I consider them at the same level as emails from Nigerian bankers. If I go, because it's a friend or neighbor, I never buy anything, mostly because I don't need anything.

If you want to have a party, invite your friends over to eat food, prepared by you, in your new kitchen.

annie zz I'm glad you posted this because it inspired me to host a party! I'm going to host a white elephant party for my girlfriends and call it

Desperate Housewares

Cost of admission: one unwanted household item/gadget and they can't buy it new. It will be fun to see what they come up with!

I might enjoy the party and the company, but I resent the pressure I feel to buy something. I turn down many more 'sales party' invitations than I accept. I don't like overpaying for stuff I don't need, or the implication that the hostess is 'making money from me'

If you're trying to keep your costs down, have a pot-luck, host a BYO wine tasting, or plan your menu with extra care.

I agree with, "momj47." I feel like I am being scammed. I HATE, hate, hate THEM.

(I've never gone to them by my choice... just happened to be with people and didn't know what I was getting myself into.)

I don't like them, even though some of the products are great. I decline all invitations. Have a Bunco party, serve great snacks, have a display table with the stuff on it, call it good.

Agree that sales parties are a bad idea. Have a wine-tasting, cooking demonstration, recipe exchange, Yankee cookbook swap, or just a potluck, where you can show off your kitchen and your friends can have fun without sales pressure.

I hate them. I mean...REALLY hate them. Luckily my good friends all know this...and they don't invite me.

I detest sales parties and never attend. Never. I don't think much of people that invite me for these things, either.

Carefully consider if you really want to impose on your friends and family with this sort of stuff.

Chicagoans, That is a total hoot!!! I hope you really do it and have a blast.

The Tupperware dinner party we had in our early twenties was a lot of fun--for us. The Tupperware rep was a newbie and trying to do her standard script in mixed company who were having too much fun and didn't fit the standard pattern at all. The guys were really glad to have access to buying some Tupperware, though. There weren't the alternatives that there are now.

With all of these products, however, I find them over priced for the quality, and the usual style of party I've been to has all the tedious parts of a shower without the warmth one feels endowing the showeree. I avoid them.

So that's what I think of home sales parties, but the question is what do you think of them? Do your friends love them? Do you all have a lot of fun? Do you all like the products? Or do you, or they, go, and buy, from a feeling of social obligation?

One more for the HATE 'EM category. Each of my friends gets one "pity invite" (one per lifetime)... you know, when they say that they're afraid no one will come,won't you please, etc. Luckily most of my friends have already used their one-per-lifetime guilt invite, so maybe I'm home free :) To me the whole profit and guilt motive seems to violate the "social contract!"

As above posters have said, have a FUN party with no obligation!
b

I do NOT like them. No matter how lavish the food and drink, no matter how charming the hostess, no matter how appealing the company or the entertainment (was once invited to a spa products "party" where the hostess hired a massage therapist and a manicurist to pamper her guests, very nice).... at the end of the affair there is still the pressure to buy something you don't really want or need (or if you did, you could have found it elsewhere for less).

I also think it's somehow tacky that people say, hey! It's a great excuse to get together! Boooo. If you wanted to hang out, call me!! Don't act like your Pampered Chef deal is anything other than a sales pitch designed to make your wallet fatter and my (poor little skimpy) wallet thinner.

Ugh. Bitter about these things.... ;)

Sorry. I really, really dislike them. I always feel obliged to attend (though sometimes I squirm out) and feel obliged to buy something, and then feel annoyed. Not a good time. Just have a party. If you want low-stress, you could have a "break in the new kitchen" party, and have everyone join in on making homemade pizzas or something.

I'm one with really really dislike.

Love holligators ideas- and the BYOB wine tasting. Some friends of mine had a bring your two favorite bottles, one a seasoned favorite (no price limit), and one under $15.

Regardless, any party you throw in your new kitchen will be a smash!

It's always difficult to mention "dated" in this forum but Silpada parties are dated. There is nothing better to kill your wine buzz than a desperate salesperson lurking by the display table while you're trying to enjoy being with friends

Count me among those who don't like these parties. I've been to my share at least, and it's always as a favor to the hostess and I buy the minimum. Mostly though, I don't go. As others have said, the merchandise is always way over priced plus mostly stuff I don't need.

I agree with those who say, just have a regular ol' fun party. I had a "come see my new kitchen" party when mine was completed. After practically everyone I knew had kindly listened to me talk endlessly about the darn remodel for months on end, I felt I owed it to them to treat them to food, wine and a glimpse at the results, without expecting anything in return.

Thank your Dear Lazygardens
It was Perfectly Beautiful what you wrote. You gave voice
to my exact opinion.

And Weidiii that was hilarious! Spot on description.

A good party has nothing to do with money. It should
be about cheer, laughter, fun, joy, hilarity, music, good
smells of your favorite food (pray it is not $$$$$ Caviar)
and a chance to shower you pals with true Camaraderie.
I would rather use the money I would spend on Pampered
Chef, Arbonne, Yes Silpada, Tupperware, Southern Liv
and fly out to Chicago and CRASH this REAL party along
with all the other non Chicago GWebbers.

Party ON!!!!!
~boxer

I fondly remember Tupperware parties from the early 70s, roughly. I still use some of those things daily, and they're like new. So I'd go to another Tupperware party in a heartbeat. But absolutely nothing else.

I hate them.

Several people in my church have given various kinds over the years and even though they are my friends,and I love to get together for other occasions, I just do not go when that is on the invitation. This included ones where it appeared you might get a "free" facial or whatever, but you knew that in the end they wanted to sell product.

Now, it's a free country, so if it is truly your livelihood to be in one of these home sales businesses and you need to have these events--then it's just up to you to figure out how to populate these parties and take your own risks with your friends.

But I would not recommend it as a fun party gimmick out of the blue nor a way to gain or retain friends. Anything else which is truly just for fun is okay--great suggestions above. No buying, no commercialization. Do potluck, do olive oil tasting, champagne tasting, do a cookie swap, order takeout--anything. Or--this is going out there but trying to make the distinction between commercial event and a social gathering-- if somehow you were having a girl party with spa treatments, or a gardening party for plant enthusiasts, then you would provide the supplies yourself, as the hostess, or have guests bring their favorite something (meaning, it is kind of like potluck and so is a social concept).

I have gone to them in the past because I was friends with the hosts and/or with the sales rep. I haven't been to many in the last decade. I think I found them more fun when I was younger and didn't have a lot of stuff. But I know many people my age who love going to home parties and love to host them. Thankfully, they know I'm not keen so they leave me off the invite list.

Annie, I think only you can make the call whether you have a home party or not. You know your friends. You know whether this type of thing is their cup of tea or whether they'd rather do their taxes instead.

If you do, I advise against serving alcohol. This is the same advice that I gave to my hosts when I sold original artwork ala the in-home sales method 25 years ago. I had several instances where guests drank too much and made reckless purchases. Yes, I made money but I didn't like it at all. I felt that I was taking advantage of them. Art should sing to a person's soul and frankly, that's tough to judge after a few drinks. I tried to dissuade the purchasers but I was met with anger for my efforts. If the person called within 3 business days, I rescinded the sale (it was out of my hands beyond that time period). That got me into trouble with the hosts because they had less money to go toward their hosts' gifts. Not a good situation all around. But I needed a second income, this one fit best with my day job, I could set my own hours, and it gave me the opportunity to get over my fear of public speaking at the same time (it worked, btw).

You have received some great alternative ideas if your friends are the "rather do taxes crowd."

Chicagoans, I think your idea is a hoot! My hubby's late grandma loved kitchen gadgets and loved giving them, usually purchased off the home shopping channels. Oh, how I would have loved a Desperate Housewares party to point and laugh over stuff before sending an item to Goodwill.

Holligator, I also love your idea of hiring a chef to do a cooking demo. What a great way to show off a remodeled kitchen! I think I'm going to do this once our kitchen is finished (crossing fingers that this is the year).

Here's the picture I came up with for my invite (slow work day!)

{{!gwi}}

One more thing to add.

Home sale party is a misnomer, IMO. It's a sales event. It's wrapped up in warm fuzzies because it's in someone's home but it's still a sales event.

ROTFLMAO!!!!!

Well I'm really glad to read this and see it's not just me! I have a dear friend of 25 years that just recently (last few years) has started trying to sell me stuff. All the time. And it's not stuff I want to buy. I went to the last home 'event' but did not buy anything and I think she's a little miffed. It's getting so I hate to see those emails because it's just another e-invite.

I keep hoping she'll get over this phase.....while we're still friends. :(

Love the Desparate Housewares idea -- and what a great invite Chicago!

Only trouble is that the junk items I'd want to unload include were given to me by the folks who would be attending! (Decorating-wise, I'm a lone duck.)

Party? What a crock. Parties have gracious hosts who have no expectations or demands of their guests other than to enjoy each other's company. Not only do I hate them, I am offended that someone I consider a friend would take advantage of the friendship by asking me to buy somethings solely so they can benefit financially. Offering anything for sale is a business transaction not a party no matter how much work goes into it.

Hate them, but mainly am pitching in to tell Chicagoans that I LOVE the poster and the concept -- but I'm going to take it one step further.

How about then taking the donated housewares and donating them to an abuse shelter -- many women and children leave with the clothes on their backs -- they may find another place to live, but have nothing to cook with. In my children's highschool they have a closet for the ESOL (english as second language) families -- they have little, and the spatula or ugly dishcloth would mean the world to them. Also, how about the Red Cross -- they help support families who have been displaced by fires. Those "Displaced Housewares" parties can be fun -- and help others at the same time!
Rita

rjr220
Beautiful idea.
~boxer

Great idea, Rita! This reminds me of the "party with a purpose" events that a friend has done in the past. One time she suggested that we bring canned food for the local food bank and the next time that we donate towards farm animals for Heifer International (we bought a goat, a flock of chickens and a hive of honeybees, how cool is that?).

LOVE that poster, Chicagoans! Especially the beer hat! What a hoot!

chicagoans - Thanks for a really great laugh today. What a great idea, that sounds like so much fun.

Home sales parties? I never go when invited although some people I know do seem to enjoy them. So it really depends on your group of friends.

I almost didn't open this thread because I'm in the "used to like" category. I laughed out loud reading the earlier posts and then got "warm fuzzies" about the donation idea. I work with ESL families and it's so true what Rita said. Linda

I'm always the weirdo in the corner. I hosted a "big-girl-toy" party where everyone had a riot. It was for a friend's birthday. The salesgirl had the super breathy voice of a phone sex operator. Birthday girl's MIL didn't know where to look at first, but ended up giggling the night away. It's hard not to have fun when the PTA secretary is dancing around wearing a big purple strap-on. There was so much laughing, I was afraid the neighbors would here us and our houses aren't that close. The guests still mention the party occasionally and that was 2 years ago.

I guess housewares parties just aren't as fun. Love the Desperate Housewares party theme. What a great idea!

I didn't intend to be harsh with you, Annie. I am sorry it came across as personal. It's generous to want to enjoy your kitchen with your friends.

Love the Desperate Housewares idea.

It's a bad idea. I have never invited someone to my home to try and sell them something and I never will. But potlucks are a different story.

chicagoans: that is hysterical! really great invite!

i just have to say i think there's some pretty strong opinions flying around, accusing hosts of these events as exploiting their guests. i get invited to several of these "parties" every month and i just don't see it as something so awful. perhaps it's because i know the people throwing them pretty well but i can tell you they are in NO WAY trying to exploit me. the majority of friends that are hosting are extremely wealthy. they don't really need to host a party to get free cheap jewelry. especially when they are sporting anywhere from three to six carats on each hand. they are inviting others who they KNOW enjoy shopping ...no matter what the merchandise!
there is no motive behind the sales parties and their only crime is a lack of a better idea. that said, if i can find someone to come over and do botox you can believe i'd have a full house. just felt the need to throw in my .02. as it turns out i am expected at a silpada party on friday night at a friend's house whose husband happens be a very prominent surgeon in our area. i can pretty much guarantee she isn't lacking in the jewelry department. just a little weak in imagination. LOVE the idea for hiring a chef for a cooking class! can't wait to try this one myself!

What I should have said first, Annie, is that I think that given the chance, all of us would come to a party at your house. We'd not only make it pot-luck (hopefully trailrunner would make something with BUTTERMILK, where is that woman lately?), we'd bring desparate housewares. And we would ooh and ahh over your kitchen.

Ok. I felt the need to respond. I went to a party last week where I MADE money instead of spending it.. It was a party of gold party where you sell your old gold jewelry. I brought in all sorts of single gold earrings that I lost the pair to, bracelets, necklaces from my teen years, ex-boyfriends etc. and mad e whopping $1400. Gold is at an all time high so it is the perfect time to have such a party. The host also makes 10% of everyones sales. My friend made $140 just off of me.. We had fun with drinks and apps. good conv. but almost everyone walked away making money (with the exception of the few who had some fake gold). In fact, I was just invited to another party and am searching high and low for gold that I don't wear anymore! Just an idea

sorry, just got back to this! Absolutely no offense taken from those who hate them - I don't have my heart set on it or anything, just curious what folks thought of them these days. They've been going around at work and several of my friends from work are in LOVE with the jewelry parties (I can't even remember the name now!) Other than that, I have a few close friends who know me well enough to know not to feel pressured at all. I've been to a few of those - where I HAD to go and I HAD to buy something overpriced.

I love the Desperate Housewares idea!

Have to come up with some other themes....

My personal take: sales parties are right up there with peddling your daughters' Girl Scout cookies to your friends and at work, and with signing up to write a dozen requests for charity contributions from your neighbors. Tacky tacky tacky.

Kate I would agree that when I get invited to these they're by the wifes of very wealthy clients, and I have to attend because they're clients, but really, they spend far in excess of the "money" they make by having the party...it's really more that they lack the imagination it takes to have a desparate housewares party :) (I'm moving to chicago in the hopes of being invited). I always go, and always buy and never enjoy the buying (Cabi I hate, that danged jewelry...YUCK....the food stuff...I don't make short cut pizza's out of boxed crap with cheese on it....) Ok I'm being rude. I want to go to a desparate housewares party LOL

I would never have one. I feel they're tacky personally. When we party it's for a cause....the cause of good wine needing to be drunk :oP and nothing more. If anyone's wallet is left a bit empty it's because the cat pickpocketed for catnip fixes. (He's funny that way).

I recently got suckered into going to a couple of those jewelry parties for Park Lane Jewelry. There were very few people there and I felt I had to buy something. The stuff is sort of cheap looking and I really am not all that excited about what I ended up with.

I have been to a couple of parties where I didn't buy anything but there were enough people there that were buying that I didn't feel funny about it.

I really don't like the parties much.

Just thought I'd mention that my husband, who works on the delivery side of a lunch catering company, has had several instances where the people in his office/kitchen have had these "sale parties" DURING WORK HOURS so that they are virtually required attendance.

It's possible that rich women do it because they are bored but the people I have known who do them do it because they get something out of it. I have one friend who is always doing some "get something for nothing" scenario and it drives me nuts.

I'm an against in big bold letters.

Add me to those who hate them and think they are tacky. Making money off your friends by pressuring them to buy stuff they don't need is just wrong.

How about a party where you play games and enjoy food from the new kitchen??

Well, I had a friend who sold Pampered Chef and she talked me into hosting a party after my first kitchen remodel about five years ago -- I think I was vulnerable because I did want to show off the new kitchen. She is someone who has had a lot of bad luck and never seems to have money for the unexpected or sometimes even the necessities, so I was an easy mark and a softy and agreed to do it.
BIG MISTAKE!!! She did a fine job with the presentation, and a good number of my friends came and bought stuff. But the processing of the orders was a nightmare, and she messed things up so badly that it took months and months to straighten them out, and was an embarrassment for me with those who had come and made purchases. It definitely affected our friendship, and I was relieved when she moved away because I was always afraid she was going to ask me to do it again. And while I did get some free stuff (which, other than the toast tongs, I don't use very often) I spent a fortune on the ingredients for the food that was prepared.
So, be warned, while attending them can be painful and anxiety-producing for some, hosting the party can take you to a whole other level of torture.

From a husband's point of view: I get darned mad when my wife's friends dupe her into something like a monthly "plan" that costs us $80+/mo for overpriced junk we don't need.

Pampered chef stuff seems to be quality, however. And the pitch is not so hard-sell. My wife dragged me to a party once. At least their stuff is worth it - and the guarantees are good.

Better still, just have the parties in your new kitchen without the sales. The friendship you cultivate will be worth a lot more than the commissions.

Timely post. Just received a Longerberger Basket party invite from a neighbor I know only from exchanging "Hello's" when walking my dogs.

The last thing I need/want is merchandise from LB. I don't like being put in the position of coming across as antisocial or unfriendly if I decline the invitation.

I groan everytime I receive one of these invites. Most often I go, buy some crapola I don't want, and feel resentful afterwards.

I never have and never will host one of these parties.

I haven't had the Desperate Housewares white elephant party yet, but still thinking about having one because I think it would be funny.

In the one month since this thread began, I've been invited to 1 CAbi party (spent almost $300, ouch, but got a cute jacket, skirt and shorts) and ignored 1 "Stella and Dot", 1 Cookie Lee, and 2 Silpada invitations. Are we seeing more of these because of the bad economy and stay-at-home moms trying to make some money? (Not the hostesses, the reps.)

"I'm so sorry, but I have other plans that day."

(Like mowing the lawn or cutting my toenails or just spending the date not being obligated to buy and overpriced something.)

Last time I went to a Pampered Chef party, I spent $50 on something I never use... but the free spatula spoon I got with it is a regular worker in my kitchen.

I'm telling you.. Have a gold party where you actually make $$$. EVERYONE makes it as long as the gold you have to sell is real! I have gone to 1 one more since my last follow up and between the 2 I made almost $2000. The host/ess makes 10% of the total sales AND if someone books a party that night they make an additional $100. Definitely a party worth having or going to.. IF you have gold to sell!

I have a nickname for these kinds of parties. I call them...

Pay For Friends Opportunity (I like my nickname. It makes me laugh!)

If you buy a lot of stuff... they love you and you have made a friend. (Of course this is not true all the time)

If you don't go, or don't spend "enough" you might be looked down on. (again, not true all the time) I have heard hostesses complain about people who didn't spend enough. Very tacky!

Stari

Botox parties - I noticed someone mentioned that. I've never been to one but I got a full color glossy marketing piece in the mail from a doctor who does them in my area. I was shocked - never knew there was such a thing. Actually it was sent to DH. I suspect this physician discovered she could make more money in the botox business than she was making as a family practice physician - with no reimbursement issues to deal with.