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Party Comparison Worksheet
by Diane Drayer
When you start your search for the perfect Direct
Selling or Home Party Line business, here are some valuable questions
to ask when comparing companies and opportunities:
1) Start up cost should be minimal.
Start up cost in direct selling and network marketing companies are
usually modest and mainly to cover the cost of the sales kit. What
is their start up cost? What comes in the kit?
2) Some companies require a monthly purchase.
Is there a monthly minimum purchase requirement and if so, how much
is the monthly investment?
3) Most companies submit the local state
sales tax, however, there are a few that do not. Will I be
required to submit my own state sales tax?
4) Check with each company regarding their
return policy. This will be vital to your business. Can I
return unwanted or damaged products and if so, what is the return
policy?
5) Do you have a "buy-back" policy?
Some companies offer to "buy-back" unsold marketable products
purchased within the 12 months prior, should you decide to quit the
business for 90% of the price you originally paid. Do they offer a
"buy-back" policy?
6) Some companies require Independent Representatives
to pay for portions of the Hostess gifts, etc. You should
know up front whether part of your commission earned will go to cover
these cost. This will reduce the actual amount of commissions earned.
Am I required to cover part of the Hostess Gifts or pay admin fees,
etc.?
7) It is always smart to compare catalog
and supplies cost as they vary by company. What do your catalogs
and paperwork cost?
8) Customer shipping charges are important
to your business and can vary greatly from company to company.
What are the customer shipping charges?
9) It is customary for companies to have
a monthly or quarterly sales requirement to stay active and/or
receive overrides. What is the monthly/quarterly requirements?
10) If you plan to participate in local fairs,
festivals or events, you will want to know whether the company
allows you to sell "cash & carry." Many will not as
they prefer Representatives to provide one on one customer support
and book to increase sales. Do you allow Representatives to sell products
at local fairs and events?
11) Many companies provide Representatives
with a company approved website. If you plan to market your
business online, this will be vital to your success. Does your company
provide a website and if so, what is the cost?_______ If they do not,
can I design my own?
12) Some companies authorize Representatives
to deduct their commissions prior to sending in the Show
Order, while others require all monies collected forwarded to home
office and then commission checks are issues monthly or twice per
month. How are you required to submit payment for a show?
13) How often are commission checks issued..monthly,
twice monthly or weekly? My experience has been that most issue monthly.
Be sure to ask as there are some that offer twice monthly and weekly.
14) Many companies now ship their products
directly to the consumer or Hostess, however, there are few
that require Representatives to delivery a Show or products. Am I
required to delivery products?
15) With some opportunities, Representatives
are encouraged to stock products to have on hand for eager
customers. Will I be required to stock or carry inventory?
16) Most companies allow their Representatives
to purchase products or display items at a special discount.
Are Representatives allowed to purchase products at a discount and
if so, what is the discount?
17) Have them explain the commission structure
and levels of achievement as it varies greatly by company.
What is your commission structure?
18) Do they offer additional incentives,
such as trips, a cash bonus and etc.?
19) What type of support is available?
As with any business, finding what works for you
and your lifestyle will be the key. Take time to research opportunities
and consider whether the business and support team are a good match
for you.
This Comparison Worksheet was created by Diane Drayer, owner of http://www.DirectSalesWomen.com.
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