Supposed "friends" who invite you to nice parties at their house to sell you crappy jewelry, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:While I agree with the posters who suggest to "politely decline" the party offers and move on with what is undoubtedly a very busy life, the case raises a broader issue about companies that rely on guilt/interpersonal relationships to sell things. I have a cousin who falls for every one of these get rich quick schemes and I really have grown to resent the companies that do things this way. My policy is now to simply say no to all of it because I feel like corporations are trying to milk my love of family in order to guilt me into buying something. I just resent the obvious attempt at manipulation. (And yes, I know my cousin can and should avoid these schemes. That's another, long story. Suffice to say, she's an easy mark and that won't change.)

I agree with you. I loathe these companies! I understand people need money but you're right, those companies prey on our emotions in such a dishonest fashion.

All companies do. It doesn't matter where its sold or who its sold by. They are in the business of making money. So maybe they do a tv ad with a super cute kid. Or make the packaging look just right. Or have a fun jingle. They all do something to get their brand sold.

[Anonymous]

I support my friends 100% because 1) it is a hobby 2) they may be hosting to help another friend in need 3) they may be in need 4) I ask them to volunteer 5) I ask them to attend charitable events 6) I ask them to donate to the schools 7) I like my friends 8) I like to drink 9) Drinking, shopping and socializing ROCKS. 10) I hate it when I can't make these I am now going to whip up some lunch with my Pampered Chef cool equipment after I put my Cabi and Silpada on. See, I am having a group of non-social registrants over to review an upcoming charity event. Ladies, I support you and your ventures! Carry on!

I am poorly-bred and am not a member of the social registry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that a line is being crossed here.
If you want to have a party, invite your friends over, no strings attached.
If you're attempting to earn money, sell things (eBay, Craigslist, market stall).
Don't do both at the same time. No well-bred person would really enjoy it. The very principle of the activity is to buy from your host. Even if there is a party atmosphere and no pressure, that is beyond the pale.

Oh relax Countess Luanne It's just a party. Get over your well-bred self.

It's Cun-Tess Luanne

[Anonymous]

These parties are absurd. Totally tacky. There's a really long thread on Beauty/Fashion about Stella & Dot jewelry and that pretty much sums it up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have you never gone to any of these before? This is the first time you've heard of it???? Hell, if you're in the burbs this happens every week. I'm realy not offended by them because I know everyone who is throwing them has the intention to just have everyone over, shop and drink. I myself had one years ago because it just seemed like a fun opportunity to have everyone over, have cocktails and get pampered. Never expected anyone to buy anything. I totally understand how someone could be turned off by it but they happen so often that I no longer blink an eye. And I don't even live in the burbs! If you don't like it just don't go.

Reason 4,320 I'm glad I don't live in the suburbs. Right behind "bunco" and before "mowing my lawn"

[Anonymous]

I hate those parties and the friends who get offended when you decline the invite. I agree have a party, not a forced shopping event.

[Anonymous]

"Reason 4,320 I'm glad I don't live in the suburbs. Right behind "bunco" and before "mowing my lawn" "

Laugh of the Day!!

[Anonymous]

" Hell, if you're in the burbs this happens every week. "

Otherwise, the suicide rate in the 'burbs would sky rocket.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:"Reason 4,320 I'm glad I don't live in the suburbs. Right behind "bunco" and before "mowing my lawn" "

Laugh of the Day!!

Ah well, I live in the shitty 'burbs and I've never been to a sales party or bunco. I'm pretty sure it's because I'm a judgy mega-bitch and everyone knows it. As for mowing the lawn, what pedestrian garbage is that? Doesn't everyone just hire someone? Anyway, gotta run, I see some middle aged women in Chicos shorts walking their ungroomed dogs and I need to go give them the stink eye.

[Anonymous]

God I HATE being invited to these parties. I have been invited to so many of them, and I've always declined, but I feel badly about it because the people who invite me I consider friends. And I know they feel offended that I've refused their invitations to, uh, cosmetics, toys, more cosmetics, more toys, baskets, cookware, clothing, I can't remember all of them #$%^^& "parties." It's so awkward to say no when my friends are invested in these things. They BELIEVE in the products they are selling, and it's one of the few ways SAHMs have to make money part time at home.

Recently a very good friend got involved in one of these things (skin care). After I politely declined to attend the parties (I had a lot of excuses, month after month, so she stopped asking), our friendship changed. She was truly offended by my refusal to attend a sales party. I suppose I should come up with some sort of line, but I can't think of one that won't be offensive to the hostess.

I did go to one of these parties many years ago. Every single mom at the party bought a toy for their toddler, and so did I, even though I didn't want to. I bought the cheapest item, which I thought totally overpriced, but I didn't want to offend the hostess. I totally gave in to peer pressure, but so did everyone else at the party. Yetch! That's why I've never gone to one of these things since then.

[Anonymous]

Yup had a neighbor invite me over for a CAbi show. No thanks. We don't socialize normally, why should I spend my money on your friend's clothes?

[Anonymous]

"Recently a very good friend got involved in one of these things (skin care). After I politely declined to attend the parties (I had a lot of excuses, month after month, so she stopped asking), our friendship changed. She was truly offended by my refusal to attend a sales party. I suppose I should come up with some sort of line, but I can't think of one that won't be offensive to the hostess. "

I'd say, "You're lucky I'm still willing to be friends with you at all, since you appear to be letting my refusal to pay money for your stuff change our friendship. I don't appreciate being hit up for commercial transactions. Go out and get a real job, and then your friends can actually be friends instead of customers."

[Anonymous]

I hate these. I have a friend who has gotten into it and she is ALWAYS doing something - on the phone with her minions, or her "boss", or going somewhere, or going to a show....blah blah blah. Do you really actually make money on these things? Cause it seems like an awful lot of work for "part time". Also, I enjoy the people who have young children (like I do) and will always invite me to the selling party but not their real gatherings. assholes.

[Anonymous]

I love my Silpada jewelery and get lots of compliments on it!

[Anonymous]

I feel that I must accept these invitations and must buy one product at least. I've only been invited to two (since adulthood). One I didn't mind at all - the other one was at my former boss's house. She has boundary issues. Some people I know who are very successful adults sold those Cutco knives while in college to friends. If you are good at pushing things maybe it’s not as bad. One woman is now a pharmaceutical sales rep and all the docs are her best friends. I could NEVER do it - it totally bugs me when my kids are suposed to sell pizzas for their school.