How to Determine Which Party Plan Business is Right for You
By Lynn Powers
So you know you want to start a party plan business but you're not sure which company
to choose. There are literally hundreds of options, which can be overwhelming. Here are a
few things to consider before making your final decision:
• What do you love? Do you head to the jewelry counter every time you enter a
department store? (Silpada, Premier, Lia Sophia) Do you have a flair for decorating? (Home
Interiors or Home & Garden) Are you constantly burning candles? (Party Lite or White Lily
Candles) Love to cook? (Pampered Chef or Tastefully Simple) Have a passion for fashion?
(ChicBoutique at Home or Layers Clothing)
Loving what you do and being enthusiastic about your product is essential to creating a
successful business. Plus, you'll get great discounts (and freebies) of the products you
choose to sell. You might as well load up on items you love!
• What product(s) could you personally benefit from? If you have young
children, selling Discovery Toys or The Big Yellow Box may be beneficial for you. If you
homeschool, Usborne Books might be a great choice. If there are particular Mary Kay or
Jafra products for your skin that you simply have to have, working for that specific
company would be in your best interest. Want to improve your health? Consider starting a
health and nutrition business with Herbalife, MonaVie or XanGo. As long as you'll be
selling a product, it might as well be something you'll benefit from.
• Is there a market for that particular product in your area? Let's face it.
Products do better in some places than in others. More extravagant (and expensive) jewelry
will probably sell better in an upper class area than in a more conservative, middle
classed one. It may be hard to break in with a new cosmetics product nobody has ever heard
of when everyone you know uses Mary Kay. Consider whether or not there's realistic
opportunity for success where you live.
• What are the quotas? Most companies have a minimum quota you are required
to meet, whether it's monthly or quarterly. There are two reasons for this: to motivate
you to sell more, and to keep their costs down by not having to retain inactive
consultants. Consider how much time you intend to pour into your business. If you hope to
hold two or more parties per week, you will be able to easily meet most required goals.
However, if you only intend on selling to family and friends, hitting the quota may be
more difficult.
• Will there be adequate support? If you intend on building a successful
business, support is essential. Be sure that the company you choose offers both quality
customer service and consultant support. If you are not signing up under a specific
consultant, inquire about active representatives in your area who are willing to help you
get started. If you are joining under someone, be sure she has a reputation for helping
her reps excel and succeed in their business.
Still not sure? If you've narrowed it down to a few companies you're deciding between,
why not have a couple of friends hold parties so you can learn exactly what holding a show
would involve. You can also ask the consultant specific questions about party plan
options, job requirements, commissions and all of the consultant benefits.
Choosing a company may seem overwhelming. But with so many choices, you're bound to
find one that's perfect for you.
Visit WahmZone, the ultimate
community for the Wahm and all Work At Home Moms. Learn how to Work From Home as well.
| 
About BTH
User Agreement
Privacy
Site Map
Contact
News Feeds
RSS Feed
Follow @Stephen Bucaro
Start Your Own Web Business
