should I join a party plan?

[hkittycrzy]

I have been looking into joining a party plan for about a year now. I am very hesitant about joining because I am afraid I will put money in and not get anything out of it. I have done Avon in the past and put way more money into it than I ever got back, so I quit that after 4 months. I am not a "salesperson" and I don't know many people where I live. I am just wondering how to make a business succeed and if I should do it, even though I am shy. I just need some advice. Thanks!

[ReadingCanBeFun]

Several things to look at when searching for a company.
Do you like the product? Will you enjoy sharing it with others?

Will you feel pressured to keep an inventory?

Are there sales quotas- which will have you stressed out- or feeling like you need to buy stuff just to keep up.

What is the start up cost? Are there any monthly/yearly recurring costs?

What is the commission/hostess structure?

How stable is the company?


Regarding your shyness You DON"T have to feel salespersony to be succesful in a home business! If you find a company and product you believe in- you will just naturely bring it up in converstation! Think of a great movie you saw- or a restaurant you enjoyed. Did you feel like it was a sales pitch if you told a friend? Nope! Same thing here.

Best wishes in your search!!

[ralphie]

Hi Kitty,

I am a very shy person and a homebody yet I love selling jewelry because you can wear your product! I've been selling for almost a year now. I decided to join because I loved the jewelry and I thought it would help bring me out of my shell a little. I'vebeen a stay at home mom for 20 years and have always done everything with my children. It's nice toget out and enjoy the company of some wonderful ladies I've met this past year. I still get a little overwhelmed at times but I'm becoming more and more confident!
Hope this helps and good luck with whatever you decide!

[camaguay]

Did you ever hear the quote, "Whether you think you can or your can't, either way you are right"...if you think you are not going to succeed in direct sales, then you probably won't. Did you ever read the book or see the movie, "The Secret"? It's all about the Law of Attraction. I think anyone who is interested in direct sales should watch this movie first. It's all about your attitude and the way you are presenting yourself.


You say you quit Avon after four months....that's not a very long time to put into a business. You need to keep trying and planting seeds before you begin to see results.


If you are serious about making a substantial income, then you need to look for a company that you really believe in,one that has a great comp plan, a product that peopleneed,and stick with it. I don't know many people where I am either, but I've been going to networking groups, expos, etc. and I have become very successful with my business in a very short time. There are alot of ways to expose your business to people even though you don't know many.


I'll be happy to speak with you about ways to market your business....just PM me and let me know how to contact you.


Good luck with your decision and I know you will choose the right path...just go with your gut!

[redbird]

I think you would be a great candidate for a company that offers a reasonably priced starter kit with EVERYTHING you need to get started and no inventory requirement. Choose something that you love and that doesn't require a lot of presentingif you are uncomfortable with that. But that can be learned and eventually you won't be uncomfortable!

Also, online shopping is a big plus because you can refer people to your website!Maybe choose something that you can display in your everyday life, like jewelry or purses/totes or even clothing! Great conversation starters because people will ask you where you got them!

Some companies that fit that bill are Thirty One Gifts, Initials, Inc., Latasia Jewelry, Lia Sophia Jewelry, Jockey Person to Person.

By the way, my friend just told me that Jockey Person to Person is going to have a 1/2 price starter kit in June-only $99!

Just some thoughts to consider!






Edited by: redbird

[BarbB]

Hi Melissa:

Everyone gave you great suggestions. I too am rather shy and not a salesperson so I really love doing craft fairs. If you are good with the computer, there are many people building their business on line (this can be done with party plans too).

Find a product you can be passionate about and go for it. You have nothing to lose. You do need to give it more time though. They say it takes about 3-5 years to really get a business going.

Best of luck.

[tereuts]

I'm a shy person too, but I enjoy home business. I do not like doing big in home presentations, but I don't mind small groups and talking to hostesses and recruits. I just decided to go with Scentsy, because I could have a website, do online parties, and do basket parties (a revised catalog show), and still make some money. I might not build as quickly, but I can still build a business.

[bianca5454]

Hi Melissa,
You have received great advise already. Home Businesses are for anybody. You just have to find the right one for you. I like to suggest that when searching for a home business, ask yourself if this is something that you yourself would use today, tomorrow and for years to come. This alone will be the key to keeping momentum in your business and developing long term success.



I personally enjoy consumable products because it is something we need and use regularly. Repeat business will come to you with consumables because people find what they like and stick with it.

Think about what you didn't like with previous businesses and seek something that will suit your character and lifestyle. You won't love every aspect of any home business; no such thing as perfect! But, find something that is more workable for you. I know for myself, I would not have been able to keep up with min quotas. I like being able to work at my own pace without the pressure of feeling I had to continue to make purchases to stay active.

Take your time and ask LOTS of questions. Good luck with your search and do keep us posted.

[hkittycrzy]

Thanks for all the advice!!

[littledb]

Hi!

Most people actually join for the product! So let that guide you. :-) I never, ever thought I'd do direct sales. yukcy! Then I fell in love and joined "Just for the discount." Next thing I knew, I wanted to share it with others, because my kids loved it so much. And it just built from there.

Also, if you join for the product, you still get a awesome steal with most kits. :-)

Best of lucks and hugs! If you want something and know why you want it, you can make it happen,

Debbie