Premier Designs Business ReviewThe purpose of this article is to provide an independent review of Premier Designs, Inc. This information comes from independent research online and from interaction with independent Premier Designs representatives (referred to as Jewelers by the company and hereinafter in this article) that I have met. Please be advised that I am not affiliated with the company in any way. My goal is to provide an unbiased introduction and review of the company and products. Additionally the name is a registered trademark, owned by the company. About the Company Premier Designs has been in existence for over 25 years. The company was founded in 1985 by Joan Horner and her husband Andy, a World War II veteran in Irving, Texas. This direct sales company has a somewhat out-of-the-ordinary reason for being: it was established “as a way to support ministries here [in the US] and around the globe, as well as provide a home-based business opportunity established on biblical principles, such as integrity and unselfish service.” (Source, Premierdesigns.com) Today, their business has spread into other states and Puerto Rico. The company’s mission and vision is clearly stated on their official website, which reads: “From day one, Joan and Andy's four reasons for starting Premier were clearly stated: 1. They wanted to offer an opportunity for mothers to be able to stay home more with their children. 2. They wanted to minister to single parents and provide a way in which they could be encouraged, increase their self-esteem, and do something worthwhile while supporting their children. 3. They wanted a company that could provide a way for individuals, especially those in full-time Christian work, to meet their financial needs. At the same time they wanted to provide an opportunity for wives of pastors and church staff members to find a ministry and identity of their own outside the church. 4. They wanted a company that would support ministries around the world and in America. “(Source, Premierdesigns.com) Product Line Premier Designs’ specialty is affordably priced fashion jewelry. The average retail price of a piece of their jewelry is about $34.00. Materials include silver, titanium, crystal and glass. There is a limited guarantee detailed on their official website which does not cover normal wear and tear. Premier Designs boasts over 700 pieces in its catalogue, but unfortunately its website only shows a few. The Business Model Premier Designs utilizes the direct sales business model to getting their products to their customer and is a member of the Direct Sales Association. This distribution system relies on the services of independent sales representatives, or “jewelers”, eliminating the need for a retail outlet for the product or services. Like any direct sales organization, their jewelers are independent contractors responsible for filing their own Federal and State Income Tax forms. These jewelers contact and sell to individuals face-to-face, one-on-one, by telephone, fax or email, but the most popular way (popular with both customers and the representatives I have met) is the “home-show”. In fact, the company’s website indicates that the “Home Show” is the company’s primary method of distribution. Sales via the Party Plan The home show can be one of the simplest types of business for a sales representative because the host/hostess invites friends into their home or workplace to meet the Representative and purchase the products. Chances are that over your lifetime, you’ve attended at least one party sales presentation, whether it was for Tupperware, Avon, Mary Kay, Arbonne or the like. Premier representatives will take a very low-key approach where jewelry is simply made available to try on, admire, and hopefully purchase. Sometimes a host/hostess may simply agree to have a “book show” where they pass a catalogue around to their friends, family or co-workers who may be interested in making purchases. In return for hosting a party, the host or hostess receives a gift of free and/or discounted jewelry. At Premier, the actual hostess rewards depend upon the amount of sales generated by the home show as well as the number of guests who agree to host another home show in the future. How to Make Money Premier Designs’ jewelers earn income in two ways. First, they earn 50% commission from their own retail sales. Second, they earn 10% of the wholesale sales made by representatives they have recruited downline to three levels, making recruiting another highly lucrative opportunity. No inventory, sales quotas or sales reports are required. All is transparently outlined on the company’s website. How to Join the Company To join the company, you will need to sign up through an existing jeweler (or sponsor) to become a new jeweler. There is a $199 Initial Certification Fee to begin a career as a independent representative. The fee includes a start-up kit with sales support and training, as well as a few pieces of jewelry. If a new representative wishes, he or she may purchase additional jewelry at a discount and lower that Initial Certification Fee. The company believes that their best form of advertisement is to simply let their representatives model their products. If you begin this career, put that jewelry on and wear it everywhere. Sales can begin immediately. Final Thoughts It is my opinion that the company is a very reputable company that offers a quality product. It has a very attractive, user friendly website to introduce potential customers to the products, the company and to its founders. It has a compelling company mission and background. Local and national training is available, but not mandatory, for its sales force. The company is also highly community-minded. The Horner-Premier Foundation supports global ministries. Additionally, the company offers college scholarships to graduating high school students of its jewelers. It is also high in the esteem of the Direct Selling Association, which awarded the 2009 DSA Hall of Fame Award to Joan and Andy Horner. If you are currently involved with Premier Designs, we would love to hear your story. 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