Independent Sales Consultant Business?

Updated on July 07, 2011
L.L. asks from Lake Worth, FL
21 answers

Hi I am looking to do a business like "Pampered Chef", Rubbermaid, jewelry, makeup, candles etc. I would love your experience; if it worked for you; pros and cons; how many hours a week you have to put in; how much you make approximately a month etc.? Look at all options, Thank you!!!!

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R.L.

answers from Tampa on

Have you considered Melaleuca? There is no stocking, selling or money collecting. It is 29 dollars to start plus a 35 point product order which is generally between 50-75. If you are health conscious it would be a perfect fit. I have done Pampered Chef loved it but the benefits financially did not match up. I have also done the Party Lite again just not my cup of tea did not like the selling, stocking and collecting money.
If you are interested in getting the info feel free to give me a call ###-###-#### it takes 30 mins to get the info and then you will be able to make an educated decision... :-) have a super weekend.

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L.P.

answers from Jacksonville on

hey there! I hope you get lots of answers about different companies to make the best choice for you!
I have been an independent distributor for 3 years for a jewelry company and I love it! I work full time and have two boys, 9 & 2, along with a supportive boyfriend who works nights so being able to fit it into my schedule is great! The start up was minimal and I was able to make it back within a couple months. The part I love the most is the flexibility without quotas which means the motivation comes from within. It's also a great opportunity to have girl time and since its jewelry, I'm a walking advertisement.
Email me if you want more info- I would be happy to share or connect you to someone locally.

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K.A.

answers from Orlando on

Thank you for asking this question L.. I am really interested in hearing what everyone has to say. But what i'm interested in mostly is the TRUTH not the sales pitch.
Do you really make money off of these businesses?
Can you really quit your day job to focus on these businesses?
I would like to make at least $40 - $50K annually from these businesses, is that feasible?

Keep in mind, I am willing to put in what it takes.

I have the feeling most responses are going to be from people who are already in this and are looking to recruit other people.

I would like to be recruited but I want THE TRUTH.

Again please no sales pitch, help us out please, tell the TRUTH.

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E.M.

answers from Johnstown on

Hi! I have had a Mary Kay business for several years. I LOVE the flexibility with it. I set my own hrs and work my own schedule. Not to mention--there's ALWAYS some form of praise and a sense of accomplishment that comes with everything you do...and the free jewelry and cars help out a little as well ;) I'L. PM you more info if you'd like.

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L.G.

answers from Port St. Lucie on

I live in Florida too and I run the nonprofit Cherab Foundation. I am working with the Zrii corporation which makes healthy whole food products that combine the wisdom of both eastern and western medicine which are formulated and endorsed by the very well respected Dr. Deepak Chopra. We have been using it as a fundraiser \in our nonprofit and the feedback from both parents and professionals has been beyond belief. Our site is http://www.pursuitofresearch.org You only spend the amount of time you want to spend, it currently costs just 24.95 to be a distributor and you just purchase whatever products you need, and most I know are making between hundreds and thousands a month part time and I work with a few people making well over one hundred fifty thousand dollars a month. I like Zrii because it's founded by Mr. Bill Farley, a man who has been a multi billionaire since the 80s http://www.meetbillfarley.com who is respected as one of the top business icons of all times. Please feel free to call me for more info ###-###-#### so you can see if this is something for you. I seriously can't think of a downside. It's lucrative, fun and extremely rewarding. If you read some of the testimonies here you'L. see why as this is just a few of our almost across the board results http://pursuitofresearch.org/testimonials.html and if you wanted to be in touch with any of these parents or professionals just let me know.

--
L. Geng, President
The Cherab Foundation
###-###-####
http://www.cherab.org http://www.cherabfoundation.org
http://www.pursuitofresearch.org

"Help give our cherubs a smile and a voice"

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M.S.

answers from Chicago on

I sold Pampered Chef for 3 yrs. I did it part time while working a full time job. I did not have kids at that time. I wanted to build it up prior to having kids. That never happened. I did get some really great kitchen products. I also earned a few thousand, maybe $3000 over 3 yrs. Here's what I disliked, bugging people. They just arn't eager to have a party. Your hot leads get used up fast. You really have to be aggressive and get people under you and give it 125% to really get it going. I had big parties too, my commission was over the average. The person above me always bugging me to keep doing more shows. I just didn't have it in me to constantly be calling people asking them to host a show.

Not sure about this economy... If I were to do it over, I'd look into something newer. Dove chocolate parties, or scentsy. Look at what people sell on etsy. Some people order supplies in bulk, break them up and sell online. For example in my area bottle cap crafts are all the rage. You can't get the supplies at Michael's, Joanna's or Hobby Lobby. So, people get them online. Some people don't want 200 of something, so they split it up and sell it.

Good luck.

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L.M.

answers from Dover on

Like Jb B, I too am partnered with the wellness company. The advantage to this rather than direct sales (like Pampered Chef, Rubbermaid, jewelry, etc)other than that you are helping everyone (yourself, your family, the environment, other people's families) is that you do not have direct sales, collections, inventory/distribution. Could tell you more if you want to know more.

Whatever you decide, remember you have to treat it like a business for it to be a business. Good Luck.

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D.W.

answers from Jacksonville on

I've done Mary Kay and Avon.
If you don't have much time to put into it and just want to make a little extra, Avon is the way...it truly does sell itself and you don't have to do parties.
If you want to make a little more and put more time into it, all the others work well. With the others you HAVE to do parties or you won't make money.

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K.F.

answers from Tampa on

I sell Thirty-One and absolutley LOVE it! It is perfect for Moms! Check out my website www.mythirtyone.com/kimberlyf. Let me know if you want more info!

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J.R.

answers from Miami on

Hey there! I do Noah's Ark Animal Workshops. While I do work from home drumming up clients and business, you're actually booking birthday parties and fun filled events for children. What is it? Basically a Traveling Build a bear. Except the children get to do all the fun instead of a machine!

I made pretty fantastic money (for a stay at home mom) $300 a month-- but that's off of 2 workshops. Imagine if I did more than that!! If I make $300 a month I'm happy more than that is a BONUS!! and I only schedule when I know my hubby will be home (free babysitter)

Here's my website.
www.noahsarkworkshop.com/jenniferroberts4943

BTW It's $29 to join, and start booking workshops today.
The business is what you make it thats for sure. But It's been rewarding so far! Look it over, and i'm available anytime for questions.

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J.B.

answers from Dallas on

I am partnered with an international wellness company that has 5 lines of products: nutritional, green cleaning products, skin care and makeup, bath and body and we are also a registered pharmaceutical. It is so hard to put in a short paragraph what I like / don't like about what I do. I love 95% of what I do. I don't have to carry an inventory so there fore very low maintenance cost, I don't make deliveries or take orders (I help people set up their accounts) and I don't bill or take collections. It is a wonderful work that has tremendous amount of opportunity -- all of course depends on what you want to get out of it. How much do you want to make. There are several factors that I believe anyone should look at when looking to do a network marketing / home based business and you have to look yourself honestly as to what you would like, what are you willing to sacrifice to get it going, be willing to go outside your comfort zone and have a good role model. There are many businesses out there and again there are lots of factors to consider before getting in the business. I would love to introduce you to my company, our products and the business.

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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

Hello L..,
To answer your questions directly:
1. Pros - It is your own business, so you make the schedule and you can not be fired( unless you fire yourself). :-) The income potential is endless, because the direct sales industry for some reason seems to be recession proof. As the economy falls more people buy from direct sales companies.
You get to meet people you would not have probably met before. Your children can help with the business which usually makes them feel good about you doing it.
2. Cons - Your success and income are directly linked to your efforts. There are smart ways to do business and then there is the hard way. Many companies do not have a support system in place to make sure you get the training and tools necessary to start and operate your own business. Therefore you want to look for a company that has a marketing system in place. You need to know your income goals and make sure you get into a company at the right time to meet those expectations.(ie. $100/month or $5000/month) Certain companies are so saturated with distributers that you cannot make much of an income.
3. I have been in my current company about 5 months and make about $1000/month PT, I am a physician by trade. My ultimate goal is to make $20,000 per month, o more, so I can stay home with my kids and not miss the income I make as a physician. Right now I put about 3-7hrs in a week depending on my practice schedule, children's activities, and husbands schedule.
4. I am not a pro, but have learned that you must align your personal goals with a company that can help you reach them.
I hope this helped.
You can contact me via email with any further questions:
____@____.com

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C.C.

answers from Orlando on

Check out our website: http://C..myrandf.biz
This is a direct selling program of a skincare line by Rodan and Fields who are the dermatologists who developed ProActive. We are just getting into it and I have been researching them and have yet to find a bad thing about it. They are telling us 10 hours a week is the commitment and you don't have to keep an inventory of products. People can order from your personal website which they give you. If skincare interests you, they are getting ready to have a major launch of some new top secret product Oct. 1st. that is supposed to be phenomenal. I can't wait to see what it is as I have been in the cosmetic industry for 18 years and have seen and used it all. So now would be the time to get on board with this company. Check it out!

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L.L.

answers from Topeka on

It all depends on the consultant on what you want to acheive if you want to get those customers get them orders meet your quotas for the quarter you can go far beyond them or just enough.It is your business you can advertise how you like where you like to depending on asking if you can leave your information there at the store display say like a mom and pop store or you can hang out at McDonalds and greet everyone you meet with a catalog buisness card in hand.
Here is some other work at home jobs:
Avon
Jordan Essentials
Celebrating Homes
Tupperware
Passion Parties

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P.C.

answers from Springfield on

I teach skin care & storage solutions. I'm an independent Beauty Consultant (Mary Kay) and I sell Tupperware products. Both are excellent and I have two different audiences of people.

The Companies

Mary Kay is consumable, a brand which customers are loyal to, and provides quarterly changes in limited-edition products, as well as the regular line. Inventory helps, but is not required. You purchase wholesale, and sell retail. Satisfaction guarantee. Support system is EXCELLENT. 50% commission.

Tupperware is not consumable, however, the lifetime warranty is the BEST in the world! Again, there is brand loyalty. Limited-Edition items change monthly. The main catalog changes 3 times a year. As a consultant, you can purchase product at rock-bottom wholesale prices (up to 65% off), and sell retail. The support system is AVERAGE. There is TONS of internet-access support. 25% commission.

Business Support

Mary Kay has an extensive online community which absolutely cannot be beat. The Golden Rule is fully enforced. Weekly Success Meetings are held all around the globe. Corporate quarterly contests, monthly challenges, medical support, 2 annual sales force educational & recognition events at your fingertips. Sales Literature required: 4 quarterly catalogs, so this guarantees you 4 opportunities to present new products to your customer base.

Tupperware has an extensive online community, mainly text, video, and discussion boards. There are monthly rallies everywhere. Some directors do more than monthly meetings. Quarterly trip incentives, weekly product incentives, and lots of recipes/cooking tips. Lots of perks (health insurance, phone service, and so on). Fast delivery of wholesale product orders-Fed Ex. Sales Literature required-- 3 main catalogs per year, and monthly sales brochures. You can easily Tupperize your house, because this company gives out more product to the sales force.

The Market

Mary Kay is skin care, glamour, and spa products. So, anyone who has skin qualifies!

Tupperware is storage solutions, home/office/living space organization, food sustainability, kitchen cooking solutions. So, anyone who eats or who owns items qualifies!

The Work Factor

This is where it's totally up to you. Sales is a skill. Sales is an honorable profession. I love it. I don't like math, as in calculating $ for inventory purchase. I DO like math when it comes to statistical numbers regarding direct-sales. This means, I know that for every 12 no's I have 2 yes's around the corner. I don't prejudge, I talk to everyone. "It's not who you talk to, it's how many."

Organization is a learned skill. Most of the general population has spendable income the first 5 days of the month. This is when I work the hardest. The rest of the month is FOLLOW-UP. The REAL paycheck is in the Follow-Up. These are the customers who will call you, no matter the hour, with a major sale. Be consistent. This month's work provides the foundation for 60 days from now. People are saying no to the product, not YOU.

I highly recommend you do NOT go into debt. I make myself earn whatever products I need or want.

Plan your gas miles. I stretch every gas mile to the max that I can. I pack a cooler, keep hydrated & comfortable. I homeschool so I have kids-in-tow constantly. I love my direct-sales career.

I love the Theatre! The Theatre ain't cheap. My work pays for my Theatre addiction. I love to travel. My work pays for my travel.

Hope this Helps

Pamela

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A.F.

answers from Orlando on

I totally resepct you asking questions BEFORE jumping in.

I have been involved in Direct Sales/Network Marketing on and off over the last 20 years.

Recently I took the same approach as yourself. I read a book about "Operating in one's strength".

So I took my time and I really looked at the Compensation Plans. Not every company that says they pay 50% - is it really accurate.

I am with the first company you mentioned in your question. I would be happy to share with you why I feel like I found my "home" now. I have the privilege of having excellent leadership. That's key. I have been the CEO of my own companies and could not follow someone whom could not lead.

Also in response to KATE A. from APOPKA - I appreciate you wanting to know the truth. Can you make or replace your current income - YES, Can you build this to a full time business? - YES, Can you change the next 2 years to be different from the last 2 yrs - ABSOLUTELY. One must change their philsophies, habits and thinking to do so. And who can change their life - Anybody! Not to think so is naive.

In response to Michelle S. from Geneva - your lack of success in PC wasn't other peoples fault or the lack of people wanting to host a party - this may sound harsh and I don't mean to sound harsh - but the truth is you gave up. You let it go. I am glad you still have the awesome kitchen tools. But you could have made more if you wanted to - that's the difference. You gave up - most people do right before the momentum begins.

L.L or anyone feel free to call me if you'd like.

Blessings,

A.
###-###-####

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L.K.

answers from Kansas City on

I actually am a distributor for a couple of non-competing products.

One is a nutritional product that I've been with almost 10 years. Start up costs are $50. You hold no inventory, collect no money, do no shipping or delivery. All of that it taken care of by the company.

The other is a food company, Wildtree Foods. It is a whole food line developed by a single working mom who she herself had food allergies and sensitivities as did both of her kids. She found it very difficult to find, healthy, affordable foods, easy to fix without artificial ingredients. Start up costs with it are just about $100 (I can't remember if it's $99 or $119). But the good news is you can eat the samples so you really are not out much of anything! And it is a fairly new company that people are interested in hearing about and everyone has to eat!

I honestly don't do much "business" with either one because my passion is wellness education and just like having these options available to my clients. But there are people making money in each, I'm just not making it my full time focus right now. I do make money though.

Message me if you want more info on either one.

In good health,

Lori Krause, RN
www.YourKitchenCoach.net
Certified Dr. Sears L.E.A.N. Coach

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M.M.

answers from Orlando on

Did you find what you were looking for? There is a MOM business showcase in Orlando on Sat Sept 18th at the Regal Sun Resort Ballroom, Downtown Disney, it is free and there will be 25 mom owned business reps showcasing tables. It is a great time to meet successful work at home moms and decide on a business. If you want more info on being a vendor or attending you can email ____@____.com.

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A.R.

answers from Tampa on

I have been selling Tastefully Simple for 7 years now, which is food and we do home taste-testing parties. I am a SAHM and do it part time. It has worked well for me to be able to make my schedule around what is going on with my family. Since it is food, I get many reorders without parties, which helps me when I can't do many parties to keep the income coming in. As far as what you can make, it is completely up to you and what time and effort you want to put into it. I know many consultants that use this as their primary income for their family. If you or anyone has any questions or would like more info, please feel free to call me or visit my website.
A. Rogers
###-###-####
www.tastefullysimple.com/web/arogers

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K.C.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi. I work for Discovery Toys and I LOVE it! I have a lot of fun with the products and with all of the different families I have met.

PRO: There are no other direct sales companies that sell toys, so there is NO competition in this market. It's easy to get bookings for home parties, events, fairs, etc because there aren't other companies to compete with (i.e. four different jewelry vendors all wanting to be at the same event). Another great thing - the toys are really fun! I enjoy playing with them myself, I love sharing them with other moms, and it's nice to get new stuff for my son! he is my "product tester."

Another HUGE pro - it's not that expensive to start up the business AND you can get your investment back within a couple of months by meeting your sales goals.

Right now, through Tuesday August 31, the startup fee is reduced to only $89. This gets you 18 toys plus business tools.

I would say the only real "con" or complaint I have about the company is that shipping costs are kind of high - 12% - so it adds a lot of money to the customer's order. But fortunately, I have not had too many customer complaints about this and don't think it has hurt my business much.

What I make each month totally depends on how much effort I put into it. I have months where I do 2-3 parties and months when I don't do any. I know other DT consultants doing 2-3 parties each week! I put in anywhere from 20-60 minutes of work per day (more if there is a party or event, of course), just doing work on the computer, posting info, contacting customers, etc. A typical party takes about two hours with the guests and about 5 hours total when you include set up, clean up and entering the orders into the computer.

I really can't say enough good things. If you want to know more about Discovery Toys, check out my site at http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao You can also use that link to join my team. Contact me directly at DiscoveryToysKaren at gmail dot com if you want to chat!

I hope to have you on my team soon. : )
K.

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M.F.

answers from Albany on

I work for a wonderful consultant based company called Cookie Lee Jewelry. We receive 50% commission on our product sold as well as a very unique compensation plan that pays a percentage on your own sales as well as your down-line sales. The company goes as far as giving $1000 in free jewelry to a new sign up in December. We receive free product, a monthly hostess and customer special, outlet sales, 2 new catalogs a year and great dream getaway trips, this year is Europe. And best of all, I've met the most wonderful women and built my self esteem! Contact me for more details~
www.cookielee.biz/menafreed

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