Premier Designs Jewelry?
Am I missing something important here? I had never ever heard of the Premier Designs jewelry company until today, when one of our readers posted a comment on a previous article about Lia Sophia. Does anyone have more information about this, other than that they have a pretty small website located at premierdesigns.com?
*there used to be a picture here, but Premier Designs asked me to take it down. Is there ANYONE who can send me some copyright free Premier Designs Jewelry photos? If so: thanks in advance!
Apparently they’ve been around in the US for over 22 years… Anyone can enlighten me? And what does the bible have to do with the jewelry? :D ;-)
903 Comments
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Thanks, Richard. Your words are welcome. It has been a slow summer for some of us and sometimes we begin to question our choices.
Went to our annual after-Rally-party last night to see the new line. I had already seen it at Rally but went for the fellowship. It was fun.
Sometimes all we have is our relationships to keep us going and it is enough.
I love Premier!
Hello PD friends!
I’m just doing a little ‘test’ note to see if this makes it onto the board. A couple of weeks ago I wrote several long messages and they never appeared on this site (very disappointing). I would love to write more and miss all of the encouragement/feedback… Hopefully this message will work and I’ll be back in business!!!
Thanks!
:) Jessi
PS – I think my shows are going pretty well! I’m having lots of fun and starting to RELAX…. So awesome!
Well everyone, I hope you downloaded Kathy Allen’s Marketing plan because I did right after Rally and used it last Sunday at a show. Right after, the hostess asked me about the business and I brought out my handy dandy marketing plan! I mailed her application this afternoon! I also have another jeweler receive her jeweler number today! I have one more to be a builder! It’s amazing how this is happening right after Rally. I should have dealt with my sponsoring fear a long time ago!
Hi, everyone. I’m in the infant stage of ‘considering’ becoming a PD jeweler and will be calling the company for some information within the next couple of days. My question to you is: What is the life of this jewelry? How long does it look ‘new?’ I quickly read through this blog and see everything from ‘PD is great’ to ‘PD jewelry is junk.’ Don’t know what to believe. I certainly do not want to be selling product to family and friends and later hear them say they were ‘ripped off.’ Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.
Hello ladies, I have enjoyed selling premier. I have recently decided to stop selling and focus on other things in my life. I am wanting to sell my inventory (jewelry, order forms, opportunity brochures…..). I am willing to sell super cheap. Please email @ jessicajohnson626@yahoo.com .
Thank you
Dianah: I forgot to post the link to Premier so you can see the jewelry and the warranty. Let me know if you want more information.
India
Dianah: I am new to Premier. I love the jewelry. Premier has an awesome warranty. I have been very happy with pieces I have purchased in the past and all the items I got in my start up kit. I would be happy to talk with you and send you information about Premier and the benefits as well as talk to you more about my personal experience. Have you ever purchased Premier before? My email is indiasaige@gmail.com
Hi Dianah,
In response to your question regarding the life of the jewelry. It really does depend on how well the customer takes care of it. Just like if you were to wear your shoes everyday, they can get worn out if you don’t take care of them properly. There are (5) S’s to remember in order to maintain your jewelry. We tell women not to Swim with their jewelry on, not to Sweat, so don’t workout with your jewelry on, not to Sleep with it on, not to shower with it on and not to spray when wearing your jewelry.
What’s awesome about Premier is that they offer their Golden Guarantee which means that for as long as you have your jewelry, if there is a manufacture defect, they will replace it with a new one. They won’t repair it and give it back to you, but send you a new piece. If they are no longer selling it after a few years, then they will have you pick a new piece for the same price. They just ask that you send them back the item that needs to be replaced. There is not too many places that do that after having your jewelry for 6 months or so or even when you don’t have your receipt. If you leave your jewelry out on your dresser for a long time or don’t clean it with a jewelry cleanser, the elements in the air can affect the appearance. But that can also happen to any piece you purchase at Kohl’s, Nordstrom, Macys or Target.
Now, everyone has different tastes in jewelry and some may have purchased items to help their hostess, but may be more inclined to wearing fine jewelry. Premier is considered High Fashion jewelry. I don’t consider it junk or else I wouldn’t be selling it. Each person has their own opinion and some may of had a not so good experience, but in reading the past post, there has been a lot more positive then negative.
If you have any questions, let me know. I can also provide with you some information on Premier. lillythejeweler@yahoo.com
Good luck!
Hi, Lilly;
Congrats. You’ll be a designer before you know it. Good job on doing the work!
Dianah;
PD jewelry is high fashion (not to be confused w/fine or costume jewelry) which is also considered ‘span’ or ‘bridge’ jewelry, b/c it covers the gap between the other types. It is electromagnetically plated by any of the following: silver, gold, rhodium, copper, brass, etc. It may contain: cz’s, real tourquoise and stones, etc. Each piece tells what it consists of in the catalog.
To answer you question about the quality of PD: I explain in my shows that high fashion jewelry is like your favorite pair of jeans – meant to be ‘rotated’ thru your wardrobe. With proper care and handling and rotation, it should last several seasons. No jewelry (other than fine) lasts forever; however, I’ve talked to women who have had and worn PD pieces for 10+ years and they swear it’s a beautiful as ever.
I’ve also seen it give way when handled roughly. PD has an awesome guarantee, but it is not lifetime, and it does not cover normal wear and tear. It really depends on the care you give it. It’s not designed to stand up to having ones dog jump up and get his paw caught in it and break it. That would be normal wear and tear. Hope that helps. Please e-mail me if I can be of further assistance. I would love to add you to my team! starfishes77@yahoo.com
I have a question. I see very few posts on this blog. Where did you read more?
Dianah -
I haven’t been selling Premier for very long, but I truly believe that the quality of the jewelry is terrific, and am very confident in everything that I sell to my close friends and family. My sister-in-law had a good friend that used to sell Premier several years ago, both she and my mother-in-law own Premier jewelry that still looks great after 9+ years of wear. Granted I have had a few pieces of jewelry that I’ve exchanged already, but mostly for small defects (issues with the magnetic clasps primarily), but once I got the new piece(s) in I was very pleased with the quality and believe they’ll last for a very long time. Everyone that has purchased items from me thus far has commented on the quality and how much nicer the jewelry is in person (the catalog photos just don’t do it justice).
Please feel free to call or email me if you have any questions you’d like to discuss! I’m pretty new to this myself and am so enthusiastic about this company, I would love to share some of my experiences thus far with you!
Jessi Goodwin
615-498-5814
jessigoodwin@gmail.com
GOOD LUCK! :)
Good morning, Everyone;
Hope you are having a blessed Premier day. Don’t you just love having Premier to come home to after a long work day? It gives me something to look forward to every day.
Just got Hood-n-House. Yikes! It looks so scary. Am slowly making my way through it one tutorial at a time. I know it will make my biz so much cleaner, better records, etc., not to mention more professional.
Have any of you decided what your favorite new piece is from the new fall line? Mine would have to be the Tribute watch, The A-List and Southern Lady neclaces, and the Cinema ring. I simply cannot take that ring off. It’s so WOW!!
I am sending a flyer (portraying the new 50% retail promotion) and a new catalog to all my upcoming shows. Want to give my hostesses a taste of all the beautiful new jewelry, and give them a chance to move their shows to a qualifiying date if they want.
O.K., have a productive day and I’ll be back tomorrow. Please tell us about your businesses. We can all use new ideas and inspiration.
Hi, Jessi;
Welcome to the board. So sorry about your posts getting lost; I would have loved to have read them. Please try again.
How is your business going these days?
My e-mail is listed above if you care to swap ideas that way.
Enjoy your day!
disgruntledpostalworkernot, I think your issues go far beyond Premier Designs.
PD jewelry is great. I have some that I have been wearing for over five years. It is in great shape.
Eleanor;
Where is ‘disgruntledpostalworkernot’s’ post? I don’t see it. I’ve noticed some of you refrencing posts that do not appear on this blog. Am I missing something?
Did you go to Rally? I had fun and came back with a new respect for Premier. I want to be more professional and focused; hence the Hood & House program. Wow. This weekend has been hairraising learning how to get around in it – but fun when you learn somethig. Are you using it?
Lilly;
I’m so sorry I missed you at Rally! There were so many women (someone said 9500) I could barely find my group. Hope you had fun.
Hello all – Thanks again for your encouragement over the past few weeks. My training show was on Sat and went well – 5 bookings and some good retail. My first show is next weekend – time to PRACTICE! :)
Hi Helen,
Did you receive my email that I sent you via your personal address?
This website/blog has been so helpful!! I am new to Premier (joined in March ’10 and am slowly plugging along.
I find I end up sending quite a few items back for replacement/exchange which is discouraging. Does anyone else send back a lot??
if you still have some of the old receipts with the $2.50 for s/h are you still using them if so how are you handing the change?
I have sold all of my inventory. Thank you.
STAY AWAY FROM “PREMIER DESIGNS, INC.” Their jewlery is OVER PRICED… If you have a “Sam Moon” store in your area shop there YOU WILL LOVE IT!!! “Sam Moon sale handbags, Luggage, Jewlery and more… And “SAM MOON” PRICES are GREATnow they do have a website but its no comparison to the store it self… You can visit them at http://www.sammoon.com... Here is my experience with “Premier Designs,Inc.” my neighbor was hosting a party at her house and the Jewler Sales person ” Darby Hayes” who is in the Fort Worth, TX area was in charge… Now my Husband went to the party because I was unable to attend purchase a necklace from “Darby Hayes” that looked ok… Now the next day he gave me the receipt to hold on to just in case I change my mind or if I have any problems with it… So when I looked at the reciept I could not believe that he had spent $110.41 on a necklace that looks like it cost under $20.00… I was shock especially since I had just saw a similar necklace at “Sam-Moon” for $24.00 I told him its ok to buy a necklace that looks like it may cost $100 but this necklace NO WAY… So I looked at the receipt and read their policy… It said that I had 3 days to cancel and get my FULL refund or I could exchange it within 5 days… So I had to call my neighbor for “Darby Hayes” phone number since she didn’t put her number on the receipt… SO NOW THIS IS WHEN THINGS GO FROM OVER PRICED JEWLERY AND ESCULAED TO OVER THE TOP RUDE, LYING, BASHING CUSTOMER SERVICE, AND HARASSMENT… Ok my neighbor called me back with “Darby Hayes” number… So I called her and introduce myself and told her I would like to return item that my Husband had purchase from her… “Darby Hayes say well there is NO RETURNS AND ALL SALES ARE FINAL” I told “Darby Hayes” that the “receipt does NOT say that” then she tells another lye “Darby Hayes say well then you have 24 hours” I told her again that the receipt does NOT say that either and then I read her what the receipt said… Now in meantime her tone has esculated as well.. so then “Darby Hayes ask me why didn’t I call the day before because the sale has already been process and she can NOT believe I am doing this to my neighbor who is needing the sale to go towards her fee to get into Premier Designs, Inc. sales business and then she went further tell me I know your neighbor has done a lot for you and she watches your kids.. I can not believe you would do this to her and then Darby Hayes said she is not taking the fall for this sale because the item that my Husband purchase was not an order sale so money will be lost… I had to interrupt Darby Hayes… I told her WAIT YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW ME I HAVE NEVER MEET YOU AND SHE DON’T KNOW NOTHING ABOUT MY BUSINESS and IF I WANT TO RETURN SOMETHING I or my Husband purchase ITS MY RIGHT AND I TOLD “DARBY HAYES” SHE IS RUDE… THEN “Darby Hayes tell me this is business and this how I handle business” I TOLD HER WELL I’M SURE THE COMPANY YOU ARE REPRESENTING DOES NOT APPROVE OF HOW SHE IS TREATING CUSTOMERS AND I TOLD HER I WILL NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH PREMIER DESIGNS, INC. AGAIN and then “Darby Hayes” said well if thats how you feel thats fine in an even ruder tone… I TOLD “DARBY HAYES” SHE IS RUDE AND I WILL BE MAKING COMPLAINTS ABOUT HER AND I HUNG UP THE PHONE and called my neighbor and told her everything… My neighbor said she didn’t know she was that type of person and if thats the way they do business then she does not want nothing to do with Premier Designs, Inc. and she told me she would call “Darby Hayes” and see what is going on… So after 20 minutes my phone rings and its “Darby Hayes she tells me in a RUDE TONE… SHE FIRST LET ME TELL YOU I DON’T APPRECIATE THESE ALLEGATIONS THAT I HAVE MADE ABOUT ME… I interrupt her AND TOLD HER I DON’T KNOW WHO SHE THINKS SHE IS BUT DON’T SHE EVER CALL MY HOUSE AGAIN AND I WILL BE REPORTING HER and while i’m talking she is trying over talk me and NOT listening to anything I am saying… I TOLD HER NOT TO CALL MY HOUSE AGAIN AND HUNG UP THE PHONE… not even 10 seconds “Darby Hayes” calls back TRYING TO STILL LOUD TALK ME… I TOLD “Darby Hayes” DIDN’T I TELL YOU NOT TO CALL MY HOUSE AGAIN AND IF SHE CALLS AGAIN I WILL REPORT HER FOR HARASSMENT… “Darby Hayes say WELL IF YOU WANT YOUR MONEY BACK THEN YOU NEED TO LISTEN TO WHAT I’M SAYING… DO YOUR HUSBAND WANT HIS MONEY ON HIS CARD… I TOLD HER YES… THEN DARBY HAYES TELL ME TO TAKE THE ITEM OVER MY NEIGHBOR HOUSE AND THEN WHEN SHE GETS THE ITEM FROM MY NEIGHBOR SHE WILL REFUND THE MONEY BACK AND THEN SHE TELLS ME YOU CAN MAKE ALL THE COMPLAINTS YOU WANT MY HUSBAND IS THE DIRECTOR AND HE WAS ON THE PHONE SO DO WHAT YOU WANT IT WON’T AFFECT ME… I TOLD DARBY HAYES THAT I WAS STILL GOING TO MAKE A COMPLAINT AND I WAS GOING TO LET OTHERS KNOW AS WELL AND I’M SURE YOUR HUSBAND HAVE SOMEONE OVER HIM TO… AND I TOLD HER TO NOT EVER CALL MY HOUSE AGAIN AND I HUNG UP THE PHONE… So NEVER NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY… It was my first time I had never heard of them and if this is how their sales team treat people I don’t want nothing else to with this company and if you live in the Dallas/FortWorth, TX area DON’T DO BUSINESS WITH DARBY HAYES and if her Husband is the director and he is ok with her treating customers that way or even future sales agents for his team THEN STAY AWAY FROM HIS WHOLE TEAM.. and if Premier Designs, Inc. is ok with this and they do nothing about this kind of issues then everything that they claim to represents is a lye and they need to STOP God name in vain and they should be ashame of themselves… AND EVERYONE SHOULD STAY AWAY FROM THIS WHOLE COMPANY IN GERNRAL… I PERSONALY WILL NEVER NEVER NEVER DO BUSINESS WITH THEM EVER AGAIN BECAUSE OF THIS HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE…
I posted something almost a week ago and it still has not appeared so I don’t know if this one will appear either.
I’m new to Premier (6 months) and am struggling. I love the jewelry but others don’t seem to share my excitement which I know is normal but it is discouraging. I’m trying not to take it personally but it’s hard to keep me confidence up.
Anne
Is anyone posting anything on here anymore? It’s been weeks since I’ve seen a recent posting? Anyone want to try and meet up on Facebook?
It makes me so sad that this site is taking such a long time to update… I come here at least once a day and am getting so tired of being disappointed by no new posts.
Hey all, I am also new and love this blog but am also frustrated with the lack of response… I am on facebook and would LOVE to discuss ideas with anyone… let me know if you all go to facebook and where I can find you all.
hugs…
mary
Hi, Lilly;
Yes, I did receive your message on my e-mail. Thank you so much. It’s always wonderful to hear from other jewelers. When I am finished here, I will go there and reply to you. Let’s chat on the phone, O.K.?
Kristen;
Way to go. Now, keep up the momentum. Isn’t this just so exciting? I wish you the best. Hold fast to your upline and stick like glue to the trainings, even during the slow times. That’s when we need each other most.
Anne;
I, too, send R/Es. Keep in mind, the guarantee is awesome. Premier never fusses about giving us new pieces (that’s the key, they don’t repair, they give NEW JEWELRY!!!) It took me a while to get over having to do them. Now I actually look forward to servicing my ladies this way. They love it. Be sure to be ‘Johnny-on-the-spot’ when you process the item for them. Give over-the-top service and you will be rewarded. Here’s an idea. When you process a R/E, send a thank you note to the customer along with a mini-catalog and a $10 coupon for her next order. They will be so pleased. Courteous contact is key.
Cecilia;
I, too, am using the old cust. receipts with the $2.50 shipping. I decided to use them as is until they are gone and then use the new ones. However, I am keeping track of every order since Aug. 1st to take $1.50 for each one as a tax write-off. You have to decide what works best for you. Some jewelers are lining-through the 2.50 and writing in 4.00. That will be your decision.
Katina;
I am so sorry for your experience. I have never met a jeweler who didn’t go above and beyond to service all of their customers. Your account is disappointing and I hope it has been resolved to your complete satisfaction. Premier’s toll-free # is 1-800-486-7378. Please call them immediately; they will bend over backward to make the situation right and hopefully leave you with a good feelng about Premier. A reputable company will always want their customers to have a good experience with their product(s). On behalf of Premier Designs, please accept my apology for your trouble.
Jessi;
Yes, the posting times are long. I don’t know how long I will be able to keep posting here b/c sometimes I really do need an answer quickly. Am unsure about FaceBook. Fear of the unknown, I guess. Maybe this blog has run its course? Let’s keep in mind, the moderator has many blogs she writes for and does this one as a favor for us. I really prefer having a site like this just for Premier; but don’t know how long we will be able to sustain it.
Ladies;
Had a show a while back. Low sales-but-great women and 3 bookings. Women still love jewelry and want to buy jewelry. We need to be patient thru these times. The reward will come if we persevere even in tough times. I want ALL my hostesses to know I appreciate their efforts. They have worked very hard to get their guests there and to get those outside orders. Sincerely praise them for all their efforts remembering they can get discouraged, too. It’s at those times I step up my effort to make her feel special. When you walk into a home, tell yourself it’s all about her from that moment on. You will be amazed.
@Katina, I don’t really know how to respond to your comment other than I’m sorry for your experience. Please don’t think negatively on the company since we are all independent consultants. We didn’t go through an interview process with the staff at Premier, nor do they do a background check. This is our own business and how we conduct it is our business, but of course, if someone is rude like you have mentioned, than that can give Premier a bad name. Premier does ask that we work honestly, to serve God and others. To me, that means to offer the best customer service I can to all my guests whether they are new or past. It also means for me to be honest and to let them know that anytime they have a question or need anything to call me. I have had people tell me that they are so happy that I am able to help them even after I have closed a show. If anything is wrong with their jewelry whether it was the wrong size, they gave me the wrong item number or it’s not what they had expected, I have no problem making the exchange for them. In over a year of doing this, I have never had anyone ask for a refund and even after they have had the jewelry for longer than 2 months and are now telling me that they want an exchange, I have called the company for their advice. Premier has always been very helpful to me and have given me great tips and suggestions on how to take care of things that I don’t quite have the answer to. I even received a text from a friend of mine that told me her friend was very happy in getting her necklace replaced due to a manufacture defect and was appreciative of the service. Please don’t put me or other jewelers in the same box as your past Jeweler “Darby”. I would have handled the situation differently and again, I’m sorry that you had to have this experience.
@ Anne: You will find that your replacement and exchanges come in waves. There are times that I have to send 5 a month or none at all. It can be a hassle, but think of it this way, if they had to deal with this at Target or Macys, they probably would need to keep a hold on their receipt or else they wouldn’t be able to exchange it. I think people are also thankful for you taking the time in picking it up and making the exchange for them, so they don’t have to.
@ Ceclia: I had a few that were $2.50, so we were told to white it out on the white copy and put a line through the other pink copies with the new price. If they ask, I tell them that it’s been over 9 years since they did the last increase and because FED Ex, UPS and US postal have all increased their fees, Premier had to do the same. It’s still pretty cheap compared to what I have paid other distributors.
@ Anne: I’m glad you are not taking it personally. Even though it’s hard, I’m glad you are not. I have three really good friends that haven’t even booked a party for me, but I know it’s because it’s something they are not into doing. They like jewelry, but they are not the party-type people. I tried not to take that pesonally becaue it would be great for me to tap into their friends to book a show, but I look elsewhere. Some women just don’t wear it, but I’m sure they must know people that do. Try and offer them an incentive for booking a show for you so that you can grow your network. Offer them a Starbucks gift card for hosting and offer to bring chips and salsa. Maybe they can use their hostess free items as xmas or birthday gifts. Hang in there!
@ Jessi: I too am getting disappointed. I know the moderator said she has about 500 blogs or something to keep track, but it’s fusterating since I really enjoying getting good ideas from here. Check out Premier Designs group on Facebook. I’m a fan and if you find my name, send me an email!
Cecilia: I have a couple of receipts left and what I do is use them for my catalog shows. I just cross it out and say that it has been increased for the first time in many years. I just make little note at the bottom of the order form. Hope this helps.
Anne:
I am new to Premier too. I am near Dallas. Where are you located? Do you go to the trainings in your area? I find it a great place for support. I would love to chat if you want to email me.
Lilly: Thanks for your encouraging email. I really appreciate your support. I promise to respond soon.
First show on my own tomorrow night. Very excited.
I am just responding to the person who posted a complaint about a person named “Darby Hayes”
I have never met a jeweler from Premier who would ever give such poor customer service as stated in your paragraph (which by the way, is promoting another Jewelry outlet. )
I have only to ask one question…Did you contact Premier Customer service and speak to them about what happened? If so, who did you speak to there? I assume that posting this you have internet access and Premier has a direct contact number which will direct you to a live customer service rep to handle ANY complaint. They have a A+ rating with the BBB (the only direct sales jewelry company to hold such a rating!….feel free to look it up…I did before I chose Premier as my new part time business)
It is possible there could be a jeweler out there who behaved badly, however…they wont be a jeweler very long and Mrs Hayes’ husband is NOT A DIRECTOR of anything. So, please do not disparage Premier, they are great company. And they have a great product and a great guarantee.
So my first show cancelled 2 hours before I am supposed to show up after several weeks of Hostess coaching. I did get an interested “new jeweler” from my training show and I have 5 booking right now. I just keep reminding myself that God will continue to bless my business and my life.
Have any of you ever done a jewelry show that is an open house with several different vendors? How has that worked for you? I have a friend who sells Mary Kay and one who sells Stamping Up and they want to do an open house with my jewelry … any suggestions would be so helpful.
How do you add height and color to your jewelry display table? I have heard about covering my tray boards with stretchy book covers .. any other ideas?
Nice to be back online! So far I’ve done 3 shows on my own. Retail has been overall high but bookings on the low end.
@Helen – what does “crawling on glass” look like as far as getting bookings? Do you do a booking activity/what do you do?
Love this site! thank you!
@India – My first show was a joint Mary Kay/Premier show. I think having MK took away from my overall sales, however it also helped with attendance and I got 1 booking. So I was happy with it!
India;
At this time, I don’t do combined vendor open houses. Don’t care for the idea. Pretty much a maverick, here. I’ve had requests to do it, but here’s how I see it. Please, if anyone on here likes to do these types of showings, don’t be offended by what I am about to say.
In my many years with different direct sales companies (I’ve sold many different things) nothing compares with the ease of selling jewelry. Women simply can’t help themselves. It’s just so beautiful. I only wish I had started years ago with Premier. I don’t want someone piggy-backing my shows and reaping the reward of my very hard work. Now, I realize they may feel the same way, but being the workaholic that I am, I would never use another consultant’s show time.
I have attended some of these ‘combined’ shows simply as an attendee. It was somewhat confusing and I really couldn’t decide where to spend my money.
Some women love doing and attending these types of shows, and I commend them. And I reserve the right to change my view at a later date. You know, never say never. It’s just not for me at this time.
Kristen;
Ah, crawling on glass: it simply means I will pull out all the stops to get a booking. Sometimes I will ask the prospective hostess what it would take to get her to book a show (in a calm non-smarmy way, of course). Sometimes she just needs to know I am serious and really would do what I could to book her. Sometimes it means I really will ASK everyone at the show if they would like free jewelry (at check-out time). That wasn’t always easy for me. Sometimes, I will just be brutally honest, and tell someone that I need a show to continue my business. It would surprise you how women really do want to help if they can.
If all else fails, I call my upline and tell them to book me as a reluctant hostess so we can role-play and I learn how to be a better booker.
Never forget this is a business. We are the only ones who can keep our own feet against our backs and never get lazy.
Hope that helps. Just by not quitting you will get bookings and jewelers. Sometimes I have to tell myself just to hang in there no matter what.
Kristen;
I change my booking activity quite often. At this time I am using the glittery mini-purses. I have several sheets of typed prize listings: One may say: Thank you for booking your own jewelry show! I can’t wait to help you earn lots of free jewelry! Your prize is the Blanca bracelet (or Trophy N., or Woodstock E., or maybe the Carly E)
I cut them apart and put one in each purse along with a piece of hard candy. I put 12 15 purses on one of the black 1″ jewelry trays. Fairly early in your show – say, after the introductions – have your hostess go from guest to guest with the tray and tell them to pick the purse they like the best BUT they can’t open it at this time. I tell them to hold on to till later and we’ll do an activity. I do not call it a game b/c it isn’t a game.
After the fashion show and just before shopping, I say exactly this: Ladies, early in the show you each picked out a purse. Let’s take a minute and go around the room and each of you tell us why you picked that purse. (they do this and it’s always fun!) Here’s how this activity works. Inside your purses is a free piece of jewelry and a goodie from me. If you would like to keep your purse and the jewelry inside, here’s what you are telling me: You love the jewelry and would like me to come to your home and do just like we did today. You invite your friends over for a fun jewelry fashion show, we eat yummy sancks and you can get free jewelry! Please relax. We’re not getting married. We won’t even date. (that always gets a laugh!)
Now, and this is critical, I immediately pass my calendar around and tell them I am booking for Sept. and Oct. (or whatever the next 2 months are) and my avaiable dates are hightlighted in bright pink. Please use the attached pencil to write your name, address, phone #, and time of show you prefer. (be s-l-o-w to get the purses back; give them a chance to think about it and get those names in your calendar) (while this is occuring, I am sorting out my modeled jewelry and placing it on the table)
Then I instruct the hostess to take the tray around the room and pick up the purses from those who have chosen not to book. If they seem even slightly reluctant, I tell them we’ll get back to them later. Give them time to think.
Then I pass out the catalogs and pens, tell them I take Visa, MC, Discover, cash, and checks. Tell them the jewelry will arrive 10-14 bus. after the host. closes her show at the hostess’s home. Right then I turn to the hostess and tell her we need to close in 3 days. Which day does she plan to close? (I want this said in front of her guests)
Last, I tell them to feel free to play in all the jewelry. I say this: “Ladies, it’s 7:45, the jewelry will be out until about 8:30 and then I’ll have to put it away.” I don’t want to be there all night and I have 2 rules. Be in my truck my 9 pm and never be the last one there.
There are 2 schools of thought about being the last one there. Some jewelers prefer it so they can present the OPP to the hostess and some guests – OR – like me, I feel it’s too easy to overstay. I don’t want to cause anxiety in her home with her husband and family. Maybe this is poor business, but it’s my way at this time. I am extremely time conscious.
Hope that helps.
Hi Everyone – Thank you for all the support and great ideas!
I have one show coming up and hope to get at least one booking. I am going to try the activity Helen suggested and follow it exactly that way and see what happens!
My last show was a flop :( The sales were embarrassingly bad and no bookings. The hostess wanted an “open house” and told me not to do a presentation or any games. Obviously, that didn’t work out too well did it!!?? Hopefully my next one will be better.
@ Helen : I agree that we have to each do what works for us. Thanks for the suggestion on play or pass.
@ Anne – Sorry your last show was a flop. I think when we don’t present “Big Money” and the hostess benefits … we fail to really show what Premier is all about. Hoping your next one goes better.
My facebook account is India Saige Du Bois. I would love to connect with you all and share ideas.
@ Helen…I look your booking idea. I’m at a point now where quite a few of the guests have been to a few of my parties and I think I need to change my booking game. Everyone knows the price is right, and I like yours. I just bought 15 lipstick holders with a mirror. Do you think that would work? So, you don’t actually put jewelry in there, but a little note saying that this is what they’ll get at their show. I’m going to offer the Key to My heart necklace as an incentive and mention how they are the key to my success…something like that. With new groups, I’ll stick with the Price is Right, but I think I’ll try yours at my next show.
@ Anne: I had a friend that asked me not to do the presentation stuff either, so I only did the fashion show and talked briefly about Premier. It was tough. The sales were good, but I didn’t get any bookings either because they didn’t know anything about the hostess plan! Somehow, we are just gonna have to tell them that it’s gonna be mentioned for the benefit of their guests!
Anne;
I just a wrote a long and detailed post addressing your concerns and when I hit ‘submit’ it disappeared. Wow.
Can you leave your e-mail address so we can connect?
Helen – Thanks so much for the blow-by-blow booking instructions. It’s really helpful for us newbies who are still finding our way! I’m going to see how my weekend shows go with asking ladies if they’d like to book. If I don’t get any bookings, I’ll try your idea!
Hi ladies! I just love reading all of your generous tips and advice! I’m currently really trying to grow my business, and would love to sponsor some prospects into my Premier family. There are about 6 women that I have met (a couple are long-term friends) who were all initially very excited about Premier (on a scale of 1-10 they are all a 7 or higher interest level). However, now what do I do?
Here are the problems I’m having:
1. Many are not answering their phones or returning my calls… Are they just busy? Do I continue to call them? Or wait a few weeks? I don’t want to be too aggressive, but also don’t want to let them slip away… How often should I call?
2. What do I say to them when I leave a message? Or if I do finally get them on the phone? Any tips? How do I create a sense of urgency? I don’t want prospects to miss out on the busy holiday season PLUS the brand new double quickstart promotion that starts this week!
3. Any tips or suggestions that can help me through this process? When I heard about the Premier opportunity, I was so excited and didn’t really have to be ‘talked into it’… I really don’t want to pressure anybody into this business, but also don’t understand prospects who are initially enthusiastic, but then quickly have a change of heart. Its frustrating.
Hi Again Everyone – My email address is adlenox@frontiernet.net. Sorry I kept forgetting to include it sooner. I have a Facebook account but have to admit I hardly ever go on it so email is the best.
@Jessi: I haven’t sponsored anyone yet so I’m not sure what the best way to approach it would be.
I have recently started selling this line and although i believe in it and love the company, i am having a hard time getting shows. any ideas? we are not really supposed to sell on line and i tried to get people in my neighborhood to come and have a drawing for the hostess awards, but no one came. i have had had a few shows but only one or 2 were very good and then we didn’t even get to $400. i really want to make this work for my family but just don’t know what to do! help!
Hi Cheryl – Fundraisers might be an idea. I’m going to be doing one in October so I’ll see how it goes.
Anne
Anne;
I do not let the hostess tell me how to run my show. I realize they want the most comfortable setting possible for their guests, but here’s one way to handle this request: explain to the hostess this is a business – you are in business to sell jewelry. You are more than just the entertainment. I refuse to do shows like that. After a while, you will really see what a great business you have and you really won’t have trouble staying in control. I have tried to accomodate this request but quickly realized I had handed my business over to someone who had virtually no idea how to handle it. It’s your call. After a while, you will realize that doing shows like this is a waste of time. You could look at it this way – if you were a nurse, would you allow someone to call the shots on a patient’s care who wasn’t a nurse? Probably not.
India;
You have caused me to think today. Thank you. I have been remiss in not doing ‘big money.’ It is a difficult concept for me; but I will find a way to incorporate the concept.
Lilly;
OMC!! Your booking idea of ‘key to my heart’ is brilliant. I’m so with you there on that one. And, yes, it can get tricky using the same booking activity with the same guests. Must mix it up. Thanks for the idea.
Kristen;
I hope it works for you. Sorry that my posts are usually so long, but I don’t know how to really get the details across otherwise. Please give us your results.
Jessi;
Ah, welcome to the end of your ‘warm’ market. It happens to all of us eventually. Most of my friends have never done a show nor do they seem interested. I do not hound them after a few weeks. They know I am doing this and you know they are noticing your beautiful jewelry. I just keep on keeping on. You find out in direct sales very quickly that you must expand your audience continually; hence, booking shows. Always go for the booking over the sales. Become a master booker first. The sales will follow when people are eager to book with you.
You will bump into your friends on occasion. Be very careful to be a well-rounded friend. I do not talk incessantly about PD. They would not appreciate that. I am the same person with them as before Premier. They will evevtually relax and you will get bookings from them.
And I know what you mean about your initial ‘excitment.’ I can’t understand how they are not as excited as me. How can they not be? I don’t get it. I also don’t worry about it any more. Just keep inviting them to your Mystery Hostess Shows and your annual Renewal Show. If you are a professional, they will respect you and your business.
Lastly, just keep moving forward. They are probably more interested than you realize. Sometimes pride gets in the way.
Chery;
Counsel upline and keep holding those ‘Mystery Hostess’ shows. Get those e-vites, hand fliers, phone calls, post cards, etc. out there. Refer to your Christmas list. Send out mini-catalogs as invitations. Do handwritten invites. No one can resist a handwritten letter. And then follow-up like crazy. Only you can eat the elehpant – one bite at a time.
UGH .. My first show cancelled and then my second show, I sent out 35 invitations for my hostess and 1 person showed up. She did book a show so that is positive but I am feel stressed about how slow my beginning has been.
My presentation is going well. It flows and engaging the women at the show has been fantastic.
This is my outline for a show …
- Thank Hostess …
- Ask guests to share their name, something about themselves and what type of jewelry they like
- Talk about Premier and guarantee and then a little about myself
- Big Money – One act play .. volunteer from group … share how much money a jeweler can make selling Premier
- Model Jewelry
- Story Time with India … Have spiral pages with each hostess benefit and then how much free jewelry can earn from average show
- Play or Pass
- Comment Cards and raffle drawing
If anyone wants my resources .. I can email you my script and also the money I use for Big Money, Book for Story time and script for Play or Pass.
I wish you all success this week.
Hi India – I would love to receive your scripts – thanks! I am at kranders62@yahoo.com.
@Helen – Thank you for your wisdom. After the show I did that was “run” by the hostess i said to my husband exactly what you wrote in your reply “that was a waste of time.” It truly was because I was there for 4 1/2 hours and made nothing! In the future, I will not agree to a show where the hostess tells me how to run it.
@India – Thank you for your show outline….hearing different ideas is always helpful.
I just ordered mini-purses from Robert Ham ( a website someone referred to early on in this blog). They were inexpensive and you get a dozen in each package. I’ll give an update on how they look when they arrive.
hey all, well I am new and on track for my quick start 6 shows but am also having a prob getting the bookings. I was thinking today of trying something like pampered chef does where I would run a special for a month if they booked a show… pick a couple items out of the catalog and feature them at 1/2 off just for the hostess and she can only order them the day of her show. Has anyone tried this?? what are your thoughts since you all are seasoned Jewelry gals?
Mary
India;
Your show outline sounds awesome. I would love details on the ‘Story Time With India,’ if you please. Spiral bound? Would love to see it.
I have no easy explanation about your ‘slow start.’ Sometimes it just is what it is. I had a slow start, too, but I kept at it. My upline says to decide how many shows you must hold per month and then go to work to make it happen. Necessity is the mother of invention. No one can make it happen for you – and really – that’s the beauty of direct sales. It really does make us stronger people. When you hit upon the idea that works, you will feel such accomplishment.
Stay close to your upline to help you stay motivatied and excited.
Last night, I pulled 9 tops from my closet and slowly outfitted each one with a new combo. It was so much fun. Can’t wait to wear one today. Now, those 9 combos will be the combos for my next show. I will just grab those shirts (each one has the combo hanging from it) and go to my show ready for the modeling. It gets 2 things done: I am accessoized for the day, and ready to go to my show at a moment’s notice.
This is one of the ways I have learned to streamline my life. If you’ve already worn a few of the combos and the shirt looks less than fresh, just take the combos that are ready, wash the other jewelry, and show it on one white shirt.
Ladies, we have to be time smart. Put your combos together when you are not rushed, wear them to get a feel for them, and then use them at your shows.
P.S. I realize there are some who simply cannot decide what to wear for the day ahead of time. I got over that years ago, and here’s how. Seriously, how many of you can remember what your guests (or even your hostess) was wearing at last night’s show? Your coworkers yesterday?? Your kids???
Exactly. No one is worried about your attire. I make sure the bulk of my clothes are neutral so I can’t mess up by just grabbing a top and some pants. Women who have really cool shoes and purses and belts, etc. look really nice; but noone remembers or really cares.
Our jewelry can take any top and make it pop.
Ladies;
One last thought before I go work out. We need to very respectful of our freindships. It is important to not let our businesses come between our relationships.
In “How to Win Friends and Influence People,” it is written that we should always be genuinely interested in the other person. Make every encounter about them (appropriately, of course). They don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. I know that seems trite, but it is a very wise advisement.
Genuine interest is key. If they leave every encounter with you knowing your truly cared about their issues, they will remember you fondly. That should be our lifelong persuit.
With that, go out and jewel the world!!