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BabyBMakes3
LIF Adolescent
Member since 4/13 711 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
As a spinoff to something that came up on the fashion board...
As a consumer, how do YOU feel about direct sales? As in...your feelings on being invited to home or online events where your friends and family are selling merchandise (LuLaRoe, itWorks, Avon, Pampered Chef, Thirty One, Mary Kay, Scentsy, etc)
And if you are a consultant for one of these...do you feel slighted if your friends and family don't attend or don't buy?
Just genuine curiosty, as I have been invited to pretty much everything under the sun.
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Posted 8/18/16 9:03 AM  |
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Long Island Weddings
Long Island's Largest Bridal Resource |
NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
I hate it.
If I want or need something, I'll go to the store and buy it, or buy it on Amazon.
I can't stand the model where I have to go to a distributor to get something. I think I should be able to buy everything I want in a store.
And I find the stuff is WAY overpriced and usually a huge rip off.
And sometimes a huge scam. Like those wraps. Yeah ok, I'm going to wrap my belly in saran wrap and look like I worked out for a year- overnight! Yeah ok.
And I can't stand feeling obligated to buy stuff or pressured.
So for me, it's a BIG no
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:12 AM |
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MrsM84
LIF Adult
Member since 2/13 2352 total posts
Name:
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Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Nay. A big fat nay. I honestly just don't have the time to go to these events hosted by friends/acquaintances. I also have no interest in purchasing anything at these parties. When RSVP'ing no with that reason (I really don't want/need to buy anything), 9 times out of 10 the host comes back with, "It's no pressure. Just come, have some food, drink a glass of wine and enjoy" -- I would rather do all of those things -- eat, drink, and relax -- on my own couch in my own home in sweatpants. I think most people have gotten the hint and my invites to these events have significantly decreased.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:13 AM |
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Pumpkin1
LIF Adult
Member since 12/05 3715 total posts
Name:
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Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
My biggest issue is that I find the stuff is grossly overpriced and then I feel like I'm being a bad friend if I don't buy something to "support" my friend.
Thankfully, I haven't been invited to many of those parties but I'm sure that has to do with the fact that I'm a FTWM.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:15 AM |
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pjt212301
LIF Adult
Member since 7/12 1213 total posts
Name:
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Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
I hate it, too. I find everything to be overpriced and not something that I really want. Just because you got into Mary Kay or whatever does not mean I want to buy Mary Kay!!
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:18 AM |
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Salason
♥
Member since 6/05 9878 total posts
Name:
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
HATE it. Hate being invited and hate it flooding my social media. The only parties I like and go to are Stella and Dot and Chloe and Isabel because I like their stuff and would never really go to a store for costume jewelry.
ETA: The thing I hate most is being added to some group for a virtual party for something like dumb mascara. At least let me get some wine and apps out of the thing!
Message edited 8/18/2016 9:23:38 AM.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:18 AM |
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HomeIsWithU
Baby #2 on the way!
Member since 9/07 7816 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by NervousNell
I hate it.
If I want or need something, I'll go to the store and buy it, or buy it on Amazon.
I can't stand the model where I have to go to a distributor to get something. I think I should be able to buy everything I want in a store.
And I find the stuff is WAY overpriced and usually a huge rip off.
And sometimes a huge scam. Like those wraps. Yeah ok, I'm going to wrap my belly in saran wrap and look like I worked out for a year- overnight! Yeah ok.
And I can't stand feeling obligated to buy stuff or pressured.
So for me, it's a BIG no
Same. And if I do happen to want to buy something form one of those companies (Scentsy, Avon, LulaRoe, etc.) I would much rather just reach out to one of the people selling and place an order privately than go to one of the parties and purchase.
ETA: One time...ONE, I actually enjoyed one of these parties. But I dont think it counts because they were selling Godiva Alcohol and the whole point of the party was to try out all their alcohol infused chocolate martini mixes...and the hostess makes all different types of martinis with the mixes all night long and it was DELICIOUS and just about every woman there was 3 sheets to the wind. And yes, I bought a bottle. But the ONLY reason that was enjoyable was because there were free martinis in abundance. After 3 of those martinis they could have been selling cat leashes and I would have bought stock in it 
Message edited 8/18/2016 9:28:04 AM.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:20 AM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
I don't have an interest in buying anything, like the PP said if I want something I will order it off amazon or go to the store. Sometimes the sales pitch stuff on FB will be annoying. Someone on my FB friends list is a beachbody coach and she is constantly posting selfies of herself after a sweaty workout with shakeology shakes and messages me from time to time asking me if I am interested... i have to admit it gets annoying.
Message edited 8/18/2016 9:21:25 AM.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:20 AM |
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jlm2008
LIF Adult
Member since 1/10 5092 total posts
Name:
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Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Hate it! Hate being invited, usually hate the merchandise, and even if I don't, it's always waaaaayyyy overpriced! If I went something, I'll go to the store and buy it, or order online. The only type of those parties I don't mind going to are sex toy parties, those are fun. Otherwise, i refuse. And when I get the invites to those ugly lularoe pop stores, I immediately delete it!
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:21 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by JDubs
I don't have an interest in buying anything, like the PP said if I want something I will order it off amazon or go to the store. Sometimes the sales pitch stuff on FB will be annoying. Someone on my FB friends list is a beachbody coach and she is constantly posting selfies of herself after a sweaty workout with shakeology shakes and messages me from time to time asking me if I am interested... i have to admit it gets annoying.
I once told a beachbody "coach" (and i use coach lightly as what qualifies you to be a "coach"? just because you signed up for a pyramid scheme- yeah ok) that I was too busy eating dorritos, drinking wine and sitting on my @ss watching TV to have time to work out and the thought of those shakes as meals made me lose my will to live.
She never reached out again.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:24 AM |
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PearlJamChick
No one sings like you anymore.
Member since 7/10 9264 total posts
Name:
Petticoated Swashbuckler
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Consumer here.
I ignore all of the online sale invites.
I don't go to many parties - actually I will only go to ones my aunt hosts because it's so laid back and no pressure to buy anything.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:26 AM |
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by JDubs
I don't have an interest in buying anything, like the PP said if I want something I will order it off amazon or go to the store. Sometimes the sales pitch stuff on FB will be annoying. Someone on my FB friends list is a beachbody coach and she is constantly posting selfies of herself after a sweaty workout with shakeology shakes and messages me from time to time asking me if I am interested... i have to admit it gets annoying.
I have a similar issue but with a R&F consultant. She literally STALKS people we went to high school with (myself included) and sends the same message to all of us how we can be zillionares like her if we join her team. Because she wanted to SAH and it makes her SUCH a better person.
Whole thing really pissed me off, in so many ways
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:27 AM |
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JDubs
different, not less
Member since 7/09 13160 total posts
Name:
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by JDubs
I don't have an interest in buying anything, like the PP said if I want something I will order it off amazon or go to the store. Sometimes the sales pitch stuff on FB will be annoying. Someone on my FB friends list is a beachbody coach and she is constantly posting selfies of herself after a sweaty workout with shakeology shakes and messages me from time to time asking me if I am interested... i have to admit it gets annoying.
I once told a beachbody "coach" (and i use coach lightly as what qualifies you to be a "coach"? just because you signed up for a pyramid scheme- yeah ok) that I was too busy eating dorritos, drinking wine and sitting on my @ss watching TV to have time to work out and the thought of those shakes as meals made me lose my will to live.
She never reached out again.
 that's awesome. I ended up unfollowing that person because I was tired of seeing those sweaty selfies
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:28 AM |
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Laura1976
Member since 5/05 5754 total posts
Name:
Laura
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
the skin care and makeup ones I'm not a fan of, I think those are very personal choices and then you feel obligated. But I'm a sucker for pampered chef stuff, I've bought thirty one bags and I'm going to a Stella & Dot next week. I also hosted a Matilda Jane Party once.
I'll be honest, if one of my friends is hosting a party and there is a promises of wine, I usually go. 
ETA: I hate when they try to convince you to be a seller.
Message edited 8/18/2016 9:48:47 AM.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:35 AM |
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beachbabe
LIF Adolescent
Member since 9/15 731 total posts
Name:
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Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
I hate them. If I want something, I'll buy it myself
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:43 AM |
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Momma2015
Mommax2
Member since 12/12 6655 total posts
Name:
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by Pumpkin1
My biggest issue is that I find the stuff is grossly overpriced and then I feel like I'm being a bad friend if I don't buy something to "support" my friend.
Thankfully, I haven't been invited to many of those parties but I'm sure that has to do with the fact that I'm a FTWM.
Agreed. 100%! I also don't like going to those parties with the sole intent of someone trying to sell me something. I'm far more open to LulaRoe (the original fashion thread was about this product) since it's all done online. I actually just ordered a pair of leggings since I hear they are the softest ever.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:47 AM |
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JennP
LIF Adult
Member since 10/06 3986 total posts
Name:
Jenn
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
I truly loathe them for pretty much all the reasons mentioned.
One thing I really hate is the reason why they are overpriced - to pay all the "middlemen" in between the consumer and the company.
When people who sell this stuff hire people to be on their "team", they are essentially adding another layer of people who need a commission.
Sometimes prices are high because demand is high. I understand and accept why I will pay a premium to travel on school breaks. They can charge it because there are a limited number of seats on planes and rooms in hotels, and because people are simply willing to pay. I get it.
I get that I will pay more for a pedicure at a legit salon that doesn't imprison and impoverish their employees, or for a cup of coffee brewed from beans picked by fairly paid adults and not children.
But to pay $40 for a simple piece of costume jewelry or $60 for a small decorative bowl so an extra few moms can join the "team" and stay home with their kids? No, sorry.
And - taking off my economics hat for a second - some of these people are SO pushy. A fledgling friendship I had with someone never took off because she just wouldn't stop with the push for me to join her "team."
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:49 AM |
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SusiBee
. . . . .
Member since 3/09 8268 total posts
Name:
S
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Hate it.
I always feel obligated to but stuff i really don't need.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:51 AM |
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ali120206
2 Boys
Member since 7/06 17789 total posts
Name:
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Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
I hate when people are over the top about it and trying to push you.
I do use some direct sales products though - such as Shakeology... And I have some LulaRoe leggings and just bought the Initials Inc One Trip Wonder. I try to find the least pushy people out there in the line of business to buy from though.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:53 AM |
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
If I'm invited to a party (by a relative or friend) and can make it, I will go. I can usually find something small that I like.
I do not like when people are intrusive and pushy, particularly on social media. Don't try to advertise to me on my wall, through messages, etc. If I decline the invitation, I can't come. Let it be.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:53 AM |
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by NervousNell
I once told a beachbody "coach" (and i use coach lightly as what qualifies you to be a "coach"? just because you signed up for a pyramid scheme- yeah ok)
I love you for this statement. 
I went through 4 years of school and numerous certifications to be an actual fitness trainer & coach, and to have someone tell me that they, too, are a fitness coach because they sell overpriced shakes and videos is nauseating.
I don't buy any of this stuff, I hate being added to groups on Facebook without my consent, I hate people calling themselves experts, and business owners, and freakin' CEO's.
If I had a friend that actually opened a small business, put blood sweat & tears in, I would happily purchase overpriced items from them, knowing that the premium I'm paying is actually supporting a family, and not the top of a pyramid scheme.
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| Posted 8/18/16 9:58 AM |
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MC09
arrrghhh!!!!
Member since 2/09 5674 total posts
Name:
Me speaks pirate!
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by NervousNell
I hate it.
If I want or need something, I'll go to the store and buy it, or buy it on Amazon.
I can't stand the model where I have to go to a distributor to get something. I think I should be able to buy everything I want in a store.
And I find the stuff is WAY overpriced and usually a huge rip off.
And sometimes a huge scam. Like those wraps. Yeah ok, I'm going to wrap my belly in saran wrap and look like I worked out for a year- overnight! Yeah ok.
And I can't stand feeling obligated to buy stuff or pressured.
So for me, it's a BIG no
Ita and.also it's awkward as the friend to be constantly pressured to attend these things and feel pressured to buy this overpriced crap I don't even need or really want. Then to KEEP being invited multiple times to these events. I don't ask my friends to financially support me, if I have to keep.financially supporting you the friendship will get strained. If you want to legitimately run a business you need to hit up strangers. Your friends can't keep supporting you. Everyone I know feels the same way.
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| Posted 8/18/16 10:15 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by LiveForMoments
Posted by NervousNell
I once told a beachbody "coach" (and i use coach lightly as what qualifies you to be a "coach"? just because you signed up for a pyramid scheme- yeah ok)
I hate people calling themselves experts, and business owners, and freakin' CEO's.
How about #Mompreneur ?
I legit gag when I see that shit.
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| Posted 8/18/16 10:23 AM |
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Pumpkin1
LIF Adult
Member since 12/05 3715 total posts
Name:
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by LiveForMoments
Posted by NervousNell
I once told a beachbody "coach" (and i use coach lightly as what qualifies you to be a "coach"? just because you signed up for a pyramid scheme- yeah ok)
I hate people calling themselves experts, and business owners, and freakin' CEO's.
How about #Mompreneur ?
I legit gag when I see that shit.
I don't have a problem with mompreneur, since my friend call herself that and she ran her own business around her kids' schedules. IMHO, and no offense to the direct sales ladies here, but beach body and other direct sales are not mompreneurs.
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| Posted 8/18/16 10:30 AM |
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NervousNell
Just another chapter in life..
Member since 11/09 54917 total posts
Name:
..being a mommy and being a wife!
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Re: Direct Sales: Yay or Nay?
Posted by Pumpkin1
Posted by NervousNell
Posted by LiveForMoments
Posted by NervousNell
I once told a beachbody "coach" (and i use coach lightly as what qualifies you to be a "coach"? just because you signed up for a pyramid scheme- yeah ok)
I hate people calling themselves experts, and business owners, and freakin' CEO's.
How about #Mompreneur ?
I legit gag when I see that shit.
I don't have a problem with mompreneur, since my friend call herself that and she ran her own business around her kids' schedules. IMHO, and no offense to the direct sales ladies here, but beach body and other direct sales are not mompreneurs.
Exactly. Anytime I have seen it used was in refernce to direct sales.
I am sorry but you are not a "mompreneur" just because you paid $300 to get in on a pyramid scheme.
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| Posted 8/18/16 10:36 AM |
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