Party Etiquette

[Jenn! 918]

So I was invited to a "jewelry party" by my cousin. I've never gone to one of these types of things before - tupperware, candles, jewelry, etc. I am not interested in buying any jewelry. My instinct is that by attending one of these parties, you basically agree to make a purchase. Should I decline the invitation if I have no intention of buying anything? The invite talked about a girls' night with margaritas, fun, and jewelry, or something like that. So is it a real party or what???

Help me out!

[wherezdabearz 1]

I think if I went there and drank the margaritas, I'd feel morally obliged to buy something, so I wouldn;t go!

[Mononoke28 137]

It's a "party" to make money. I think they're ridiculous. I've gone to a couple and they're booooooooooooring. You don't have to go and if you go, you don't have to buy. Don't feel bad if you don't.

[Traviesa 0]

You can definitely go, even with no intention of buying anything. I'm hosting a Pampered Chef party on Saturday afternoon and I am pretty sure not everyone who's coming will buy something, also I usually go when invited but never buy something since I'm broke.

[Jenn! 918]

I think if I went there and drank the margaritas, I'd feel morally obliged to buy something, so I wouldn;t go!

Ok, that's what I thought too.

Now my second question is why is my cousin having a party like this? Is she part of some pyramid scheme or something? I don't understand the concept of these things.

[Hilarious Clinton 452]

If you don't want to buy something then don't go. The alcohol is meant to lower your inhibitions and buy something.

[Jenn! 918]

You can definitely go, even with no intention of buying anything. I'm hosting a Pampered Chef party on Saturday afternoon and I am pretty sure not everyone who's coming will buy something, also I usually go when invited but never buy something since I'm broke.

Really? You think it's ok? I feel like if I go, not buy anything and happen to leave before others, that they'll all talk about me behind my back once I leave.

[trailmix 77]

So I was invited to a "jewelry party" by my cousin. I've never gone to one of these types of things before - tupperware, candles, jewelry, etc. I am not interested in buying any jewelry. My instinct is that by attending one of these parties, you basically agree to make a purchase. Should I decline the invitation if I have no intention of buying anything? The invite talked about a girls' night with margaritas, fun, and jewelry, or something like that. So is it a real party or what???

Help me out!

I've been to a few and have, on occasion purchased something, mostly I don't. I always make it clear to the person hosting that I'm not buying anything, none of them ever cared, they just wanted the numbers to look good (better to have a full room with few buyers than only 2 people that aren't buying haha).

No, it's not a real party, it's marketing - it would be no different than if you all got together at a car lot for coffee while the sales person showed you what they have on offer this year.

[Traviesa 0]

The host doesn't make money off of the party. The way it works is for the particular company there are consultants-basically you're a person who has your own little home business selling whatever-Tupperware, candles, etc. You find someone to host a party for you where you come and demonstrate or show off your product. Based on how much sales are generated at the party, you make commission. The host of the party does not make money but can earn free or discounted products, also based on how much sales are generated. That's why I'm hosting-to get some free kitchen stuff.

[Cassie 8]

Usually what happens is that someone (like your cousin) has agreed to host a party for the person actually selling the jewellry -- inviting friends and family to build a potential client base for the seller. Usually the host gets a special discount or a special gift if a certain dollar amount in sales is achieved. The seller is also hoping that people who attend a party like the product so much that they want to host a party as well, thereby reaching more new people.

Whenever I have been to one of these parties, there was never any pressure to buy, or arm-twisting to host a party in the future.

[trueimage 0]

You can definitely go, even with no intention of buying anything. I'm hosting a Pampered Chef party on Saturday afternoon and I am pretty sure not everyone who's coming will buy something, also I usually go when invited but never buy something since I'm broke.

I LOVE Pampered Chef!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bostonparis 0]

I've gone to many with the intention of not buying, but I always end up buying something completely unnecessary. "OOOOhhhh, that apple peeler/corer! I'll definitely make apple pies now!" Riiiiight!

[Traviesa 0]

I've gone to many with the intention of not buying, but I always end up buying something completely unnecessary. "OOOOhhhh, that apple peeler/corer! I'll definitely make apple pies now!" Riiiiight!

You gotta admit that the apple peeler/corer/slicer (and it's stand conveniently sold separately) is pretty cool! We'll be demonstrating its use by making apple berry salsa. We're also going to be making some pretty cupcakes using the flower shaped cupcake pan thing.

[rebeccajo 14]

Jenn, I ran a home based business like this for 12 years and was quite successful at it.

The way Heina describes it is correct. I would go to your cousin's home, show my wares, and make money off the sales. Your cousin would get free or lower priced product based upon the total sales. It's not a 'pyramid scheme' - the hostess' home is the 'storefront'. These products aren't sold in stores so the only way customers can touch and feel them is by private shows.

Most hostesses don't care if all the guests make a purchase. But the purpose of the show is for the hostess to get something, and if none of the guests buy, she comes up empty-handed. Some party plans give the hostess 'credit' for the number of guests at the show - but sometimes the caveat is 'buying guests'.

ANYWAY, the answer really depends on the hostess. I did a few shows where the hostess was downright annoyed with people who came and didn't buy. Those hostesses were usually not my favorite people - they were usually mean-spirited women in many other ways also. Most hostesses DO hope they get enough sales to earn the products they want, but they understand if their friends really don't have the money to buy or really don't see something they want. Occasionally, a guest who couldn't afford to buy would book a show herself. Her hostess got credit for that (just as much or more than a sale).

PS - If this is the party plan I think you've been invited too, you just might see something you'll like. They have products in several price ranges, and it's good quality stuff. I've quit the company I used to work for, but I have considered selling a certain jewelry line myself. It appeals to me because it's 'good' costume jewelry, has a nice warranty, has fast delivery to the customers, and the hostess plan is EXTREMELY generous.

PSS - Ladies enjoy these parties as a night out, and sometimes they are downright fun. I had a reputation for giving a nice show - easygoing and informative with lots of product ideas, and fun! I NEVER pressured guests to buy - but I gave them boatloads of ideas for WANTING to buy!

Edited July 26, 2007 by rebeccajo

[Saddle Bronc 124]

I think if I went there and drank the margaritas, I'd feel morally obliged to buy something, so I wouldn;t go!

Ok, that's what I thought too.

Now my second question is why is my cousin having a party like this? Is she part of some pyramid scheme or something? I don't understand the concept of these things.

"Pyramid-scheme" concept is all-too-simple, also known as "Ponzi" scheme--where one at top makes the big money, ones in middle lesser amounts, at bottom near-nada; also, one can never "exceed" one's sponsor in income.