I ignore most invites. If I get one from a good friend and want to go to socialize, I usually say "Hey, good friend, I really want to come and socialize, but we are on a tight budget right now and it's not likely that I will buy anything."
I did make a purchase at one once but it was a party where proceeds were going to a charity the hostess supported so I felt it would have been inappropriate not to buy in that case.
BTW I think Thirty One is the fugliest stuff on earth. I see it everywhere and I just do not get the appeal.
I mentioned this on ML when they were talking about it;
I do sales parties for photo organization; I let my hosts know (and when I host) that people are NOT obligated to buy and to let them know that. I let my people know that they can come check out the products, grab a catalog, grab a mini catalog, just socialize, eat, and/or drink. If they want to buy at any point or host a party; I let them know that they can see me to arrange that.
I, myself, do not go to other people's parties if their attitude is "I'm just inviting you so you'll buy crap from me". If they approach it as "hey, do you want to come hang out with us and check out some products?" There is a 99% chance I will go. If they say "hey, I need such and such amount of money, buy something off of me" I will typically decline.
I don't go unless I'm open to buying, which is almost never. Hosts always say "you don't have to buy, come anyway!" but I figure they either think I'll end up buying something anyway, or they're worried that no one will show up and they'll look like a loser of a host. Neither is a situation I need to be involved in. lol.
I did go to a Pampered Chef party once because I figured there would at least be a lot of food. And there was, but it wasn't worth having to listen to a sales pitch. I would rather get my own food than sit through that again. And the way people were flipping out over the products was so bizarre. It was like a cult.
The socializing aspect doesn't really play into it for me because fortunately none of my actual hold these stupid thing. It's always been coworkers, and while I am friends with some of my coworkers, (a) they aren't the ones who hold sales parties, and (b) I would rather see them in another setting, like at happy hour.
Post by jennistarr1 on Oct 31, 2012 9:20:35 GMT -5
So I like them...for the social aspect. I usually host 1-2 a year...and I like tryiing out new recipes, pairing it with wines. My invites always say "no obligation to buy" and many people have come and not bought anything which I am totally ok with. I think there is an implied obligation which is why I tell people "no obligation".
I hate pushy sales people and will not have them be my consultant...especially the ones that pressure my friends into having their own party. I remember this one lady that had everyone roll dice and if you rolled a certain number, then you would get a prize...if not you had to have a party...I refused to roll the dice.
I like the products. In my circle, we're all partylite fans and very familiar with it. We'll hit the specials typically when each other has a party. There are times, like now, where I need candles so noone is pressuring me into anything. I'm also a big fan of tupperware, pampered chef, and signature homestyles. I like their products and want to buy them and we'll go and order the things I need (for example, I loved PC cutting boards so when a friend asked me to go to a party with her, I did because I needed a cutting board). I like tastefully simple too and even if you feel guilted into buying something, that can be done cheaply there. People in my group will say "is anyone having a tastefully simple party...I need beer bread". So again, it's stuff we need/want vs. being guilted into buying.
I like 31's stuff...I use a clipboard every day at work and love the pretty 30$ I bought from them.
I would tell coworker...I'm not sure if I'll buy anything but I wouldn't mind coming and hearing the presentation and socializing. Keep an open mind, if you find something you like then buy it...if not, don't with out apologies.
Post by whitepicketfence on Oct 31, 2012 10:06:25 GMT -5
I hate these parties. I have one particular friend that has one all.the.time. I very rarely respond and I don't think I've ever attended one. We're on a pretty strict budget right now and I don't have money to waste on expensive, overpriced crap that I'll never use.
Post by heliocentric on Oct 31, 2012 14:18:08 GMT -5
I hate these with a passion.
I have the internet. There is nothing I can't find on the internet (or elsewhere) that is cheaper and better. I don't need to shop for ugly overpriced crap from your house.
And I hate when women call these things businesses. A real busines doesn't rely solely on friends as patrons.
And ditto Pamela about these being geared to women. Why do my in-laws invite me to buy crap? Invite DH (or better yet, neither of us). Why should I have go just because I have a uterus?
Have you noticed the people we know who sell it are not fat? What a waste of money
um yes
An acquantence of mine is just starting to sell this crap. Her first party is next week and I have already received an invite. Yea, I said no to this one.