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View Full Version : Lots of Questions...
justamommy
03-14-2006, 11:02 AM
First, I'll just go ahead and apologize for all of the questions I'm going to ask. I've been reading through this website for...oh, about 3 hours now and have actually been writing down a few questions as I went so that I wouldn't leave anything out that I'll wish I would have asked later on. I really like candles, have tons and tons of them, and need a job that I can do outside of going to school full-time and having a family and everything else. I've looked over this website and I think this is the thing that I like the most, plus you all seem really enthusiastic about it. Anyways, here are my questions...
1- How do you sell them? Okay, after 3 hours of reading through this stuff, I've gotten the obvious stuff- person-to-person, fundraisers, parties, etc. What I mean is that I've seen that some companies have restrictions for how/where you can sell things. For example, can you sell on ebay? Can you make your own website somewhere and are there any restrictions as to what you can put on it with the "Mia Bella"/ "Scent-sationals" name on it? Can you put ads in local newspapers in your area? If so, do they have to be approved first or are there any restrictions? Are there any places that you specifically can NOT advertise?
2- I see that it costs $35/month for the COTM thing. Realistically, how much money do people usually make when they first start out? I'm not trying to make millions or anything, but I also don't want to pay $35 a month and not even make that much back, ya know? If anyone would be comfortable telling me how long you've been doing this, how many hours you usually work at it, what methods you use, and how much you make, I'd appreciate it.
3- I've looked on several of the websites and can't for the life of me find anywhere that says how much the candles actually COST? I saw somewhere else that you can sell them for however much you want, but you do have to buy them from the company first, right? Is there a page somewhere that actually lists all of the products, along with prices? I love candles, but I can't afford to spend a huge amount on something like that...and I really don't like the idea of selling something that I can't even afford to buy for myself.
4- What are the policies on cancelling if you decide not to do it anymore? I saw that you have to send an email to someone requesting to cancel. Are there any other specifics (i.e. certain # of days in advance, etc). Is it relatively easy to cancel? In other words, if I sign up and try it out for a month or two and decide that it isn't going to work, am I going to have to chase after people to get it cancelled so that I'm not billed for the next several months in the meantime?
5- I also noticed that shipping varies from place to place. Anyone have any idea how much shipping would be to Southeast Missouri? Is shipping for the COTM the same as for other orders?
6- Is the COTM enough to realistically get started? If not, what else would I need and how much is that?
7- I'm really not that good at direct-selling. Okay, I haven't tried it but I seriously don't think I'd be good at it. I'm really not too thrilled about the idea of doing home parties either...but who knows. Can you still make money at this anyways, even if you can't/don't do that?
It's really not that I'm not willing to put in any time or effort, because I am. It's just that there are only so many hours in the day and I want to get all the information I can so that I'm not jumping in over my head. Thanks for any help or advice that anyone can give me.
1- How do you sell them? Okay, after 3 hours of reading through this stuff, I've gotten the obvious stuff- person-to-person, fundraisers, parties, etc. What I mean is that I've seen that some companies have restrictions for how/where you can sell things. For example, can you sell on ebay? Can you make your own website somewhere and are there any restrictions as to what you can put on it with the "Mia Bella"/ "Scent-sationals" name on it? Can you put ads in local newspapers in your area? If so, do they have to be approved first or are there any restrictions? Are there any places that you specifically can NOT advertise?
2- I see that it costs $35/month for the COTM thing. Realistically, how much money do people usually make when they first start out? I'm not trying to make millions or anything, but I also don't want to pay $35 a month and not even make that much back, ya know? If anyone would be comfortable telling me how long you've been doing this, how many hours you usually work at it, what methods you use, and how much you make, I'd appreciate it.
3- I've looked on several of the websites and can't for the life of me find anywhere that says how much the candles actually COST? I saw somewhere else that you can sell them for however much you want, but you do have to buy them from the company first, right? Is there a page somewhere that actually lists all of the products, along with prices? I love candles, but I can't afford to spend a huge amount on something like that...and I really don't like the idea of selling something that I can't even afford to buy for myself.
4- What are the policies on cancelling if you decide not to do it anymore? I saw that you have to send an email to someone requesting to cancel. Are there any other specifics (i.e. certain # of days in advance, etc). Is it relatively easy to cancel? In other words, if I sign up and try it out for a month or two and decide that it isn't going to work, am I going to have to chase after people to get it cancelled so that I'm not billed for the next several months in the meantime?
5- I also noticed that shipping varies from place to place. Anyone have any idea how much shipping would be to Southeast Missouri? Is shipping for the COTM the same as for other orders?
6- Is the COTM enough to realistically get started? If not, what else would I need and how much is that?
7- I'm really not that good at direct-selling. Okay, I haven't tried it but I seriously don't think I'd be good at it. I'm really not too thrilled about the idea of doing home parties either...but who knows. Can you still make money at this anyways, even if you can't/don't do that?
It's really not that I'm not willing to put in any time or effort, because I am. It's just that there are only so many hours in the day and I want to get all the information I can so that I'm not jumping in over my head. Thanks for any help or advice that anyone can give me.
BarbB
03-14-2006, 11:19 AM
Hi Justamommy:
1. The only real restriction is that we cannot sell on E-bay. We can do newspaper ads and our training information gives lots of examples. If you want to write something yourself, it should be approved by the company. You can have your own personal website but you cannot sell the candles on it or mention the name Mia Bella or Scent-Sations.
2. The cost to join COTM is $39.95. For that you get a 16 oz jar and 12 votives in a new scent each month, a Bella Bar soapand your own website. The retail value of this is about $60 so you make a profit right there. I have been with MB for a little over two years. I am doing it very part time. You can make good money but it all depends on how much you put into it. It's hard to give a number since everyone's situation is different.
3. Prices aren't on the site because we can sell them at different prices. Suggested retail price for the candles is $18.95. We make about 100% profit from wholesale, 50% profit from retail. We're hoping to have shopping carts soon on our sites and prices will be listed.
4. You can cancel at any time. You just have to let the corporate office know and you will be cancelled immediately or you can just go to the Associate status which doesn't cost anything monthly.
5. I live in Maryland and shipping for the COTM is $7. I'm not sure for your area.
6. Yes you can get started with COTM and some brochures and just take orders so your first case is paid for. I started with a case (12) of candles which is $114 plus COTM, but you don't need to start this way.
7. I am not a sales person either and I purposely chose this company after trying several others because I didn't want to do home parties either. Once someone smells these candles they want to buy. I like donig craft fairs, and you can also work strictly on line if you want.
I hope I answered your questions satisfactorily. I would be happy to send you a free business CD and votive if you send me an e-mail or call.
Best of luck in your decision. This is a wonderful company with wonderful people.
Barb
www.BurnForSuccess.com (http://www.BurnForSuccess.com)
Edited by: BarbB
1. The only real restriction is that we cannot sell on E-bay. We can do newspaper ads and our training information gives lots of examples. If you want to write something yourself, it should be approved by the company. You can have your own personal website but you cannot sell the candles on it or mention the name Mia Bella or Scent-Sations.
2. The cost to join COTM is $39.95. For that you get a 16 oz jar and 12 votives in a new scent each month, a Bella Bar soapand your own website. The retail value of this is about $60 so you make a profit right there. I have been with MB for a little over two years. I am doing it very part time. You can make good money but it all depends on how much you put into it. It's hard to give a number since everyone's situation is different.
3. Prices aren't on the site because we can sell them at different prices. Suggested retail price for the candles is $18.95. We make about 100% profit from wholesale, 50% profit from retail. We're hoping to have shopping carts soon on our sites and prices will be listed.
4. You can cancel at any time. You just have to let the corporate office know and you will be cancelled immediately or you can just go to the Associate status which doesn't cost anything monthly.
5. I live in Maryland and shipping for the COTM is $7. I'm not sure for your area.
6. Yes you can get started with COTM and some brochures and just take orders so your first case is paid for. I started with a case (12) of candles which is $114 plus COTM, but you don't need to start this way.
7. I am not a sales person either and I purposely chose this company after trying several others because I didn't want to do home parties either. Once someone smells these candles they want to buy. I like donig craft fairs, and you can also work strictly on line if you want.
I hope I answered your questions satisfactorily. I would be happy to send you a free business CD and votive if you send me an e-mail or call.
Best of luck in your decision. This is a wonderful company with wonderful people.
Barb
www.BurnForSuccess.com (http://www.BurnForSuccess.com)
Edited by: BarbB
UNcommonScents
03-14-2006, 12:44 PM
Hey Just a Mommy,
There is so much information to take in when you begin to research this
company! A good way to go about processing everything is to begin
listening to the opportunity calls- there is one this evening, one
tomorrow afternoon, and another one along with a training call Thursday
evening- the schedule is posted in a previous thread- if you'd like it
again, just ask us!
(Hey Natalie, maybe we could put this in a sticky post at the top?)
If you are not already working with a distributor who is sending you an
information packet, ask one of us to do so- there is a great, professional
and informative CD-Rom presentation that has really been the deciding
factor for many people who choose this business. It also makes a big
impact when you smell the amazingly realistic scents and use the soy
body wash- it's like nothing I had ever experienced before- even my DH
adores it. (Shh- don't tell him I told you...!)
Regarding how much money you can make starting out, how much do
you want to make? Start by setting a goal, and then have your potential
sponsor work with you to set goals for achieving your financial goal.
Another important question is, how do you want to build your business,
and what will your focus be? Offline, online? Retail, fundraising,
recruiting? A combination of some or all? Some options, like fundraising
and residual income and fundraising can be very lucrative over time, but
take time to build. If you are willing to start by working retail and you are
flexible about what you are willing to do to meet your goal, (home
parties, craft shows, expos) then I think you can set a start up goal from
$300 to as much as $1,000 or more. You will hear some great
testimonials about how people built their business and have made
substantial income in their first few months starting with just their COTM
and a lot of persistence. But it takes vigilence, daily action, and old
fashioned hard work.
Shipping is exact freight cost. On average it is anywhere between $8 to
$10. I am sure if you wanted to call the company and ask them to check,
they could tell you what exact shipping would be to your home.
This is definitely a business that can be run successfully on a low budget
and with just the COTM shipment. Get those votives out there for people
to sample, and start taking orders. When you have enough orders to
cover the cost of a whole case (6 jar candles) collect the money and place
the order. You stay out of the red, and now you have 6 jar candles in
your inventory. If you tell customers that once you get 6 jar candles on
your order list you can place an order for a case, often your customer will
go out and GET ORDERS FOR YOU! It has happened to me several times
now. Give them a votive and let them go crazy! Then you also have a
potential new business partner- "Gee Name, you did such a great job
selling candles for me, this would be a great little side business for you,
and a way to get all your candles at wholesale!"
If you are motivated, you find a strong team and a supportive and
experienced sponsor, with 5-6 hours a week you can build a successful
business with Mia Bella. It's the most FUN you'll ever have working, I can
guarantee that!smileys/smiley2.gif
Best wishes for Success, --Kitt
There is so much information to take in when you begin to research this
company! A good way to go about processing everything is to begin
listening to the opportunity calls- there is one this evening, one
tomorrow afternoon, and another one along with a training call Thursday
evening- the schedule is posted in a previous thread- if you'd like it
again, just ask us!
(Hey Natalie, maybe we could put this in a sticky post at the top?)
If you are not already working with a distributor who is sending you an
information packet, ask one of us to do so- there is a great, professional
and informative CD-Rom presentation that has really been the deciding
factor for many people who choose this business. It also makes a big
impact when you smell the amazingly realistic scents and use the soy
body wash- it's like nothing I had ever experienced before- even my DH
adores it. (Shh- don't tell him I told you...!)
Regarding how much money you can make starting out, how much do
you want to make? Start by setting a goal, and then have your potential
sponsor work with you to set goals for achieving your financial goal.
Another important question is, how do you want to build your business,
and what will your focus be? Offline, online? Retail, fundraising,
recruiting? A combination of some or all? Some options, like fundraising
and residual income and fundraising can be very lucrative over time, but
take time to build. If you are willing to start by working retail and you are
flexible about what you are willing to do to meet your goal, (home
parties, craft shows, expos) then I think you can set a start up goal from
$300 to as much as $1,000 or more. You will hear some great
testimonials about how people built their business and have made
substantial income in their first few months starting with just their COTM
and a lot of persistence. But it takes vigilence, daily action, and old
fashioned hard work.
Shipping is exact freight cost. On average it is anywhere between $8 to
$10. I am sure if you wanted to call the company and ask them to check,
they could tell you what exact shipping would be to your home.
This is definitely a business that can be run successfully on a low budget
and with just the COTM shipment. Get those votives out there for people
to sample, and start taking orders. When you have enough orders to
cover the cost of a whole case (6 jar candles) collect the money and place
the order. You stay out of the red, and now you have 6 jar candles in
your inventory. If you tell customers that once you get 6 jar candles on
your order list you can place an order for a case, often your customer will
go out and GET ORDERS FOR YOU! It has happened to me several times
now. Give them a votive and let them go crazy! Then you also have a
potential new business partner- "Gee Name, you did such a great job
selling candles for me, this would be a great little side business for you,
and a way to get all your candles at wholesale!"
If you are motivated, you find a strong team and a supportive and
experienced sponsor, with 5-6 hours a week you can build a successful
business with Mia Bella. It's the most FUN you'll ever have working, I can
guarantee that!smileys/smiley2.gif
Best wishes for Success, --Kitt
justamommy
03-14-2006, 01:10 PM
Thanks to both of you for answering my questions and to everyone else who has messaged me and/or called me. You all have got to love doing this to be this enthusiastic about it! I'm still kind of amazed at that as I'm not sure I've ever seen a group of people who loved their work so much.
Anyways, I live in a town of about a thousand people. I just recently moved here, but, to my knowledge, there really aren't any big craft shows or expos or anything like that. It's, more or less, a few families and a couple of gas stations (if you could even call them that...). There's not a lot of opportunities for something like this right here, which is partially why I was asking about all of the ways to market online. I do know of a few people who might be interested and my mother manages a store in the next town over so maybe I could stick flyers/samples/whatever in her store and have that lead somewhere but I haven't talked to her about it so I don't know.
As for how much I'm looking to make, I don't really know. Like I said, I'm not trying to become a millionaire or make gobs of easy money. As far as I'm concerned, if I make more than I'm spending then I'm not going to complain. Obviously, the more, the better- but so long as I have more coming in than going out, I'll be happy.
Anyways, if anybody has any more advice, tips, etc, please throw them in. BarbB's sending me a Cd and a sample so if it's all as great as everyone says then hopefully I'll be able to join pretty soon. smileys/smiley1.gif
Anyways, I live in a town of about a thousand people. I just recently moved here, but, to my knowledge, there really aren't any big craft shows or expos or anything like that. It's, more or less, a few families and a couple of gas stations (if you could even call them that...). There's not a lot of opportunities for something like this right here, which is partially why I was asking about all of the ways to market online. I do know of a few people who might be interested and my mother manages a store in the next town over so maybe I could stick flyers/samples/whatever in her store and have that lead somewhere but I haven't talked to her about it so I don't know.
As for how much I'm looking to make, I don't really know. Like I said, I'm not trying to become a millionaire or make gobs of easy money. As far as I'm concerned, if I make more than I'm spending then I'm not going to complain. Obviously, the more, the better- but so long as I have more coming in than going out, I'll be happy.
Anyways, if anybody has any more advice, tips, etc, please throw them in. BarbB's sending me a Cd and a sample so if it's all as great as everyone says then hopefully I'll be able to join pretty soon. smileys/smiley1.gif
ezhobby
03-14-2006, 04:19 PM
Hello Justamommy!
I'll tell you a bit about myself and why I hang out in this forum constantly since I found it a couple weeks ago.
I haven't joined Scent-Sations yet but will as soon as my credit card arrives. Darn banks!
My research on this company started back in December when I saw it advertised on Success Through Advertising (an internet-based advertising program I am also a member of). To be honest, I wasn't looking for another business. I already run my own cat-sitting business from home, have my personalized chocolate wrapper business (see the link below), actively participate in STA, drive school bus, and I have a husband and 2 over-active daughters. Another business - I've GOT to be CRAZY!
But by January, I wasaddicted tothe candles (I got a few scent samples and a votive from my soon-to-be-sponsor), I was visiting the website daily to learn all I could, I was attending Opportunity and Training conferences, and I was checking out the Scent-Sations name on several work-at-home boards which lead me here. And I am so happy I found this incredibly helpful group of ladies (and gentleman). Now my mind is racing with all the ways I can market my new business.
In the months I have been looking at Scent-Sations, I haven't come across a single negative comment from members and/or customers. That's why I am still hanging out here. The enthusiasm is contagious and the sharing is incredibly helpful. I find an air of co-operation on this forum versus the competitiveness I sense in so many other forums. These folks really want others to succeed with Scent-Sations whether they sponsor them or not!
Like yourself, I don't plan on becoming a millionaire with this business. And I'm so far from being a salesperson (the self-confidence thing!) but I know I can approach people and ask "What do you think of this candle scent?" One sniff and they are YOURS! I've already experienced this with aquaintances through my daughter's sport. Now I have people actually waiting for me to join so they can place an order with me. Have you EVER heard of that before with a home business? I know I haven't. That's the Mia Bella difference.
Please do take your time and get all the information you can. Enjoy the scent sample and CD presentation Barb's sending to you. And by all means, continue visiting this forum whenever you can. There is new information to help market these delicious candles almost every day.
I wish you the very best of luck!
Blessings,
VickiEdited by: ezhobby
I'll tell you a bit about myself and why I hang out in this forum constantly since I found it a couple weeks ago.
I haven't joined Scent-Sations yet but will as soon as my credit card arrives. Darn banks!
My research on this company started back in December when I saw it advertised on Success Through Advertising (an internet-based advertising program I am also a member of). To be honest, I wasn't looking for another business. I already run my own cat-sitting business from home, have my personalized chocolate wrapper business (see the link below), actively participate in STA, drive school bus, and I have a husband and 2 over-active daughters. Another business - I've GOT to be CRAZY!
But by January, I wasaddicted tothe candles (I got a few scent samples and a votive from my soon-to-be-sponsor), I was visiting the website daily to learn all I could, I was attending Opportunity and Training conferences, and I was checking out the Scent-Sations name on several work-at-home boards which lead me here. And I am so happy I found this incredibly helpful group of ladies (and gentleman). Now my mind is racing with all the ways I can market my new business.
In the months I have been looking at Scent-Sations, I haven't come across a single negative comment from members and/or customers. That's why I am still hanging out here. The enthusiasm is contagious and the sharing is incredibly helpful. I find an air of co-operation on this forum versus the competitiveness I sense in so many other forums. These folks really want others to succeed with Scent-Sations whether they sponsor them or not!
Like yourself, I don't plan on becoming a millionaire with this business. And I'm so far from being a salesperson (the self-confidence thing!) but I know I can approach people and ask "What do you think of this candle scent?" One sniff and they are YOURS! I've already experienced this with aquaintances through my daughter's sport. Now I have people actually waiting for me to join so they can place an order with me. Have you EVER heard of that before with a home business? I know I haven't. That's the Mia Bella difference.
Please do take your time and get all the information you can. Enjoy the scent sample and CD presentation Barb's sending to you. And by all means, continue visiting this forum whenever you can. There is new information to help market these delicious candles almost every day.
I wish you the very best of luck!
Blessings,
VickiEdited by: ezhobby
justamommy
03-14-2006, 04:38 PM
Thanks for the encouragement:)
I see what you're talking about. I think that's why I actually have a good feeling about this- because if I run out of ideas, it seems like everyone else has a whole plethora of them and are happy to help. I can't wait until my stuff comes in the mail and I can smell these candles you're all raving about!
I see what you're talking about. I think that's why I actually have a good feeling about this- because if I run out of ideas, it seems like everyone else has a whole plethora of them and are happy to help. I can't wait until my stuff comes in the mail and I can smell these candles you're all raving about!
earthlydream
03-14-2006, 07:29 PM
Just a mommy,
Just wanted to say Good Luck to you! If you need help with any thing just ask lots of questions here & you'll get lots of help!! smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif
Doreen
Just wanted to say Good Luck to you! If you need help with any thing just ask lots of questions here & you'll get lots of help!! smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif smileys/smiley17.gif
Doreen
justamommy
03-15-2006, 12:18 PM
Thanks!
By the way everyone, my name is laticia. smileys/smiley1.gif
By the way everyone, my name is laticia. smileys/smiley1.gif
*Bama*
03-15-2006, 06:41 PM
Hi Laticia! Let us know when you get your samples so we can hear your " I LOVE THESE CANDLES" quote LOL :)
rsangel64
03-15-2006, 10:14 PM
Just wanted to throw my two scents in. I was very leery about this company, as I was burnt by another leading candle company. I did my research, talked to a few people and here I am.
This company is awesome!!! I also wondered how I made money, well believe me if you "Plan your work and Work you Plan" it will all come together for you. Use the "Smell and Sell" method. One smell and they are hooked. I ran into a old customer, let her smell and I think I have a customer for life. She wont be going back to the others.
There is great support from everyone, you need help. ASK
Spending the 39.95 for COM, dont sweat it. You can double your money by using these to get more sales. You can also sell these if you would like.
I swore I would never do another home party, well I have two booked for April and excited about doing them.
Dont know when I will find time, just signed up for real Estate school. Love the business but also plan on getting agents to buy for new homeowners.
All I can say is GO FOR IT, it will be the best move you ever made for yourself and family.
Deanna
PS Kitt your probably reading this and laughing, as I was one tough cookie tosponsor Hugs
This company is awesome!!! I also wondered how I made money, well believe me if you "Plan your work and Work you Plan" it will all come together for you. Use the "Smell and Sell" method. One smell and they are hooked. I ran into a old customer, let her smell and I think I have a customer for life. She wont be going back to the others.
There is great support from everyone, you need help. ASK
Spending the 39.95 for COM, dont sweat it. You can double your money by using these to get more sales. You can also sell these if you would like.
I swore I would never do another home party, well I have two booked for April and excited about doing them.
Dont know when I will find time, just signed up for real Estate school. Love the business but also plan on getting agents to buy for new homeowners.
All I can say is GO FOR IT, it will be the best move you ever made for yourself and family.
Deanna
PS Kitt your probably reading this and laughing, as I was one tough cookie tosponsor Hugs
