Silpada Designs Business ReviewThe purpose of this article is to provide an independent review of Silpada Designs. This information comes from independent research online and from interaction with independent consultants that I have met. Please be advised that I am not affiliated with the company in any way, other than that of an occasional customer over the past few years. My goal is to provide an unbiased introduction and review of the company. Additionally, Silpada Designs is a registered trademark, owned by the company. About Silpada Silpada Designs is a relative newcomer to the multi-level marketing arena when compared to such companies as Tupperware and Avon. The company is based in Lenexa, Kansas and was co-founded by friends Bonnie Kelly and Teresa Walsh in 1997. The two women created their exclusive line of sterling silver jewelry and asked friends and family to become their first independent sales representatives. Today, their official website claims “thousands” of successful sales representatives. (Source, Silpada.com) The Product Line Silpada Designs specialty is sterling silver jewelry often adorned with gemstones; items from earrings to toe rings and everything in between. The organization claims a mission of providing the “highest-quality .925 Sterling Silver Jewelry at a reasonable price...all supported by a Lifetime Guarantee.” (Source, Silpada.com) They also offer watches and belts. Silpada jewelry comes with a lifetime guarantee. There is a 60 day return or exchange policy. Silpada Designs offers a lifetime replacement guarantee for any item that breaks due to manufacturer’s defect, but not for normal wear and tear. Silpada uses designers and artisans from all over the world to create their designs. A look at their party presentations or visit to their company website leaves me with the impression of quality and beauty – they are doing something right. The Business Model Silpada 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, eliminating the need for a retail outlet for the product or services. Like any direct sales organization, their representatives are independent contractors responsible for filing their own Federal and State Income Tax forms. These representatives 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 “party plan”. In fact, Silpada’s website indicates that the party plan is the company’s primary method of distribution and that a home party’s consistent sales average is a lucrative $950.00. This is much higher than the direct-selling industry sales average. The party plan 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. Silpada representatives usually take a very low-key approach where jewelry is simply made available to try on, admire, and hopefully purchase. I have attended Silpada parties and even gotten to wear my purchase home. Sometimes the host/hostess may simply agree to have a “book party” 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. How to Make Money Silpada representatives earn income in two ways. First, they earn 30% commission from their own retail sales. Second, they earn a percent of the wholesale sales made by representatives they have recruited downline, making recruiting another highly lucrative opportunity. There are also opportunities to earn free jewelry (inventory) in return for reaching party, sales, or recruiting goals. All is transparently outlined on the Silpada website. Joining Silpada There is a $199 Initial Certification Fee to begin a career as a Silpada 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. Silpada Designs rightly 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 Silpada Designs offers a quality product, reports an impressive home sales party average, has a good reputation, offers training and support for their sales representatives, and shows impressive growth in its thirteen years. If you are currently involved with Silpada Designs, we would love to hear your story. Please share a product testimonial or personal success story with the rest of our online community. Just scroll down a little bit on this page and type in your 150+ word message in the web-form. If your story is approved, it will be posted for the rest of the world to read and comment on.
Have A Great Story About Silpada Designs?Are you a happy customer or independet consultant with Silpada Designs? Why not share a testimonial or success story with others? Help spread the word about Silpada. Just type in your 150+ word testimonial below. If approved, others can read about it and comment on it! Thanks. What Other Visitors Have SaidClick below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...
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