Recently I got a rather interesting invite to a party. It was simple, yet very enigmatic which read-See a New Transformed you' Given below was the venue and a date When I reached the venue, it turned out to be a Home party, but unlike any I had seen before, they called it-The Hip, Trendy and Chic Party, campaigning for a cosmetic brand which guaranteed a newer you. There was a lively, fun presentation followed by a transformation session for all the 20 odd guests present. I did land up buying quite a few things as did the rest of the lot. This really got me thinking of the whole Home Party Business industry.

Earn while You Party- Home party business has been one of the most effective ways to earn a living or supplement the family income. It brings people together in a pleasant environment, to share unique and exclusive products and an exciting income opportunity. Home-sales parties originated in the 1920s when a primarily male sales force used them to introduce aluminum cookware. In the 1940s and '50s, a single mother and saleswoman Brownie Wise took the idea and began a marketing campaign for Earl Tupper's line of burping plastic containers, which had been winning design awards but hardly sold any on the retail shelves. It became an instant hit with all the women Despite the commercial focus, most home parties do not feel like hard sells. There are usually snacks, drinks, a period of socializing, followed by a lively presentation. If the host is a close friend or family member, your purse may feel a lot lighter at the end of the party.

Who is a likely candidate for starting a Home party business Well, to begin with there are a range of people starting from mothers who want a more flexible schedule to laid-off workers looking to replace lost wages. The world of Home Party business has definitely arrived. Gone are the days when one could think of finding only Tupperware or Mary Kay cosmetics, there are a range of things in the offering from jewelry to candles to intimate apparel. There are even pearl merchants whose consultants bring live oysters to home parties; guests open the shells and can have the pearls they find inside appraised and set into gold rings. With the market flooded with all kinds of enticing offers how does one decide which is the right business to get into. Take a look at the following and then evaluate for yourself what business, and companies would like to associate yourself with.

1. Whether you're looking to make a little extra money or a full-time income. Look to promote products that have exceptional proven results.

2. A consumable product that has a proven track record to deliver genuine results will more likely offer you repeat customers. Its much easier to sell to a repeat customer than it is to find a new one.

3. Competitive pricing on the product. Choose a home party business opportunity that has products that are unique, effective, competitively priced and have an educational aspect to them.

4. Some of the other issue like money back guarantee on the product, the kind of training and support provided, a compensation plan which should be simple to understand and easy to explain to others, and lastly the company values and philosophies should tally with what you believe in.

Once the Home party business has been zeroed upon, its time for the party. Depending on the type of business, one could choose the venue and theme for the party. The time and date play a key role to the success of the home party business.

Liabilities as a Home Party Host- Due to the various liabilities, if you're running a home business, form a business structure that protects your personal assets in the event of a lawsuit, such as an LLC or corporation, so that only the business is liable for any claims. Additionally, your homeowner's and/or business insurance can cover personal injuries if you request coverage.

The Darker Side of the Sunny Home Party Business- Home party business is a good way to make part time income, but it takes lots of time, and often a considerable financial investment to be successful. When a particular business claims that a whole lot of their agents make more than $400 in a week, ask to see their commission check. After paying for Party Supplies, gifts, samples and giving the parent company their share, they will be lucky if they made $100.00. Then ask them how many hours they worked. Chances are they made less than minimum wage. To avoid disappointment, just be aware of the following-

* One should know, that amount of sales does not equal amount of income. Income is less than half.

* If the company pressurizes you to stock more than you can sell, or to purchase extra product just to win a prize or meet a minimum sales target.

* Companies that are more interested in signing up people than selling the product.

* Any unrealistic or exaggerated claims of wealth.

The Profit- The average American party consultant makes $2,500 a year, according to the Direct Selling Association and this figure is only growing. Last year, 13.6 million people in the United States shopped or sold goods from home. Sales from home parties reached $29 billion last year, according to the Washington-based Direct Selling Association.

Direct sales in Michigan reached $1.1 billion last year, a 5 percent increase from 2004,. By comparison, most other retail sales increased 2 to 4 percent last year.

It's good business, too. Just ask Tupperware. The Orlando company earned $90 million last year on $1.1 billion in worldwide sales. That's a lot of plastic containers, though a recent move into mainstream retailing at Target proved quite a disaster.

Marketers have discovered that there's almost nothing you can't sell at a home party, whether it's scented candles, scrapbook supplies, spa experience, or intimate apparel. While other companies sometimes wait 30 days or more before the retailer pays for a shipment of goods, party- plan companies deliver products only after they have the cash in hand for the order. The companies also avoid the high overhead of retail, including insurance, rent, and employee salaries and benefits Parties are often organized around an event like a bridal shower, housewarming, or birthday. Major companies that were not involved in any sort of direct selling are seeing party plans as a way of lending their name to another venture and bring in more revenues. So now you can earn while you party- Make hay while the sun shines!