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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 6 Nov 2008 00:53
Reply
kellyp: I did purchase a necklace from Hermosa Sterling online (LOVE IT - and the price). I was set up with a representative from this company - who can get comission everytime I order online. The thing that I like best is their pricing - not very many items at all over $100. I was sticker shocked at the other companies. I do like Silpada - but it is sold in my area a lot. People are getting sick of going to these parties. I also don't like going to the store and seeing 3 other women wearing the same jewelry that I have on!!! You kind of turn and walk the other way......kind of like when someone is wearing the same shirt you have on ....
I love hearing the input of others and I also appreciate the opportunity to respond.
As far as pricing goes, I can't believe that you would be sticker shocked at Silpada's pricing if you are comparing it to Hermosa. Silpada has 480 pieces in the new catalog. 50% of them are less than $50, and 75% of them are less than $75. Nearly 90% of our items are less than $125 and only 9% are more than that. To me, this is a fantastic value for .925 sterling silver that carries a lifetime guarantee. When our customers do need to send something back because of breakage or a flaw, the postage is FREE! I know a lot of other jewelry companies charge up to $11 postage to get a replacement on something that carries a warranty.
As far as seeing the same thing on other people goes....... How often do you see someone carrying the same Vera, Brighton, or Coach purse? How often do you see other people wearing the same designer jeans? How often do you see people wearing the same Tiffany or David Yurman jewelry? Do you turn and walk the other way when you see that? To me, it's a sign of class and good taste! I'm always delighted to see someone wearing Silpada jewelry!
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Billie
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925sterling4u
Member
Joined: 7 May 2008
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 2 Dec 2008 22:04
Reply
Hi Billie,
I wrote a reply quite a while ago...and haven't been on again...Wow, the number of inquiries and responses on this blog is pretty awesome! Your answers have been right on...you represent Silpada proudly, and correctly!
I just celebrated my 2nd yr anniversay with Silpada...love the product, am thrilled with the company, and simply adore all my "Silpada Sisters" and other women I have been blessed to meet over the past 2 years..
Even with this terrible economy, in November I sold almost $7,000 in Silpada...last November, I sold $20,000! I now work full-time and haven't been able to "party" as much as I used to...but the parties I have been having have been very successful..$2,500, $1,700, $1,200! etc...Women never seem to tire of it...they love it all, and will budget so they can get different pieces as they attend friend's parties...
"As far as seeing the same thing on other people goes....... How often do you see someone carrying the same Vera, Brighton, or Coach purse? How often do you see other people wearing the same designer jeans? How often do you see people wearing the same Tiffany or David Yurman jewelry? Do you turn and walk the other way when you see that? To me, it's a sign of class and good taste! I'm always delighted to see someone wearing Silpada jewelry! " EXACTLY!
I was just at a family event...and an extended family member walked in wearing two of the same pieces I was...We loved it! and started swapping some of our other pieces with each other...it was fun!
I don't know any other business where you can go anywhere, just standing in line, and receive so many compliments about the jewelry , and then be able to share about the quality, and the oppty! I have met the most amazing women doing my Silpada business, and it sounds as though you love it as well...
Hope to meet you at the 2009 Silpada Conference...by the way, I won the Soar Trip for this coming January....to Atlantis, Bahamas..expenses paid! My husband and I are thrilled, and are leaving in about 6 weeks....will you be attending? If so, we'll see you there...if not, we'll see you at the next one!
Wishing you a Sterling Day!
Debi Molfese Silpada Designs Independent Representative 925sterling4u@comcast.net
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Debi M. Molfese Independent Representative Silpada Designs 925sterling4u@comcast.net
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 19 Jan 2009 09:53
Reply
I hope you had a blast at the Soar trip (of course I know you did!). I am working towards Sterling Club this year and so far am on target. January has been so busy with it being hostess bonus month. I did 4 shows just this week and had a total of 11 on my calendar for this month. Silpada rocks!
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Billie
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AuraShootingStr
Member
Joined: 4 Feb 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 4 Feb 2009 21:02
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I would just like to say I love Silpada jewelry and when I found Silpada I thought it was for me, of course I didn't know there were any other sterling jewelry companies out there. I worked my business consistently for 6 months with no result. I discovered there were too many reps in my area, my aha moment was actually on my way to national conference in July 2008. I was sitting in my airport and looking around kept seeing more and more women wearing Silpada. My plane to ROC to Chicago was full of Silpada women, that is a lot coming from my area.
When I started I had seen the ads in the Magazines (Redbook) for Silpada but didn't know what it was. When I was invited to a party the same time a co-worker was invited to a party and neither of us had heard of it.
I went to a show and loved the jewelry (the price not so much) and agreed to have a show so the hostess could get her extra $50 free. I was shocked at how much free I earned as a hostess and even more shocked to learn the consultant made the same amount of money as I got in free jewelry. So I signed up.
Once I got started I had a hard time getting bookings, people said it was too expensive or they already had a Silpada rep. I saw the jewelry everywhere (it was there before, I just didn't know it) and then I went to National Conference. I learned lots of great information for any DS company, it was upbeat and posative. When I got back I was energized and ready to give my business another go, and still no bookings.
Something bothered me that I learned at conference. The top seller that I was under who was one of the first 15 consultants built her business on the internet, marketing in a way that we were now not allowed to do. That bothered me, its what worked for them and now we can't do it.
I lucked into finding an online forum that had many jewelry companies represented on it, and I did my homework. I spoke to reps from different companies, I looked at catalogs and websites, and I asked the important questions about internet useage and online sales.
When I was done weighing the information one company stood out. AuraStella. Since I had no warm market to start in I started with fairs and expos (all events I couldn't get into as a Silpada rep because there was already an established Silpada rep for every event). The first event I went to, I met my first hostess (she had a $1100 show and all the women were wearing Silpada and love AuraStella as much). My second hostess was a catalog show and with just the catalog she sold $800. I earned $500 in free jewelry (I hadn't been able to earn any of the Silpada free jewelry) and I was off to a good start.
I had a family emergency that took me through the end of January and I am now back to my business and am having no problem filing my calendar.
I love that I can sell online, at expos, salons, and even recruit salon owners or staff to sell our jewelry in their salons. Its ground floor and if I found Silpada when it was ground floor I would still be with Silpada.
Just my two cents. Silpada is a great company and there are many areas that are still wide open, I just don't live in one of them.
I hope you ladies who earned Soar had a great time, I am working toward AuraStella's Mexico trip which is only 35 easy points.
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Tree Shooting Star and Dream Builder with AuraStella Jewelry www.shootingstar.aurastella.com Tired of Working 9 to 5? Pay your Bills Partying .925!
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Rosie1
Member
Joined: 19 Nov 2008
Posts: 111
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# Posted: 6 Feb 2009 11:13
Reply
Tree,
That's a great story. My Silpada rep just started with AuraStella as well. Mostly because, there is more of a chance for success and of course the pieces are great. I think AuraStella is going to only grow so Congrats for getting in so early. I also heard you have a lot more support from this company vs. Silpada. Of course, that could be because the company is relatively small and just starting out. But personally, as a buyer, I love both Good Luck with your new business!
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 6 Feb 2009 22:49
Reply
Rosie1: I also heard you have a lot more support from this company vs. Silpada.
Tree, first of all let me say that I wish you much success with the company that you have chosen to work for. We all have to make choices that we feel are best for ourselves as individuals.
I do want to comment on the statement above. AuraStella may have great support and customer service but I have worked for other DS companies and I can honestly say that Silpada's support, training, and customer service are unsurpassed! The staff at the home office is wonderful! They will do whatever is necessary to please the customer and the consultant. They are all very knowledgeable so you don't have that feeling that if I hang up and call back, maybe I'll get a different answer.
As far as being pricey goes.....did you know that 50% of the Silpada catalog is priced at below $50 and 70% is priced under $75? For .925 sterling with a lifetime warranty, I think that's a great value!
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Billie
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wahl2008
Member
Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Posts: 127
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# Posted: 7 Feb 2009 17:00
Reply
Billie,
That is some great pricing information. How long have you been a representative with the company? Can you PM me your affiliate link so that I can check it out? Thanks
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doodlebug1
Member
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 12 Feb 2009 00:50
Reply
AuraShootingStr, your post really interested me. I've been looking at Silpada, but have also been very curious about AuraStella. One thing that I was curious about is earning "up to 35%" of sales. Why "up to??" What exactly is earned on the sales?
AuraShootingStr and Silpada seem to share one aspect with starting that I hate--spending a LOT of money to have displays of the jewelry. Seems like they should be giving us a much bigger break than 50%. Oh sure, you can earn "free" jewelry, but it's still not pleasant to have so little jewelry at your beginning shows because you can't AFFORD to buy enough at only 50% off....
Sadly, on the AuraShootingStr website, I'm unable to view the different pages of jewelry. I start with one, then click Next and go nowhere.
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doodlebug1
Member
Joined: 12 Feb 2009
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 12 Feb 2009 00:58
Reply
I'm also curious----how well can I do with any sterling silver home parties company if I live in a smaller town with 5000 that is fairly isolated from other towns??
It's also a huge tourist area in the Spring and Summer. So perhaps there is a way to get sales with all the tourists that come in??
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 27 Feb 2009 02:23
Reply
wahl2008: Billie, That is some great pricing information. How long have you been a representative with the company? Can you PM me your affiliate link so that I can check it out? Ok, I'm a dummie here who can't figure out how to send a PM. <Snip>
[Post edited. To send a PM, click on the small envelope icon beside member name - Admin]
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Billie
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 1 Mar 2009 01:28 · Edited by: abuckigal
Reply
ok, thanks!
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Billie
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 2 Mar 2009 00:39
Reply
doodlebug1: I've been looking at Silpada, but have also been very curious about AuraStella. One thing that I was curious about is earning "up to 35%" of sales. Why "up to??" What exactly is earned on the sales? AuraShootingStr and Silpada seem to share one aspect with starting that I hate--spending a LOT of money to have displays of the jewelry. Seems like they should be giving us a much bigger break than 50%. Oh sure, you can earn "free" jewelry, but it's still not pleasant to have so little jewelry at your beginning shows because you can't AFFORD to buy enough at only 50% off.... Sadly, on the AuraShootingStr website, I'm unable to view the different pages of jewelry. I start with one, then click Next and go nowhere. I can't speak about AuraStella, but I can tell you about Silpada.
As a representative, you will always earn 30% on EVERYTHING you sell no matter how large or small the order is. You can only view our online catalog at a consultant's website. See my profile for a link to my personal website with Silpada.
Silpada pays all credit card fees so you don't have to worry about that coming out of your commission.
Silpada never has a jewelry sale so you don't have to spend money purchasing sale flyers to send out each month like you do with lots of other DS companies.
Silpada ships directly to each individual customer so there are no deliveries for the consultant or the hostess to make. Our shipping fee is only $4 no matter how much you buy. Return and exchanges are FREE!
As for the start up fee.....I'm glad that with Silpada it is $199. This prevents people from signing up just so they can get a personal discount without actually working their business. So in essence, this actually helps my business as a representative. When someone does sign up, I figure they are serious about wanting to earn money from this job. They can set their own schedule and work as much (or as little) as they want. There are no sales requirements that have to be met.
Yes, you do have to pay for new jewelry and the sign up discount is 50%. However, let me say this: When you submit your very first party with Silpada that totals at least $500 with 10 orders on it (very easy to do), you will earn a $200 free jewelry certificate. That's kind of like getting a rebate on your sign up fee. Also, during your first 100 days with Silpada, every time you sell $3000 worth of jewelry, you will earn a $500 free jewelry certificate. You can quickly build a very nice display kit by just getting a few people who are willing to have a party for you BEFORE you sign up. That's what I did and in my first three months, I earned $3,000 in free jewelry and actually earned money that I had to pay taxes on. I had been in Direct Sales for 7 years prior to that and never earned any money. I was always spending my commission on purchasing and mailing sale flyers and paying credit card fees, etc.
I am having great success in spite of this depressed economy. Women love the designs of Silpada jewelry and the price point compared to other sterling silver companies. Silpada is a strong company with no debt who is growing continually year after year. I love what I'm doing.....how about you?
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Billie
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ChicaPlateada
Member
Joined: 11 Apr 2009
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 11 Apr 2009 16:19
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I think this is a great thread!!! Okay...I think that you must be very careful what company you choose to represent before signing up. Its very sad to see people signing up with a company and talking about how great there company is only to see them back to square one I personally like the following companies and considering to sign up soon:
(1) Silpada: Reason: well-known name, great product, and if it doesn't go well I can always sell it on EBAY...sorry that is the truth.
(2) Morgan Dane Designs: By far this is the company of which I have the most pieces. Everytime I buy something I absolutely love it!
(3) Inspiranza Designs: I am going to be ordering several pieces soon to see the quality. Pricing really attracts me...and its not so expensive to get started.
***OH and I forgot: AURASTELLA is on EBAY...yup you read that right. Someone opened an "Aurastella Store" a couple of days ago....
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 13 Apr 2009 01:50
Reply
ChicaPlateada: (1) Silpada: Reason: well-known name, great product, and if it doesn't go well I can always sell it on EBAY...sorry that is the truth. Yep, you are right! And why do people buy Silpada on ebay? Because they LOVE the designs and quality of Silpada jewelry! It boggles my mind when I see people pay MORE than actual retail for a Silpada piece on eBay. (Are they crazy?) And.... if you buy it on ebay, you lose the lifetime warranty which to me is quite valuable. Also, Silpada Reps are not permitted to sell the jewelry on ebay. Silpada monitors the auctions very closely. As a representative, I really like that!
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Billie
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jen4stella
Member
Joined: 29 Apr 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 29 Apr 2009 14:50
Reply
I'm a stylist with Stella and Dot which is this new great line of jewelry. I really love the line...it's fresh and trendy and is getting tons of press which helps make my job of selling it easier. We've been in Lucky, InStyle, Rachel Ray, Oprah, Redbook and the list keeps growing. It's a hit with celebs like Paris Hilton and Debra Messing also.
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Jennifer Haag Stella and Dot Stylist www.stelladot.com/jenh
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Missy22
Member
Joined: 2 May 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 2 May 2009 19:48
Reply
I'm considering both Silpada and Morgan Dane as my first home business and this thread has been very helpful. I have a specific question for all you reps. Knowing, of course, that HAVING jewelry helps sell, what do you think the minimum amount of pieces would be. WHile I'd like to have a great amount of samples to start with, financially it's just not feasible at this time. What do you think would be a good amount to start with?
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 4 May 2009 13:04 · Edited by: abuckigal
Reply
Missy22: I'm considering both Silpada and Morgan Dane as my first home business and this thread has been very helpful. I have a specific question for all you reps. Knowing, of course, that HAVING jewelry helps sell, what do you think the minimum amount of pieces would be. WHile I'd like to have a great amount of samples to start with, financially it's just not feasible at this time. What do you think would be a good amount to start with? Anybody who starts a home based business should expect to pay money to start that business. With Silpada, you have the initial start up fee of $199 and then you can buy as much jewelry as you want at half price. Believe me, you will not lose out on this. Even if you decide it's not the right business for you, you will always be able to sell your samples for at least what you paid for them and often more.
Now to answer your question. Buy as much as you can afford. The more you have to show, the better your sales will be at parties. Plus, you should wear at least 7 pieces every time you do a party and you'll still need some on your table. I have seen reps do a home party with as little as 10 pieces on the table. The catalog beautifully illustrates each piece in "actual size" and of course the 60 day no questions asked return policy makes it safe for customers to purchase something that they don't see on your table. Good luck!
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Billie
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oneslimone
Member
Joined: 6 May 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 6 May 2009 19:09
Reply
I make and sell one of a kind hand made jewelry, but I would also like to sell pre made sterling silver jewelry like Silpada (the designs are gorgeous). Would it be possible to sell both at the same time e.g. at a crafts fair or trade show with displays of both types of jewelry on my table? Or would I have to sell them separately?
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 7 May 2009 12:16
Reply
oneslimone: I make and sell one of a kind hand made jewelry, but I would also like to sell pre made sterling silver jewelry like Silpada (the designs are gorgeous). Would it be possible to sell both at the same time e.g. at a crafts fair or trade show with displays of both types of jewelry on my table? Or would I have to sell them separately? These would be considered two separate businesses that you own and you would have to work them separately. If you wanted two separate tables at a craft show, you could probably have someone else work the other table for you.
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Billie
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hipstyle
Member
Joined: 1 Jun 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 1 Jun 2009 18:12
Reply
Hi Jen,
I am considering joining S&D or Silpada. Can you tell me how it is going with S&D? Are your sales brisk? What about bookings, etc. Any insight you can provide would be helpful. Are you happy with the company and its support? Thank you.
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CANDC1797
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 24 Jun 2009 22:19
Reply
It's a great business! If you are worried about the start up costs, you will make the start up money right back from your first party. The key is hostess coaching. You can definitely make good money if you get parties each month. The jewelry is beautiful and you will have so much fun wearing it and selling it. People are definitely still buying the jewelry even in this tough economy. If you're interested in learning more about the business email me and I'll tell you more about it. I do it and love it and I'm a stay at home mom too. Catherine
CANDC1797@aol.com
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Catherine
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Amy in TO
Member
Joined: 30 Jun 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 1 Jul 2009 00:09
Reply
Hi Everyone, I just wanted to say how helpful this thread has been for me. I live in Canada and until two weeks ago, had never heard of Silpada. My neighbour invited me to a party and I was reluctant to go but very happy that I did! Now I've booked my own party and am actually considering becoming a rep. What attracted me (other than the beautiful designs and amazing quality) was the fact that it's not well known - Silpada has only been in Canada since April 2008. I only wish I'd heard of it a year ago so that I could have gotten in earlier... My question is regarding the common concern that I'm seeing here - it seems that in many areas of the US, there is a saturation of Silpada reps. Does anyone know how I would go about researching the number of reps in my area? I asked my own rep and while she was very helpful, I found her a little evasive about this - her response was that everyone has different circles so there's certainly enough business to go around. I'd like to do my research properly before I sign up... Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated! Thanks for reading, Amy
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wildflower
Member
Joined: 1 Jul 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 1 Jul 2009 13:13
Reply
Wow! I have found all the information posted here to be so very useful. I am considering becoming a Silpada Rep and was just doing a little research - you ladies are an incredible resource. I am going to check out some of the other companies mentioned, but I am definitely leaning toward Silpada. I really like the fact that the purchased jewelry is mailed directly to the customer. I tried Avon in the past and have to say that I hated the delivery part - very time consuming and living in an area with acreages - it took a lot of gas! I also love the fact that credit card processing is handled by the company. Too bad about the website ordering being unavailable, but I guess I can see the advantage to that as well. Would be easy for me though since I already spend alot of time on the compurter... Anyway - thank you all so much! Kathy
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Kathy
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janicebarr
Member
Joined: 8 Jul 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 8 Jul 2009 00:21
Reply
I just signed up with Silpada a few months ago and Love it I control my own schedule and the commission is great ! The jewelry sells itself - let me know if you need a sponsor.
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Janice Barr
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Heidi064
Member
Joined: 11 Jul 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 11 Jul 2009 15:12
Reply
I will be joining Silpada this week, and I am very excited about it . I love the jewelery and am hoping I will find others who feel the same. I would appreciate any advice in regards to how to market your business beyond your friends and family members. My sponsor is new to Silpada herself so any help from experienced rep's would be greatly appreciated.
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abuckigal
Member
Joined: 24 Jun 2008
Posts: 23
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# Posted: 22 Jul 2009 12:27
Reply
Heidi064: I would appreciate any advice in regards to how to market your business beyond your friends and family members. My sponsor is new to Silpada herself so any help from experienced rep's would be greatly appreciated. As with any Direct Sales business, you need to make yourself and your product visible. When your family and friends do parties for you, be sure to coach them to include people from all walks of their life. You will meet more people that way and have more opportunities to secure new bookings.
Also, consider doing fundraisers for groups that need to raise money. You donate a good percentage of your commission to them and then you keep the hostess free jewelry.
Wear lots of jewelry no matter where you go. When someone comments on it (and they will), whip out a note pad and ask for their name and address and offer to send a catalog. Also get their phone number by telling them you want to follow up to see how they like the jewelry.
During the fall months you will find lots of church bazaars and other craft fairs etc. Try to participate in these. You will meet lots of people that way and you will have an opportunity to discuss your business and your product and perhaps get a booking from them or at least an order.
Trade parties with someone else in Direct Sales. For example, you do a Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simple, Arbonne, Longaberger, etc party and then they do a jewelry party for you.
Always make follow up phone calls after customers have received their jewelry to be sure it arrived safely and that they love it. This is an excellent opportunity to tell them that Susie Hostess earned $xxx in free jewelry and then you can offer them the same opportunity.
Join a networking group such as the Chamber of Commerce. These people are very supportive of one another and very helpful in passing along information about upcoming events that you might want to participate in.
Often banks (and other places) will permit you to set up a temporary display in their lobby with a stack of your business cards. Take advantage of this!
Remind people that you do business with (your doctor, dentist, lawyer, salon owner, etc) that you sell gift certificates that never expire. These make great Christmas gifts for their staff members.
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Billie
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jessip
Member
Joined: 4 Sep 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 4 Sep 2009 23:53
Reply
did u ever find out how to research the number of reps
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jessip
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Supersilverstar
Member
Joined: 13 Sep 2009
Posts: 2
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# Posted: 13 Sep 2009 12:59
Reply
I am getting ready to sign up with Silpada, and this is how I ended up here. I have been trying to do my research. I was surprised to hear about so many other DS jewelry bizzes out there, but I will say, that I believe it IS good to sign with a company that has a well-known name (helps w/pre-selling) and as with ANYTHING in life, you will get out of it, what you put into it.
My thoughts about selling this are more geared toward recruiting others, as my FT career is w/the unemployment office...so I come across a lot of super frustrated people everyday, that could use an opportunity. However, I am pretty excited about building up my jewelry collection and making a few extra bucks to buy more things for my gorgeous grandson!
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Success doesn't come to you...you go to it!
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jmmsmiles
Member
Joined: 3 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 3 Oct 2009 18:47
Reply
Hi I am considering becoming a rep and Billie posted SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT SILPADA back in Aug 2008 how Silpada was doing in the current ecomony. I'm sorry I don't understand what it means,could you explain. Sales Silpada + 32% The party plan -5.6% New Recruits Silpada +46% The party plan -20.4% Order size Silpada +9% The party plan -3.3%
I have been hesitating to join because I'm concerned about how willing people are to spend money on jewelry right now. The unemployment rate is very high in our area. Also wondering how I can find out how many active reps are in my area. Any advantages to having a local rep as your upline? Thanks
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Silpada Gal
Member
Joined: 5 Oct 2009
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 5 Oct 2009 21:51
Reply
When the kids got to them, did they break them? Silpada has a lifetime warranty and you could get them replaced with the same or an item of equal value. Call your original rep and have her/him send it back for a replacement. Silpada aims to please!!
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Lisa
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