About three or four times a month I get invited to a "come to my house and buy stuff so I can get free things" party. I understand that these kind of at home shows are a great way for women to make some extra money without totally sacrificing time with their families, and most of the time their products are really cool, but I AM TIRED OF THEM!!! I am the kind of person, both by nature and out of necessity, that weighs every penny that I spend. If I don't need it or really want it, I don't buy it. But everyone knows that you can't go to a "come buy stuff" party and not buy stuff without offending either the hostess or the demonstrator. Just this week my sister-in-law called to see if I was going to come to her candle party. She said that no one else she had invited was coming because it conflicted with our ward recipe club and Mitt Romney's fundraiser dinner, and would I PLEASE come. That night the only plans I had were to watch TV while David worked, not exactly a justifiable RSVP regret. So I went. I had told her beforehand that I didn't plan on buying anything and she said, "okay, just come!" When I got there I was one of three guests that had showed up. The demonstrator had traveled over 45 miles and I could tell it was one of her first shows. She wouldn't make enough that night to cover the gas it took to drive there. So, I listened to her pitch, played the [stupid] games, and tried to figure out a way out the door without draining any of my checking account. But I guess I'm weak (or maybe NICE???) and didn't have it in me to walk out without buying something. So, I found the cheapest thing in the catalog ($10 worth of votive candles) and got out of there. I have made the decision to never host parties, but what do you do when you are constantly invited to them and then BEGGED to attend?! Now, everywhere I go I think of all of the things I would have rather spent my $10 on and I am more than a little irritated at my sister-in-law for putting me in that position. Water under the bridge, yes. But how do I keep the dam from breaking?
About Me
- Jessi
- Mom of five lovely daughters, wife of one dashing man. Born in Utah, grew up in Oregon, live in Georgia.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
Lol, This made me laugh. I hate those too! People are ALWAYS inviting me to go to them, but do I ever?? NO WAY!!! I feel the exact same way! If it is something that I see fit or need, then I would think about it- But no way if it is a "jewelry" party, or purse party!! lol
Sorry bout that! ;)
I tend to avoid those parties too. I don't think I have ever bought something. I am a penny pincher as well. I haven't had too many invites since I have been in TX, but perhaps when I am more "settled" they'll start asking!
I have had this same problem. I don't attend them at all. If it is someone I do not want to offend, I ask them to give me a catalog and let them know I will look through it. I don't say I will buy anything, but I like window shopping.
Oh, Jess, I hear ya. I'm sorry you got put into that situation. Don't feel bad about not wanting to go to them or buy stuff from them, though. You have a lot of people behind ya.
I went on a "party strike" when I lived in Utah after I was invited to five parties (two Pampered Chef, Storyteller, Mary Kay and jewelry) in ONE WEEK. I was the only one that showed up to the Storyteller party and felt totally obligated to buy. That is when I said NO MORE. I have pretty much held to that....I'm totally with you on this one.
i, personally don't know how anyone can sell anything to their friends, and i always feel uncomfortable at those parties, too. i'll usually go, so i don't feel rude (unless i have a real excuse), and do what you did: buy the cheapest thing and smile knowing i didn't completely fall into the trap.
ugh. luckily, that's not a big thing around here. sounds like it's crazy in utah, but then, what isn't? jk. that was kind of mean. ;)
Post a Comment