What do you suggest?

SaucyHeaven replied:

I have been trying to help a lady who is trying to start her own clothing party plan. 

.

I have said to her to get a good refund policy (not that I hope she has to deal with refunds) as everyone has to be able to give refunds or exchanges etc, as well as thinking about the commissions she will pay the consultants when she eventually signs some up when the business takes off.  Also to think about what incentives to use for hostesses and party games to play, as well as Invoices and receipts and the handling charge added to the bottom of the order form (for administration purposes and postage).

.

I have also given this lady my phone number and e-mail in case she needs any help or needs to ask questions.  I think without support from others in the business so to speak, anyone would find it hard.

partyplans replied:

I hope you also gave her the url www.partyplans.com.au 

Also, I agree...before you start your own party plan, you should at least try a party plan business under an established partyplan company (or two). See how it works, see what the problems are (hear what your colleagues complain about)

SaucyHeaven replied:

Of course I gave her this websites address Mr PP!  I am not a total dill!

ExMember148 replied:

I definitiely agree.  You should join an established company before even considering starting your own company.  And then research until you can't research anymore (but guess what, it doesn't stop there, there is always something new to find out).

There is so much more than saying, I want to have my own company.  Have you considered insurance? advertising? legal advice? tax advice? products, customers, consultants, the list goes on.

And as nice as it is to 'share', you also have to be realistic.  Some people are just takers.  Some people just keep giving.  And if  you have spent (?) hours establishing your own company, really are you going to want to give away all your ideas/research.

I know, personally, I am a really giving and generous person and would give you the last 5 cents from my pocket, BUT after a couple of events, I have really had to STOP trusting anyone.  Sorry.  I have given (and do give) prospective or interested people access to our [ExMember148] forum, hey I have nothing to hide and they have everything to gain.  But when they then say, oh and I have decided to join xyz company(in the same industry) and ARE STILL wanting access to your forum, HOLD ON A MINUTE!!! (There are also the honest ones who do contact you and say, oh thanks for the help, but its not for me, and hey THANKS for that I appreciate the honesty!!)

So yep, sometimes you do have to hold your cards close to your chest.

Snazza replied:

Hiya Mr PP, Actually both the people i have spoken to that i started this thread for are infact members on here already heheh so at least they knew the right place to come to for answers. I just think they may have been a little shy to post just yet which is why i did it for them.

Anyway keep those suggestions coming - im sure they are helping. :)

Snazza

Marie replied:

I have started my own company from scratch and have never been a party plan consultant, although I am a memeber for Neways (a network marketing company). I did only 2 parties with Neways.My business is Essential Stuff. I also make all my own products from scratch. The products are natural skin care which are 100% vegan. I found that although there are a many natural skin care companies there weren't alot doing parties and many skin care companies are not suitable for vegans. All my products are under $20.

No it is not easy, but I intend to stick with it. I started doing markets and then I moved onto parties. Parties have not always been successful for me, but I am getting better. My problem is getting bookings at parties, but that is one of weaknesses that I can build on. At present I give the a hostess gift of 2 bath bombs and 10% discount from total sales and if anyone books a party on that day the hostess gets a further 5% discount.

I keep my paper work simple and at present don't even charge for delivery, but that will change at the end of June. I am thinking about $2 per person. I just did my first wholesale order which was $354.

It has been a big step for me, but I believe if you have a passion for what you are doing and the drive, learn for your mistakes and other peoples mistake I think it will happen. I believe you have to go find your customers, there not going go rushing to you. My next step is trying to recruit consultants. I have already worked how much the kit will cost.

Marie

debbiem replied:

     Quote:

I have started my own company from scratch and have never been a party plan consultant, although I am a memeber for Neways (a network marketing company). I did only 2 parties with Neways.My business is Essential Stuff. I also make all my own products from scratch. The products are natural skin care which are 100% vegan. I found that although there are a many natural skin care companies there weren't alot doing parties and many skin care companies are not suitable for vegans. All my products are under $20.

No it is not easy, but I intend to stick with it. I started doing markets and then I moved onto parties. Parties have not always been successful for me, but I am getting better. My problem is getting bookings at parties, but that is one of weaknesses that I can build on. At present I give the a hostess gift of 2 bath bombs and 10% discount from total sales and if anyone books a party on that day the hostess gets a further 5% discount.

I keep my paper work simple and at present don't even charge for delivery, but that will change at the end of June. I am thinking about $2 per person. I just did my first wholesale order which was $354.

It has been a big step for me, but I believe if you have a passion for what you are doing and the drive, learn for your mistakes and other peoples mistake I think it will happen. I believe you have to go find your customers, there not going go rushing to you. My next step is trying to recruit consultants. I have already worked how much the kit will cost.

Marie

Hi Marie, thinking of starting a business selling handbags and toys also mobile spray tanning any ideas where to start?  thanks Debbie

gadabout replied:

Hi,

I have just joined this site as my brother and I are launching our new party plan business, Gadabout Gifts, on the 25th July. Seen as though I joined the site for this reason I thought Id put my two bobs worth in!

Firstly, research, research, research IS the only way to start. I personally spent over 3 months reading continually before I decided to take the plunge. The biggest learning curve for me has been the business side of it. Tax, GST, business structures and book keeping to name a few. Its a huge task learning about all of these, but can be done with motivation and persistance. Finding an accountant that I could easily talk to has been one of the best steps I took. I am also lucky that my brother knows all about invoicing, purchase orders etc and has set us up with good book keeping practices from the start.

We are starting very small. I originally planned on about $1500 capital then added on an extra $1000 for things I was sure I was missing in my original estimations. I wasnt far off as the end start-up capital was just over $2500.

I have found that other business owners are reluctant to give out much information and/or support and have often been told by friends and family that we are kidding ourselves if we think that we can build an empire from such a small capital. I always listen to other peoples advise but I also keep in mind how much knowledge they have on the subject (which is usually next to nothing). I plan on being a success and I am willing to work hard for it... and hey if it doesnt work at least I will have gained some life experience along the way!!!

I think that starting your own party plan is definately doable but not something that  you can take light heartedly if you really want to succeed..... hopefully in 6 months time I will be able to say that all the preperation I did was worth it....

Michelle