I have not gone to one of these parties in a long time. I have no intention and will not, for sure, buy anything. But, I would like to socialize and get together with the girls going to the party.

Should I go, knowing I will not buy anything? Have you done this? What percentage of people buy stuff?

you shouldnt have to feel forced into buying stuff you dont want. I've been to one of them but I didnt buy anything, think it was avon, i have four boys and little trinkets around the house is an accident waiting to happen, i dont wear makeup or perfume so nothing in the book was something I needed

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I go to em all the time, rarely buy anything. All of the women in my neighborhood have these parties, especially in the winter, just as a way for us to get outta the house and socialize. I keep getting invited back to these things by the same women, so I don't think they're offended that I don't buy.

I won't go to them anymore as the whole purpose for you to come is to spend your money. I always decline by just saying that I don't need anything which is probably true. Items tend to be overpriced too.

I absolutley hate being pressured to buy things from people who are supposed to be friends. I don't ask anyone to buy anything, even kids fundraising stuff. I will possibly buy something if I truely want it. I hate even more when people try to pressure you to book a party. I do NOT ask people to buy things from me just because we are friends.

I suspect that you know the person hosting the party is secretly hoping that you buy and book a party from them. That is the whole point of having the party. I'm sure with times being what they are, they understand when you don't too.

JMHO

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Donna

I don't enjoy the parties. I have actually asked to see the catalog, and I will buy something, but not attend the party.

I don't attend parties where I wouldn't ever buy the stuff (ie: jewelry, purses...stuff like that). I would be bored listing to the party consultant. I have attended and not purchased anything. I try to let the hostess know ahead of time that I don't need anything from that party catalog but I would like to come to "visit". Never been a problem. I usually just leave my purse at home and go. You can't be pressured if you don't have money

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003

I have not gone to parties where I didn't buy something. If I don't feel I want to buy anything, I usually don't go.

I used to sell Avon (I never did a home party though) and now sell Scentsy. I, as a consultant, wouldn't mind if someone didn't buy something.

I host a Tastefully Simple party every fall at my house. Everyone knows we have yummy food and I break out the good wine and it's just a chance for all of us to get together and have fun. As a hostess, sure it's great when someone buys, but if they don't, I'm just glad they came and enjoyed themselves.

So, after that long winded response, I guess that I wouldn't feel bad if I didn't buy anything...and with this economy, I'm sure everyone understands!

i love going to parties! i've always bought something. whenever i've had one, everyone purchased at least something. the last party i went to a lady told the host she wasn't buying anything right up front. whatever you feel comfortable doing is what you should do.
i love, love, love attending tastefully simple parties! yummy!

As a consultant with Petlane, I'm not offended at all if people don't purchase items. I suppose if I spent my time and effort to go to a house and EVERYONE there was just there to visit it might be a bit frustrating, but that hasn't been an issue. Heck, even if "Susie" doesn't buy something, she might pass on the information about my products to her best friend.

I'd go to Pampered chef parties because the host, my friend, told me she got more "points" or whatever with the number of guests she'd have. I did buy some things, like pizza cutters or in the case of Pampered chef, a huge glass mixing bowl with handle that I love. It is fantastic for mixing pancake batter. I'd also win things at Tupperware parties.

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Live, Love, Laugh

I HATE HATE HATE these parties! It's like it's almost expected that you will buy something, and so everyone is looking to get out of their for cheap buying a pizza cutter or something. I'd rather have a catalog or something so when I'm in need of the item I can buy it, or I can just get whatever it is cheaper at Target. I always will have something else going on so I don't have to go to the party.

Living on base when very young, it was Tupperware, lingerie, plants, baskets, Mary Kay, Home Interiors, wine, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc all the time. I didn't go. I finally went to a Tupperware party so my friend could count me for some goal of a prize. I told her I wouldn't buy anything, she said ok, and I didn't.

No one should feel pressured to buy whether it's from the hostess or if they do it to themselves.

dl

I just politely decline. I don't need anything and therefore don't go. I prefer not to be tempted. I already have too much stuff that will end up in thegarage sale pile one day.

cmmcmm

i go to different kind of parties and rarely buy anything. However when my friends have parties they are usually an excuse for a few hours away from it all to have a good time and catch up.

steph

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The problem with just going to a party to "visit" is that the hostess normally does, in fact, have to spend money for refreshments to host a party

Tastefully Simple parties are the worst because you have to buy the ingredients to make the stuff that attendees sample. You may have to buy Teddy Grahams, cream cheese, mayo, beer, etc. And you have to actually make up several of the recipes, e.g. the beer bread, nana's apple cake, the cheeseballs, dips, drinks. etc.

I used to go to a few of the parties, like Pampered Chef and Home Interiors. My problem was that everything thing seemed so overpriced, and then you had the pressure of booking your own party. Avon seems like the only one resonable on prices.
When i was in college to suppliment my income I used to help do the lingerie and "toys" parties. That was a hoot and fun because you would see peoples grandmas there and they were always the ones ordering the really kinky stuff. Haha!

hahahaha, what a visual

I used to go to lots of these and it just got to be crazy....the same people at the same parties, and all booking off of each other. I finally just stopped going. I do enjoy going to Pampered Chef parties, tho. You just can't beat their stonewear.

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Doing the right thing isn't always the same as doing the easy thing.

I am a Homemade Gourmet consultant. We do home shows as well. Out of a group of 6-10 ppl., probably there are only 2 that don't buy something. But that's ok-we had a good time, and I still made some money. While my hostess prepares a meal, I provide her w/ all the mixes (and she usually has quite a few leftovers for her family). It doesn't hurt my feelings if you don't buy. The worst is when there is a person who blatantly states at the beginning of the party that she is not buying anything, talks negatively about my products, and is just a big know-it-all. Our big thing is meal planning. I cannot tell you how many customers have thanked me for my services. That's what I love!

I go when invited. Sometimes I find something useful to buy, sometimes not. If I don't find anything, I still take the representative's card or a pamphlet/booklet just in case I change my mind about wanting something or if I enjoyed them as hosts I'll recommend them if I hear of someone wanting to throw a party.

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Kristee
Kritter0114@aol.com

"Hold on, let me check....YES! I do have a coupon for that!"

I have been to many of them over the years and I always do buy something since it is expected. The host gets a free item for having the party but the level of the item depends on the sales made during that party/book sale. I figure in favor of the host I will purchase the cheapest thing in the book lol.

I for one have never hosted a sales party because I hate making people feel obligated. I just cant do that!

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Paula
Some days are diamonds Some days are stone

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Home sales parties are not my cup of tea and if I know I would not buy anything I would probably not go, would just turn down the invite. I mean stuff like candles, jewelry, knick knacks, baskets..nothing I need/want.

I know plenty of people who like to socialize with friends at sales parties, nothing wrong with that, I just don't care for it myself. I think maybe I went to too many bad home sales parties in my twenties

I have always purchased something at these overpriced parties. Just don't have the heart to say no as someone is trying to make a living like the rest of us. I'd rather not go if I were'nt going to order. The worst was the lingerie party with it's horrible cheap quality product at 100% Silk pricing.

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I get so annoyed with these so called "party" invites. If you want to have a get together, then have a get together. I hate it when I get an invite for one of these especially from someone who I would not normally hang out with. It's kind of like come to my house and buy something so I can get something free. UUUUGGG! If there were an opt out list for home parties, put me on ALL of them!!! I think all of it is WAY WAY overpriced anyway. I'm somewhat of a frugal person, and I use coupons for everything, and I never pay full price if I can help it - for anything. In these times, you don't know if you or yours will even have a job next week.

Wow, did I sound angry or what!??!?? (Major pet peeve)

I will only go if there is truly something I want there otherwise like many others I would politely decline. If pressed I would just say there is nothing I am interested in. I hate that "oh just come you don't have to order anything". Well I feel bad taking up someone's time when they could be making money. If I don't want anything I would rather get into my pajamas and watch some tv or read a book.

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