Home sales parties...

[TheVBs]

Fair warning, I just need to vent on this topic. Normally I avoid these things like the plague, haven't been to one in years. But my neighbor asked me to a jewelry one she was having and I just adore her so I didn't want to say no.

First of all, the sales woman wanted us to play all these stupid games. Why is it that when a group of women get together for some kind of party it's a requirement to throw all dignity out the window and play stupid games? Huge apologies to anyone who enjoys them, not judging you! I just don't understand it.

Second, the jewelry was very cute but horribly overpriced. All costume, no genuine stones or metals, but several pieces were priced well over $100. I could get my sister a nice turquoise and silver piece for that amount.

Third, the woman was charging a flat shipping rate, so I had to pay nearly $5 shipping for a tiny pair of earrings I bought. THEN she charged tax on the shipping! Technically, that's legal in this state, but NOBODY does it. It reminded me of when I went to a food home sales show and the woman there charged me shipping even though she was HANDING me the products! If I weren't the guests of friends both times I would have not gone through with the purchases, which I guess is what they're counting on.

Anyway, I just wanted to complain. Thanks!

[buzznwoodysmom]

I absolutely hate these home sales parties. I have never hosted one, and never will!!! All of my family and friends know not to invite me to them because I will not go.

However, like you, I felt bad telling a neighbor friend no, so I went to her jewelry party about 2 years ago and it reminded me of why I can't stand these parties. Cheaply made jewelry, that cost far too much, and the silly games, not to mention the feeling you get that you have to make a purchase. Ugh!

[VWL Mom]

I absolutely hate these home sales parties. I have never hosted one, and never will!!! All of my family and friends know not to invite me to them because I will not go.

[Terra]

Add me to the I don't like them either camp!

In the past I've often gone out of guilt. But not anymore and I do buy from the distributor directly as well if I want something. Generally though I find comparable products in the store so it's not even a good deal.

And to be honest, I'm not really into a lot of that "cutesy" stuff like 31 Products, Mary Kay, Jewelry stuff, etc.

[AZ Disney]

I guess I'm clearly the odd one out here, but I really enjoy some of these parties. I love my girlfriend time and some of the great products offered. They are way overpriced at times, but they have some good deals too. I do not enjoy hosting and I'm clearly upfront that I'm not booking a party. But hey, fun with the girls and little financial support is okay by me.

[Melanie]

These types of parties are very popular (still) in military communities, so I've been to my share. They are especially popular overseas, as it's not so simple to get the stuff as it would be here in the States. One thing I wouldn't do is host one though. I don't like pressuring anyone to do anything, so being that I sometimes feel this way at these parties, I don't want to put anyone out.

[Ms. Mode]

Yes, our Pastor's wife had one of these jewlrey parties recently; I really wanted to go to support her, but I looked up the website on the jewlrey and found the pricing first...NO way could I afford that...so I stayed home.

Hate to say it, but 31 does the same thing with the tax and shipping stuff. I guess it's how they make the payroll for the independent sales people?

[Disney4us2]

I have been to many "parties" and hosted some as well. Haven't done one or been to one in years.

I did like the Pampered Chef products and still use them all the time. That goes for the Tupperware too. Now if I need one of those products... I just look it up on Ebay. No more parties for me.

[SBETigg]

I hate them, too. And even worse, now some of my Facebook friends try having "parties" on Facebook, and it's even more chance to end up feeling obligated to buy something. Granted, I prefer not having to spend time at someone's house playing the stupid games (Yes, why? Why?) but it's still a hassle and I end up buying things I don't want. Only when it's a better acquaintance or relative but... ugh.

[TheDuckRocks]

Add me to the list of women who absolutely hate, hate, hate these stupid parties. I'm so glad I have finally reached a point in my life that I have no hesitation to say no to any and all invitations to attend one. I don't care if it's my very best friend, my daughter, the ministers wife or a fund raiser for my favorite charity. No way am I going and don't even ask if I want to get something from the catalog.

[disney obsessed]

Never!

[Belle of the Ball 051411]

Amen! I have a friend who is constantly hosting these home parties and I always make up an excuse as to why I can't go. I don't have the heart to tell her I don't want to spend money on ****. And whenever you go to those parties you always feel obligated to buy something... Hate them!

[rkmemkc]

I did like the Pampered Chef products and still use them all the time.

I totally agree....I love Pampered Chef as well. The parties were always yummy. It's amazing what you can do with baking stones and Pillsbury Dough!

[Kenny1113]

Add me as another one who hates them!

[TheVBs]

I didn't think I would be alone!

Forgot to mention that I "won" a party myself. She handed out these little purses with prize slips in them and there was supposed to be one "grand prize" of winning your own party. I know for a fact more than one of them had that slip and I would be willing to bet the actual prizes, like free shipping or a discount were by far in the minority. Now this woman is stalking me and there's no way I'm going to have a party. She's also tried offering the catalog and facebook party options. Not gonna happen either. She actually keeps using the phrase "I know you'll have a party like you promised!" I'm going to do my best not to be rude, but it's time to be very firm. I get that these things are huge pyramid schemes and the only way these people make money is to recruit salespeople underneath them. It's all just so sordid.

I have tried the Pampered Chef products before and have enjoyed them. But like this jewelry, I remember it being overpriced for what it was. And, this was the party where the woman charged me shipping on items she was HANDING me. That puts you off a product in a big way. In many ways, with many people, these companies have got to be shooting themselves in the foot.

Anyway, you guys are great! Thanks for letting me vent and sharing your opinions and experiences with me!