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:( my direct sales company is closing

Feel like I just got a punch in the gut. I took a risk on this and I'm so not sure it worked out. I'm hoping I get enough orders off the end of business sale to make the sting of the inventory I bought for Christmas craft shows hurt a little less.
Bad day for me MM wise. And bad decision.
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Re: :( my direct sales company is closing

  • That is one of the risks that you take trying direct sales.  For me, it was not being a good sales person.  Luckily I didn't have to have inventory.
  • Direct sales can be tricky - I've heard many people getting into those wraps (it works)  I don't think those will ever die off.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • This was a candle/wax warming company. I don't think they did enough marketing on the company level, and they didn't let it go long enough. Either that or scentsy already had too much of the market share for anything new to break into.
    Oh well, live and learn.
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  • Yeah I'm sure scentsy is taking over that market.  I got yet another invite on FB for those jam berry wraps - I can't take it anymore LOL.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
  • yeah I know like 5 people who sell them. Those have exploded quickly. They are fun and cute but I can't apply them right.
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  • Sorry to hear that. I do direct sales too and I know moms who also do it, but with different companies.

    I think one key is to being sure you're selling a very consumable product like food, skin care, and/or cosmetics. There's always resale there and repeat customers since it gets washed off or eaten.

    People can only have so many purses, jewelry pieces, plastic storage containers, and candles, but women always need to restock mascara and dip mixes, etc..

  • yeah I know like 5 people who sell them. Those have exploded quickly. They are fun and cute but I can't apply them right.

    *Not a consultant* but I had trouble at first too and found the key was to hear them a long time with my hairdryer (like 15 seconds, vs. the 5 recommended by the company). You know they're ready when they start curling on their own.

    I'm sorry your company is closing, that sucks ;( I remember your post about holiday inventory and being in the "go for it" column. Hoping you can find a good new opportunity soon that makes up for it.
  • edited January 2015

    Sorry to hear that. I do direct sales too and I know moms who also do it, but with different companies.

    I think one key is to being sure you're selling a very consumable product like food, skin care, and/or cosmetics. There's always resale there and repeat customers since it gets washed off or eaten.

    People can only have so many purses, jewelry pieces, plastic storage containers, and candles, but women always need to restock mascara and dip mixes, etc..

    this is so true. I do cosmetics, even though I don't work for new customers right now I usually get a few orders a month of people re-filling the products they use. usually a quick reminder that mascara is only safe for 3-4 months prompts several clients to re-order realizing they've been using the same tube for longer.  

    Hopefully you can offer a lot of your inventory up at a discount to re-coup some of your costs (I do this with discontinued stuff). Track everything and get some help with your 2015 taxes next year to see what you can count as a loss. 


    edited because words
    Me: 28 H: 30
    Married 07/14/2012
    TTC #1 January 2015
    BFP! 3/27/15 Baby Girl!! EDD:12/7/2015
  • Yeah, everything is 60-70 so I have to offer huge discounts, but it's ok. I did the books last night. I made $200 or so I believe plus whatever I can get for my inventory. Not worth the time or effort ( I was at craft fairs EVERY weekend this fall) but it is what it is.
    image
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