What's your reaction when someone invites you to a home party?

Question

I work at home and do in home presentations. The company I work for is really different than what's out there; it's not mlm, and people don't get hurt. But when I ask people to come, sometimes they make excuses. Why don't they want to be there and what would your own response be?

Answer 1

I avoid them at all costs unless it's really something new or different or that I was interested in. I'm done with tupperware parties, home decor parties, scrapbooking parties, jewelry parties, candle parties, passion parties, mary kay parties, avon parties, etc.

I make excuses because I always feel obligated to buy something when I go. If I need something, I go buy it. I don't like to listen to a 30 minute presentation about how my life will change if I buy it. My husband despises them because he views them as pyramid schemes, so right there it's hard to overcome that view and deal with the reprecussions should I buy anything.

I often also find that the items are overpriced. This also makes me avoid them. I bought a cute wall sconce thing once for like $30 and saw it at Michaels a few weeks later for like $10. I won't pay $10 for a candle that I can buy at target for $5.

I also usually have a problem with the lack of tasty food served (one can only eat so many frozen egg rolls, celery stick with ranch, and brownies) and the lack of good wine. Not expensive wine, but palatable wine.

In general, I'm just uncomfortable at them. I feel like the host doesn't want me there for me, but simply to buy things.

Perhaps if something interesting came around, I would consider going to one. But right now, I haven't been invited to any that are things that I can't live without.

No offense meant, just my honest answer! Good luck in your business! : )

Answer 2

Add up all the people we know who work at home and it starts to mean invited to parties often. My office alone gets hit up weekly for in home parties - we get a bit burned out as the merchandise isn't cheap any more. Longaberger has gone through the roof as well as Home Interiors. Home shows mean being pressured to buy something and time away from our family. I admire those that give it a go but it can be a challenge. I don't mind being given a book once in a while but if I bought every time I get asked about a show of some sort I would be broke all the time and my house full of stuff. I wouldn't take it personally - it is just about time and money. With the economy at this time people are hesitant to spend as freely as they used to plus with life being so active especially with kids - it is hard to find time for family let alone for outside activities. Maybe consider out of the box ideas such as a luncheon or unusual spot for a show, be a vendor at a fair or bazaar or do book shows - explore your options to help your biz grow.

Answer 3

As a few people have stated, many people don't like to attend because they feel pressured to buy or don't want to listen to the presentation.

I am also in Direct Sales and know what you've gone through. Before getting involved with my company, I was one who would find every excuse not to go. When I found my company, it changed. I found something I really loved and thought what the heck. I certainly surprised my family and friends!

I've found some great ways to get around the excuses. Many of my hostesses are hosting parties as birthday parties for one of their friends, house warmings, weddings, etc. This usually opens the doors to other parties. Once they have seen my products, eveyone wants them because they are high quality home decor products. Of course you can find similar products in stores, but few.

I've also found that I had to get past the rejection I got from a lot of people and not take it personally. If you do, it will eat at you and you will fail!

http://www.SouthernLivingAtHome.com/TriciaZeis

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Answer 4

My first reaction is to check my calendar to see if that date and time is open. I love home parties. The people I know invite people who are fun and are nice to the hostess and presenter. People who make excuses to not go to your parties are probably insecure and have low self-esteem. Some people feel they will be pressured into purchasing something and would be mad because of it. They are also picky and complainers and you are lucky they don't partake of your parties. The ones who show up will make it a success and everybody will have a good time which is the main focus anyway. Then when they are invited to another party of yours, they will go because they remember you with a smile!

Answer 5

All companies including the one you work for take advantage of your personal relationship with someone as a way to sell them something. MLM's in the 80's unfortunately did more to damage personal relationships than most people realize. If you want to give them a pitch show up at their house instead.

Answer 6

I hate being invited to home parties. Everyone always says "oh you don't have to buy anything" but we all know you do. They show you the nice hostess gifts your friend will get if people buy stuff. You look like a stingy, mean-hearted person if you don't buy. And heaven forbid it be a Longaberger party...you can't come out of there without buying a $35 mini basket to put a paper clip in.

That's why when people ask me to come to their "party" - "oh, it's just a party, we're just getting together, you don't have to buy anything" - you can be sure that I have other very important plans that have been arranged for years in advance and they can not be broken!

Answer 7

Well do think the party is, in fact, a sales presentation? I don't want to sit around for 40 minutes listening to a spiel about timeshares.

Answer 8

If I understand correctly, you are selling Tupperware, or pots & pans, or make-up, or some other product that is sold through staged "parties" at home, is that right?

If that IS the case, few people like the idea of an all-night commercial.

Answer 9

Most people, including myself, feel pressured to buy at this parties... And really they should not be called home-parties; rather a captive audience sale torture pressure orgy... No one in their right mind attends this well known discredited sale pitch traps...

Answer 10

Have you heard of Amway?
Allot of people got burned on the whole Amway deal and are now leery of a home base business like that.