Tupperware parties to the rescue

The Daily Telegraph
July 02, 2009 12:01am

• Direct-selling becoming more popular
• Can earn up to $1800 a month
• Business Owner: Running your own business

AVON is calling more often and the Tupperware crowd are partying harder than ever.
Amid the financial crisis Aussie mums are increasingly turning to direct selling and at-home product parties to supplement their household income.

Direct sales cosmetics company Nutrimetics has signed up 40 per cent more consultants in the past six months, while Tupperware Australia has experienced a 16 per cent growth in the number of demonstrators, bringing the total to 10,000 around the country.
Direct Selling Association of Australia executive director John Holloway said the top motivation to join the industry was additional income, followed by the chance to purchase products cheaply themselves and social activity.

"The industry is counter-cyclical," Mr Holloway said. "We have seen an upsurge in people joining the industry in the past six or eight months.

"There's absolutely no doubt that this is because of the recession and the effect on employment.

"I think there's a bit of a fear factor out there as well."

A Nutrimetics spokeswoman said: "It's interesting to note that Nutrimetics' last peak period of consultants working for the brand was in the early '90s - the last time the economy was struggling."

Intimo Lingerie marketing manager Kim Edwards said even in a downturn women bought "feel good" products such as lipstick, bras and briefs so there were plenty of chances to make money.

"Our party averages are about $700 or $800 so commission from that generally is quite high," Ms Edwards said.

Engadine mother-of-two Kate O'Shea, who works two days a week in a law firm, began selling Nutrimetics in October.

The extra cash helped get the family through when her husband was made redundant in April until he found a new job a month later.

"When he was made redundant it was horrible," 31-year-old Ms O'Shea said.

"I called everyone I knew and explained the situation and booked in as many parties as I could. It helped us bridge the gap.

"I can't be made redundant from Nutrimetics."

Ms O'Shea hosts one or two parties a week and can earn up to $1800 in a good month.

"It allows us the little pleasures like a bit of shopping here or there or a nice night out," she said.