Home party sales

LoveAdopted

Let me start by saying that I have been a home party rep for one company (didn't work out too well for me) and for Avon (a little better, still not great). I enjoy going to some of the parties, if I already like the product and would want to buy it anyway.

So, MIL's friend is a rep for a pearl party company. I've never been into pearls, but last spring the friend was just starting her business and MIL hosted a show to help her, so between the two factors, I went. There was nothing I liked, but I felt like I had to buy something, so I bought the cheapest thing that I could live with, and it was a $52 charm. And it didn't even come with the chain!! So after that, I decided no more. On top of that, the friend hadn't actually started her business yet, so the commission went to someone else.

I am friends with MIL's friend on FB and she now has her pearl business. I am fine with the general posts about hosting a party, attending fundraisers, etc, because I think FB can be a great way to get a message out to a group of people and once they have the info, they can choose for themselves if they want to attend. FB is NOT for messaging someone asking them to host a party, it would be fun, blah blah blah. And I'm the kind of person who feels bad for saying no even if it's something I really don't like or have interest in. And I'm sorry, March is WAY too early to be talking to me about early holiday shopping.

Wow, didn't mean for this to turn into a novel!! Oops

GracefulMeadow86

I honestly despise those parties. For 1, the sales pitches are usually very annoying. For 2, the products are seriously overpriced and are usually a bunch of crap. I maybe would consider going to a kitchen-item one, but probably not even that because i have enough stuff already!

If i get an offer, i always turn it down - the only one ive been to lately was one MIL held so i was expected to go. I didn't buy anything. I think she was kind of miffed that i didnt, but i told her before i even came that i would not.

If someone was messaging me that junk, id just delete the messages and not respond. If she brings it up to you in person, just say, oh, i never check my FB messages and just tell her honestly that you are not interested, and if you ever become interested, you will contact her. Thats the easy way out, i think...or at least it would stop the messages!

lburkey21

Ditto everything Kim said.

I've really only been to s*x toy parties like that. Those are fun because it's just fun to laugh with all your girlfriends. I've never been to any other kind of home party for the exact same reasons that Kim said. Everything is overpriced for sure.

I'd also ignore the FB messages. That's just plain annoying of her. Don't feel bad for saying no!!

benmel31

I agree.  I actually sort of lost touch with a friend/acquaintance because she kept asking for me to host Mary Kay parties and at the time, I had just gotten engaged and didn't want to be bothered.  I think she was a bit annoyed.  She called, emailed, and sent me private FB messages multiple times. 

I don't like the makeup or jewelry parties.  I would rather go to a store to get the makeup I like and I don't wear much jewelry.  But I do love Pampered Chef!
 

Labrnr

Tell her exactly what you think of the items without being rude.

I recently had a very similar incident where an acquaintance was trying to push her "home-based business" of party supplies through facebook.  I told her that everything looked great, but unfortunately Walmart had the exact same costumes and supplies for 1/2 the price. She promptly thanked me for my input and deleted my comment.

CariJoR

ugh those things annoy me, I am not a huge fan of going to them for a friend cause I feel like I should buy something and I feel guilty if I dont. Let alone hosting one no thanks!!! I just ignore those msg's haha

lisam1217

I am right there with you ladies!  It feels like everyone these days to becoming consultants and just because you know them they feel like you are obligated to throw a party for them.  I did one jewelry party for my sister and I hated it!  I don't like asking people to spend their money.  And FIL's fiance said she would book a party through my sister and my sister still hasn't contacted her about it.  So I am left relaying messages back and forth between them and feeling horrible that my sister is being so irresponsible about it.  That is the first and last party that I will ever throw.