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

[Anonymous]

What's up with that? Our friends the other day were telling us about acquaintances/friends who invite them over only when they're hosting "trunk show" or "private jewelry" sales!! Is this a common social practice? I'd be wary of friends who have you over only when they're trying to make a buck.

[Anonymous]

Sure, if that was the only time those friends ever invitied you over or asked you to get together. But if you are really friends, you would know how to say "no thanks, I am not interested in that"

[Anonymous]

It is the height of indelicacy to mix friends with paying clients.

(The last thread on this topic was about a year ago, you might have missed it.)

[Anonymous]

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.

[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.

Oops, really...

[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.

Ew.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

Ew.

Just don't go if you don't want to go I promise you nobody cares if you're there or not.

[Anonymous]

Why are you taking this so seriously and are so offended? Unless it happens all the time by the same person, just politely decline the invitation. Otherwise, go... you might have a fun time, and you're truly under no obligation to buy anything. I went to a Stella and Dot party recently and just enjoyed the wine and fruit and cheese plate. Had a few laughs and left. No big deal.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Well I'm probably not "well-bred" (who the fuck says that?) but I think they're tacky and am surprised by all the non-tacky people I know who throw these parties. So maybe they are not objectively tacky but they make me uncomfortable because I likely won't buy anything (since I don't have any of that Old Money lying around like PP)

[Anonymous]

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.)

[Anonymous]

I don't have a problem with them AS LONG AS the hostess TELLS you ahead of time. Presenting it as a housewarming party only to discover it is really a Mary Kay party angers me. I am actually no longer friends with someone who did this to me. (And yes I was nice and bought crap that is still sitting in my bathroom.) I expect my friends to be honest.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

I think as long as the host discloses what the party's about in advance, you are free to decline. Have you ever been to a Pampered chef party? Great stuff, lots of food, drink, and fun. Personally I love Silpada and would love to go to one of those parties if invited.

If that's the only time the host invites you over, then I'd be miffed. But if it's a friend and you are interested in the product, I'd give it a try.