Online party question...

Bev · Posted: December 22, 2005, 8:51 pm Post subject: Online party question...

wasn't sure where to put this, so if you want to move it, Anita, feel free....

I had my first online party this month and I was thrilled with the response. I was so afraid no one would show up, but they did and I had really good sales. Very Happy

However, I offered 6 specials where I gave a $2 discount on those books and I offered the three company specials at 1/2 price, but those totals don't count towards the show order total..... I just charged normal shipping and tax, which goes right to corporate...

So, my problem was...once the orders were totaled, I didn't think about the fact that the 1/2 price items didn't count towards the hostesses total with my company, so I went ahead and gave my hostess the total hostess credit. I was happy to do that because she is the one who brought me the business to begin with! Laughing

Then the books came in...to me.... (my company offers dropshipping but there is a $9 fee to dropship from a show order). So I had to package all the books up and mail them out.

When all was said and done, I lost money on the show Crying or Very sad

With the discounts I offered, the 1/2 price items and giving the hostess full credit, plus the shipping, I didn't make a thing and had to pay the shipping to each customer.

If my hostess reads this, I DO NOT want you to feel bad! (She stops in here occasionally) I was thrilled with finally getting one on line show under my belt, and I've gained new customers who will hopefully buy in the future.... and I had one person very interested in the business opp.

Sooooo.... it was definitely a learning experience for me... but I know now that I can't offer so many specials, and I'll have to charge more for shipping, on top of what the company charges....

How do others handle online shows like that????

Bev
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karadawn · Posted: December 22, 2005, 10:22 pm Post subject:

Well I'm going to assume you have a flat rate shipping for your orders, so what you could do is just charge the shipping it's going to cost to sent to them plus maybe $1 or $2 to offset your cost to have them shipped to you first.

About the specials - definately might want to cut down on those. You may want to concider discounts such as a free book for so much ordered, or discounts on specific titles. If your company offers specials you can always point those out too.

Handling online parties for companies can definately be tricky! It's all a matter of totally up your costs and making sure you aren't giving all your profit away. Wink

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Anita · Posted: December 26, 2005, 8:49 pm Post subject:

Sounds like Kara answered your question pretty well. Sorry to hear that you almost lost out but yes, do take it as a learning experience. You've got your first online party under your belt, you're well aware of what happens, and I'm sure most of the jitters are now gone. BUT also don't forget that you know have how many people with YOUR product in hand??? That's great promotion for possible future orders too Wink

It's definitely not a complete loss Wink

Now you'll know what to offer and what not to offer next time ;)

Take care!
Anita Smile

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JWallace · Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 26 Location: California

Yes I would only give discounts when so much of an order is purchased like $5 off a $25 purchase. You have to make money too! Good luck in the future!
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