I thought Tupperware parties were a thing of the past, something our grandmothers would go to for a social event. Although they are not as prolific now as they were in the 50s and 60s, they still exist. I just happened to peruse the Tupperware site to find that there are even different themes for the parties. Who knew?
I Heart Tupperware
I like Tupperware. Who doesn’t? It makes food storage, meal prep and lunch packing a breeze. They’re good for the environment because they’re reusable. (Note: while I do use Tupperware containers for storage, I don’t heat up my food in the microwave in these containers). You can buy it anywhere in so many colours, shapes and sizes. You can’t store food with just one, so of course most Tupperware is sold in multiples.
Would I go to a “party” that is selling them? No because I don’t want to feel obligated to buy something at what is supposed to be a social gathering. I see it as more of a social shopping environment. Yes, it gives you something to do at the party, but even my anti-social self would prefer just to eat, drink and be merry. I know there is no pressure, but I would feel bad if someone went through all this effort to host a “selling party” and barely got any sales. I know the feeling all too well of what it’s like to try to sell something. If the hostess was a relative or a close friend, then I would feel even MORE obligated to buy something.
The Appeal of Tupperware Parties to Women
Back in the day, Tupperware parties were a big deal. During the 1950s and 1960s, the man was at work and makin’ the bacon. The majority of women were staying at home doing the cooking, cleaning and taking care of the kids. Women could really relate to the Tupperware parties because they were the ones in the kitchen and were experts at hosting dinner parties. Tupperware was something they used in their everyday lives.
I think these parties appealed to women because not only was it entrepreneurial, at the same time it was friendly and social. The host would be someone you knew or your friend knew, someone who appeared to be trustworthy and knowledgeable about the product.
The Evolution and Benefit of Having a Product Party
The Tupperware party has now evolved into parties that sell other items such as beauty products, jewelry and kitchen gadgets. There are even parties that promote sex toys. These are known as passion parties.
While I personally would never host one, (because I suck at sales and I already get exhausted from hosting regular parties) product parties are a great way to develop entrepreneurial skills and make some extra cash. Most companies will offer discounts on the products for the hostess. They offer flexible hours and you can make your own schedule. Best of all, you can work from home, if this is one of your ultimate goals.
Have you ever hosted or ever been to a Tupperware party or something of that nature?
These kinds of parties seemed more popular in the 80’s and 90’s judging by how many I was invited to back then. I don’t think I’d ever do one…mainly because I feel bad selling to friends, and it doesn’t seem like people really need it anymore. Maybe the whole online thing sort of took that away?
People can also re-use yogurt, margarine and sour cream containers as Tupperware. It’s free Tupperware. 🙂
I could never have one of these parties, regardless of the product. I couldn’t get my friends to come and try to make them buy something. It’s one thing to ask for a favor and have them once or twice for the party, but not every time. I don’t know enough people or know where to find people to come to these types of parties.
After a couple of parties, it would be hard to find more people to go to them.
I avoid these kinds of gatherings most of the time, but when I do go, I go planning to buy something to support the host or the seller. It’s a balance.
I have yet to be invited to one. Ideally I would like to see the catalogue ahead of time, if there was one available, so I would have an idea of what the items were and how much they cost.
Regardless if it’s hosting one or attending one, I can’t imagine myself asking friends to come to a party just so I can sell to them. Although maybe I can consider attending if I really want to buy a product.
I’ve never been to or hosted a tupperware party, but I have hosted a Mary Kay party (when I was 16). I’ve been to a bunch of candle, gourmet and sex toy parties. I love the get together aspect but hate the pressure of buying something.