Questions about Starting

[2outof5]

HI all,

I am looking into starting a business with Usborne. I homeschool my 6 year old and we use A LOT of Usborne books in her curriculum and I also like them for my 4 and 1 year old.

A little back ground. I was burned really bad by MLM, thousands of dollars in debt, led to bankruptcy and almost ended my marriage, so I am very wary of any home based business. I mainly want to get into Usborne because I would like the discount on books for our homeschool.

I read somewhere that in the first 12 weeks you have to make a certain amount of sales or you have to pay back the retail price of the business kit, is that correct? I also read some concerning reviews, mostly that you have to work long hours and don't make as much as advertised. I'm not really concerned with those, because I'm not doing this to make money the one I was mainly worried about was:
"Our researchers noticed across a large number of complaint boards some individuals report new users will need to opt-in to many costly start-up items to get started with this business"

This is what got me in trouble before, hidden start-up costs and huge amounts of money spent on advertising and products.

I need to get these things addressed before I bring this to my husband. I have to be prepared to answer these questions, as I'm sure he'll do the same internet search I did.

Thanks in advance!
Mackenzie

[ReadingCanBeFun]

Hi Mackenzie!

First- I am sorry to hear you had such a bad experience with an MLM.

Second- to answer your question- the only sales requirement EVER for a consultant is to have 125.00 in sales in their first 12 weeks...that's it. (so one party would take care of that- or even placing an order for books for your homeschooling)

Recurring costs- the only ones would be:
Website- (which is optional) it is 50.00 a year after your first 6 months (which are free) Most people find that the website more than pays for itself, because you can do online shows, even book fairs, etc..but again- if you are doing this just for the discount- you don't have to renew your website.

The ordering system- it is 1.30 a month. But again- after the free period ends- you could just choose to renew it only for a month at a time when you know you are putting in an order.

Once you get your initial kit- you are NEVER required to buy another kit. YOU choose what/if you purchase.

DON"T spend a lot of money on advertising! I (and many others) buy our cards from Vista print- you can get a bunch for free and just pay shipping....and the stickers I put on the back of my books are 9.99 for 1000 I think? (I get them from mileskimball.com)

I tell my new consultants you DON"T need fancy tablecloths, racks, displays, etc. For my home shows- I just plop books around the room- NOTHING fancy! The display stuff I use at vendor events, etc I have built up over time (I've been doing this for just over 6 years)

Are you working with a consultant? If not- feel free to PM me and I would be happy to send you more info.

As with ANY business- you have to be careful not to fall into the temptation of feeling you need every product/sample/display etc to be successful. There are MANY homeschooling families who sign up just for the discount, and many have voiced the same concerns as you, so you are not alone!

Let us know if you have any more questions.

P.S. I've done 3- way phone calls with husbands who had questions- so that is an option too

Best wishes,

Dawn

[littledb]

Dawn did a great job explaining the costs.
Many homeschool moms do Usborne. One of my supervisors homeschools and has many moms who homeschool on her ttteam.

Im on my phone working a kids fest but will share more later.

training is key

[2outof5]

thank you so much ladies! this is exactly what i wanted to hear!

[ReadingCanBeFun]

Okay- I have to ask...what does the 2outof5 mean? (I'm so nosey!)

[2outof5]

that's okay when i joined the wahm forum i had 2 kids, now i have 3, since i was a little girl i have wanted to have 5 kids. so when i joined i had 2 out of 5

[ReadingCanBeFun]

Ah ha! Well- praying that you will be blessed with two more then! (hmmm...what if last pregnancy was twins- you will have to be 6outof5)

[2outof5]

Oh Dawn, if only I could be so lucky I've always wanted twins. Seems much more efficient to me

Well I have an announcement to make.... no it's not a new baby (sigh)

I took the plunge and signed up. Your talking to one of the newest consultants for UBAM.
I'm so excited. I already have my domain name up and running and have stated my first E-show. All before my supervisor ever contacted me lol.

Excited to embark on this journey with you guys!

[ReadingCanBeFun]

My sister has twins..there are pros and cons lol

Congratulations, and WELCOME to Usborne books! Sounds like you are quite a self- starter!!!!!

[Janzi]

It is so easy to be turned off by one bad experience. this is a pretty good, safe company. the ones to watch for are the ones that promise everything for nothing.