WAHM Forums

The WAHM community forum was created to be a place for work at home moms to share their ideas and stories. In the forum you can find information about work at home jobs, starting home businesses, avoiding scams, and surviving the WAHM lifestyle. In support of the WAHM community, WAHM.com also features instructional articles, easy recipes, as well as job and business listings tailored specifically to work at home opportunities.




View Full Version : My fellow scenters.....


haydens_mom
11-23-2009, 05:53 PM
Looking for some insight...

So lets say your a leader with a team & decent monthly income with company "A". You like the product & it goes well in your area.... but wish you would have been able to be the first hundred or so....or even person in your state....

Then you come across a new company, "B". This one has less than 100 reps (because its new to the DS world, but 6 years in local area). It has a similar product as company "A"...but its different & has a few better options and features. With "B" you get a great opportunity to be in the beginning, better compensation plan & opportunity to communicate with the CEO directly...etc....

Would you stick with the old "A"? or say what the heck....switch to the new "B"?


skcandles
11-23-2009, 06:09 PM
Thats a toughie. Do you prefer the products of one company to another? Is the company you're currently with too saturated?

The problem with being with a new company, is name recognition. That makes it harder when you are with companies that are newer. But as you said, the possibilites are better.

What does your heart say? Have you done a pro/con list?

jessicaj
11-23-2009, 06:50 PM
I have been literally the first rep for a company in my entire state... it was VERY hard to gain name recognition... I stuck it out for 2 years and then finally had to say goodbye.
Would you be in jeopardy of cross promotion if you gave a trial run with "B"?
Hey, maybe you could try hosting a party to see what people in your area think about the other product line?
I don't know... That is tough!


skcandles
11-23-2009, 07:07 PM
She's posted this in a few other forums as well... so maybe its just for info sake?

lani7
11-23-2009, 07:11 PM
If she posted this in other forums, to me that means most likely she would like to get as much as opinions/feedback, right? I think she is sincere. Anyway, I would go with B, because in the long run, staying with A would make you feel like you are just settling and with B, I think you would have more enthusiasm/excitement which goes along way, plus more compensation means more income. Worst case, it folds up and you go back to A. In my opinion, I would say B.

Soy_Candles
11-23-2009, 07:14 PM
Kahne,

I have been right where you are. I was with a very well know DS company for 10 years. I had the opportunity to join a ground floor company and be one of the 1st reps. in the US.

Is it hard being on a ground floor? Yes and No. People generally flock to what is new. But I do agree that the name recognition is not there. You do have to be prepared for that. Because my products include both wicked and wickless products I have been confused with other popular companies. But I love to educate and I am finding that once customers try my products they are hooked.

We love that we can talk to the CEO and Founder of our company when ever we want. That is nice.

I do agree with the other post on trying to see if the products will sell in your area. But remember, your customers are used to you telling them why you are better than everyone else so it may be tough at first.

Go with your gut. Good luck!

Louann
11-23-2009, 07:56 PM
I have been on both sides of the fence...being one of MANY reps in an area with a company that has a household name and being a rep in the my state with an unknown company

For me personally...I love being "not part of the masses" and offering something new. But I would never leave one company just because the other company is new.

I did make the change because I was unhappy with my company it was not working for me. You have to enjoy what you do otherwise you won't make it work.

The grass ALWAYS appears greener on the other side...

If you do decide to make the switch, your customers will follow you...typically if they have a relationship with you, they will continue to trust you and buy from you.

haydens_mom
11-24-2009, 09:54 AM
She's posted this in a few other forums as well... so maybe its just for info sake?

Im confused.....are you asking "me" something... or making a statement?

skcandles
11-24-2009, 10:03 AM
Neither really.. was more of a statement.

haydens_mom
11-24-2009, 10:04 AM
Thank you sooo much ladies for your heartfelt input.... I greatly appreciate it.

This is something that I have been debating over and over with friends, husband etc... obsessively...and thought that my last "go to" would be you fellow scenters here....Since you have all experience in the business and possibly been in my shoes. :)

Here is my take....Its dead obvious that company "A" is Scentsy...so lets cut to the chase :) This new venture (B) being "new" is not the sole nor main reason for me being interested. It is because I have seen Scentsy grow to be a huge thing and in some respect its wonderful, but also a bit annoying. Its not that I am not happy with the company as a whole, but more unhappy with the fact in my general area its in everyones cars, stores etc.... Everywhere you turn people are having parties and while half of those parties are my girls (downline).... It still is soo stinkin saturated. I love this "high" that Scentsy has right now...but how long will this high last?
I regret the fact that I joined Scentsy and was the first person in my county & 1 of a handful in my entire state!!!! But I lagged...didnt start running with it and wish now that I had. I fiddle around for almost 2 years letting others build their business and grow.

Yes I am successful and a Director with a large team....but I feel all my hard work will just keep me hanging out in the "middle" level of the company. I want to win trips, earn rewards etc....

So company "B".....here is what is appealing. It has a similar concept to Scentsy. BUT...a cleaner, safer & more efficient way of delivering the scent. It is a company that has awesome reoccuring order potential, just as Scentsy. It is NEW...just 100 reps as of now. I see a great potential for it. I see this as my "2nd chance" at starting fresh and growing to be big. Im excited about the product even though its in it beginning stages....so that makes me wonder what it "could" be in a few years after going through the growing pains! This company has NEVER even been mentioned here on the WAHM let alont any other board... so I am literally the first in 90% of the wahm boards to tap into it.

So to answer a prior question or suggestion.... No I could no do both because it would break policy on both ends of each company I am looking at. So I would have to make the choice and "leave" one or the other.

skcandles
11-24-2009, 10:12 AM
Can you cross border sponsor? Cuz if so, Scentsy is still very new in Canada, and lots of growth potential here (can't believe I'm telling you to promote against my company.. lol)

Are you now finding you are having a hard time with Company A in your area, getting bookings and such? I know that there are at a minimum a dozen GC reps here in my city (approx 250k people) and I very rarely run into them. I always thought a dozen would saturate the market, but I am finding it definitely doesn't.

As for recruiting, I'm sure you can find areas in the States even that Scentsy is very new. I have a girl in Ohio, she says there are hardly any GC reps there, and yet, GC has been around for 12 years in the States.

But really, where is your heart? Is it with Scentsy, or is it with Company B? Whose products do you want to sell?

JolenaMiller
11-24-2009, 06:10 PM
Hello Kahne,

Here is my experience - Although I did not already have a company "A" when I made my decision, I did make my decision based on all of the things that you are contemplating and considering right now. Yes, there is fear of a new company not succeeding. Yes, there are growing pains to endure. Yes, it will take longer to get the "name" out there. HOWEVER, all of the other things are well, well worth it, IMO. I feel I am proof to that. You obviously already know how to build and market your business. That part will be easy for you.Starting fresh could be a very exciting and rewarding thing. I joined a company when it was in its 3rd month launch - there were about 40 consultants. Three months later, I am now looking at a team that is larger than HALF of the entire company. I am now a leader and trainer and work with the management on decisions and implementing new and exciting things all the time. I also have several team members that have those same opportunities still wide open to them as well. It has been a great experience for me. Not to mention, in my 2nd month, before really even doing any retailing, I was able to make my brand new car payment and have extra money also. I see the opportunity that lies ahead very very exciting. If you have a chance to be in this position, I would go for it. Even with the company I am in, there are many, many opportunities still available and will be ongoing for anyone who wants to put their heart into it and get back what they give.

Best wishes on your decision - keep us posted :)

haydens_mom
11-24-2009, 09:53 PM
Can you cross border sponsor? Cuz if so, Scentsy is still very new in Canada, and lots of growth potential here (can't believe I'm telling you to promote against my company.. lol)

Are you now finding you are having a hard time with Company A in your area, getting bookings and such? I know that there are at a minimum a dozen GC reps here in my city (approx 250k people) and I very rarely run into them. I always thought a dozen would saturate the market, but I am finding it definitely doesn't.

As for recruiting, I'm sure you can find areas in the States even that Scentsy is very new. I have a girl in Ohio, she says there are hardly any GC reps there, and yet, GC has been around for 12 years in the States.

But really, where is your heart? Is it with Scentsy, or is it with Company B? Whose products do you want to sell?

After just showing a catalog of company "B" to friends anit family.... giving them the "hypothetical" open opinions... They all prefer Company "B"....

So should the actual test ( I bought one to try) is all its cracked up to be... then I may be leaning towards my choice!

So its not really so much the "newness" or ground floor with a different company... As I feel that Scentsy is still a wonderful opportunity and offer. But I lean more towards "B's" safety and features.

Once people gave me their reason for not buying Scentsy or why they would prefer Company "B".... I could see an outsiders perspective and see that while yes.. Scentsy is the "sh*!" when it comes to growth and sales etc....

It doesnt mean Company "B" cant meet it or exceed it. So... basically in a nutshell.... if the product does as says... then I would prefer to sell "B". :)

haydens_mom
11-24-2009, 09:56 PM
Hello Kahne,

Here is my experience - Although I did not already have a company "A" when I made my decision, I did make my decision based on all of the things that you are contemplating and considering right now. Yes, there is fear of a new company not succeeding. Yes, there are growing pains to endure. Yes, it will take longer to get the "name" out there. HOWEVER, all of the other things are well, well worth it, IMO. I feel I am proof to that. You obviously already know how to build and market your business. That part will be easy for you.Starting fresh could be a very exciting and rewarding thing. I joined a company when it was in its 3rd month launch - there were about 40 consultants. Three months later, I am now looking at a team that is larger than HALF of the entire company. I am now a leader and trainer and work with the management on decisions and implementing new and exciting things all the time. I also have several team members that have those same opportunities still wide open to them as well. It has been a great experience for me. Not to mention, in my 2nd month, before really even doing any retailing, I was able to make my brand new car payment and have extra money also. I see the opportunity that lies ahead very very exciting. If you have a chance to be in this position, I would go for it. Even with the company I am in, there are many, many opportunities still available and will be ongoing for anyone who wants to put their heart into it and get back what they give.

Best wishes on your decision - keep us posted :)

Well your a rockin and shakin! And I think thats AWESOME! Congrats to you and much success to you! Especially with something soo new even though its not to you. Your gonna be a big namer in your comp someday! :) Thanks for the insight....

As my hubby says.... "Its not like this is a make or break deal for you babe, we arent depending on this company to support or feed us, so go with what you want"...

Ahhhh...I love him :)

haydens_mom
11-24-2009, 10:01 PM
I do have to say though......Even with my back and forth with A & B....

My commission check from Scentsy this month is $1200...give a hundred or so. Factoring in that I have a week 1/2 until month end to get more orders in.

So Scentsy is wonderful in the fact that my upline left her full time RN job cause this month she got her first ever 5 digit check!!!!!!!! :eek:

She is also #98 in the company.....I am # 6091 and there is now 61,000 at last look....

skcandles
11-25-2009, 07:54 AM
61,000 consultants? Wow! How long has scentsy been around? Last I heard, Gold Canyon was only around 25,000

I think you are doing great with your research. Definitely good to get your families opinions. :)

LorettaA
11-25-2009, 08:29 AM
That is a tough decision especially when those monthly checks are coming in. Maybe a couple of other things to look into would be company "B's" plans for growth and their financials. It's great that you are checking the quality of the product since that can really be a deal breaker either way. Plus, you will see how much it costs to ship and how quickly it will arrive.

Scentsy has been in business for 5 years. The growth is incredible. Aside from Scentsy selling out quickly on some of the seasonal warmers I haven't had to endure hardly any growing pains in the 2.5 years I have been with them.

Good luck with your decision.

Wax Menagerie
11-25-2009, 09:30 AM
I was with another candle company (Company A) prior to starting with a new company (Company B) which at the time under 40 distributors. I was a Diamond Distributor with company A and had built some recognition in the area since not too many had heard of them. I was on the verge of either going to Associate status or quitting altogether due to reasons that made me not want to stay with the company A. Then I got on here and read about Company B. I requested samples and bombarded my now upline with questions trying to find something about them that would make me not interested. As you can tell, I didn't find that. I am now happily with Company B and building name recognition with no problem.

You have to decide which would be better for you overall. Look at your potential income (earnings percentages, bonuses, etc.) Look at the product selection. Look at the residual income potential if you are into building a team. Ask about the cost to you as a distributor for the supplies you need to help you build your business. Check out the forums. Then make your decision. If you are looking at another company, you are probably not content with the current company you are with. Good luck on your decision!

Michelle Smithers
11-25-2009, 11:24 AM
Any advice on which candles give the best fragrance - I think this is important in choosing a supplier ?

Search4Silver
11-25-2009, 12:34 PM
I'm sticking with Scentsy...!!! Good luck in your search...I know it is a tough decision! Hugs,

AletheaAnderson
11-25-2009, 12:53 PM
Greetings,

Having been in your exact position, I say 'GO WITH A' and stay where you are!

I went to B, I was successful, grew a team of over 50 on 5 levels within a short time, but was not satisfied. Once 'in' I realized the grass was not greener. All I had to do was water my own lawn if you know what I mean. I actually went BACK to my original company after my brief 'detour' realizing I had the lushest lawn brewing in my yard alreaady :)

A very wise person once taught me the lesson of saturation....

Look at it this way, how many Starbucks are in your town? (or McDonald's or chain of some sort) Here in Carson City we have about 6 Starbies and 6 McDonalds all within a 5 mile stretch of road (insane I know!) BUT they are ALL always BUSY.

It does not matter how many others there are, it matters who YOU are and how you market. People will buy from YOU because of YOU. Yep, there may be 3 other Scentsy reps with SUVs in the elementary parking lot, but those other 3 ladies may not have your same sparkling personality or positive thought patterns! People attract people, and others turn them off! Also, have you ever been invited to someone elses Scentsy party because they did not know you were a rep? Odds are, no. How many customers have you approached that said "oh I already have a rep" ? Odds are, not many!

Everyone knows different circles of people, and there are most certainly enough people (customers) for everyone!

Use this as your spring board to propel you, don't let it hold you down! You know most people who have those stickers NOW won't even be in the biz in the next few months. So keep your sticker shining, melts warming, and people will gravitate towards you.

Think Tupperware, Mary Kay, Avon; these have all been around for DECADES and they all have new people joining daily, and many, MANY new people excelling through the ranks and creating 6+ figure incomes for themselves!

Of course it is your decision, but look at the whole picture. Why are you seeking change? Is it the company or is it you? Have you hit a dry spell? Are you stuck in a rut? Are you seeking excuses as to why it's not working whereyou are now?

I've seen a LOT of 'new' candle companies come and go within the past few years. They popped up, grew really fast the POOF, gone, taking lots of people's hard earned money with them... I know nothing of your Company B, it's background, it's financial backing, it it has full insurance, if it pays the your sales taxes, etc.. so I am in no position to even think about the possibilities or potentials. Keep in mind you are already in one of the fastest growing ones!

Start booking parties! Start recruiting more! Dream, Believe, Achieve!!!

Wax Menagerie
11-25-2009, 02:45 PM
Any advice on which candles give the best fragrance - I think this is important in choosing a supplier ?

It's all depends on which candle company you're a distributor for :D The only true way to find out is to buy one of each which could get pretty costly or at least request a scent sample from each company and decide for yourself. Both my Company A & B have the same strong scents but different wax types. One was palm wax the other is soy but they both carry the same strong scent, even and clean burning properties that I love in a candle.

haydens_mom
11-26-2009, 02:39 AM
Alethea.... your post was rockin... I am speachless.

Thank you :)

LorettaA
11-29-2009, 12:32 PM
Great post Alethea.

haydens_mom
11-29-2009, 07:11 PM
think I have made my decision.....

Warmly,
Kahne ;)

JhannaDawson
11-29-2009, 08:00 PM
Sorry I missed the conversation! But Best of luck to you and your new adventure, Kahne! :)

Jhanna

Meganl
12-01-2009, 02:11 PM
I would honestly go with the company that has the best products..reputation is everything. Even if the market is over-saturated with demonstrators from a particular company, there are ways that you can rise above them using excellent customer service and great sales techniques. Good luck with your decision!

avoight
12-01-2009, 08:59 PM
Good Luck and Congrats

LorettaA
12-02-2009, 05:24 AM
Good luck with your business Kahne. I hope you soar with it.

haydens_mom
12-02-2009, 09:54 AM
My Scentsy sponsor used her wonderful words & .... We had a LONG LONG discussion about my recent "decision" last nigth, early hours of the morning.

Can you believe her check this month is over $18,000 !!!!!!!! She is a Super Star, has 1054 people on her team!!!! :eek: I am where she was almost 2 years ago! She does NOTHING on the internet with advertising. It was all done slowly & at her pace.

Ladies....Im NUTS! LOL..... I am attracted to a pot of gold, but also standing in the pot of gold as we speak! I need to heed my own advice and "Not case more rabbits than I can catch".

Can I be forgiven for a moment of insanity and waste of time? I am so torn, but now my heart is saying stay....or is it my gut? Or is it just common sense? Either way....

Im staying MUTE for a while, while I go crawl under my rock and hide of embarrassment. :o

Wax Menagerie
12-02-2009, 10:02 AM
It's your choice to make to continue on the path you were on or to move forward on a new path. Do what you feel is right. Good luck on your decision which ever way you decide to go. :)

skcandles
12-02-2009, 10:44 AM
Have you not already resigned?

haydens_mom
12-02-2009, 11:34 AM
Yes I did.....but customer support said it would take effect once my commission check is sent. So I can still turn back..

jessicaj
12-02-2009, 11:39 AM
I admire your bravery in going out on a limb and trying something new. Take a deep breath, a bubble bath, what ever... and just mellow for a while (maybe take a nap IF you can) and remember it's all happening for a reason. I know it cliché, but it IS true!

skcandles
12-02-2009, 12:19 PM
Ahhhh... okay... wasn't sure how that worked

Mom21ds
12-02-2009, 02:54 PM
I can't imagine the roller coaster of emotions that you must be feeling right now. I am so glad that you are really taking the time to research and figure out what you want. No reason to be embarrassed!! I don't know of anyone that doesn't want the Pot of Gold. Sometimes, you just need to take a step back and look at it from all angles. No damage done.

Now to quote Jessica..

I admire your bravery in going out on a limb and trying something new. Take a deep breath, a bubble bath, what ever... and just mellow for a while (maybe take a nap IF you can) and remember it's all happening for a reason. I know it cliché, but it IS true!

Ditto that!