Your Name:  Lynn Elliott

Your Email:  cme4hgp@yahoo.com 

Name of company:  Home and Garden Party

Business URL:  http://www.cme4hgp.com

Business Description:  A Christian based debt free company featuring stoneware pottery, candles, wooden framed art, florals, baskets and home decor accessories.  Many of the items sold are exclusive to Home and Garden Party or are manufactured by/for Home and Garden Party.  Home and Garden Party uses a party plan format to sell their products although sales through craft fairs or fundraisers are also allowed.

When did you start with this company? June, 1998

What is the startup investment?  $150 plus local tax for a Success Kit.  There are currently four kits to choose from based on your personal preference.

Is there a company website provided? Cost?  The company has a one-page website link that is included in your startup fee.  They also allow us to create our own websites with company approval.

What are the minimum monthly or quarterly sales, if any?  As a consultant there are no minimum sale requirements.  To earn commission on team sales requires $300 in sales monthly. 

What is your commission on your own sales?  As a qualified consultant (having sold $1500 cumulatively) I earn 40% before shared costs.  A new consultant will earn 30% commission before shared costs until they have sold $1500.

What is your experience so far?  I have found Home and Garden Party to be a very friendly and supportive company.  Leaders and Home Office personnel all work to help each consultant to achieve their goals.  We are given toll-free numbers to contact the home office as well as a website that contains news and information to help grow our business.  Trips, Incentives, awards and recognition are designed to allow even a casual designer to achieve them.  They have also added Spanish literature and training guides.

What advertising has worked for you?  Word of mouth, home parties, craft fairs, bridal fairs, chamber of commerce functions and website links.

How much do you spend on advertising per month?  Approximately $20 per month for website listings and approximately $50 per month for craft shows and fairs.

What suggestions do you have for new business startups?  Find a product line that you like and want to represent.  Having the best commission plan in the world won't help you if you can't believe in the company and the products that you are selling.  ! The joy of this business is that you can choose when you want to work, but you do have to treat it as work.  I also recommend attending any training that you can.