Home Parties
Monday October 6, 2003
From "BESTHOMEITEM": "I am curious if anyone has ever sold their crafts through home party shows (based on the idea of Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Home Interiors, Etc.). I make cigar box purses and would love to do a few small shows for friends and family to get my product more exposure. I am stopped everywhere I go by people wanting to know where I got my purse--they are amazed when I tell them that I make them. Any suggestions on how I would go about setting this up?"
Comments
i was asking the same question a few days ago and was directed to homepartyplannetwork.com - i visited but there is not much information with regards to the how-to of home party business.it is an interesting concept and i would like to explore selling my handmade journals and handmade soap in this way. i would not mind collaborating or partnering with you to reduce the risk, costs and share ideas. if you are interested then contact me at discover.treasure@yahoo.com and we can take it from there.
I have done this with jewelry and have had great luck. Try it with your friends and family first and it should just take off.
I deorate/decoupage small wooden boxes and fill them with home-made goodies, such as mixes-in-a-jar or cloth bag, Snowman Soup, jams or preserves, etc.
Last year my daughter hosted a candle party and with the permission of the person displaying her wares, she invited me to bring a few samples of my things. I got quite a few orders from that. I am doing that again this year for my giftline.
You could see if any of your family/friend/aquaintances are having home parties of any kind and ask if you could bring some of your creations/products and give the hostess and other displayer a small gift for helping you. If that works well, you could start to do it on your own.
Karen
Yes, do it first with some family and friends and it should take right off. My sister started a business called Bella Donna Botanicals and was going to start with a store at first, then she thought better of it and decided to ‘do home parties’ instead to see if she could build up a client base and go from there. Well, she hasn’t stopped yet! Her website she hasn’t finished building because she’s got no time with “doing parties” for people!
This has become “tre chic” to do the home parties so yeah, just go and DO it!! One word of advice though, “do get a vendors license” before you sell to the public. You are representing yourself as a “independent business” AND besides, get your supplies and stuff at wholesale prices!
I’ve done home parties before for our home decor business. It can be great fun. We have a site, and also sale wholesale to qualified individuals. Come in and check us out!
www.jccollectiblesandbeyond.com
Always good to try family, friends, co-workers and see if the “word of mouth” advertising will pay off - I sell jewelry and cigar box purses at Craft shows and home parties - I obtain most of my leads through the Craft Festivals for the home shows. Giving an “incentive”, such as a piece of jewelry or some of your merchandise Free to your party hostess - is a Great incentive also. Good luck!