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If you are looking
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Biz Is for me
page to find
helpful info with your decision of what business to join.
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See
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I am so glad I decided to place an ad on your website. I have never had so many
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opportunity" Sheryl Gobell
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We
get your direct sales business buzzing! Host coaching, booking, recruiting,
customer care and team recognition
products for home party plans! Whether
you have a home party business for candles, skin care, baskets, scrapbooking
supplies, home decorating, rubber stamps, gourmet food, or anything in between.
We
have a great, cost-effective way of getting your direct sales business
buzzing!
For
more information about how Beehive Creations can help you get your direct sales
business buzzing, head to our Cyber Hive at:
BeeHive
Creations |
| Reserve
this spot today! Available 2/15/04 |
How Do I Know
Which Company Is Best For Me?
Here is a great
informational page that might be a good start for anyone looking into joining a
direct sales business. Before you join any company you need to create a plan of
what you expect of a company and what you plan to do with the business once you
join. Here are a few great questions to ask yourself in the decision process.
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What
kind of company do you want to work with?
There are
so many different types of direct sales businesses out there, narrow down your
search by figuring out what types of products you are interested in and feel you
will be good at. You want to join a company that offers products that you like
and would use. If you are passionate about the products selling them will be
easier. If you like the products and use them yourself and truly enjoy them, it
will be easier for you to tell others about the products.
What
do you want to be able to gain from the opportunity?
Do you
want to recruit and build a team or just purchase products at a discount and
sell to friends and family. Each company is different, some offer down line
commissions and some do not. So if you want to be able to build a team and earn
an additional income, make sure the company offers a down line commission
structure.
If you are just looking
to sell part time or purchase at a discount, you need to make sure the company
does not have a quota each month or you may not qualify to order at a discount.
You also want to
make sure the compensation plan is
easy for you to understand so that there is no confusion. Some are in
black and white to say and others are not so easy to understand.
What
kind of pay structure are you looking to earn?
Once,
again every company is different and some offer a 15% commission while others
offer up to a 50% commission. You want to make sure which every company you join
offers a commission plan that you feel comfortable with.
Some direct sales
companies offer bonuses for sales at some level. If you are looking to run a
business and earn a strong income you would like to be able to earn bonuses
based on your performance.
How
much are the business supplies?
Some give
the business supplies to the consultant, where others you have to purchase them.
Supplies can get expensive so make sure you ask what the cost of the basic
supplies are. Catalogs, order forms and so on. You want to make sure you
are comfortable with the business costs.
I have saw
catalogs run from .25 a piece on up to $10.00 a piece. So if you are only going
to make a 10 or 15% commission will it be worth it to you, to purchase $10
catalogs? If you earn a 15% commission would you be willing to give out a $10
catalog the same as you would be willing to hand out catalogs that were $1.00?
What
are the policies?
Each
company has set their own rules that a consultant much follow. If you want to
sell online, then you need to make sure the company allows the consultant to
sell on line. If you sold online and the company did not allow it, you could
lose your contract with the company.
If you want to advertise
online, make sure it is allowed. Some do not allow online advertising!
If you want to run a
full business a have a website, it is important to join a company that will
allow you to have your own website. So, you want to make sure that would not be
a problem.
Do you have a quota to
follow each month? If you want to join as a part time rep or a hobby consultant
and a company says you must sell $700 a month, is it worth it? Ask yourself that
question. If there is a quota and you do not meet it, you would become inactive
and not be able to purchase until you ordered a set amount to become
active again. So check in to the monthly or quarterly sales amount, that way you
will know what is expected of you.
What
kind of hostess program does the company offer?
The
hostess program will be a vital part of any direct sales or home party plan
business. You need to be able to book shows or you will not be able to run a
full business. Make sure the company offers a good solid hostess program. If the
hostess benefits are low or hard to reach, you might want to reconsider. You
want to be able to use the hostess program to help gain customers and bookings.
There are
some companies that pay for the hostess benefits and others that the consultant
earns a 40% commission, but the consultant is responsible for ordering and
paying for the hostesses free merchandise and booking gifts, which comes out of
the 40% commission. So, don't forget to ask if the company pays for the hostess
benefits or if the consultant is responsible.
Ask yourself this. What
type of benefits would you look for when deciding to host a show? The hostess
needs to feel like she is going to gain something in exchange for hosting! So
the percentage of free merchandise earned is important and booking benefits.
Which type of hostess
program would you be more will to book with?
10% in
free merchandise on sales of $300 or more.
and
1 half
priced item for $300 in sales
OR
20% in
free merchandise on sales of $100 or more.
1 half
priced item for every $100 or $200 in sales
with
Booking
Bonuses or shopping credit.
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How
Do I Know Which Company Offers the Best Commission and Sales Opportunities?
| Direct Sales
Company |
Product |
Base
Commission |
Ecommerce
Options |
Sales
Methods |
|
|
|
|
|
| Avon |
Cosmetics and
much more |
20-50% |
Yes |
Person to
Person, Internet, Home Parties |
| A Perfect Party |
Party Supplies |
25% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person-to-Person, Internet |
| Arbonne
International |
Skin care and
Cosmetics |
35% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| At Home America |
Home Decor |
up to 30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Azante Jewelry,
LLC |
Jewelry |
25-30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Bittersweet
Candle Company |
Candles |
up to 40% |
Yes |
Person to
Person Internet |
| Brown Bag
Gourmet Goodies |
Coffee |
20-30% |
No, but
consultants can sell from their own websites |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Celebrations by
Lillian Vernon™ |
Gifts |
25% |
No |
Home Parties,
Fundraisers |
| Clever Kingdom |
Clothing |
20% |
No |
Home parties,
Fundraisers, Person to Person, Internet |
| Cookie Lee
Jewelry |
Jewelry |
50% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Country Bunny
Bath and Body |
Skin care |
15% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Delightful
Gourmet Wonders |
Gourmet Treats |
25% |
Yes |
Person to
Person, Internet |
| Discovery Toys |
Educational
Toys |
20% |
Yes |
Home parties,
Fundraisers, Person to Person, Internet |
| Dream
Impressions |
Rubber stamps |
10-28% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Fun Bugs Inc. |
Clothing, tote
bags, posters, & more |
30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Greeting Cake
Co. |
Cakes |
Up to 45% |
Yes |
Person-to-Person,
online, other retail |
| Healthy Pet Net |
Pet Products |
Up to 20% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Heart Warming
Creations |
Country
Decorative Accessories |
22-27% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Internet, Fundraisers, Book Shows |
| Herbalife |
Weight Loss
Products |
25-50% |
Yes |
Person to
Person, Internet |
| Highlights -
Jigsaw |
Toys |
20-34% |
No |
Home Parties,
Person to Person |
| Home &
Garden Party |
Home Decor |
30%-40% |
No, but online
catalog website available |
Home Parties,
Catalog Parties, Fundraisers, Phone sales |
| Home & Gift
Collection |
Home &
Garden Decor and Kitchenware |
25-40% |
No, but
consultants can sell from their own websites with guidelines |
Home Parties
and Internet |
| Homemade
Gourmet |
Meals and
recipes |
40% |
No |
Home Parties |
| Homemaker's
Idea Company |
Home Goods |
25% |
No, but online
catalog website available |
Home Parties |
| iCelebrate
Diversity |
Multicultural
gifts |
5-20% |
Consultants can
use corporate website or sell from their own websites |
Home parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Juvio |
Computer Tech
Support and Training |
Revenue Sharing |
Yes |
Home parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Kat's Coffees
& more |
Coffee |
25% |
No |
Home Parties,
Internet |
| Lady Emily |
Skin Care |
50% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Fundraisers, Internet, Retail |
| L'Bri Pure n'
Natural |
Cosmetics |
20-35% |
Yes |
Home parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Leaving Prints |
Scrapbook
Supplies |
30% |
Yes |
Home Classes,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Longaberger |
Baskets |
25% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person |
| Lunesse® |
Health and
beauty |
25% |
Yes |
Home parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Mary Kay |
Skin Care and
Color Cosmetics |
50% |
Yes |
Home parties,
skincare classes, makeover clinics, internet, newspaper, trade-shows, and as
fundraisers. |
| Miessence ONE
Group |
Skin Care &
Cosmetics |
10-30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Fundraisers, Internet, Retail |
| My Movie Biz |
DVD Rentals |
? |
Yes |
Internet and
Person-to-Person |
| My Precious Kid |
Safety Products |
25-50% |
No, but
consultants can sell products off their own websites |
Person to
Person, Internet, Safety Classes, Fingerprint Parties, Fundraisers |
| Natural
Bodycare |
Skin Care |
30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Nuvante |
Skin Care |
Up to 40% |
Yes |
Person to
Person, Internet |
| Once Upon a
Family |
Memory and
Keepsake Products |
25% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Catalog, Person to Person, Internet |
| Pampered Chef
| Kitchen tools |
20% |
Yes |
Home Parties |
| Partylite Gifts
| Candles, Home
Decor, and Bath & Body |
25-32% |
No but
consultants can get approval for their own websites |
Home parties,
catalog sales, online parties |
| Petra Fashions |
Lingerie and
Sleepwear |
30% |
No |
Home Parties |
| PS I Love You |
Greeting Cards |
50% |
Yes |
Home parties,
Person to Person, Internet, Craft Fairs |
| Pure Pearls |
Pearls |
15% |
Yes |
Person to
Person, Parties, Internet or however they want to get the sales is up to the
Person |
| Richmont Direct |
Christmas
Decor, Cooking, Jewelry, and Personalized Gifts |
20-30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person-to Person, and Internet |
| Rita Wilcox
Accessories, Inc. |
Accessories |
25-33%
|
No, but can
promote online |
Home Parties,
Person-to Person, and Internet |
| Scent-Sations
Inc. |
Mia Bella
Candles |
up to 50% |
No |
Home Parties,
Fundraisers, Other Retail |
| Southern Living
at Home |
Home Décor |
25% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Catalog Parties, Person to Person, Fundraisers, Internet |
| Spa
Destinations |
Person Care |
25-37% |
Yes |
Home parties,
Internet |
| Stampin' Up |
Rubber stamps |
20% |
No, but online
catalog website available |
Home Parties |
| Story Teller |
Toys |
20-35% |
No, but
consultants can sell products off their own websites |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Tastefully
Simple |
Gourmet foods |
20-36% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| The Traveling
Vineyard |
Wine and
Accessories |
20% |
No, but
consultants can promote on their own websites |
Home Parties,
Internet |
| Time To
Celebrate |
Home Decor and
Gifts |
Up to 40% |
Yes |
Home Shows,
Internet |
| Top Line
Creations |
Scrapbooking
Supplies |
25-40% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet, Fundraisers |
| Tupperware |
Food Storage |
25 - 35% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Internet, Person-to-Person, Home Shopping Network, Mall Kiosks, Fundraisers |
| Two Sisters
Gourmet |
Gourmet Food |
25% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Internet |
| Unique Baby
Boutique |
Parenting/Babies |
25% |
Yes |
Home parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
| Usborne Books |
Books |
15-30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet, Book Fairs, Fundraiser |
| Warm Spirit |
Aromatherapy |
Varies
15%-30% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet by Personal or company website |
| Watkins |
Food Products |
25% |
Yes |
Person to
Person, Internet, Home Parties |
| Zedora |
Italian Jewelry |
35% |
Yes |
Home Parties,
Person to Person, Internet |
Resources: Business Start-Up
Checklist
|
Company
Comparison Worksheet
|
|
|
Below are some basic guidelines you can use when evaluating a
business or company. Beware of companies that encourage "front end
loading," or buying large inventories of nonrefundable products in order
for you to achieve certain levels or to receive a "special" or
larger "discounted" price. Remember, as with any business, you
will be reponsible for your own bookkeeping and tax preparation.
Feel free to reprint the worksheet below for your
opportunities research! Copy and paste to Word for easy use.
| Comparison
Worksheet |
|
1) Start up cost should be minimal.
Start up cost in direct selling and network marketing companies are usually
modest and mainly to cover the cost of the sales kit. What is their start
up
cost?____________________________________________________________________________
2) Some Networking companies require a monthly
purchase. Is there a monthly minimum purchase requirement and if
so, how much?_____________________________________________
3) Most companies submit the local state sales tax,
however, there are a few that do not. Will I be required to
submit my own state sales tax? _____________________________________
4) Check with each company regarding their return
policy. This will be vital to your business. Can I return
unwanted or damage products and if so, what is the
policy?_________________________________________________________________________________
5) Do you have a "buy-back" policy? Some
companies offer to "buy-back" unsold marketable products purchased
within the 12 months prior, should you decide to quit the business for 90% of
the price you originally paid. Do they offer a "buy-back"
policy?____________________________
6) Have them explain the commission structure and
levels of achievement as it varies greatly by company. What is
your commission structure?_______________________________
7) Some companies require Independent Representatives
to pay for portions of the Hostess gifts, etc. While this is not
necessarily a bad thing, you should know upfront whether part of your commission
earned will go to cover these cost. This will reduce the actual
amount of commissions earned. Am I required to cover part of the Hostess
Gifts or pay admin fees, etc.?
_________________________________________________________________________________
8) It is always smart to compare catalog and supplies
cost as they vary by company. What do catalogs and paperwork
cost?_____________________________________________________
9) Customer shipping charges are important to your
business and can be rather high depending on the company. What are
our customer shipping charges?____________________
10)It is customary for companies to have a
monthly or quarterly sales requirement to
stay active and/or receive overrides. What is the
monthly/quarterly requirements?______________
11)If you plan to participate in local fairs,
festivals or events, you will want to know whether the company allows you to
sell "cash & carry." Many will not as they prefer
Representatives to provide one on one customer support and book to increase
sales. It is wise to know this up front. Do you allow
Representatives to sell product at local fairs and events?_______
12)Many companies provide Representatives with a
company approved website. If you plan to market your business online, this
will be vital to your success. Does your company provide a
website and if so, what is the cost?_______ If they do not, can you design
your
own?_________________________________________________________________________________
13)Do they offer additional incentives, such as
trips?__________________________________
14)What type of support is
available?_______________________________________________
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