Jan 28, 2010
Party Question
I don't know if this ever happens to any of you but I have a sales party etiquette question. Here in our town (which is very small) we have these parties where people sell stuff (Pampered Chef, Scentsy Candles etc) and you know how they work, you go and then you are supposed to buy something and help the person who hosted it earn points to get some big prize and then sign up to host a party yourself. And when there are only so many people in town to invite you end up getting invited to a lot of them. I never buy things at those parties because I can't afford to usually. I never know what to do though because I keep getting invited and I appreciate the invites but if I go to one then I will feel obligated to buy something that I don't really need or want and then I will feel obligated to go to another party and I can't afford to buy something from everyone. So I just decided to not to go any parties at all. I don't know if it is okay to go and not buy something? I am not against these kind of parties because I know that is how a lot of people make a living or make extra money. But for example, I got invited to a Pampered Chef party last week and then another one next week. I got invited to 4 of them last year. That is a lot of stuff to buy. I got invited to I think 5 Scentsy Candle parties and got asked at my door by Cheerleaders to buy some stuff too. I also got invited to a "sleepover" party which was for tasteful lingere and sex toys. I told my husband that I just wasn't mature enough to even go to that party so I didn't have to worry about that one. So what do you do? Should you feel obligated to go, obligated to buy, do you have to stay away if you can't afford to buy? Any opinions?
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:)When Im invited I try to go...unless Im uncofortable with the PARTY:) I have been asking my mom and aunts if they need anything at these parties.. usually its a measuring cup or a spice.. and then I don't have to purchase anything:) But I go for the social outting when Im invited:) BTW I forget sometimes.. like when I didnt comet o your sewing party..OOPS! Im sorry:) Let me know when the next one is:)
ReplyDeleteI am/not really anymore a designer for a company called Celebrating Home. As a person who throws the parties it is okay if you go and don't buy--most people are actually like that. It is more of a social event. Don't feel like you have to buy, and if at one time you see something you want buy it, and don't feel like you have to buy from others just because you did once. Make Sense :)? Just have FUN!! If people invite you they want you there--if they get mad because you don't buy--they have issues :)
ReplyDeleteI don't go to these parties either. I don't really have the extra money to spend on things that we don't need and usually don't want. I just decline.
ReplyDeleteI have had parties in the past for stamps and books. I was a consultant for Usborne books so I could load up on their great books. So, I've thrown parties but I never expect anyone to buy. It's nice when people do because you get free stuff, but mainly I just want people to come so that it's a fun party. I usually base going on a party on what the party is for (is it something I'm interested in or need?), who is throwing it (is it a friend that I love hanging out with in case I don't want to buy anything or am I just one of a bunch of random people going and won't really be socializing?) and when it is (does it conflict with other things in my life?) and then it makes it a pretty easy decision.
ReplyDeleteI don't go. I tell them the truth "I can't afford to buy".
ReplyDeleteI love to go, get out of the house and let the hubby watch the kids for a few hours. I don't always buy anything, but I go have a good time. In most cases, the hostess would rather you be there for the socializing instead of missing out on your company!
ReplyDeleteIf I'm invited, I usually try to go. I think I'm invited to socialize more than anything. I almost always have a good time and if I find something that I like(and I can afford it) then I buy it. Otherwise, I just have fun, laught with friends and say "I can't afford it." The host is more than understanding and says she didn't expect me to buy and is just glad I came.
ReplyDeleteI usually call and say I can't afford to buy anything but I ask if the hostess will get anything just by me being there. Some parties offer a free gift to the hostess if she gets so many people to the party. Also it gives her the option to say "Please come anyway!". Cause sometimes the hostess just wants to have fun with her girlfriends and isn't in it for the free stuff.
ReplyDeleteI used to attend them when a friend of mine went nuts for hosting them. She had a different type of party every month, sometimes more often. I told her straight out that I would love to attend, but likely would not be able to buy anything, or if I did, it would be something small, and she was all right with that.
ReplyDeleteI probably will sound heartless, but I don't love these parties...at all! A) I don't want to spend money on most of the stuff sold. B) I hate feeling obligated to buy...which I always do.
ReplyDeleteI feel like most of the time these parties are just about taking turns....you may make a little throwing one, but you will spend it going to the next 6 that got booked!
I've hosted parties like this before and I invite friends with the thoughts of a nice evening together. I NEVER expect my loved ones to buy something. It's more about spending time together. So I say go, especially if your close with the person, they love you for you and not for what you'll buy.
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