Have a party - make money | Moneymagpie.com: For a richer life

Hosting a product party is a great way to catch up with friends

Host a product party with friends
Become a consultant
For other tips on ways to make extra cash in your spare time click here
Take a look at our article on being an Avon lady

Earn some cash on the side by either inviting some mates over to your house and hosting a party where you can all try out some products before you buy, or taking the products to someone else's house and earning commission on what you sell. There are lots of companies offering the chance to either become a hostess or a consultant but we've looked at the major ones for you, so if you're interested in making money in your spare time take a look.

Become a hostess with the mostess

How does it work?

All you have to worry about is arranging a venue and the guests and a consultant from your chosen company will bring the products to you. It's basically a great chance to do some shopping from the comfort of your own home and try out the products before you buy them with some friends. You'll probably get the chance to preview exclusive products and offers too.

Body Shop: Go to the 'Party With The Body Shop At Home' link at the top of the UK website then follow the links to hosting a party then fill out your details. Before your party, you choose one of three themes; Make Me Fabulous, Flawless Facial and Pure Pamper. A Body Shop consultant will be sent round to your house and give you a bunch of products to test out. Depending on what type of party you choose to host, you’ll be given expert tips on skincare, the best ways to wear make-up or the best fragrances for you.

Ann Summers: Again just fill in your details here and an Ann Summers consultant will be in touch with you. But you must be over 18 to host one of their parties because of the adult nature of their products.

Virgin Vie: As with the Body Shop you can choose what kind of party you have. They sell cosmetics, home ware and jewellery and you can choose whether to sell products from all three sections or just focus on one. Simply visit their website here and type in your postcode to get the contact details of a consultant in your area who will help you.

How much can you make?

By hosting a party, you can’t actually make any money but you will get some free products and discounts and there will be special offers on a regular basis. Choose the company that sells the kind of products you would want to buy. There's no point getting discounts and freebies if you're not going to use them!

Body Shop: You receive a free facial or makeover, a host of free products (depending on how much your guests spend) and 50% off on any other products you’d like to buy on the day. The Body Shop makes their money by selling products to you and your guests at the end of the party. It's a great way to try out all the products though, so you know exactly what you're buying for a change.

Ann Summers: An Ann Summers hostess will have 10% of sales to spend on their products and free delivery.

Virgin Vie: As a Hostess, if sales from your party are more than £80 you'll receive 15% of the sales total to spend on your favourite products marked as Hostess Gifts. They say an average Virgin Vie party makes about £250 which means you'll get £37.50 to spend on their products.

What will it cost?

Absolutely nothing and there shouldn't be any obligation to buy anything so avoid any company that asks you to pay any money to host one of their parties.

What do you need?

Not at all - the only thing you need is somewhere to hold the party. It's helpful if you have a large group of friends and the ability to network. If you’re not a social diva, it’s not going to be as enjoyable for you. You need to enjoy having company in your home to make this a fun thing to do.

Should you go for it?

You could make it a regular occurrence and save a bundle on skin care, make up, hair care, fragrance and Christmas presents for all your family and friends. Not only this, if your parties bring in reasonable sales then you’ll be getting a host of free products. It's also a great excuse for a party and a chance to spend some quality time with old friends and maybe even make some new ones. If you’ve got a big date coming up then you can take advantage of the free makeovers and doll yourself up for nothing!

Be the best!

If you do decide to go for it then make sure it's a great evening. Invite more people than you need in case anyone drops out- it's better to have too many than too few. Remember to tell people to bring a friend and invite work colleagues if you're struggling to find people. Once you've got a date set send people a reminder a few days before and try to get them to RSVP so you've got an idea of numbers. For anyone that can't make it ask them if they want you to order anything so that you can up your party sales. Try to create a relaxing, informal atmosphere - simple refreshments will be completely fine so don't waste your time and money with fancy canapes and posh drinks - it's supposed to be a bit of fun!

Take a step further and become a consultant

The role of a consultant is to book and organise parties to demonstrate products to the host and their guests. Being a consultant is a great way to earn money flexibly, because you can choose how many parties to book, whenever you like. You can do it part-time, or full-time. Many mums do it in the evenings for some extra pocket money. You’ll be working for yourself so you can be your own boss and have a giggle to boot.

How does it work?

All consultants are assigned a mentor and receive training on all the products and/or beauty treatments, and also get free advice on how to maximise their bookings and business. As with hosting a party you just need to fill in your details on the websites and someone will be in touch to get you started.

Your training will be specific to the company for example as a Body Shop At Home consultant you’ll be taught all the ethics that The Body Shop products endorse such as fair trading, protecting the planet and anti-animal testing. Similarly at Ann Summers you'll be taught saucy party games etc. so that you know how to tailor the party to your customers.

How much can you make?

Body Shop: The amount of products that are sold at your demonstrations will determine your wage per party. The Body Shop says that the average party makes £200. Consultants get 25% commission so you can expect to earn roughly £50 a party. There are a tonne of incentives for you to do well, like earning an extra 2% bonus when you reach £1,200 sales in a calendar month or 5% bonus commission when you sell over £1,600 worth of products. There are also chances to get whisked away on all-expenses-paid trips and the like, providing you meet a certain number of sales. Unlike other direct sales companies, there’s no minimum sales levels, which reinforces the potential for a flexible, self-employed life.

Virgin Vie: Consultants earn 25% commission from party sales, plus additional financial bonuses if they reach certain sales and recruitment targets – and can also qualify for five-star luxury holidays around the world. On average, each party sale is around £250 which means the consultant takes home £62.50 per party. Hold three parties a week, in your own time and you could be taking home around £750 plus a month as an income.

What will it cost?

Body Shop: To start up as a consultant, it will cost you £95. This pays for your starter kit which includes over £500 worth of products.

Ann Summers: Instead of paying a lump sum for the kit you rent it from Ann Summers for £3.50 a week for 32 weeks or until you reach sales of £1,200. Your first two weeks' rental are free.

Virgin Vie: There are three starter kits to choose from, either cosmetics, home ware or jewellery kits, each costing £120.

What do you need?

Nothing at all but some places will only take on women so do check. A party organiser position is best suited to someone of a talkative, confident and organised nature and if you don't have a strong social network you may find it difficult to get the initial party bookings.

Should you go for it?

It’s a great way to take control of your earnings and start your own business. Even if you don’t plan to stick with it a long time, it will help you to learn basic business sense. There’s a load of incentives and rewards for when you do well and it’s an ideal job if you’re a mum, because you can plan it around the kids needs. It’s also a brilliant way to boost your social life; you’ll get to have normal conversation with regular people - a life saver if the most intelligent discussions you have are those between yourself and a three year old. The stress levels involved are minimal, typically, you’ll be doing something you enjoy which will lead to a happier, healthy lifestyle.

BUT it’s important to remember, however, that you aren't guaranteed to be able to cover your costs- you might make a tenner one night and £100 the next – it’s all dependant on the host and their guests passion for shopping. Also if you're strapped for cash as it is the start up costs might not be affordable to you.