Anonymous wrote:So then just tell your friend that. Be honest. Maybe that's the best way to discourage your friends from throwing the parties!
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Johnnie Boden is not my friend or acquaintance so I have no problem getting his catalog. When it's someone you know, there's an implicit pressure to buy, and these "parties" take advantage of that. Even if the seller is titally low-key and doesn't push anything, the nature of the relationship makes it awkward. There's no way around it. If you're my friend and you need money just ask and I will help out. But please oh please do not subject me to a sales party!!!
But if you know that going in, then can't you just decline the invite? I try to support my friends just because I like it when they do the same for me, but if I don't want to buy a certain product then I don't go to the party. Now if it's a friend who is constantly pushing a product on you like Mary Kay or something, well, that's different because it's constant, inescapable pressure. But a party? Just say no and go on your merry way. Not everyone gets offended when they get invited -- I actually like some of the parties b/c the products are interesting and you meet new people.
Anonymous wrote:Johnnie Boden is not my friend or acquaintance so I have no problem getting his catalog. When it's someone you know, there's an implicit pressure to buy, and these "parties" take advantage of that. Even if the seller is titally low-key and doesn't push anything, the nature of the relationship makes it awkward. There's no way around it. If you're my friend and you need money just ask and I will help out. But please oh please do not subject me to a sales party!!!
Anonymous wrote:Another posted who encourages you NOT to do it. I hate it when people who I think are my friends invite me to these things. I mean, if you need money, just ask me to give you money. Don't expect me to pay for some overpriced junk so that you can earn $5. My budget is tight. I don't have money to spend on overprice crap I don't need just to keep our friendship. And that is what these things turn into - if you don't attend and buy - you lose the friend.
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:That is what is great about life- free choice and your own opinions! Those that don’t love, don’t have to love. Those that do- can do it, go, whatever!
If you love it, listen to yourself and go for it. I love Stella & Dot! I think people should never feel obligated to buy something they don’t want or go to an event they won’t enjoy. No more than they feel obligated to pop into a cute boutique on their main street. I think Stella & Dot has the most adorable invites. I think it’s a pop up shop in someone’s living room that offers the benefit of friends being able to give each other style advice. I agree a shopping event shouldn’t try to pretend it’s not one! But any invitation I’ve seen is pretty clear that it says come by and shop! It is fun and social! Now of course, only go if you want to. No one should make you feel pressured to do anything you don’t want to do ? ( except if you are a kid and we want you to eat vegtables- then it’s tough luck!).
I agree that some other companies have not so great products or they are high pressure. This is so not fun. But Stella & Dot is very classy and casual. AND CUTE!
I’m not put out when I get a catalog in the mail! I don't feel pressured by Boden, or a friend. I may just browse, and if I’m not in the mood to buy or don’t need anything, I just don’t. When I get invited to some home parties, I skip it since I know I don't like the brand. , I feel happy friends are thinking of me. Nothing more, nothing less. Just not for me. But Stella & Dot, I absolutely love. I buy gifts online from a Stylist- its super easy and my friend and family love getting it!
Especially as moms, we appreciate flexible career choices. When the product is quality and cute, I love to shop in a way that supports girlfriends and offers great personal service. I actually love this much more than a big box store! I would never buy or go if I didn’t like the product though. It’s only if you do and are in the market for a little style. I certainly understand other companies may not have products you love, then you don’t’ want to go. But have you seen Stella & Dot? It’s AMAZING! And in every fashion magazine. But if fashion isn’t your thing, I can see why you would want to skip it!
Generally, girls like to look cute and socialize! So lots of people find this fun. Good luck to you and thanks for sharing thoughts!
There is a huge difference between getting mail from Boden versus getting invited to a trunk show hosted by your friend. HUGE.