Went to a Party for Another Ds Company . . .

[rennea]

I've only done this 2 or 3 times, but I guess I'll stop after reading these responses. I never do it in a "bragging" way, more to show them what THEY can make by doing a little every week. I never considered it tacky. I'm always curious what other DS consultants make, so I guess maybe that's why.

Though I don't think showing a check is a good idea, I wouldn't stop talking about what PC has done for you. Letting people know that with PC you can afford to support you family, go on a vacation, home reno's, etc.

When people get together is it "normal" to take out your pay check and show all your friends what you made last month?? I've never disclosed my earnings to people and I would feel uncomfortable doing so.

 

[pcchefjane]

I have printed out a few of mine when I have had over $1,000 in sales. I plan on using my March and April ones now plus tell them I earned the HWC products as well plus however much I saved on Conference. I make a point of telling the group, "Thanks to you and my other customers, I have been blessed to receive...". I don't pass them around for everyone but have them in my Dots binder to show anyone who wants to know what I make if they are interested in the biz. I make my own thank you notes since my DD sells Close to my Heart and I get the stamps and paper from her and put in this:"Thank you for your order on <Host's> Show. I have enclosed a mini-catalog for you. When you would like to order something else, please let me know. I am sure that <Host> will let you know when she is having her next Show. If you are interested in booking your own Cooking or Catalog Show, please let me know. I am always looking for new Hosts! I am also doing "Preferred Customer Punch Cards" this year. You will receive a punch for each $15 you spend. When you spend $195, you will receive $10 in free product. There is no limit to how many cards you can fill. You got x punches for your order." I keep the cards so I know where each person stands. I have two customers who have filled two each so far!

 

[Aunticooks]

I too am nosy about how much other DS consultants make. I've only been in the biz about 3 months, but I feel that if anyone asks me how much I make I'm going to be honest and tell them. I also share that they can make as much as they want to, by holding more shows each month as well as earning great products which I really value.

 

[PamperedK]

When people get together is it "normal" to take out your pay check and show all your friends what you made last month?? I've never disclosed my earnings to people and I would feel uncomfortable doing so.

Not in a 'normal' situation, no. But I find that with this business, people ask and have no problem asking how much I make. It's a HUGE selling point! The reason I do it is because they can see that it's REAL. there is another company here that is notorious for telling people they can earn $2000 / month doing 2 parties a week. It's just not true! I know consultants who do 2 parties a week and they're lucky to clear $1000. I like to show them that in my recruiting talk, I'm not exaggerating when I say you can make $100 / night. People are more skeptical about DS companies and the truth in the recruiting talk so I like that I have proof. People love it and my recruiting numbers show the success I've had with it.

 

[raebates]

Steph, don't let the responses here make you stop, especially if you feel it's working for you. We all have opinions. We all have comfort zones. Like I said before, I don't see anything inherently wrong with showing a paycheck. It's all in how it's done.

 

[PamperedK]

Steph, don't let the responses here make you stop, especially if you feel it's working for you. We all have opinions. We all have comfort zones. Like I said before, I don't see anything inherently wrong with showing a paycheck. It's all in how it's done.

Exactly. There are things that other consultants can get away with that just would NOT work for me...but it works wonders for them. If it's working, keep doing it. You'll know if your guests aren't liking it. My guests LOVE it but I'm sure either someone would say something or you'd be able to sense if they were uncomfortable with it.

 

[jenniwest04]

Steph, don't let the responses here make you stop, especially if you feel it's working for you. We all have opinions. We all have comfort zones. Like I said before, I don't see anything inherently wrong with showing a paycheck. It's all in how it's done.

I agree on it all in how it's done. I remember my very first PC show as a guest; the consultant had a binder she passed around showing some paychecks but also pictures of what those paychecks did for her and her family--pictures of family vacations type of stuff. I found that fine. But with my jewelry party consultant telling everyone she makes 50%, it seemed a bit distasteful to me (personally, anyway). I, as a customer, do not want to think the items are marked up that high--I feel as if I'm being cheated. That's why I like PC, I may not make as much commission, but that means, to me, that our product markup is not as high and that commission is for the work I truly do.

 

[raebates]

Jennifer, someone once told me to consider how much the markup must be if they can pay the lowest person in the chain 50% commission. Really think about that. You know there have to be several people the rest of the way up that chain taking their own percentages. Plus, I'd be really surprised if they actually get to keep all of that 50%. For most DS companies the things the consultant has to pay for take up a lot of that commission.Said it before, and I'll say it again--PC rocks!

 

[kam]

If asked, I would certainly be honest about what I make (I would say an AVERAGE of $100 a show). But I would be uncomfortable just flat out mentioning without being asked. And, I would feel uncomfortable about passing around a paycheck. Just me.

 

[gailz2]

If asked, I would certainly be honest about what I make (I would say an AVERAGE of $100 a show). But I would be uncomfortable just flat out mentioning without being asked. And, I would feel uncomfortable about passing around a paycheck. Just me.

This is how I feel, as well. I agree that it is all what you are comfortable with. My own comfort zone is to not mention a specific dollar amount unless asked, just to mention what PC has allowed me and my family to do with the extra $$. If I were at a party and the consultant said they make 50%, I would be very reluctant to buy.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Jennifer, someone once told me to consider how much the markup must be if they can pay the lowest person in the chain 50% commission. Really think about that. You know there have to be several people the rest of the way up that chain taking their own percentages. Plus, I'd be really surprised if they actually get to keep all of that 50%. For most DS companies the things the consultant has to pay for take up a lot of that commission.

Said it before, and I'll say it again--PC rocks!

This is exactly how I look at it and feel! Well put Rae!

 

[susan g]

Jennifer, someone once told me to consider how much the markup must be if they can pay the lowest person in the chain 50% commission. Really think about that. You know there have to be several people the rest of the way up that chain taking their own percentages. Plus, I'd be really surprised if they actually get to keep all of that 50%. For most DS companies the things the consultant has to pay for take up a lot of that commission.

Said it before, and I'll say it again--PC rocks!

I also find this to be hugely discouraging in convincing me to buy anything. After the 50% commission is subtracted, the consultant is basically telling you that you could get the same product at Wal-Mart (for half price).

 

[cookingwith_tara]

When I sold Home Interiors I made 45% commission right off the bat. But out of that came the host items, not to mention the amount of stock and cash and carry items I had lying around. And there were new products and new catalogs EVERY month! It was really only 20 - 25% ACTUAL TAKE-TO-THE-BANK MONEY. I make at least that with PC and there is NO STOCK! And new catalogs only twice a year! I :love: PC

 

[pampered Ruth]

Recently I had a Stampin Up party for a friend. They charge tax on shipping and I ended up paying tax and shipping on the stuff I ordered and also on the free stuff I got. I was kind of taken back because it cost me about $12 in tax and shipping. Oh well, I don't understand it either.

 

[raebates]

A lot of DS companies charge the host shipping and tax on the full retail value. Many of my first-time hosts are shocked to find out that they only have to pay tax on the actual amount they're paying.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Jenni, I have done NUMEROUS direct sales parties in Ohio, and ALL of them but PC have taxed shipping. The question I get is why we DON'T tax shipping. Honestly, it makes less than a quarter's difference, and it's irrelevant if your guests round up. Every line, including my previous product line (and yes, it was jewelry) taxed shipping, and told us it was "state law." I don't know if it has something to do with where our product ships from or what.

Jewelry "seems" to have better host benefits, until you realize that $125 in host credit for a $300 show buys you two necklaces if you're lucky!

 

[maassl]

If I were at a party and the consultant said they make 50%, I would be very reluctant to buy.

That is how I felt at a makeup party I went to. It was a big event and they were saying it like we should be very excited for our consultants that they were going to take home 50% of what we paid for our items. I would feel like I was robbing my customers!

 

[pampchefsarah]

Jenni, I have done NUMEROUS direct sales parties in Ohio, and ALL of them but PC have taxed shipping. The question I get is why we DON'T tax shipping. Honestly, it makes less than a quarter's difference, and it's irrelevant if your guests round up. Every line, including my previous product line (and yes, it was jewelry) taxed shipping, and told us it was "state law." I don't know if it has something to do with where our product ships from or what.

Jewelry "seems" to have better host benefits, until you realize that $125 in host credit for a $300 show buys you two necklaces if you're lucky!

I was in the shipping and freight business for years. No, it depends on where the order is being delivered, not from where it's shipping (that's why some states don't have the shipping taxed). When I lived in California one customer had antiques bought in California shipped to Nevada, then brought them back into California, so he could save on the tax!