How to Throw a Successful Home Sales Party (Longaberger, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef)

Step 1. Pick a home show that you really like and want to earn free stuff from. If you are not motivated and excited about your party and the products then your friends and family won't be either! Usually this part is a no-brainer and you already have one of these items that you collect or you wouldn't be reading this. If you don't have a sales consultant already then most of these companies have a main website that can locate the closest consultants to your area. I would suggest calling several of them and trying to get a feel for who will mesh well with your circle of friends. Now this person should be able to help you a long the way but many of them lack the motivation to make your party successful. You consultants out there don't get insulted, but most will just show up at your house the day of the party and display their things and take orders. When you talk on the phone, try and get a feel for how helpful they will be, or outright ask them what they intend to do for you.

Step 2. When to have it?

You obviously want to have your party when you think the most people will be able to come. So when you decide this think about the work schedules and personal obligations of the people you plan to invite. If your targeted audience is working moms, or women in general, then I suggest a Saturday afternoon party. Saturdays are best because people don't have to work and won't be in a rush to get home to put kids to bed. Saturdays if dad is not working then the moms can leave the kids at home with dad and not have to get a babysitter. Evening parties can sometimes work, but you will have less people because of putting kids to bed and other nighttime obligations. So the exact time is up to you but afternoon is best. This also allows you to get away with just serving snacks and not feeling the need to serve a meal. Also keep in mind the time of year, for example don't plan a party the Saturday before Christmas unless you want all the snacks left over for yourself!

Step 3. Invitations

At this step you need to figure out who you intend to invite to your party and get the invitations in the mail. Sit down and make a list of all your friends and family that may have the slightest interest into what you are selling. Even if the possibility is small still write their name down. Once you have this list count the total and see if everyone on the list was to come (which is naive to think they will!) would you have the room in your home. Basically make sure the list is not too long so as to create problems if too many people decide to show. If it is too large you need to cut the list down to a reasonable amount. I also try to keep my parties with the same groups of people. For example if I'm having a work party I don't invite my personal friends and family that will not have anything in common and cause me to have to entertain more. A work group all know each other and will mingle and chat amongst themselves. Same with family and friends usually.

Most consultants will have postcard invitations for you to send out. Pretty simple, just fill in the blanks and put them in the mail. One suggestion here for the postcards: Write on there somewhere in your writing, "come to have fun and please don't feel obligated to buy". You may say well that is stupid you want people to buy? Yes you do, but if someone is on the fence about buying they may, and will stay home to avoid any pressure to do so. This way they feel welcome to come even if they don't purchase. You will find that most people do buy anyway, even if it's a small purchase. My first purchase at a home party was the smallest crock that Longaberger made and it was $19. I went not intending to buy but have since spent a small fortune on my pottery collection. So send the invitations and give your guests at least 2 weeks time to plan to be there. More time and they might forget about it and too little they can't change plans they have already made. You can ask for guests to RSVP but don't expect to hear from them all. Most will not call to let you know either way. Something our society has gotten away from in recent years.

Step 4. Having your Party

So you have heard from some guests and hopefully have a general idea of how many to expect. Prepare enough food so that all your guests will have enough to eat and I usually do a cake or some type of dessert food as well. Have your home clean and inviting. Light some scented candles and have enough seating to accommodate all comfortably. I suggest you have a time when the guests are arriving to meet and greet, look over the merchandise and get their plates of food. Once some time has passed and you think everyone that is coming is there then you can turn the party over to your consultant. He or she should show off the merchandise and how to use it in multiple ways. The more ways they can show guests how to use the items the more likely they are to buy them. This period should be interactive and fun, but also informational. Some people like to have parties, some think they are stupid. I say feel out your guests and go with your gut feeling on this one. Or if you play one and they seem bored, then don't play another one. After the consultant is done give everyone a chance to look through the books and have hands on time with the merchandise. They can ask any questions they have at this time. Have available order forms and pens for all guests. Sharing pens and books may discourage people from waiting and ordering. Some guests may not be prepared to order that day, so before everyone leaves let them know a date that all orders must be in and the show will be "closed". This ensures that you are not waiting weeks for people to give you orders. Usually by now people that have done their orders are ready to leave. This is your party starting to dwindle, but don't encourage anyone out the door. Let them mingle and chat, you don't want to be a rude hostess. Once all your guests leave and your consultant cleans up all their materials get your order forms together and send them with your consultant. He or she will total up your order and tell you how much free stuff or discounted stuff you will receive. Once you decide what you want and have all other orders in then you can submit your order.

Step 5. Deliver your show orders.

It will arrive to your house when in stock and you will be responsible for distributing all the goods. Make sure that everyone gets what they ordered and are happy with it all. If they aren't happy they aren't likely to order from you again! This should be the end of your party stresses and joys until the next time you decide you want to earn some free goodies!

Good Luck and have fun!! Fun is the most important part!!