Party plan: does anyone really make any money from it?

Flashdaisy

I'd be really interested to know if you do. And if so, which partyplan do you do? I have been considering signing up with one, I've read mixed things about it, some people saying they make loads from it and others saying they did it for years but didn't make any profit at all.

Thanks :-)

lozza1985

Like all home business you do get out of it what you put in! Although I don't do party planning myself, it is definately a case of if you put the work in then in theory you will do much better - but make sure you pick a company that you believe in, that you really like the products as then it will be much easier to sell them as you will be genuinely enthusiastic. Definately check into any "Hidden costs" like delivery charges, internet ordering costs etc etc, as obviously all these costs will reduce your profit.

stardrops42

lozza1985 wrote: »

Like all home business you do get out of it what you put in! Although I don't do party planning myself, it is definately a case of if you put the work in then in theory you will do much better - but make sure you pick a company that you believe in, that you really like the products as then it will be much easier to sell them as you will be genuinely enthusiastic. Definately check into any "Hidden costs" like delivery charges, internet ordering costs etc etc, as obviously all these costs will reduce your profit.

Definately agree with all of the above. I am with a company that sell perfumes. They are based on designer fragrances, top quality, high concentration of perfume, long lasting but only cost £10.50 a bottle. I find them really easy to sell. I don't do parties as yet(too chicken;)) I just take my sample case with me everywhere and get my sales that way. I also lend my sample case to people and offer them 10% in goods if they get orders for 10 or more bottles of perfume, working really well so far:D I think the commision rates are good and I've signed up a couple of people which also adds to my commision. All in all I'm very happy with it at the moment and I think things can only get better towards xmas as perfume sales should be even better then:D

ali-t

I would agree with the other posters. I didn't make anything on party plan despite having loads of parties with decent sales and some with extremely bad sales. By the time I paid for the delivery of the items, my petrol, incorporated travelling time, hostess coaching, the party, publicity and submitting the orders - it was an incredibly low hourly wage - pennies more than pounds.

You also have to take into account having your kit up to date, restocking items, buying prizes for games and raffles etc. If you are looking for a regular income and don't mind being out of the house every weekend get a job in a pub. a safe regular income and you get paid for all the hours you do.

Moonbeam

I sell Miglio Designer Jewellery through party plan and make enough for me to have quit my job at a high street bank and focus on this pretty much full time. It's not just my earnings, it's also the savings I make from not having to put my children in after-school club or nurwery full-time that help. It all adds up. You are right though to consider all costs including things like websites, business cards, delivery, petrol etc. I run my business formally and complete tax returns and have an accountant (which is a further cost). I also have to pay for liability insurance and have built up my stock over time.

My words of advice would be to find a product you want to be involved in and a company you like. I am very enthusiastic about the jewellery, which makes it easier for me to sell it and I never miss an opportunity (am currently on holiday and have been selling it around the pool). I also like the structure of the company and the fact that once you move up a level you never drop back down, and there are no minimum orders - but have a good look around before you decide on one and trust your instict - if something sounds too good to be true or someone is suggesting that it's a get rich quick scheme then walk away.

Moonbeam

Forgot to say - you can also check out the Direct Selling Association website for more advice and information and a list of organisations who subscribe to it.

JennyJewell

Hi Flashdaisy
I agree with all above I personally love party plan because it's just so convenient to fit around everything - even my hubby loves me doing it for the same reason I joined the one I am involved in for it's fantastic ethics, (The Body Shop at Home),as well as for the extra income
As Moonbeam so rightly suggested - look for a company that sells products that you are interested in Not only will people see the belief you have in them but also in most party plan companies as well as earning extra income there are normally incentives for you to earn free goodies
Good luck and have fun
Jenny

candlegirl

I also do party plan!

I have worked in an office for many years and was really hating all the office politics etc so decided to join PartyLite just about 3.5years ago and can honestly say it is the best thing I ever did.

I love the products - which is a plus as I get lots of freebies so saves me money, I love the hours to suit as can work around my large family, and really just love the whole buzz and excitement that goes on in the company I work for.

I will agree with the other posters that you have to work at it - you put time and effort into building your business and it does pay off. I am finding now I am earning really good money and will soon be able to give up my full-time job and do my party plan work p/t and still earn more money - strange but true.

Looneylee

Hello!

As all the others have said, if you put in the work, then you'll reap the rewards. I sell Usborne Books and have worked hard to become a successful Group Executive. I've now been an organiser for 4 years and absolutely love it! I can't ever see myself going back to an office job .

I think that to do well at something, you do have to have a passion for the product. I have 2 children, so this job fits around them perfectly and they have books coming out of their ears :rotfl:.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do!

Lisa x

LizD_2

I'm on the 'hard slog' stage of my party plan business (Candlegirl is my upline manager), but that's due to not having many helpful contacts.

As well as finding a product you love, it's worth sounding out friends and family to see if they'll help you out with holding your first parties. Some companies won't let you formally join until you have a minimum number of bookings lined up - the idea being that you're on your way to success already!

Caroline73_2

I'm with Usborne too, just coming up to my third birthday and on the brink of another promotion.

AS well as earning enoughto give up my full time job, I've been to the US, Mexico and France on all expenses paid holidays.

I do work hard at it but it the flexibility that I love, again I have two children who love the books as much as I do.

I do think you need to research which company would work for you, we have a great commission structure where you can overtake your upline, uncapped commission, bonuses, incentives that are open to everyone (they set the criteria and if you achieve it you win, it's not just for the top 10 people!)

There are costs associated to all lines of work so I don't think of that to a downside to party plan. Most people pay petrol to get to work (we get the benefit of offsetting these expenses against our profits to minimise tax!), need a uniform or smart work clothes (I wear my regular everyday clothes for my job!), I structure my deliveries around my regular trips to supermarket etc to minimise costs.

We also have the ability to sell to schools and libraries so we can get massive sales, into the £1000's.

Good luck!