I went to a jewelry party tonight. It was a fun evening of seeing some girlfriends that I don’t often get to see. The hostess made a fabulous dinner and I enjoyed the time away from my home, The Husband, and the screaming banshees children.
I did not, however, purchase a single piece of jewelry. I feel guilty about it–after all, I know this is the sales lady’s full time job, and my friend the hostess gets freebies based on how much is bought at her party. On the other hand, if I purchased something at every single home-based direct sales party I’m invited to (which seems to be a lot), I’d be broke as a joke.
I’ve tried to graciously decline invitations to go to these sell-a-thons direct sales parties, but I don’t seem to have much luck getting out of them. They seem to come non-stop at me! I’ve been to parties for candles, kitchen items, jewelry, makeup, toys, baskets, foods and other items!
So what to do? I know I ought to be honest and simply say I don’t wish to attend. I’m not good at lying and making up excuses. If I go and not purchase anything, I feel like I’m just grubbing dinner and social time. That doesn’t seem right. Argh.
I am fascinated with these types of parties, in a sort of anthropological way, but mostly because I’ve never been to a candle, gourmet toy, fancy pants baskets, etc. sell-a-thon and don’t have to dodge all the invitations. I went to one Tupperware party for my MOMS Club when I lived in SF, and the hostess had to hunt long and hard for a Tupperware representative, and it was thrown as a fifties party mocking the whole enterprise, but people, including me, did buy Tupperware. I guess it’s not an urban thing.
Aaarrggh! Totally agree! I always feel obligated to buy something, too. Good for you for standing strong and not buying!! There are waaaay too many of these parties, IMO. Or maybe I just have too many enterprising friends?
I have a feeling we’re about to get blacklisted from these parties.
I never knew about these parties until I stayed home. It’s kind of funny that the invites are usually for sahms and we’re the ones with less disposable income. I tend to decline invites b/c I always feel guilty when I don’t buy something. Christmas is coming so I’ sure the invites are going to start arriving en masse.
Oh, I hate those parties, too. I get constant invitations for Pampered Chef–it’s very popular among the local stay-at-home mom community. My kitchen is pretty overrun with appliances and tools. I don’t have room for any more.