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anyone else having some trouble based on the economy being in a slump right now? I know around me people are holding pretty tight to any cash they have, due to high gas prices and job security being uncertian. any one else have this problema nd what are you doing to solve it?

It isn't my experience that the economy is in a slump or that job security is any worse than usual. It may be the part of the country that I live in (NorthEast), or the types of job roles my friends/family have (most are either in technology or education), but I'd have to say no.

Gas prices are awful, but I'm hoping that will help me rather than hurt. BabyCrazy has flat shipping for $6.95/order, so I hope people will shop online with me rather than driving all over creation looking for "just the right gift."

Sorry to hear you're in a slump. Maybe you can find a way to turn the situation around in your favor. For example, candles can be very inexpensive, but pretty gifts. I signed on with Cello in a Box so I can wrap my Greeting Cakes and toys in an attractive way. I've seen some tealights wrapped with cello that look much more expensive than they are. You might be able to show people how to save money on gift giving by buying from you and wrapping things nicely. I'm sure you're familiar with Cello in a Box, but if you do want more info, feel free to PM me.

I hope things pick up!

=},
Christy

Hi Heather!


Mia Bella allows you to be flexible with the retail price you attach to the candles. Any chance you can adjust how much you sell them for based on the area and still make a decent profit?


The other thing youcould do is offer people the more affordable products (i.e.-Mia Melts, votives, car fresheners). You might be able to sell the lesser priced items more frequently and end up in as good a position as you would if you sold the more expensive products less often.


Oh, one other thought...perhaps you can have an incentive for your customers where they get something free for spending a certain amount...for example, give them a free votive when they buy a jar candle for $18.95.

Hi Heather!smileys/smiley17.gif


Not at all!! Business is BOOMING!


I think that with what's happening in the USA, more and more people are ACTIVELY SEEKING great businesses as a way to create a more secure life and retirement!


Once you're ready for abundance, it will be there.smileys/smiley2.gif

Hi!


I think our mindset will affect it more then anything. If we feel the economy is in a slump, we will work our business that way. You got some great ideas.


Look at other variables in your life, and then do some brainstorming to get you back out there, strong. You can do it!


Debbie

I agree that attitude is everything in this business. I've been facing a lot of cancellations this month but not because of economy (the economy is always bad around here) but because of the busy-ness of May in general. While I did sit a wallow a bit yesterday, today I have a party and I intend to make the best of it and I'll be offering some booking specials on my own (the company's are awesome, but sometimes it takes a little push) for those who book in May and I won't pass up the June people either...they just won't get my special offers. You just have to decide that the economy isn't the issue and get moving.

Great salespeople never make excuses.

Hi there -


I agree the economy does in fact have an impact on us one way or another.


My hubby and I also have a retail store and have networked with a lot of others that have little small mom and pop stores - it was a very tough winter for all of them - many who had been in biz for years - went out - mostly related to the economy in our area. So while we sat on our pity pot a bit over that - I began to think that maybe this meant somethingelse forme.


For my home business this was an advantage. With gas prices people are wanting less and less to go and get things, so they like the fact I deliver, (I've had to be more structured too to keep my cost down) they are watching cost very carefully so many are cutting back from the more expensive lines of skin care and make up and are giving my line a chance and finding out our quality is as good if not better and huge savings, they assume that I charge shipping and are thrilled when they find out we dont so order even more the next time.


So I have really jumped on this opportunity to expand my customer base and also to share the opportunity even more as more women are looking for extra income either to supplement the current job or have discovered that they now have to help supplement the hubby's income but don't want to resort to a sitter like many people here so it's a great opportunity for all of us to reach out and expand our teams and give these ladies a chance to earn some extra too.


So with any challenge out there in life - there is an opportunity as soon as you turn it upside down or inside out most times you will find it.


Hope that helps a little - find the niche for your product and how it can SOLVE a problem for someone - that's what I tried to do - once you can SOLVE a PROBLEM for them - then you have just solved yours !!


Meg

Great post Meg! I do think the change in the economy is only going to cause DS/NM to boom! Now is the time to really grow and offer change :0)

For me I am pushing the big with Gas Prices soaring why not let me come to you! Business is good for me and I think that it is all a mindset if people want something bad enough they will get it regardless of the economy. I will say gas prices are hurting right now everyone from all sides. It might be time for you to market to more people that you don't know maybe canvass a surrounding town ect.

For the most part business will slow for everyone during the summer months in comparison to sales in the winter months. However, this is not only true for direct sales, but for sales in general. It is very unlikely that someones sales will be up in the summer and then down in the winter, nor is it likely that sales will remain consistent. So expect a little bit of a slump in the summer months. This has been researched and documented in ALL companies.


However, with that being said, if you are selling a product that really appeals to women then you should be able to sell it. Research has also proven that if women see something they want to purchase then they will find a way to purchase it. Sometimes by even putting purchases that need to be made on hold so they can get what they want.


Just remember, keep your attidude up and business will swarm to you!


Misty

One suggestion in a recent meeting I went to was have the guests of your party write the names of three people they are going to have to buy gifts for this summer. People forget that they can buy gifts for people. Whether it is wine for a summer party they are going to, a bracelet for a great friend or a candle for a teacher. Everyone needs gifts and we need to market our gift giving ideas.


People also want multi-function items. We have to be creative in what we sell and look for ways to market them in a way that our guest would not think to use the item. Then they have the "aha!" notion and decide it is worth the $50.00 for the item plus the extra $20.00 for an accessory to go with the item just becuase it is functional and they can use it for something else when they are tired of it a certain way.


The economy isn't THAT bad that people aren't spending money. They want deals and if we can give it to them, they will take it.


Rachel

I don't think it's been slow my way for economic reasons...I think for me it's been graduations and weddings (I get the bachlorette parties a month before and pay for it the next LOL) and the like. April and May are slower months in my area.

I think that everyone has went through a time when there sales are not at there greatest..I have been there lol.The thing that has helped me is finding different ways to presentthe products and the opportunity!smileys/smiley2.gifThings will pick up for you..smileys/smiley1.gif