Hello again! I recently hosted one of my Soapy Cauldron soap parties, and I was reminded just why I love doing them. I get to speak to people that have a specific interest in buying my products, and they genuinely want to know what the Cauldron is all about.
Of course, there are down sides. Lugging the kit about isn't fun- the consultants I have usually have a small kit unless they choose to top up of their own accord, but my kit? One at least of everything in the shop!! Remembering all the other bits to bring, catalogues, order forms, a calculator (or indeed remembering to buy a new one because you smashed the last one after dropping the cash box on it), a change float (see previous!), pens, bags, testers, plus bits for party games. But you know? It all adds to the build-up. I get incredibly nervous before I do a party. You'd think after 3 years of hosting them I'd have that bit beaten but no, it seems selling soap face to face in that environment still gets my nerves jangling. These are, of course, small downsides to what is essentially a very satisfying evening. Thankfully the products sell themselves, there is something about handmade soap and general pampering that appeals to women- and men for that matter! Bath bombs are always a fascination as well, and the touch test afterwards is popular as the water is so soft and silky.
I have this one consultant who is a veritable powerhouse of enthusiasm and ideas. We love her :D At 25% of party sales kept for herself (thats what our consultants earn) she's on a pretty penny there. To illustrate- the soap party I just did took £130. Thats with only 6 guests including the hostess. At 25% a consultant would have earned £32.50, we also got 2 more party bookings. The biggest single soap party I've hosted? 17 people and we took £315! Hard work but worth every moment.
We know that one of our biggest issues previously was our turnaround time, sometimes it would take 3+ weeks to get orders out which I knew wasn't good enough. We've worked so hard to change that now that we have the shop and now the maximum we'd expect anyone to wait is 10 working days. Obviously sometimes this isn't achievable but we'll always keep people in the loop as much as possible.
Do you fancy trying consultancy? This time of year is ideal, as the build up for Christmas is approaching. Not just family and friend gifts either, don't forget teachers, the milkman (they love the detox bath bombs, helps ward off their colds!), postie... Take a look here- http://www.thesoapycauldron.co.uk/index.php?main_page=page&id=4
