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Hello, I'm new here...sorry if this isn't the right place to post this, but I have some questions about Scentsy. I've been thinking about signing up for a few weeks now, but before I take the plunge I was wondering if you guys could help me out with some things:
Why did you leave Scentsy?
Is it reasonable to make at least $100/month?
How many hours did you put into your biz per week? I ask because I work full time and am a mother...while I have some time, I don't want to take quality time away from my kids
How much inventory did you need to have?
Were you "stuck" with inventory when you left?
How much $$ besides the starter kit did you need to spend to get started?
How many parties were you able to hold per month?
What was the general interest in the product?
How difficult was it to advertise?
Was it difficult to meet the quota?


I realize this is a lot of questions, but this is a big decision to make and since I've been down this road before (Mary Kay), I'd like to make sure I know both sides.

Thanks!

I'm a current consultant. I would be happy to answer questions that you may have. I hope you enjoy your journey and take you time as this IS a big decision for anyone to make!

Scentsy wouldn't WANT you to take precious time away from your kiddos any more than you want to! I have found that the basket parties are for sure the way to go for MOST busy consultants.

Again, good luck with your decision!

Thanks for your reply! I do want to hear from former consultants, but as I've said, I want to here both sides, so information from a current consultant is helpful too.

I would be happy to share then... I totally understand wanting to hear both sides. I love sharing Scentsy!! :D

Why did you leave Scentsy? I am a current consultant. I JOINED for several reasons.
I love the product, I have used it in my home for 3+years.
I want to be able to call my husband at work one day and tell him that I am taking HIM to Hawaii, Alaska, Canada... I want to give something back to him for all he has given me (being so supportive about me staying home to raise our two kiddos).
It is a simple business with a simple focused product. I have been with other companies that had so many different lines I had a hard time keeping them straight, how could I expect my customers to keep them straight.
I had a sponsor/friend who believed in me when I didn't. She saw something in me that I didn't see... Now I'm seeing it for myself!
I have seen what a blessing Scentsy has been to others. I want to share that with EVERYONE!
I love the philosophy the Scentsy was built on... "Try not to become a man of success. Rather, become a man of value. A successful man takes out of life more than he puts in. A man of value will give more than he receives."~Albert Einstein
With the basket party option, I don't HAVE TO leave my kids to have a successful business.
Is it reasonable to make at least $100/month? I was totally shocked, but it is WELL within reach to make $100.
How many hours did you put into your biz per week? I ask because I work full time and am a mother...while I have some time, I don't want to take quality time away from my kids This is understandable. I feel the same way and I stay home with the kids.To be honest, I take Scentsy everywhere I go, so I can't pin down total hours. Scentsy has become a family affair. The kids are included in every aspect. They help me label, package etc. About the only thing I don't bring them to is Craft Fairs. They are even here for my open houses at my place! My dd wants to be a Scentsy girl when she grows up :D
How much inventory did you need to have? I have a few warmers and bars that I have accumulated for free and half price. I do have people that call and need something ASAP... if they come to the house to pick up or pick what they want, I give it to them at a 10% discount. I can afford to do that because most of my inventory is from hosting my own open houses and parties (this practice of acting as hostess and consultant is okay with Scentsy Corporate).
Were you "stuck" with inventory when you left?
How much $$ besides the starter kit did you need to spend to get started? All I had when I started was my kit and postage for invites to my first open house. The rest came with portions of my first few commission checks. It's not required that you purchase anything more than that, but Scentsy does offer beautiful marketing materials that consultants may purchase, if they so choose.
How many parties were you able to hold per month? This has varied for me. This month I have had 6 events (4 are basket parties in other states and one basket party resulted in a team member).
What was the general interest in the product? People around here LOVE the product. I went to Blockbuster to rent a movie and ended up selling $90 and booking a party just because I shared a small sample with the clerk there! Like I said, I take it everywhere.
How difficult was it to advertise? Word of mouth has really been my best form of advertising, as it is with most home businesses. I just share share share. Since I love the product and company so much, it's really easy. With my other business I was so scared to talk to people about it, those days are long gone!
Was it difficult to meet the quota? The quota to stay active with Scentsy is minimal, only $150 every 3 months. I have seen other companies that are like $400 or more every 3 months. I have team members who joined just for personal use and gift giving, and they stay active just doing that (just to give you an idea).

I hope my answers help somewhat...

Thank you for the post Jessica. I really appreciate the info.

Any time Blue!
Hope it was helpful to you. Certainly if you have more questions I encourage you to ask. All of the knowledge you can collect will help with your decision!

I did Mary Kay before too. They really pressured me to buy lots of inventory. My director even pressured me to use credit cards or loans to buy inventory. Thankfully, I stuck to my guns and didn't get sucked into buying tons of inventory. Scentsy is not like that at all, they won't pressure you to buy inventory. I just barely signed up for Scentsy. My sister-in-law has been in it from the beginning and it has really blessed her life tons!

One nice thing is that we can be our own hostess/consultant. That makes it really easy to stock inventory, use for donations, gifting, whatever! I always tell my team it's what ever they are comfortable with. Some people are able to purchase inventory, while others don't want to or can't. I encourage my team to host open houses and other events to get what they would like in inventory. I wouldn't feel right putting someone in a place they don't want to be!

Greetings,

I just wanted to share, hearing from those who left may not be the best idea... Often those who leave a company, do so because they 'feel' they are not successful, and often they do not have anything positive to say.

You must keep in mind that there is no failure in this industry, only those who choose to quit. We all have the exact same tools, some of us maximize these tools, others do not. Which is okay. Some people take a few company hops before finding the 'right fit' but regardless, interview successful people, not those who left and base your choice on the positives not the negatives!

I'm not with the company you asked about, but I've been in the industry since 1993, and I see people come and go all the time in many different companies and usually when they leave they say it's because they 'failed' or they accuse the company or products of 'failing' them! I recommend to anyone who feels they've failed to watch the YouTube Video by Tim Sales called "MLM: Do most people FAIL?" It explains how there is no 'failure' only those who choose not to go on.

We leaders in the industry often hear the following from those who leave our companies...

No one can afford the product...
No one will buy anything...
I can't afford the minimums...
I can't book a party...

For every 10 people who quit, there is one person who is on FIRE in the industry. There are many rags to riches stories in this industry and those who have the riches, made a decision, to make it happen, quitting not being an option!

So ask those whom are successful how they do it, they are your potential leaders! Focus on the positive, not the negative :)

All it takes to be successful and prosperous in this industry is a positive attitude and a mind over matter belief in YOU! I'm not a top sponsor in my company because I'm lucky, I am because I bust my butt to be.

I thought I would answer your questions with my experience with Scentsy.

Is it reasonable to make at least $100/month? Yes

How many hours did you put into your biz per week? I ask because I work full time and am a mother...while I have some time, I don't want to take quality time away from my kids - I haven't kept track. I like working my business. It can be kind of addicting and doesn't feel like work to me most of the time. However, family does come first.

How much inventory did you need to have? I started with my kit and added inventory as I could. I didn't have extra money to spare so buying a lot was not an option. Of course I had a long wish list so I bought things when I could.

Were you "stuck" with inventory when you left? I haven't left. But I couldn't buy in the beginning and I believe your business is your business and it's your decision how much you want to put in to it. Some people do like to have some inventory on hand but that is a personal decision.

How much $$ besides the starter kit did you need to spend to get started? Use your kit until you feel comfortable purchasing more. Catalogs and order forms are affordable in my opinion. Plus, Scentsy has materials you can print.

How many parties were you able to hold per month? I do mostly basket parties, vendor events, and online sales. I do home parties once in awhile but most people prefer the basket parties.

What was the general interest in the product? It's pretty and modern looking, high quality, different, smells great, and is safer than traditional candles.

How difficult was it to advertise? Scentsy provides advertising tools. If you want to advertise you can. Personally I'm seeing that more people are now recognizing the brand which is making things a little easier too.

Was it difficult to meet the quota? As a consultant, no. $150 in orders in one month every three months is pretty minimal work. If you build a team you will do ok meeting the quota if you continue to build your business and your customer base. Reorders help a lot and if you turn in a party or two a month you should do ok.

Good luck making your decision.

Once again Althea! Wonderful post *standing ovation*

WOW....if this is a post for me....and some odd timing. LOL

Well...I promoted to Director this month with Scentsy. Been with them since Feb 2008. But just yesterday I chose to go with Cierra Ashley. Kinda a long winded story, but I DID not leave because I was unhappy...So not everyone bad mouths their previous company.

I made an average of $1200-$1400/month. I have a team of 38. I do about 1-2 parties/mo at MOST. And 3-4 basket parties/month.

I only stocked things that were hot sellers & easy to sell. Plug ins, rooms sprays, bars etc.. No big warmers tho.

Working it was pretty easy, as who doesnt want a good smelling house, office, car etc.

I really dont think MK compares....as my experiences with MK isnt as easy as scentsy.

Why did I leave scentsy? Well....I love Scentsy....but came across a company with a similar product & concept. Only it offers a cleaner, safer & stronger scent. I did testing, then comparison and then research. I took my commission #'s from Scentsy & compared them to Cierra. And if these numbers & the level I am at now, was with Cierra? Then I would have made an extra $400 more with Cierra.

I made the switch to "challenge" myself. To be a part of something at the start and be a part of in development, suggestions & more personal. I wanted a "fresh" approach. I wanted something that wasnt in my face everywhere I went. Everyone I know has said this winter that they went to a Scentsy party, ordered from someone, have an other party to go to and so on. So it was everywhere.....Some say thats an excellent thing...but for me it was "disheartening".

I felt that being able to sign up direct to this new company...& have the CEO be my first line of support was more personal. Yes it is more work because its new and its not heard of yet. But either was Scentsy 5 years ago.......

Will I look back and regret my decision? I dunno..but Im thinking prob not. As I would regret it more had I not tried. As I have the fortune of my husband being able to provide for us financially. So...do you think you will look back and regret yours? Does it matter?

So basically in a nut shell? I like Scentsy, think that those who start anything at any time with any company can be successful if they put their heart into it....no matter the saturation or product. Meeting the quota is really easy, since most people spend $40-$80 each order. And I am a busy mom & not the typical pushy nosey salesperson.

Making the scent samples takes time and effort. Scentsy Success is addicting....so watch your spending habits, as you may want it all :) But for your goal of $100/month....I say no problem.

Your welcome to PM me if you have further questions. I may or may not have the answer you are looking for.

Best of choices to you & much success!

When I joined Scentsy I was a Director with a skincare company (not MK) and had $10,000 worth of inventory on my shelves. So I know exactly where you are coming from! I just didn't want that anymore and I kind of always felt like I didn't "fit in" with that crowd.

I joined Scentsy 16 months ago and left the skincare world behind. I love the fact that with this company you don't have to order inventory. And to this day, I don't have it. I do all my events with just my kit and maybe a couple plug-ins and less than a dozen bars. I place the orders as I get them.

Another thing that I love about it is there are no "hurry up and order this at 50% off and then you can sell it at full price" deals. (you know what I'm talking about!) That's where people get into trouble. Ordering in the hopes to sell it. I can't bring myself to do that yet. Works for some people, but I choose not to do my business like that. Thankfully, Scentsy doesn't offer any of those kinds of deals.

I went into this business knowing that I made some mistakes with my previous business and I used that as a learning experience.
Best of luck to you in your research. There are some great points here from others.

Lisa - I know EXACTLY what you are talking about! I STILL have 2 huge bins of MK product in my basement. Most of it ordered trying to meet my quota every few months and I was hoping somewhere, somehow things would change and I'd suddenly find someone besides family and friends to buy it.

Althea - I appreciate your post, but I beg to differ. People do not always fail in the industry because they "choose" to. I did MK for 8 years. For the first 5-6 years of it, I busted my butt trying to find customers...buying product for inventory and I've never sold (see my comment above). At one point I was using my credit card for this, because MK encourages it. They DO encourage taking out loans and using credit to buy your inventory and I've seen and heard of people getting themselves in so much debt that it was unbearable. I think it depends on the company how easy it is to work it.

I do want to hear both sides as I've said before. As great as Scentsy sounds, there HAS to be someone out there who tried and wasn't successful, right??? :) Then again, maybe not...maybe I should take that as a sign to join...lol

Thanks again everyone...I'm enjoying reading your comments.

In my opinion, some of it has to do with perspective.

I have been with 2 other companies in the past. I wouldn't say anything bad about either one. They are both good companies, I just don't think they were the right fit for ME.

I did learn a lot about what to do and what not to do as a business owner, and team builder.

For a long time, in my eyes, I saw these as failures. Now that I have found my "home" it's totally different to me.

With any company you are going to come across "Negative Nellies" and some of them may even be current consultants. My sponsor has encouraged me to steer clear of the "Negative Nellies" as they can be road blocks to success. Surround yourself with POSITIVE people, it really does help A LOT!

WOW....if this is a post for me....and some odd timing. LOL

Well...I promoted to Director this month with Scentsy. Been with them since Feb 2008. But just yesterday I chose to go with Cierra Ashley. Kinda a long winded story, but I DID not leave because I was unhappy...So not everyone bad mouths their previous company.

I made an average of $1200-$1400/month. I have a team of 38. I do about 1-2 parties/mo at MOST. And 3-4 basket parties/month.

I only stocked things that were hot sellers & easy to sell. Plug ins, rooms sprays, bars etc.. No big warmers tho.

Working it was pretty easy, as who doesnt want a good smelling house, office, car etc.

I really dont think MK compares....as my experiences with MK isnt as easy as scentsy.

Why did I leave scentsy? Well....I love Scentsy....but came across a company with a similar product & concept. Only it offers a cleaner, safer & stronger scent. I did testing, then comparison and then research. I took my commission #'s from Scentsy & compared them to Cierra. And if these numbers & the level I am at now, was with Cierra? Then I would have made an extra $400 more with Cierra.

I made the switch to "challenge" myself. To be a part of something at the start and be a part of in development, suggestions & more personal. I wanted a "fresh" approach. I wanted something that wasnt in my face everywhere I went. Everyone I know has said this winter that they went to a Scentsy party, ordered from someone, have an other party to go to and so on. So it was everywhere.....Some say thats an excellent thing...but for me it was "disheartening".

I felt that being able to sign up direct to this new company...& have the CEO be my first line of support was more personal. Yes it is more work because its new and its not heard of yet. But either was Scentsy 5 years ago.......

Will I look back and regret my decision? I dunno..but Im thinking prob not. As I would regret it more had I not tried. As I have the fortune of my husband being able to provide for us financially. So...do you think you will look back and regret yours? Does it matter?

So basically in a nut shell? I like Scentsy, think that those who start anything at any time with any company can be successful if they put their heart into it....no matter the saturation or product. Meeting the quota is really easy, since most people spend $40-$80 each order. And I am a busy mom & not the typical pushy nosey salesperson.

Making the scent samples takes time and effort. Scentsy Success is addicting....so watch your spending habits, as you may want it all :) But for your goal of $100/month....I say no problem.

Your welcome to PM me if you have further questions. I may or may not have the answer you are looking for.

Best of choices to you & much success!

Good POST!!!

You left Scentsy to earn more money, that makes Scents (sorry couldn't resist)

But seriously, I would love to be earning the kind of money you were making with Scentsy. Who took over your downline, was it a gift to your upline?

It is true that if you can earn more and not have all the frustrations of backorders etc why not, I did a post on just that, in "Aha moments thread" earn 20% selling 1,000 =$200 VS selling $1,000 earning 50% = $500....it's a no brainer, but than as you said there's always the challenge to make more.

Good luck in your new venture!

So much good info here. I really love reading all the great posts and always feel like it helps me some. I do two businesses and the second one being Scentsy (joined 2 mths ago). I do feel the first prepared me for some of the work involved in joining Scentsy. They do require time and my main job prior to signing on for the first two yrs ago is only parttime so I do have some time to commit to these other "businesses". And that is what they are--they do require you to input something to get something out of it--sometimes more-sometimes less. Good luck in what ever you choose.
Christy

It seems you learned your lesson from a run with MK and a dishonest upline as far as overstocking. So moving past that, you are trying to find both the positive and negatives of Scentsy. I'm sure you'll find people have both to say with any company, so look past what others say and go with what you feel is right.

Define what you do and don't want in an upline and talk with more than one Scentsy rep. That seems to be more what you're trying to seek out. If you're dealing with someone local, ask if you can go along with them to a couple of parties if they do parties to actually SEE the sales. Make a list of questions and ask away: What do you earn from sales, residual income, what costs do you incur, are there any sales quotas to meet in order to earn from sales or residual income, etc.

Good luck!

I was a former Scentsy Consultant ..... I quit because it wasn't for me anymore. I did great with my Scentsy biz in the beginning but after a while it just died down on me.

Why I quit? Because I was tired of traveling to new places out of my area to search for new customers to buy from me. After customers buy warmers, they don't buy more warmers because they feel they do not need any more. I don't blame them! See, the warmers are the ones that can boost up my quota per month, know what I mean?

After customers buy warmers, they don't buy more warmers because they feel they do not need any more. I don't blame them! See, the warmers are the ones that can boost up my quota per month, know what I mean?

I honestly haven't found this to be true all the time. Sure there are people who get one warmer and are done, BUT when they fall in love with the product, they want to buy it for friends and family... And reorders ARE a wonderful thing whether they are for warmers or for wax, car candles or travel tins. Repeat customers are what our businesses are built on after all. I take orders for a 3 pack just as happily as for a double the scentsy! Every bit helps!

Make a great impression on a customer, and they WILL return when they are ready.

I know ladies that have their own Scentsy closets packed full of seasonal warmers and they change them out frequently.

I honestly haven't found this to be true all the time. Sure there are people who get one warmer and are done, BUT when they fall in love with the product, they want to buy it for friends and family... And reorders ARE a wonderful thing whether they are for warmers or for wax, car candles or travel tins. Repeat customers are what our businesses are built on after all. I take orders for a 3 pack just as happily as for a double the scentsy! Every bit helps!

Make a great impression on a customer, and they WILL return when they are ready.

I know ladies that have their own Scentsy closets packed full of seasonal warmers and they change them out frequently.

It doesn't work for everyone....while it is great that it is working for you but it wasn't for me and also several others. I was being honest with what I said. I was just answering to Blue Ridge as she wanted to hear from both sides.

Blue Ridge,

Sorry for the confusion, I did not mean to imply that anyone chooses to 'fail', I was stating they choose to 'quit'. If you had sought guidance, you could have been successful in Mary Kay (if you wanted to!) Keep in mind, no one held a gun to your head when you bought all that inventory, that was a 'choice' as well, right? You chose to stay with Mary Kay for 8 years even though you were not selling a thing. No one made you stay, right? You wanted to be there :) That's okay and this is not failure either, it was a choice...

But perhaps you'll feel better knowing that Mary Kay is a DSA member and you can get a 90% refund on usable product that you purchased within the past 12 months. Many don't know their contract facts when they leave a DSA company and they are not aware they can get money BACK when they choose to leave.

Hey, I tried many companies over the years since 1993. Tupperware, Arbonne, Megan's Pantry, Melaleuca, Gold Canyon, and others. I did not fail any of those companies, I quit them because they were not for me.

BUT I know people in Tupperware, Arbonne, Mary Kay, Avone, Pampered Chef, Party Lite, Gold Canyon, Mia Bella, Melaleuca, Xango and MORE all making 6 and 7 figure incomes. I also know people who 'tried' all those companies and left. They did not fail, those companies were not for 'them'.

I feel all the companies I 'tried' (I did not DO) were simply stepping stones to where I am today. That's okay. I don't feel like a failure, I am not a failure. If I wanted to grow and empire in Tupperware, I know I COULD. If I wanted to grow an empire in Arbonne and get my white Mercedes, I know I COULD. But those companies are not MY passion so I choose to be elswhere.

No matter what company you are with, the money will not flow until you believe in YOU and have an unwavering desire to reach new heights and succeed.

Let me share a little secret, I was in this industry for over 10 years before I 'got it'. When I realized my upline was making over $25,000 per month (back in 2005, she now makes nearly $70,000 per mo) I sat down and said to myself "what is the difference between she and I?" She was a stay at home Mom. She was my leader in the exact same company. She had the exact same tools. The same product, the same paperwork, the same internet. What was different?

Attitude.
Belief.
Character.
Determination.

There are no physical road blocks in this industry: any one of any age, color, race, religion, financial background CAN make it happen. It's what is withIN that makes the difference. Like someone noted already the 'Negative Nellies' will never get ANYWHERE. They are too busy drowing in the darkness of their sorrows to see the light.

Once I realized this I realized my only road block was ME. I let down my walls and became a sponsoring machine and have not stopped since. Anyone can do what I do, if they want it bad enough!

I invite anyone to check out my blog on blogspot called wahm-daily, it has generic (not company related) inspirational posts to anyone in the industry...

Best wishes Blue Ridge, find your passion and SOAR! I believe in you, do you?

Hugs!

Alethea, you are a wise woman that has a wonderful way with words. I learn from you every time I read one of your posts. Thank you.

Alethea is a wonderful writer.....glad to call you a Fella Bella Sister.

WOW! Althea you should write motivational book.... it WOULD sell. Your pep talk was unbelievable. Moved me!
thanks
kim

I was thinking the same thing Alethea...wow. You should write.

I sent you a Private Message.

Applauding Alethea
Excellent, uplifting, positive input!

Sometimes do consultants/reps leave a company because it is poorly run or maybe because they demand to much?

Sometimes it's the person who says "it wasn't for me" actually got frustrated because of things that were out of their control.

When anyone of those Direct sales companies that were mentioned actually expected more than it was worth or if consultants have to keep making excuses for the poorly run business than I feel it wasn't really the consultant or the rep who started out enthusiastic who didn't fail the COMPANY FAILED THEM !!

What do you think?

Why take the blame as consultants the business should shoulder some of the blame instead of having a ....next....attitude.

I don't beleive this is a negative-nellie thing it's asking honest questions.

I appreciate everyone that responded to my questions both on the thread and privately. I simply wanted some honest experiences with Scentsy. As great as a company as it sounds to be, I know that not EVERYONE has succeeded, and I wanted to know why? Was it really just because a person didn't actively seek new customers, or was it difficult to find new customers? Having done direct sales with a company that is saturated, I know that it can be difficult. I wasn't looking to "negative nellies" just some people that weren't afraid to tell me why it didn't work for them.

Thanks again, I really appreciate hearing about everyone's experiences.

I always say to my team mates when it does not seem to be working...."Is it your business not working, or you not working your business"....this always makes them think ;)

I dont know if anyone who quit would still be on this forum, maybe thats why you havent received the response you are looking for. I dont think it will apply to you if someone else found it too hard to run the business, Im sure there are a lot of people who say they cant find Customers.. (as with any company) but that doesnt mean you wont find customers. :)

I quit many companies and most often it was lack of focus and direction. Actually, I joined some good companies, but really never invested myself in the business. My greatest challenge was myself, not saturation, products or compensation.

It's wise to check everything out and make sure you find what works for you. So congrats to you for asking!

If you love the products and work at it, success will follow no matter whether there are 10 reps on the block or just one in the state. There are many long-standing established companies where people are finding true success. The key really is oneself and how hard you work to make it happen for you.

My best tip...don't quit. I became quite good at quitting and my wish is you don't follow that path.

Best wishes for the greatest success!