by Midwest Mom

Created on: May 30, 2008

So you're invited to another home party selling candles, food, home dcor or toys? Your friend is smart! Having a home party just before the holidays is a great way to get some gifts for free or half-price. Just how does she do it? It's not rocket science, but with a little planning and effort on your part, you can scratch off a good part of your shopping list.

First, write down your holiday shopping list. Is it filled with kids? Adults? Grandparents? Empty nesters? Friends? All of the above? Make a notation on your ideal gifts for these people. Next, do a little research on what home party companies offer items that match your list. There are home party companies that offer just about everything: toys, gourmet food, jewelry, clothes, home dcor, coffee, kitchen gadgets, etc. You may have been to a party for some of these companies, and a quick search on the internet will find even more.

Important things to note:
-Is there a minimum number of people needed for a party?
-How much needs to be sold at the party for the hostess to receive free and half-price items?
-Are there bonuses if a friend books a party before or during your party?
-Is there a monthly special for hostesses or hostess-only products?
-Is there a monthly customer special?
-Is there anything I am required to purchase for the party?
-Who does the deliveries after the party?

After you've chosen your favorite company, you'll need to find a local consultant. In most cases you can go to companies main web site and it will direct you to a local connection. Don't be tempted to hold a "catalog" party, where you just pass around a catalog and collect orders. In most cases, you will not reach your sales goal. You need a local consultant to come to your home and "work" the party. A good consultant will send you a packet of information 2 4 weeks before the party and talk or meet with you several times before the party. She might even mail your invitations for you.

THREE WEEKS BEFORE THE PARTY
The three weeks before the party is an important time where some effort from you will result in a more successful party. The more people you invite and the more orders you collect before your party, the better your chances are of reaching the top hostess reward level at your party.
-Based on the company's hostess rewards, set a sales goal for your party. Your consultant should be able to give you the amount of an average order, and you can figure out how many orders you'll need to reach your goal.
-Make your guest list. Send your

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