Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

So I was just invited to one of these.

My friend prefaced the invite by saying that there's no obligation to buy, but it's more of a chance to get together with the girls before the holidays, so of course I agreed to go.

I looked at the product and it's not something I need or want more of....cheapest item was like $30-$70.00.

Most of my Christmas shopping is done.

Is it rude to go and not buy though.



ETA: was thinking of telling the salesperson I will take a catalog and get back to them.

Message edited 11/29/2014 10:27:44 AM.

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I've gone to these parties and have not bought anything before. My one friend who has these parties always says the same thing your friend said. If I like something, I'll buy something, but I do not feel obligated.

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I rarely buy anything at these kinds of parties.

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I personally wouldn't go if I had no intentions of buying anything.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

At the end of the day, if I agree to host a party, I know that the salesperson wants to make sales and money. I don't do it for the free hostess stuff - so I do think that when I invite people they should buy something, whether it's cheap or expensive. I kinda feel like that is the point of a direct sales party. If people don't want to come because they don't want to buy, that's OK too. I think wrapping up in a "girls night" defeats the purpose, because you're also kinda saying it's OK to come and not buy anything, and then the sales person loses out.

If I agree to go, I know I will buy something.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Okay looks like a tie so far....anyone else?

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I always get something, but I always ask to see a catalog before I go so I know if there's anything I want. If not then I dont go

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I usually don't go to these parties because I "feel" obligated. Honestly, they are usually such a bore anyway.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I always go but never buy. If I don't go I get guilt tripped by my family and friends but have never bought anything as I have zero interest in most of it.

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

If it's certain ones that I like, I'll go. Two of DH's sisters had Lia Sophia parties and I didn't see anything I liked, so I didn't go. I love Pampered Chef and Scentsy so those I would go to or order from.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I hosted a party over the summer and one of my friends found the prices a bit much for her budget- which I understood. I had no problem with the fact that she didn't buy though I don't know how the consultant felt. But I feel like these parties are easy money for the people who work for the company- I had to clean, put together snacks and drinks, and make sure everyone was happy with snacks and drinks.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I so wish it was Scentsy!!

That's like the ONLY direct sales item I will buy.

I'm at an event next weekend where I know one of the ladies is going to be selling it so I'm in trouble....it's also been awhile since I placed an order.

I usually just pick up the 99cent ones or glade if I have a coupon.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I never go. I have zero interest in direct sale stuff. I find them a huge bore too and way overpriced on everything.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Those parties feel like traps to me.

Especially if it's under the guise of a get together.

Get togethers are relaxing and fun and you don't have to whip out your credit card.

So I'm gonna go with no. I wouldn't go if I knew ahead of time that I wasn't gonna buy anything.

More than anything though, I think hosts need to just have it be a party focused on purchases. If you have ten friends who are into XYZ, cool. But don't Just turn it into a get together and tell a
Majoroty of people it's ok if they don't buy. It's a waste of the vendors time then,
Isn't it? Maybe a vendor can give her opinion on that,
Maybe I'm wrong.

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Id pass lol

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Message edited 11/29/2014 7:04:30 PM.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I don't see anything wrong with going if you don't intend to buy. The hostess can't expect everyone to love the product. It doesn't cost the hostess anythin extra for you to show up really other than a few snacks/drinks and they get to see their friends.

Message edited 11/30/2014 7:05:48 AM.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I hosted one and had 3 people not order anything....

I didn't mind, but I didn't say ahead of time, no obligation... It would have been a little nice to know they weren't going to order anything as my coworker was the one selling it and she told me after how she thought it was rude.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I have not done, but I hosted a jewelery party & a few people didn't buy.

Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I personally do not like going to these parties and feel guilted into buying something even when told "no obligation". It feels rude to not place an order so I usually just decline.

Message edited 11/29/2014 10:15:40 PM.

Re: Have you ever NOT bought something at a direct sales party?

I went to one recently and did not buy anything. An extremely close friend was selling something she knew I did not have the $ for nor am I interested in this stuff whatsoever. We had several discussions about it beforehand and she insisted I go just to sit with the rest of the group of friends we have. After her pitch I felt awkward when she handed out order forms to everyone else at the table except me. But I also didn't care in a way either. I came to show my support.