WAHM Forums

Hello everyone! I finally found the new boards. I used to be a member of the old one, but I forgot my username...so I'm just starting fresh

I have been out of the DS/Party plan business for a several years...I had a good, flexible J.O.B for a while. Now, I'm finding myself REALLY wanting to get back into working at home and building a long-term business.So, my search is on....

HOWEVER...

I don't want PM's with your business info, ect. I know what type of company and products I'm interested in but the problem is that there are so many different business models in that one category of products that it's making my decision really hard.

So my question is this: What steps do you take to narrow it down? Should I put it all down on paper? Make a pro and con list? I'm really so confused and just when I think I've made up my mind and decide on a company and I'm ready to sign up...I change my mind again

Can anyone help? Been in my shoes before? Thanks!!!

I would choose based on the products you like best, availabilty in your area, and also the products you believe in the most. For me personally, I was a long time customer of Gold Canyon and I love their products. I wanted the free stuff and then it just developed into a business for me. I did not intend to be this successful with it, honestly!

Also, what about startup costs? Do you have money to invest or are you looking for a company that has no startup fees. I know with Gold Canyon, the fact that I could join free and put no money into it really sold the company for me.

Good luck and let me know if you have questions about Gold Canyon! :)

Id think you would be best to post your concerns in each companys threads. What might happen is it will turn out to be an entire thread of company pros and cons. That never turns out well.

Great start and great topic!

I would add...how well can/does the company back up its demonstrators? Do they provide adequate support by way of updating and disseminating information to demonstrators and customers to help you succeed? Are web tools well developed and easy to use? Are written materials adequate and up to date? What kind of response do you get when you call corporate? What kind of response do you get when you ask demonstrators about their relations with the company (if they have been provided adequate training from the company they should know that info no matter what level of business they have personally reached...)

When I first got into direct sales I figured out pretty quickly that we as demonstrators, are to our company what our customers are to us. It is their job to wow us, inspire us, to get out there and sell their product. So, if that's true....does the company have the structure in place, the skill and dedicate the funds it takes to come up with ideas to motivate? Not only me, but the demonstrators who sign under me?

Do they do this while maintaining a quality product which is worth every penny of what you are asking customers to spend?

I hope this helps a bit and I am looking forward to reading others thoughts!!!

Hey Becky!
I just posted in the other thread you started...
It sounds like you are doing your homework... never a bad thing. I would also think about your personal goals... financial, business etc. Make a list of what those might be and look at each structure to see which ones will help you meet those goals. Just a thought...:D

Sounds like you have gotten some great advice already!

Personally, I make a spreadsheet, put down all the info I get from each company that I am interested, and compare feature to feature... (i had been looking at a few companies before I decided on GC).. But I am an analytical, need to see in black in white kind of person

Boy, you all are technical ;)....I answered an ad in a local paper, had never smelled the candles, or looked at anything....it just sounded good. Here I am 3 years later with a full downline and left my full time job!

Oohh.. I hadn't experienced my company before I signed either. I was looking in a totally different area of direct sales, couldn't find anything that met what I was looking for, so moved to another area... lol

When I was looking 3 months ago, I narrowed my search down to 4 - I did the pros and cons and rated them by importance. My major consideration was the future outcome and where I saw myself and the company in 1-3 years. I sought out an experienced leader for each company and talked to them by phone until I knew all of my questions were answered. I then was down to 2, tried both products and that ultimately led me to my decision without a question. I have not looked back since. List what things are most important to you and then do your research, when you are ready to make your decision, you will know and it will be geniune. Best of luck on your search for the right fit!

I "sold" candles for another company before and although I loved the candles, no one else bought them. I went with that company at the time because of the start up cost but later had to buy other things in order to have adequate business tools so I've decided this time not to look at or worry so much about the start up cost but to look at what products are available, my commission, quotas, website availability and if there are representatives near me.

I think making a speadsheet is a great idea, I may have to sit and do that myself as I'm torn between two compaines right now. One sales a larger varity than the other. Just take your time and I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

Good luck

Becky...
I just went through this situation 2 weeks ago!!! I basically did this:

- Compared the commission structure, not just look at the numbers... but took one generalin $ amount.. and calculated it out with each plan (using a easy level to acheive at).

- Showed my friends & family catalog/product and got their opinions.

- Did an online search and read the most I could find the on the product... opinions etc...

- Is this something that will be unique? New in my area?

- Advertising restrictions...this is big to me!

- Trainings, meetings offered....

- Can this company be turned into an easy catalog/basket party?

- Can I give this to friends/family as gifts?

- Will people PAY this amount for my product?

HOpe that helps :) Kahne