Sunday, January 23, 2011

Owning a Home-Based Business

As some of you already know, I am very passionate about home-based businesses; Pampered Chef, Tastefully Simply, Inspiranza, Thirty-One, etc., etc. Being in charge of when you work and when you don't, is such a luxury. Unfortunately, I'm not sure most people fully understand the advantages of working from home.
Some stay-at-home moms and dads are looking for a way to make some extra cash without having to apply and accept a full-time job. Some folks who are currently working full-time, would like to do something on the side as a fun hobby and earn a commission at the same time.

I thought I would do a FAQ blog about some of my favorite home-based businesses. If you're reading this and you would like me to highlight YOUR business, I'd be happy to do so.

This particular blog will be answering some questions you might have about signing up with Thirty-One Gifts. Their mission:

Thirty-One is more than just a company. We are people who believe in encouraging, recognizing and rewarding others for who they are. Through God's strength, we've built a family of individuals who feel women deserve to treat themselves to something special. Our commitment is to provide women with a fulfilling, enjoyable and rewarding experience.


FAQ's:


Q: How much does it cost to join?


A: Just $99 plus shipping and tax. You will receive your kit in about a week.


Q: What comes in the Thirty-One starter kit?


A: Currently you'll receive the following items: Large Utility Tote, Zipper Pouch, Picnic Thermal Tote, All-in-One Organizer, Little's Carry-All Caddy, Thermal Tote, Wristlet Wallet, About Town Blanket, Square Utility Tote, Scarf, Key Fob, Icon Coin Purse, Stationery Sample Set, Wristlet Key Fob, Fabric Swatches and the catalogs, order forms and other paperwork you need to get started - that's a $300+ value!   


(Kit contents are subject to change without notice.)


Q: What commission do you earn?


A: All consultants earn a 25% commission/discount from day 1 of joining. You have the potential to earn more (up to 34%) if you choose to build a team.


Q: Is there a bonus program for new consultants?


A: YES! Thirty-One Gifts has a 45-day Start Swell program for all new consultants, which gives you the opportunity to earn seven free products (valued at $300) and business credits in your first 45 days. 


Q: What commission do you earn on your downline if you build a team?


A: Thirty-One generously rewards those who choose to share this opportunity with others. In addition to your increased commission and overrides, you can also earn $1000-$7500 cash bonuses!


Q: Does the company provide a website for the consultants? If so, how much does it cost?


A: Yes. The website and e-newsletter are FREE your first 90 days of business. After your first 90 days, the website is $9.95/month and the e-newsletter is $2.95/month. These are both optional. If you do not want to continue with either, you simply contact Home Office to let them know.


Q: Do you keep your earnings upfront?


A: No. You submit all monies from shows, parties or sales to Thirty-One. The company issues commission checks twice a month, and offers free direct deposit.


Q: Are there any monthly quotas?


A: There are no monthly minimum quotas. There are quarterly quotas. An "active" consultant is a consultant who submits commissionable product sales of at least $200 in three (3) consecutive months. The $200 can be from a combination of personal purchases, retail orders, party orders, fundraiser orders, etc., and does not have to be from one individual $200 order.


Q: Does the company pay for the host program/specials?


A: Yes, Thirty-One pays for all of the host rewards and the customer and host specials each month. Host items are not commissionable.


Q: Is there any kind of training for consultants?


A: Yes! Thirty-One provides all consultants with a consultant-one website where you will find special announcements, updates, etc., as well as many tools and training documents. You will also find recorded calls and video trainings.


Q: How many Thirty-One consultants are there? Are there TOO many?


A: Thirty-One is a young company and they need more consultants! Thirty-One started in 2003 and has just recently been experiencing rapid growth (400% last year!). It's a great time to sign up and ride the wave of momentum.


Q: How much do business supplies cost?


A: Business supply costs are low, because Thirty-One wants you to keep your money in your pocket! Catalogs are 50 cents, order forms 8 cents, host and recruiting flyers are 20 cents and show invitations are $1.50 for a pack of 40. All in all, I spend less than $5 per show on paperwork and that includes freely giving my catalogs away!


(Paperwork prices are subject to change.)


Q: What are the shipping costs?


A: When a customer orders, and has their order shipped to the host, the shipping is 8% of the total order. If the customer chooses to have the order directly shipped to them, the shipping 8% of the total order, plus $4. The host can receive free shipping when her show total is $500 or more, otherwise, it is 8% of her total order. For all consultant supply orders and personal orders, the shipping is 8% of the total order plus $4.


Q: Does the company allow consultants to sell cash and carry items?


A: Yes this is allowed, but not required. And, to help with the cost of fairs, booths and trade shows, Thirty-One consultants can submit a form to the company to receive free catalogs. If the cost of the trade show is under $150, the consultant will receive a $25 gift certificate toward catalogs; if the cost of the show is over $150, the consultant will receive a $50 gift certificate toward catalogs. 


Q: Do consultants ever get to purchase products at a bigger discount than 25%?


A:  Consultants are given a 40% discount during special times of the year on specific products. The 25% discount can be taken in addition to monthly sale prices and specials.


Q: Does Thirty-One offer other incentives such as trips, cash bonus, cars, etc.?


A: YES! Thirty-One has a fantastic Dream Rewards program that allows consultants to earn trips, computers, cash, etc. In addition to the Dream Rewards program, throughout the year, consultants are given the ability to earn extra free products (including the new products each season), electronics and other merchandise. Plus, when you promote to Director, you can earn $1000-$7500 cash bonus as well!


Q: Do I have to carry a lot of inventory?


A: No. There is no requirement for inventory. You may decide that you want to have items on hand, but that's entirely up to you.


Q:  Can I only sell Thirty-One products at home shows?


A: No. In addition to home shows, you can have catalog shows, a Show-On-The-Go, online shows, fairs, trade shows, bazaars, fundraisers...the list is endless!


Q: What types of payments can I accept from customers?


A: Personal or business checks made payable to you or your hostess, cash or major credit cards. Thirty-One takes care of the credit card processing fees.


If you have further questions, please feel free to email me at: beautyandfaith@yahoo.com
Or visit my website: www.mythirtyone.com/kristieboyd





Saturday, January 1, 2011

New Year; New Routine

Happy 2011! 2010, all in all, was a pretty good year for me. I joined Thirty-One Gifts and the business has taken off like a rocket! If you're not familiar with Thirty-One, click the box to the left and browse the online catalog. I think you'll be impressed by the looks and quality of the products.

As for Mary Kay, as you begin a new year, why not adopt a new skin care routine? Clean out those drawers that contain products you never use. Check the expiration dates and throw out anything that is over a year old! Here are a few tips to begin a whole new you in 2011:


Throw Away Old Skin Care Products
Skin care products come with an expiration date and if you continue to use them well past that date, it will show on your face. You shouldn’t use skin careproducts that are past their shelf lives. This is because once the product is opened and exposed to air; your fingers and germs contaminate it and promote bacterial infestation (sounds a little gross, doesn't it?). Though skin care products contain added preservatives, it is not possible to preserve them beyond their expiration date. That’s why they are there.
Therefore, at the beginning of this year check the expiration dates of your skin care products and if they've expired Throw them away. Begin the New Year with a new stack of products! Shop Mary Kay and then email me your order. I'd be happy to provide you with FREE SHIPPING!
Wash Your Face At Least Twice a Day
During the course of the day, your skin accumulates dirt and debris from the environment and also excess oil residues find their place on the skin. This is especially true at night. Therefore, it is important to keep your skin.
This new year, resolve to wash your face with a good cleanser, such as TimeWise Cleanser from Mary Kay, twice a day-once in the morning and once at night. The morning wash will rid you of all the excess oil particles accumulated at night and the night wash will make sure that all the dirt particles and make-up residues are removed before you go to bed.
Adopt A Good Skin Care Regimen
If you are serious about your skin care, then you should have a skin care regimen. And the New Year might be the best time to adopt a new skin care regimen that caters to the specific needs and requirements of your skin. If you have no clue where to begin, email me and ask for a free, over-the-phone, consultation. You can start with a regular cleanser-toner-moisturizer regimen and move on to anti-aging skin care or acne skin care to match your needs.
Use Sunscreen Daily, Year-Round
Contrary to popular belief, sunscreens are supposed to be used throughout the year including even in winter and on cloudy days. This is because even though the sun may not be as harsh as in summer, your skin is still susceptible to the harmful UV radiations of the sun. Sunscreens shield the skin against these radiations and protect it from sun damage.
So, if you have been saving your sunscreen only for the sunny days, its time you made amends in the New Year. Make sure you wear it daily before your venture outdside.

Don’t Pop Your Pimples
You pop your pimples to get out the pus. But what you actually end up doing is pushing the bacteria deeper inside and thus aggravating the infection. This explains the subsequent inflammation that can leave behind scars.
No matter how hard it is, resist the temptation of popping your pimples. Instead use your fingers to apply a good anti-acne product there.
Taking good care of your skin is very important. It won't matter how you dress up your look with blush, shadow, mascara and/or lipstick, if your skin isn't in tip-top shape.  Your skin is the largest organ in your body - treat it with the utmost care!
Happy New Year!