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@regberadaisy: this is exactly how I feel. I keep toying with the idea and then I'm like I have 2 friends and like 5 aqauintences...no one would go! But I do think it would be a good time.
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I do love Ava Anderson!
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@Mrs D: I think I'm gonna give it a go! Thanks for the idea! I do worry about doing it in my small house but I think I could get away with it. I'd keep everyone in the main area though, no separating in rooms. Do you serve food and drinks? How did you run the party? Everyone gather and visit then each consultant gets time to presents it more casual than that? I need you ideas!! Thanks!!
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@regberadaisy: ok - let me try to hit all your questions! As for the invite list...I first invited friends/family/co-worker via word of mouth. I had 10-12 really interested people. After that - I put together a facebook event and invited my FB network (more acquaintances/mild friends)...then the Thirty One rep (who has done a handful of parties recommended offering a benefit if people brought friends - so we did that. I had probably 15 attendees from my direct contacts and then 5 or 6 of those girls brought 2-3 friends each. I probably had 30+ people cruise through at some point during the 3 hours.
As for kids - I did not dictate one way or the other. I felt if someone was comfortable bringing their child into my home and keeping an eye on them then so be it. Three girls brought infants - who stayed in carriers. That said - I think you could do an event more tailored to kids or a mommy and me event catered to both and make it a very kid inclusive party (have a childrens clothing company, discovery toys and usborne books or something so the kids are entertained!).
Food...my theme was Cupcakes & Champagne. I served champagne, flavored water, two kinds of cupcakes (homemade) and two other finger food desserts. The WildTree rep brought some food to sample as well. The food probably cost me $50.
@Mrs. Sunshine: I actually think having less people would be cool too. Say 8 girls - you could easily poll them on which vendors they'd like to see. You could make it a fund girls night have a wine vendor, a jewelry vendor, maybe jamberry or younique and maybe something foodie (pampered chef or Wildtree). Honestly - a good and down to earth rep who wants to have fun and sell 'some' stuff will come just for the connections. I think involving the right consultants is the key to people having a good time. No one wants to be hardsold - we just dont...so thats why I think mine was a huge success!
@jh524: Actually it was very much like an "open house". People could cruise through each room at their leisure. If they werent interested in the makeup they could just walk right past the room. Some people spent a ton of time (2 hours plus) and some people were in and out in 30 mins...then just stayed and chit chatted! I had informed the vendors up front that there would be no "presentation" time...for the vendors I had everyone was fine with that. I do worry a bit with some of the company's that the presentation is a HUGE piece of the party - some some company's may not fit well for this style. I think I answered the other questions above!
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@mrsjyw: I'm kind of obsessed with the younique mascara...I never thought I would be but I am totally hooked. R+F intrigues me...but the price point has me worried for this type of event!
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@Mrs D: so everyone just rotates between the vendors? Do the vendors also get a chance to see the other vendors presentations?
ETA: you're kind of genius lol
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@Mrs. Sunshine: Haha...thanks...I appreciate the compliment!
Yes - when people came in I greeted them (I set up in the room closest to the front door) and gave them the layout of where everyone was. That way they were not pressured to go to each vendors location...just could browse as they want (just like a store). The vendors arrived mostly 2 hours early - we set up, chatted and checked out each others stuff. I bought from all the girls (and had the hostess perks) and I think the other 4 on average purchased from 2 other vendors. Its nice now because we have this mini network - and they were all geeked to do it again this year.I think it was helpful doing it near the holidays when people need to gift shop. This year I plan to suggest that the ladies prep sample gift ides ... i.e. gift ideas under $XX, $XX, $XX to help people shop. I am also going to suggest combining vendor products to create gift bundles. IE - the Thirty One rep could pair her make-up bag with a couple items from the Younique vendor to show a $50 gift. Or maybe Wildree & Pampered Chef put together a hostess gift basket of items for when you attend a party in someones home. Help people with their shopping lists!
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This is a really fun idea. Although I don't know many direct sales consultants. A friend sells Origami and my alterations lady sells Monavie.
@Mrs D: ETA: you answered all of my questions already.
What about a Bedroom Kandi vendor? I'd pay top dollar for a good toy.
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@Mrs D: one more I thought about. Pikle! I love my Pikle.
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@Mrs. Lemon-Lime: So - like I said I invited about 10-12 personally and then probably another 50 on facebook (not very personal and did not expect a huge turnout from it). As I mentioned - I had probably 15 true attendees (I'd say 10 from personal invites, 5 or so from the facebook event only) and then most of them brought a couple friends.
I did provide the refreshments - though this can be done at a wide ranges of budgets. I probably spent about $50. If you have a food related vendor they are generally accustomed to providing at least some nibbles.
So...it was a year ago - but I think if I remember correctly the sales were as follows:
Chloe + Isabel - $1200 (I had 2 large orders)
Thirty One - $700 I believe
WildTree - $350 plus she booked 2 freezer workshops which is huge for them!
Younique - around $400 I believe
Fashion Truck...not sure but I got $75 of free product...so guessing somewhere around $400-500 in sales?They all want to come back this year so that is great!
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@Mrs D: thanks for answering my questions. I wish we had something like the fashion truck near me! That's awesome!!
So would it be too crammed to set up my ladies all in the same area? ( family room & kitchen area) I do have a upstairs bonus room I could use I guess... I will provide wine and cupcakes too add some extra fun. From your experience is 2-5pm a good time? I'm excited about this!! Do you think a party could still be " big" like yours even if it's the middle/end of October? Or closer to DecemberSo far I have Younique (i sell it), Jamberry, Thirty-One, Chloe & Isabel and..... Should I add another? Any ideas or stop it at 4.
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@jh524: have you googled a fashion truck in your area? I had never heard of it until I started looking around. It was amazing!
The middle of the day worked for my friends - plus it was daylight out which was nice for the fashion truck. I aimed for November so that all holiday collections would be launched. C+I does not launch their holiday stuff until Nov - so that was my hold up! Plus I think the closer to the holidays the more likely people are to do their holiday shopping!
I think setting up in the same area depends on how big of displays people want. The Younique rep I had was fine setting up on my desk (5x3) but I had my display on my dining room table (8'x3') so it would have been tight. The Thirty One rep had even more space!
I think your vendors sound good - if you dont have a fashion truck and want one more you could maybe do LulaRoe?
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This sounds like a lot of fun! I would totally attend one of these.
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I normally hate direct sale parties and immediately delete invites, but this sounds like a lot more fun.
I would include arbonne or melaleuca- love those both so much!
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@Mrs D: how soon did you invite your guests? Did you give 2 weeks? Less or more?
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Update: I am holding my event on Nov 22 - I just set up the facebook group today so people knew the date! I have reps from: Chloe + Isabel (me), Usborne Childrens Books (me), Thirty One, Younique and the Fashion Truck lined up. I also have reached out to reps from Scentsy and Pampered Chef. Fingers crossed!
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@Mrs D: good luck with your party!!! Just want to say thanks for the awesome idea and tips! My party is October 17th!! Ahhhh I can't wait!! I have Younique, Jamberry, Scentsy, Nerium, Chloe & Isabel, ThirtyOne bags & LuLaRoe coming!! I am slightly worried about space but I'll figure it out and it's a open house style so hoping everyone doesn't come at the same time lol My theme is Cupcakes & wine! Thanks again
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I was just going to suggest Young Living and Norwex are my 2 favorite!
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@jh524: Yay! Let me know how it goes for sure!!!
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@jh524: SO? How was it?
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I just came across this post! I am a independent consultant for Usborne Books and More! Well worth it
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I'm not a Consultant but I love BeautyCounter products. Safe and clean beauty products.
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@Mrs D: how did yours go? I'm thinking a multi consultant / product one might be fun! Did you only keep it to people you know?
Yes - when people came in I greeted them (I set up in the room closest to the front door) and gave them the layout of where everyone was. That way they were not pressured to go to each vendors location...just could browse as they want (just like a store). The vendors arrived mostly 2 hours early - we set up, chatted and checked out each others stuff. I bought from all the girls (and had the hostess perks) and I think the other 4 on average purchased from 2 other vendors. Its nice now because we have this mini network - and they were all geeked to do it again this year.
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