your pp?? questions answered please!!!!

ExMember148 replied:

Are you asking for this as a basis to joining a pp or to extending your own pp business?? As you may find it more helpful to post this in: starting your own party plan....... not sure exactly what you are after

clarebear1983 replied:

Why is your party plan company the best to work for? I think Nutrimetics is really good because its completely flexible.  You can either be a catalogue or spa consultant and there is no minimum amount of parties you have to do.  You only have to place an order (even small) every few months to keep your account alive.  The training provided is great and the uplines and managers are wonderful.  The right business for someone that likes flexibility and incentives!!!

What are the initial kit costs? Until december thre are two different costs.  There is a normal spa kit which contains everything you need to run a spa experience plus your choice of one of four skin care products.  This costs $159 (there is a two month payment plan for credit cards) but doesnt count towards your sales.  At the moment we have a platinum kit which is $500 but includes a choice of a few different skincare packages as well as the normal spa kit.  That $500 counts towards your sales and means that you reach what is called fast start one.  Because of the commission structure for fast start you only end up paying $350 and there is a three month payment offer.  With fast start one you also get a microdermabraision set and spa bag free.  So its pretty good value.

What are the hidden costs of paperwork etc? I have never sat down and actually documented all this.  But you can get 50 specials catalogues per month for $20 which you can use as letter box drops.  The main catalogue is $2.50 but you really only need them for spas, hostess packs and personal consults.  You will also need an orderform book which is around $5.  This has the paper that copies things onto subsequent papers so you and the customer each have a copy.  For most other things you can make your own, such as order forms for the specials catalogues.  You DONT have to use the Nutrimetics stationary.

How easy is it to get bookings? As easy as any other party plan.  Because they are consumables, people will constantly need to replace what they are using so rebooking is always available.  We also do a free pamper basket raffle to get leads in areas that we are unfamiliar with.   This helps branch out from family and immediate friends.  People also love the relaxation of a Nutrimetics Spa Experience.

Do you work hard at it? Not really.  Nutrimetics isnt work to me, its fun and I make money from having fun.

How many parties each week to average getting approx $600 - $1000 per month? The average for $1000 is about 2 bookings a week.  Following the nutrimetics 2 x 2 x 2 forumla can help a lot with this.

How many catalogues are released each year? There is a specials catalogue each month, a christmas catalogue realsed in the middle of october and a main catalogue each year.  I find you can recycle special catalogues by placing a note telling people this is an "old catalogue" and to contact you to view the more recent one.

What is your commission? If you make your fast starts for the first three months you will get 40% of your sales each month until the end of fast start.  After that, any order over $50 gets you some commission.  Plus for orders over $200 you get product rebate where you can order stuff for yourself at a very decent discount. This is the commission structure:

$0 to $49 0%

$50 to $499 20%

$500 to $999 25%

$1,000 to $1,999 30%

$2,000 to $2,999 35%

$3,000 to $3,999 40%

$4,000 + 45%

Why did you start party plan? The flexibility, my passion for Nutrimetics and because I really enjoyed it.  It helped my depression!!!

MJ78 replied:

Thanks clarebear! That is exactly how I wanted it answered hush. I am interested in finding out about other party plans. Yes I am thinking of joining another one, but yes I'm also thinking about starting my own depending. So if people could answer the questions that would be greatly appreciated.

nixandbuz replied:

Why is your party plan company the best to work for?

I am a Le Reve consultant (Perfume, Aromatherapy & Skincare).  I sold Le Reve about 5-6 years ago and it has been the best plan for me.

What are the initial kit costs?

We have three to choose from:

Zero outlay - you initially pay $20 which is the standard registration fee, then as you place your orders, they take 25% from your retail sales for the first $1250 (think).  This has to be done within the first three months.  So you actually pay the $300 (kit fee) off as you place the orders.  If this isn't achieved within the first three months, they then take the balance from either a c/c or a nominated account.

$320 full kit - again the $20 registration fee then when you place the orders, the 25% commission is retained by you.

This is my favourite - Business in a Box $120 - basically you get 11 oils, the book and a massage oil (for Aroma) or the full set of perfume testers plus a bottle of perfume, you can then just sell it to friends/family or close associates, this way you are not entitled to have to do parties, you just use it for yourself.

Once you sell over $1750 retail you then receive another 5% (30% for that month)

What are the hidden costs of paperwork etc?

Um, you have to purchase your own paperwork, brochures etc, but I think its only about $3-$4 for lots of 30 brochures. 

How easy is it to get bookings?

I think they are easy but its all in the way you approach the guests.  Le Reve are fantastic at giving away gifts for their hostess's we currently have a $60 free for anyone hosting a party and having 8-10 people present (this costs the consultant $12.50).  That $60 is valid for anything on our entire range!!  Its a great incentive!

Do you work hard at it?

I think anything new is hard until you get familiar with the products.  I enjoy doing the parties.  I have been quiet of late and I am hating it!!  Just want to get out there again!

How many parties each week to average getting approx $600 - $1000 per month?

I am not sure what you mean by this, but I average around $500 per party (retail sales).   I am aiming to do 2-3 parties per week...

How many catalogues are released each year?

Le Reve have had their current catty for the last 12 months (or more) but every quarter, they have fantastic bonus offers for guests who spend over $95.  We give gifts away for free!!

What is your commission?

As mentioned before 25% then once your retail sales go over $1750 you then receive another 5% commission.

Why did you start party plan?

I love the flexability.  I can now work around my family.  I previously worked in an office and just don't want to go back to the silly office politics and bitchiness.  I have met some really wonderful people since I started.

Hope this helps.  If I can be of any further assistance please pm me.

sanctuary replied:

Why is your party plan company the best to work for?

Arbonne is new to Australia - only arrived here in July, but has been going in the states since 1980, there are over 1 million consultants over there which is pretty mind blowing! I enjoy it because of the flexibility to do catalogue or party sales and the fact that you have no minimum orders and earn commission even if you only order 1 thing.

I also love the products - pure, safe, beneficial skincare.

What are the initial kit costs?

The joining fee is $45.  This gives you a starter kit with all the paperwork you need to get started.  There are no set kits that you have to buy.  You can just start ordering product at a 35% discount from day 1.  You do get lots of special offers in your first 2 months to get started though - free product and your choice of product to the value of $1000 for just $500 - but as I mentioned, you can just pay the joining fee and order from the catalogue without purchasing a kit if you like.

What are the hidden costs of paperwork etc?

The great thing with all the printed forms, brochures etc is that they are available on the Arbonne website as PDF's if you wish to print them yourself.  So you can buy them (minimal cost) but you can also print them off at home which is fantastic.

How easy is it to get bookings?

As the other posts said, it is more up to the individual than the PP company as to how easy it is to get bookings.  Skincare being consumable is easy to get repeat business.

Do you work hard at it?

I spend a couple of hours a day on my business, but that is what I choose to do.  I love it and it doesn't feel like work to me.  My "normal" job pays me extremely well, and most people wonder why I would bother direct selling on the side, but it is because I have a family and dont want to be a slave to the corporate world forever.  I want to build this business over the next 5-10 years to give me options about how I live my life.

How many parties each week to average getting approx $600 - $1000 per month?

2 parties a week should do it - but again - it depends on so many factors.

How many catalogues are released each year?

1 main one, new products released throughout the year.

What is your commission?

35% from $0 - infinity. 

Overrides from the first person that joins you (no minimum number of consultants to become a team - is all based on volume)

Why did you start party plan?

I have been with several companies over the years - started 10 years ago with Oohlala - which doesnt exist anymore!  Stopped doing it for a while to concentrate on my "normal" career.  Have reached a very high level and income in the corporate world - and realised I want more - I want options for the future and more time with my family.  I still do this on the side - I can't give up my day job yet - but I am working on it!!

JustRachel replied:

Why is your party plan company the best to work for?

I love the freedom I have with Something Naughty. There is a fabulous structure to follow for the parties, and I dont have any restrictions with advertising, as well as been able to be creative with it. Michelle (Director) is also fabulous and provides fantastic support, as well as happily taking on any feedback I have.

What are the initial kit costs?

The initial cost for shop stock is $228+ gst and postage. All of which can be resold and you make back double. There is also a lingerie pack for $100+gst which includes all the lingerie for demo purposes.

What are the hidden costs of paperwork etc?

I really love this about something naughty, all the hostess gifts, shopping bags, postage and shopping bags is provided by the company. So my only hidden costs might be getting business cards or something printed. It is great not having little things come out of my commission.

How easy is it to get bookings?

I've only recently changed to the company from another pp, and I am finding alot of interest as the products are well priced and so far I'm the only consultant in vic, so it's pretty easy.

Do you work hard at it?

I'm really wanting to build up a great team, as I'm the Vic Party Co-ordinator, so i'm putting in abit of effort to get it where I want it.

How many parties each week to average getting approx $600 - $1000 per month?

Every party is at least $50 before you go + the 50% commission of shop sales and 20% commission on any added catalogue orders, So probably 2 parties a week maybe less

How many catalogues are released each year?

Our stock remains consisstant with maybe a few changes so theres just the one main catalogue with has a great range for repeat business

What is your commission?

I earn $50 pp for the pre-party orders, 20% commission on any catalogue orders taken at the party + 50% commission on any shop sales I have on the night

Why did you start party plan?

I want to work for myself and still have time to be at home with my two children. I like to have control on when I'm working but as well as been able to contribute financially to our household.

marina replied:

Why is your party plan company the best to work for?

gorgeous products, women buy off the table., not many deliveries, it is nickel free jewellery, high quality. have pieces from $25- $300. over 4000 pieces and my showcase is always changing..

we have 50% commission and 55% once you become a sales leader.. our recuiting commisions are high as well and it is a solid strong company being over 20 years in the business, but only been in Australia for 4 years so heaps of growth here to be achieved.

What are the initial kit costs?

the cheapest is $600, but the one that is the most popular and the one i sign up all my jewellers is  $1880 showcase which is based on easy pay plan over 3 months.

What are the hidden costs of paperwork etc?

paper work is not for free. catalogues and stationary costs..  catties $1 and all is reasonable. the best part is our packaging is stunning  and it is all for free ......

How easy is it to get bookings?

for me and majority of the girls in my team it has been easy as the product sells itself and as we wear it , it is also self advertising..  I have been working consistently since January 06 with average of 10 shows per month.

Again it is what you make of the business.. not everyone succeeds.. it is again up to the individual..

Do you work hard at it?

in all honesty, no.. It has all come rather easily for me and still a surprise on how far i have come in a short period... I only ever started with 4 bookings and from there it has just expanded and expanded..... 99% of my jewellers come from my shows and also 99% of my bookings are from my shows...

How many parties each week to average getting approx $600 - $1000 per month? 

for me i do 3 shows in a week and i get about $1000 for that week.

for example  $600 show. then $700 show and then say a $300 show.

In a month i earn easy over $3k.

How many catalogues are released each year?

2 catalogues a year but the glitter every single month which is a great business tool.

What is your commission?

50%

Why did you start party plan?

the number one reason was for the money....  and so i would not have to work 9-5.. and also to give us freedom and choices in life.  We were really struggling financially and things were not looking good.  It came at just the right time in my life. I had know about this PP for about 7 months prior but  just did not  "get It".

I really only had small goals at the start, but somehow it has just all happened to the point where I have a team of over 100 with strong growth in my 1st, 2nd and 3rd liners.. I have consistent shows, bonus cheques every month , heaps of free time and now Peter is looking at resigning from his job middle of next year when he gets his long service leave.

ExMember148 replied:

     Quote:
Thanks clarebear! That is exactly how I wanted it answered hush. I am interested in finding out about other party plans. Yes I am thinking of joining another one, but yes I'm also thinking about starting my own depending. So if people could answer the questions that would be greatly appreciated.

I think you will find every man and his dog is going to give you every reason to tell you that THEIR company is the best to work for.   If they don't then why would they be doing it??  Is anyone going to say, yeah sure I hate that my kit is heavy and I have to wrap every item individually or  that the start up cost was way more than I expected??  No - not on a public forum.   These questions may need to be directed to the individual company you are more interested in.