(WXYZ) - Chatting up friends, while having a fabulous dinner and looking at shiny, new jewelry isn’t a night out for millions of women. It’s work! With these tough economic times and unemployment on the rise, ladies across the country are banking on selling products from home to boost their bottom line.
WATCH JOANNE PURTAN'S REPORT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHTWhen mom, Shannon Bambara, was laid off earlier this year, she polished up her silver and her sales pitch. Shannon became a direct seller with Silpada designs, a jewelry manufacturer. She peddles the company's products at house parties then takes a cut of the proceeds.
Shannon Bambara: “An average Silpada party retails about $950, which means I take home 30 percent of that, which would be around $285. And typically that's only in a two hour period."
Bambara says she’s sold on direct selling and she's not alone. While there are no statistics for this recession, history shows that during bad economic times, more women turn to home parties as a way to help fill the income void. According to the direct selling association, these days it's more than just jewelry and makeup.
Amy Robinson/Direct Selling Association: "Some of the things that are sold through direct selling that you might not initially think of include pet supplies, scrapbooking supplies, organic gardening."
The average seller works part time and earns about 200 dollars a month. But for those who choose to sell full time, there's the potential to earn up to six figures.
Amy Robinson: "And as for the non-financial motivations, you have people who are interested just in the social aspect of it."
At Mary Kay Cosmetics, Rhonda Shasteen says her sales reps love being able to help put some gloss on these tough economic times.
Rhonda Shasteen: "A woman may not be able to go out and spend $100 on a new dress or a new leather handbag, but she can certainly afford—and will spend—$13 or $14 on a lipstick that will help brighten her day."
Nicole Robinson works in the pharmaceutical industry but wanted to pad her family's savings. She loves the flexibility of her Mary Kay career.
Nicole Robinson: "I decide when I'm going to hold appointments, when I'm going to make my extra money, how much I want to make."
But before you sign on, experts say investigate the company thoroughly. Call and ask questions.
NicoleRobinson: "…including what does it cost to get started? is there a buy back policy if you decide the business isn't for you?"
Bambara says her business selling silver has turned solid gold profits. She was recently offered the chance to work her old job part time and can now pay for daycare easily.
Shannon Bambara: "The extra money that I'm making will go to that but also for things like car payments and credit card payments."
A paycheck isn't the only perk. Many companies offer free merchandise based on sales numbers, employee discounts, and compensation for recruiting other members.
Direct Selling Association:
http://www.dsa.org
silpada designs:
http://silpada.com/public/
mary kay cosmetics:
http://www.marykay.com/
creative memories:
http://www.creativememories.com/
oxyfresh:
http://oxyfresh.com/pet/default.asp
pampered chef:
http://www.pamperedchef.com/ http://bspurses.com/
arbonne:
http://www.arbonne.com/index.asp?lang=eng
likewear:
http://www.likewear.com/
jockey:
http://www.jockeypersontoperson.com/splash.cfm
angela moore direct:
http://www.angelamooredirect.com/
