It is important to review the business plan and work up sample scenarios to see what you will be making. Beware of companies that say you must purchase x amount of products to get started. A good home based business, especially network marketing, would not ask you to do that. And of course, check with the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints. Make sure you are comfortable with the person who is bringing you into the business and know that they will be there to give you the support you need.

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Lin Kelly
linkelly@myarbonne.com (email)
www.linkelly.myarbonne.com (website)

I alway check with the Better Business Bureau and I also, do a search on the internet about the business. The search is to find message boards and such where people have discussed this particular company, it helps give you a feel of how people feel about it. During the search it will also turn up if their are any warnings about the company. As always, remember everything you read does not make it fact. Do your homework. Your going to be investing your time and money into this business.

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Good advice .... I think it's also important to make sure the product is one you are proud to show, want to share and feel like is reasonably priced. I can't imagine trying to sell something that you didn't want to wear, use, show off ... I think it is essential to be sure you love your product.

I think training is also an important feature and saturation of the market. There are home party plans out there that everyone has heard of, everyone has been to before and some of those might be seen as a little "tired". That's really unfortunate, because they may have some superior products, but, there it is!

I like that my company is unique ... no one else is doing anything like it. That might be something to consider.

One other thing to consider might be whether you're interested in a consumable product (cosmetics, food) or non-consumable (jewelry , kitchenware). While consumables can generate a lot of repeat business, you might also need to maintain inventory in order to properly service customers. I've used cosmetics before and it was really frustrating to have to wait for my consultant to order it.

You might also consider whether the company has an online presence ... ability to order online and still receive consultant commissions and stuff like that.

That's my SHORT list !

Ginger

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Product experiences make or break presentations/sales for your business. You can't you build a business without a product(or service). In addition, how can you build a business without product knowledge?? Doesn't Arbonne know that?

BEWARE of companies that are...

- mostly unsuccessful (basket-making, keychain making, etc.)
Don't get me wrong some people are successful at these barrier businesses, but c'mon, how many stories have you heard about people who have triied and failed at this?

- sometimes successful ( The home party scene ) ok, yah, people have their great (" I am making $5,000 a month selling makeup") stories BUT there's the largely populated triied and failed stories. The bad always outweighs the good with the majority of us who have triied these.


The fact of the matter is... all of these companies require product knowledge. You can't sell, refer or turn anyone on to what you are doing if you don't know the skill or product. And you can't know the product unless youv'e triied it!!!