There is a thriving business built around representing a purse manufacturer and planning a purse party in the home. Even though you may have guidance, it’s a good idea to know how to plan a purse party. There are many companies who help individuals become franchise representatives in much the way Tupperware or Longaberger Baskets direct marketing plans function. http://www.longaberger.com/hostAShow.aspx If you’re thinking of getting in the “purse party” business, this page should provide valuable information.

Another possibility is that you are not ready to sign up, but want to start by being a hostess and booking a purse party at your home. Either way, make certain you look closely at the purse company and make sure you feel good and confident about what is going to be displayed at your home.

Another marketing plan is to work for one of these companies, but choose one that lets you have a hand in the creative process, such as designing your own purses. http://bspurses.com/ Hostess or representative, make sure you stay away from any enterprise selling “knock offs,” no matter how tempting it may be to get a “Louis Vuitton” for $35.00 as opposed to $600.00. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,672631,00.html You may be liable for a number of possible lawsuits, so steer clear.

In this age of technology, some companies are expanding their offerings so that customers may buy product online, but the key players (the representative and the party hostess) still get a portion of the revenue. Again, you’ll have guidance and the proper wording for your email announcements, etc.

Research as many companies as you can and choose the one that seems the most reputable and the most suited to your sense of style.

There are two members of the team involved in a purse party – the representative and the hostess. Many companies offer specific incentives to a hostess who opens her home to guests, invites her friends and provides light refreshments. If possible, attend a purse party before booking one of your own. If you love the party you attend, you can book your own right then and there. If you think you’d like to check out other companies first, look into them and see what the requirements are. Beware the ones who require you to purchase a starter pack, just to be a hostess.

One company asks that you provide a display table to exhibit the merchandise, ensure a minimum of 15 guests and a few other parameters. http://www.fauxfashion.net/purse_party.htm Another company only requires 10 guests and provides you with 10 invitations. The also ask that you serve light refreshments. http://girliegirlshop.com/pages/PurseParties.php That’s all that’s usually required of the hostess. If more is asked of you, keep looking into other companies.

The hostess receives incentives. If she books a party within a particular time frame, she may receive a discount on her purchase of merchandise and a free gift, just for booking the party.

On the night of the party, the hostess may be offered a percentage of the party’s total sales in free merchandise. The company may then offer a further incentive – if the hostess attends any party booked from her own party, she may receive a gift at that party. All of these incentives are designed to accomplish three things: provide a venue for the party, encourage the party hostess to promote the party, and entice the hostess to take the next step – be a representative for the company. This should be a low-pressure scenario.

Many party hostesses become representatives. Part of what compels them to do this is how much fun they had at their own home party, due in large part to the representative who brought the merchandise, the merchandise itself, and the appeal of being an independent contractor.

A representative must believe in the product and be excited about it to sell it effectively, so if you want to become a representative, pick a company that carries merchandise you yourself would like to own.

When you find the company you’d like to represent, you’ll be referred to something along the lines of an “Independent Fashion Consultant.” http://www.divagirlpurseparty.com/fashionconsultants.cfm You should expect an explanation of how their particular purse party is conducted and their direct sales business plan. Some companies use an “open house” style of party, with no formal presentation of the merchandise to the guests. This frees the guests to work within their own timeline. Both of these elements have proved to be very successful. http://www.merchantcircle.com/business/Arm.Candy.Essentials.-.Purse.Parties..248-408-4258 The guests appreciate that they are not committed to a specific time slot. There will be a recommendation regarding the length of the party – about one and a half hours to three hours, depending on the company. They will let you know what you will be bringing with you. These are possibilities: handbags, fashion accessories, wallets, luggage, and yourself – the new fashion consultant. They may suggest that you keep the party fun.

It’s up to you to set up your display and promote the benefit of taking the merchandise home that very night. This is how one company operates. http://www.divagirlpurseparty.com/aboutus.cfm

1) Keep the refreshments light. The primary reason people are in your home is to look at and buy merchandise. They also want to visit with you, and you will want to do some shopping as well. If you become too concerned with cleaning the house perfectly, or preparing and serving a gourmet meal, you won’t have as much fun. So, keep it easy for yourself. If you want to serve alcohol and the age bracket is appropriate, a glass of wine or two may loosen the purse strings. http://www.yourdictionary.com/loosen-the-purse-strings

2) Many invitees will not show up. Everyone has her reasons. “Over invite”, especially if the representative would like a minimum guest count.

3) There will most likely be a lot of merchandise in your home. The focus is on purses, but many representatives will bring additional items so the guest/customer can create a whole coordinated look. http://bspurses.com/purse-party/host-a-purse-party Give yourself and everyone else ample time to take advantage of the consultant and all she has to offer. Always keep in mind that the better the party sales, the better your hostess incentives are likely to be!

4) This should go without saying, but love the type of merchandise that will be for sale. For those who like designer baskets, plan a basket party. There are so many options within this type of direct marketing plan. Be certain that, if you want to plan a purse party, purses are really an item that you love a lot. http://www.thefabulouscollection.com/