-have-a-successful-interior-decorator-c.html), I prefer the Signature HomeStyles. My creativity and passion for aesthetics will prove helpful in carrying out sales for the products.

From here, you should see the value of which business you are passionate about because once the time comes when you're having a difficult time with business sales, the only thing that will drive you is your passion and determination for the products. I suggest you figure out first which of the following businesses you first strongly about and move on from there.

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