Purse Party Business
From LoveToKnow Party
Attending, hosting, or having your own purse party business can be a venture in fashion and a great way to socialize. As any woman knows, you can never have too many handbags.
Attending a Purse Party
Even if you are not looking for a new purse, you can attend a party. While you may have to sit through a short presentation, it is a great party for everyone involved. Leave your wallet at home if you are afraid you may be tempted to purchase something. If you find a really great bargain, most parties allow for internet orders or phoned in orders from a catalog you can take home.
A purse party will be similar to other at-home direct sales party. You should expect a meet-and-greet portion, where everyone will introduce themselves. A short ice-breaking party game may also happen, depending on the number of people.
Once the introductions are finished, the salesperson (often called consultant) will make a short presentation. Samples of the purses may be on display and passed around as the consultant makes a short presentation about the various features of a particular design.
After the presentation of merchandise for sale, the consultant may try to give you a short recruiting speech, highlighting the benefits of working for the company. Additionally, she/he will point out the bonuses you will receive if you choose to host a party yourself.
Finally, order forms are handed out. You will often be allowed to chat and mingle as you look over the merchandise before making a final selection. The hostess may also open up a small buffet at this time, serving food and drinks (if she hasn’t already).
A typical purse party will run anywhere between one and two hours. This time frame will vary depending on how many people attend, the day and hour of the party, and of course, how much time you spend chatting at the end.
Hosting a Purse Party
Deciding to host a purse party is easy. Perhaps you want to help a friend out with her purse party business. Or maybe you need a new purse and want to get a good deal. You may even just want an excuse to invite all your gal pals over. No matter the reason, having the party can be a great event for you.
If you do not know anyone who owns a purse party business, check out several reputable ventures in your area (see next section for business suggestions). After all, you want to host a party with merchandise you like. Check their products listings, as many often offer jewelry and accessories in addition to purses. Finally, read their hostess program information. You want to get the most out of your hostessing experience.
Once you have a company and sales rep contacted, set the date and time. You want to be sure that it is a time when most people can attend. Weekends may sound like the best time, but in reality, other obligations often fill the afternoons and evenings. Try hosting a party in the early evening during the workweek. Making it easy to stop by on the way home from work can help increase attendance.
Because no party is complete without food, you want to plan your party menu. Depending on the time of day you host your party, you want to have a selection of several snack dishes or finger foods available. Consider having a meat and cheese tray, fruit salad, cookies, veggies and dip, and drinks. Ask your consultant about having alcoholic drinks available, as some purse party businesses do not allow hard alcohol.
Other tips for hosting a successful purse party include:
- Clean your kitchen, bathroom, and family room. You can shut the door to all other rooms.
- Prepare food a day or two ahead of time if it can be refrigerated.
- Have a coffee table, folding table, and other display areas available for the consultant to display her wares.
- Keep a supply of pens and calculators on hand.
- Let your consultant know how many people RSVP’d.
Before your party, do a final sweep of your entry way for tripping hazards and set up extra chairs in your family room. Keep the phone nearby, in case anyone calls for directions. As guests arrive, offer them something to drink.
Selling With a Purse Party Business
If you want to earn some extra money, consider selling with a purse party business. You get what you put into these kinds of businesses, so before jumping on the chance to be a consultant, consider the amount of time you have available, whether you are self-motivated, and if you are outgoing enough to get in front of groups of people to make presentations. Having those qualifications can make you an excellent purse party business consultant.
Before signing any consultation contracts, make sure you know the details. Some companies allow you to create your own advertising, while others want you to buy it from them. You may be required to purchase a start-up kit; find out if it is returnable within a certain amount of days should you change your mind. Carefully read the fine print of any contract you sign before beginning your purse business.
- Occasionally Purse Party offers a selection of purses, accessories, and papers for home based businesses. Start-up sample kits start at $99.95. Consultants earn between 20 and 30 percent of sales.
- Bella Handbags sells handbags, wallets, watches, accessories, and jewelry during at-home parties. Information regarding starting your own purse party business can be obtained by emailing trish@bellahandbags.com.
1154 LILL Studio
Let customers choose their own custom designed purse from 1154 LILL Studio. Representatives make a percentage of sales, and get to design their own handbag. Training is done in Chicago, with representatives selling within driving distance of their home area. A resume and answers to 18 screening questions are needed before you can get an interview for becoming a representative. Details are provided on the website.
Illicit Purse Party Business Ventures
As with any at-home business, the purse party one can be riddled with schemes. One big clue that the party business is illegal or has unethical practices is if it claims to have Kate Spade or other designer bags or knockoffs. Engaging in knowingly selling faux bags that could pass for real designer bags is illegal.
If you are unsure of the kind of business it is, check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints and ask the company representative questions. If the representative interviewing or training you is uncomfortable or shirks answers, consider it a warning sign.
Learn More
Comments
If you'd like to learn more about Purse Party Inc., you can read our interview with Amber, Getting Started Hosting Purse Parties.
-- Contributed by: Lorie WitkopIf you are interested in hosting a legal purse party please go to Purse Party Inc. and search for a consultant. Purse Party Inc. offers the latest trends in purses and jewelry!
-- Contributed by: AmberToni, there is no such thing as an authentic Coach purse party. Because they're selling counterfeit products, you won't find the companies behind these products advertising. If you aren't concerned about buying knock-off bags, you'll just have to ask around to find out when a friend or co-worker might be hosting a sale.
-- Contributed by: Lorie WitkopThis page has been accessed 976 times. This page was last modified 08:22, 8 November 2007.
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