Which company to become a consultant with?

I've been thinking about being a consultant/distributor/demonstrator for a company. Which one?

Stampin Up
Close to My Heart
Creative Memories

I have never bought from any of them so I should probably contact someone in my area that sells this stuff first. But how do I decide?

I used to be a Creative Memories consultant and I know that every three months you have to spend more than Stampin Up! So that would be one consideration. Maybe if you go to each of their websites that'll give you enough info to help you make a wise decision. Good Luck!!

Well I'm going to say Creative Memories, since I just signed with them last month.

If you have any questions about Creative Memories you can PM.

• SashaBear Said:

I would suggest that you first try out their products. Personal experience is a great selling agent.

I used to sell CM, but stopped to focus on school. I still use their stuff, and love it! I've never used the other companies' stuff, but I'm sure they're great!
Aneesa

I have sold for CM and hated it! Don' t get me wrong, I love the products. It's just that we have SO MANY consultants in our area, it was difficult to get a good client base. We have the same problem with SU. So, I chose CTMH and have been doing great. I've only been a consultant for 10 months and have over 100 customers. I have no problem booking parties because the hostess rewards are some of the highest in the business. I had a customer have a $350 party last week and she receives $60 in free products. It's a great company to sell for. PM me if you need more information.

I am a consultant with CTMH. If you have ANY questions, just pm me and we can talk. I LOVE this company and their products!!!!

I sell for TLC which is another one and we have low minimums which help people get started and grow their business without the pressure of needing high sales right off the bat. If you have any questions, feel free to PM me and we can chat.


Brandi

While I am not a consultant or never have been, I buy or have bought from all 3. IMO, CM is oversaturated (at least in my area) and I personally don't think they are keeping up with some of the trends - I haven't bought from them in about a year and my SIL in my consultant.
CTMH & SU both give you the advantage of selling stamps and scrapbooking supplies although I think CTMH has more varity. I have used/bought several stamp sets / scrapbook paper sets, and they are very nice.
Stampin Up sells/focuses mostly on stamps with litte emphasis on scrapbooking IMO. If you are big into making cards SU would be good, but you also have that option with CTMH.
I also probably like my SU consultant the best - she goes to the effort of getting new ideas all the time by attending classes & she holds classes at her house.
I have alway wanted to be a consultant for the discounts if nothing else but I just don't have the time to commit what I think it would take to make the business run well.
Good luck on whichever you choose. Definetely check out their websites.
PM me & I will give you a couple other links for CM & SU that you can check out.

Indy

I sent you a PM sasha bear.

I am a consultant for Topline-Creations (TLC) and I have a comparison chart on my blog of different companies.

http://scrapbook.com/blogs/41291/view/26093.html

I would check out the products first. I personally would not use CM. I used to, but they just don't keep up with trends at all. It took them forever to even come out with 12x12 paper. They had albums that size, but not the paper. The only thing I like from them is the circle cutting system. If you are going to have to spend that much money to stay active (it is a lot), it is a good idea to make sure that it is a product that you will use.
Oh, I just signed up to be a memoryworks consultant. They only require that you spend a small amount on supplies per year and they sell a lot of brands that I love. Heidi Swap, Fancy Pants, Bohemia, SEI , Prima, Junkitz , and Chatterbox to name a few.

Besides products you need a forum that is active. I Remember When has a forum which is active all time day or night. You need people to help you and assist you with your needs. We also know when products are in stock and out of stock.

I like CM cutting tools, but thats about it. The rest of their items, they have not keep up with the times and trends. There is no ribbon, eyelets, stamps, in their inventory. IMO i think many people start out with them as users but quickly out grow them, that has been my experience.

Plus the have a $350 (wholesale?) quota to make every 4 months. And in my area, There seems to be so many of them. Just my opinion.

HI!! I have never been with any of these companies, but, I have been using their products and dealing with lots of people from that do them. Yesterday was the 1st time I saw and met someone with CTMH. I must tell you, I was VERY impressed!! Not just with the person....thats nice, but no biggy...but their catalog is called an Idea book, and for that reason! The stuff was great! PLUS, it combines the best of both & all worlds. Sb, stamps, emb, everything you could possibly want or need to do this. The stamps were great too. The clear plastic that you put on a block. SO, she had a BUNCH there in little to no space!! That was great. lol Can you tell I enjoyed it? lol
Just my opinion......good luck

SATURATION!!! Find out first, how many other people in your area sell. If your area is saturated with a particular company, try the other one.

I know people who do Stampin' Up! & Creative Memories. They both enjoy what they do & can always give you a reason why one is better than another. Although, Creative Memories deals ONLY (from what I understand) with Scrapbooking, the SU stuff can be done for any # of crafts. Scrapping, cards, boxes, bags, even decorating. If *I* were going to do one, it would be SU. I really prefer stamp craft to sticker crafts.

SU's catalog is also an "idea book". I have not ever purchased CM through the catalog, though - my MIL always gave me a LOT of their stuff for gifts...b/c she used CM almost exclusively. I'm not familiar with the other brand at all. I think there is a new one maybe scrap 4 "something". I thought there was a number in the title.

**Edited per board rules - no links, please.

I'm going to put in my vote for SU!, since I am planning to start up with them myself next month.

It depends on what kind of scrapbooker you are. I would think if you are into most of the stuff in the galery here, you would want a company with a good variety and that keeps up with the trends in scrapbooking. That would leave SU or CTMH from your list.

There are a couple differences in products between CTMH dn SU.

SU:

1. Wood mounted stamps, cut them out yourself
2. I dont know the discount or mins for them right now.

CTMH:
1. Acrylic stamps, no cutting
2. 22% discount, $300 min sales per quarter

They both have a different type of graphics--I prefer SU's graphics even though I am a CTMH consultant. They both have chipboard, ribbon, adn all the fun embellishments with their own twist on them. And they both have great ink and cardstock. I prefer CTMH becuase I just love acrylic stamps.

I would say your best bet is to get a catalog from each or contact each co and get an interest packet. Then you can compare them side by side.

Good luck!

Also CTMH and SU's catalogs are both idea books as well. SU has one big catalog all year and then mini ones that come out seasonally. CTMH has three catalogs throughout the year. Both do seasonal promotions all year long. CTMH has a stamp of the month program where you get an exclusive stamp for a discount with a $25 purchase. Basically both of these sell themselves.

I guess it depends on what you want to get out of it. If you just want to get cheap stuff for yourself and maybe a few friends (in which case TLC is one of the cheapest to join, right now until the end of Sep its only $24.95) or if you want to supplement an income (in which case TLC has the highest over-ride commissions and the highest consultant discount) and with exclusive products (including digital scrapping products) and no over-saturation. Choice seems clear to me.

There are really a lot of details I would check with. I feel that it is a completely personal choice. I chose Memoryworks, but they don't have one of those systems where consultants make a profit off of consultants under them. I really thought that was a benefit to mw too. Many of the people that I talked to about other companies annoyed me. They wanted me to call them so we could talk about it over the phone and continued to bug me about joining. They did not want to answer my questions. Seriosly, it sounded like they just cared about themselve. The mw consultants that I spoke with were not like that. There is not really a huge benefit to them if I join though. They simply offer a 15 dollar credit for referals (so if you do go with them feel free to pm me...lol). Actually, if anything there is more of a personal incentive not to get others into it. At least if they are local. Then you will be competeing with them. They just add to saturation. However, I found all of the consultants that I spoke with to be extremely friendly and helpful.
I agree with the saturation comment too. Especially if you are going to use something like IRememberWhen or Memoryworks look into what the stores around you sell and their prices. These companies sell the same brands as many lss. I live near quite a few stores and I knew that I would in many ways be competing with both. I looked at both companies mentioned. I loved both of their products, but the reason I went with MW of IRW was due to the fact that so many local stores sell these type of products. I found that I could get almost everything from IRW much cheaper localy and without paying shipping costs. There are still a lot of products like that with MW, but not as many. They have quite a few that are better deals and some stuff that is hard to find localy. This was of course completely personal though. You might have completely different stores localy. I personally like the selection at MW better, but I love that IRW sells Bazzill . I live about 3 miles from the Bazzill warehouse though so it is everywhere here. I can get it much cheaper without ordering from them and I get a much greater selection here. With either company I would be limited on Bazzill and with so many local stores I would rather have a different product. Also, IRW requires that you sign an agreement to not be a consultant for another company and a bunch of other regulations that I did not really want to commit to. MW has some, but I did not mind them as much. So I guess it really comes down to what you are looking for.
I personally did not look very much into CTMH or SU simply because I am not a big stamper. I might get more into that and then look into them though.

Ok, so after looking at all of our comments again. I really wanted to say it is personal. Don't let any consultant suck you in. I mean seriosly these sound like adds. I know I chose the one I am in because it fit me, but I also know that there are many other great companies and they all have different pros and cons. Why do consultants have to sound so pushy and competitive?

ok dumb question but you are all talking about CTMH what company is that?

Thats NOT dumb.....I JUST learned myself last week! So thats why I was SO excited to actually "see" it this weekend.
Close To My Heart

• hdsue Said:

You might want to check out the Yahoo group called scrapbookcompanies. It has a database file that compares around 30 different scrap/stamp companies. I would also recommend finding a company where you love the products. That's how "products sell themselves"! It's all in your enthusiasm for what you have to offer.
And you'll want to consider the financial commitment and other requirements----find a company that fits your lifestyle and goals.
(And if you have questions about TAC, just let me know!) Good luck in whatever you choose!

Can you guys PM me the websites of the companies you have mentioned? Thanks

Like I said I need to look over their products and meet with a consultant first.

• riorabbit Said:

I don't think anyone is being pushy on this thread at all. I find it refreshing that everyone who is a consultant is passionate about their particular company and its products. It says a lot about the companies that are out there.

Hi,
I am with I Remember When and if you'd like info email me at
[email protected]. I have been with them over two years and love it.

Here is a list of some of the caompnies I know of:

Close to My Heart
Stampin UP
Leaving Prints
Memory Works
I Remember When...
TLC
Angel Company
Picture Perfect
Creative Memories

There are lots more. I suggest you search online and request info from them all and make your own comparison. Many of them change their fees and sometimes run seasonal promotions ofr signing up. Like in October, CTMH is doing a promotion to sign up. I love CMH but I am a consultant with them. Everyone has their reaons why their Co is the best--I buyt stuff from other Co's becuase none of them have EVERYTHING! You just have to figre out why you want to join. Here are some potential things to consider:

1. Why are you signing up--to have a business, make new friends, make alittle fun money, or to get supplies cheap?

2. Do you plan on having a downline? If s, compare the commissions and requirements for you to get those commissions from each company. Some companies require you to doubl eor triple your sales just to get commission on downline.

3. If just wanting supplies, check ou the discount they offer you. Do they have override commissions on your own sales? Can you host a party yourself to get the freebies for you or does it always have to be other people hosting a party? Is the minimum something you can keep up withon your own or will you also need to sell to meet your min and keep your discount?

4. Is there an annual renewal fee? Is it worth it--if you hav to pay $100 to re-up every year and you only save about $100 on supplies you puchase each year, you may not want to go with that company.

5. How often do catalogs come out, do you hav to buy them, and how much do they cost? This can really be a problem if you are a hobbyist (buying for self only) beucase you might have to buy 25 catalogs three times a year ($75) just so you cna look at stuff to order for yourself.

6. Do they have the option to have your own website and if so, how much is that? A great tool for selling to others, especially if you want a business.

If you go through a consultant, you may feel pressured to sign before you have a chance to go over the info yourself. That happened to me with my first co--lady was calling me every day, as soon as I signed, I didnt hear from her for a month or two and that was after I was calling her! Not all consultants are like that -- I am not! But you dont want to feel any pressure when making this kind of decison.

Many of them have rules that you cant sign with more than one company so you really want to make the right decision before you spend the money to sign up and find out you dont like who you signed up with.

I hope that helps!

Well there are a lot of good points and I can only speak from experience from when I was in your shoes. I knew of a couple of these companies, had used their products and gotten to know the consultants. I just let the product sell itself to me. I know it sounds weird but after using them, there was one apparent company that fit what I enjoyed most. I was an avid scrapbooker but when I started to venture out into what was available I just got hooked and BAM I was signed on. So, with that being said, I think it is most important to try the product, you can't full heartedly sell the product if you do not LOVE the product (and that is what I am hearing others say too!)

THEN, you look at the minimums and what your own goals are. Some are inexpensive but may not be the product you love- and you know what will happen? In about 6 months you'll be a consultant but you wont' use the product or sell it to your friends (I have a good friend that did this and she is still kicking herself) Some are a bit more pricey but I guarantee you this, if you LOVE the product and want to be a consultant and your consultant knows that- she will help you out in any way possible to do it (mine did!) But understand what your monthly/quarterly minimums are so that you are not setting yourself up for failure. If you are only doing this to get discounts and the min is say $300/quarter then you are responsible for buying that much on your own- if you plan to do some classes and invite your friends to join then it might not be so bad.

Also, incentives...... some companies have incentives, if you sell so much each month you get free product....... this is a great perk!

So-

1. Check out the product
2. Determine what YOU really want from this, how much time you want to invest
3. Consider the financial aspect it has on your

Good Luck

I love Stampin' Up! - it is a great company to work for. They let you run your business the way you want to - a full time demo or a part time hobbyist. I am kind of in the middle and that is great. I have only 1 show a month I make my minimums and have fun - that is the best part. I have met so many nice people.

If you have any questions please ask!!

I would love to make some money doing all this.

Thank you chococatgirls. That's more the info that I need! Not "do my company, its great!" There seems to be more involved in this than I thought!

Well I was just trying to share some things I leanred the hard way through experience! Hoping you dont have to go through all that.

Some companies will refer you to consultants who might send you samples if you have not already tried their products.

My advise is to take your time, do your research and sign up with the company who's products you like the most.

If you like the products it will come across to your potential customers and selling will come alot easier.

just my 2 cents

Lynne

I also sell for a scrapbooking company, TLC and what the others are saying is right, if you don't love the product then why bother. I happen to love TLC's products but there is also a second company that if I could I would sell for too and that is CTMH, I love their stamps, so darn cute. Also, the minimums were very important to me, a low minimum meant I did not have to spend much money in the beginning to get my business off the ground, I was in it to make money, not spend money! Good luck with your decision.

SashaBear,

I was wondering, which company did you go with?

Id like to know also

I am a constulant for CTMH, if anyone would like information about CTMH please PM me. The main reason I becasme a constulatnt was to be able to supplement my hobby ( aka addition) and be able to devote more time to crafting. I am enjoying it.

I don't think one company is better than another. It is personal decision on which company is best for you and why you are becoming a consultant.

Yeah I am curious what you decided as well.

btt

Thanks, that was a very helpful post.
-c