Online vs Home Parties

[jammintj]

With party plan companies, it seems like the instant reaction is "home parties." They say you make the most money doing parties... I do believe that to a certain extent.

Where has everyone had the most success, online parties/marketing or doing the traditional home parties? Or both? Where do you see yourself concentrating on the most?

I feel you can be as successful with just doing your business online-- like I do. I know awhile back I was talking to one of my Scentsy friends and she had one of the highest rankings; She said she never once did a "home party." She worked her business all online.

So, for those who just do home parties... Do you not really market online because you like doing actual home parties better-- like that's where you feel more comfortable?

And same with those who just do the business online... Why not do home parties?

Just thought I would open up a discussion...

Hope this makes sense, lol.

[gkoinski]

You will always make more money having live products in front of people to experience (smell, taste, touch, etc.). That being said, there IS money to be made online and thru book parties.

With Thirty-One's business model, we have what are called 'Party To Go' parties, and as such, it is easier for a hostess to have a catalog/book party or an online party. If she is given our small assortment of purses & totes, and shares with enough people who order online, this would give her a better advantage over another hostess (with another company who does not give her samples to share with others to experience) who does not have samples. Online orders from other areas from hers who order, may or may not know of Thirty-One - it's all up to good hostess coaching, and giving the hostess the right 'words' to say when on the phone (yes, on the phone) with her outside customers. There is no other way a customer will feel the hostess' excitement about the products the customer may have no experience with. Why should she buy otherwise?

Now any rep can offer a sample or samples of her products, and this should help the catalog/book or online hostess. It is not just with Thirty-One, but it is one of our business models.

[lilyBryen]

Definitely pros and cons to both. The advantage I find of home parties over online or book parties is that at a home party, the guests are forced to pay attention to your product. Through online or book parties, the person's focus can be on anything but your product. Then there is always the, "I can look at that later." mentality...and of course, they never get back to it.

[jammintj]

Good points you guys!

Yes, I agree as far as Scentsy-- being that it's candles. Since your selling the scent, it would be easier and maybe more profitable to have home parties, showcases etc. so people can smell it.

I guess whatever works for people, heck do both!

[skcandles]

I currently sell candles, and I get my best sales at in person events. But, I do get some pretty decent sales through online and catalogue only sales. But... those sales typically come from someone who has been given one of our candles by someone or they attended a party and tried them out. I do get some small orders and those are people trying the product out.

I sold romance previously. That product definitely sold better in person - especially the more expensive items. People want to see and feel those products.

[Pink Zebra Lady]

I sell candles and more. I haven't done a party yet and I have been in for 60 days. I still have achieved my quick start goals and then some by selling online and just showing a few people. It depends alot on you and your personality. If you are scared to talk to purple in person then I would definitely say take your time before you jump, but online we all feel good and it shows!

Best if luck and I am looking forward to somonline!e home parties, but mainly just vendor fairs and

[shoppingmamma]

definately parties or trunk shows here .......women have to try on the jeans

[liz.jewels]

Originally Posted by jammintj

With party plan companies, it seems like the instant reaction is "home parties." They say you make the most money doing parties... I do believe that to a certain extent.

Where has everyone had the most success, online parties/marketing or doing the traditional home parties? Or both? Where do you see yourself concentrating on the most?

I feel you can be as successful with just doing your business online-- like I do. I know awhile back I was talking to one of my Scentsy friends and she had one of the highest rankings; She said she never once did a "home party." She worked her business all online.

So, for those who just do home parties... Do you not really market online because you like doing actual home parties better-- like that's where you feel more comfortable?

And same with those who just do the business online... Why not do home parties?

Just thought I would open up a discussion...

Hope this makes sense, lol.

Well, my product is a bit more expensive than some competitor products, so it helps for people to see it in person. Once they see the quality and have a chance to hear about the warranty, and the fact that the jewelry is made of sterling silver and not plated, they are anxious to buy. In a book party, there's no way for me to make sure this message gets through.

Also, sales are always greater for me at a home party. So while I might make $100 on a book party, I'll make $300 at a home party, AND have a good sense for who at that party might want to host as well.

One time I had a hostess insist no one was coming to her home party and switch it to a book party. I gave her a loaner kit of jewelry that she put in her office and she got the same kind of sales my hostesses usually get at a home party, because people could see how much more gorgeous the jewelry was in person. She actually called me and said, "oh my gosh, there's a silpada party in my office!" It was awesome - and I got to go out with my hubby that night instead of working. So there are pros to a book party if you can make it as profitable as a home party. Otherwise, you have to do more book parties and while you don't need to show up for them, you have to do a lot of follow up to make sure they are successful!

[AmyKay]

Great discussion! I applaud all of you successfully having online parties! And I love those of you who still find a way to put the product in the hands of the prospects. That definitely increases sales when people can see and touch. So it seems you all are referring to opening a party in your back office and then having a hostess send out the link for a couple weeks, right? Are any of you doing true online parties? The chat room kind? Have a hostess get her faraway friends into a chat room or something similar and you join, of course, and have a one hour online party! SO many options nowadays!

[jammintj]

Your right AmyKay! There ARE so many options that you can kinda get lost. It basically comes down to what's convenient for the hostess. If she's super super busy then she may opt to do the catalog or online. But if she likes the "traditional" aspect of a home party-- then obviously that's the route she's going to go.

I guess it varies. Profit wise, I think you can be successful doing pretty much both! I don't think one or the other is more profitable--- but of course like mentioned before, it depends on what your selling.

But good points ladies!