Can I really make money doing this? Yes. I'm not going to lie to you. Running your own business is hard. It is work. But the best thing about this type of business is that YOU decide how much you want to work. You decide how much effort to put into it, and how much reward you want to get from it.
How much do you make?
My income varies. My net could be a lot higher, but see, my problem - what got me started in the first place - is that I want the jewelry. So, while some people would be satisfied with the display pieces they have, I keep buying more. And then I get to wear them. Yippee! It's what I do to stay excited about the jewelry. I love getting new pieces.
But that's not what you want to know, is it?
OK. Simple as can be. You make 30% of any regular or half price sales. This means that at the very minumum show (a qualifed show is $250 or more), you get $75. The show average is around $650, so if you meet the averages, you could make around $200. The show is 2 hours, and I'd say prep time is an hour or 2. So you're making $20 - $65 an hour. Plus you're earning incentives each month for free jewelry from the company. There isn't another part-time job I can think of that even comes close.
What jewelry is in the starter kit?
The starter kit contents change. Our catalog is issued bi-annually, and the jewelry in the kit changes soon after the catalog changes. The company also includes a disclaimer that "substitutions may occur." I can tell you 2 standard pieces which are always (insert standard disclaimer here, kit subject to change, etc) included. These are the must-have basics from lia sophia.
1. The Trish reversible necklace. This is one of the most popular pieces and will NEVER go out of style. It's a basic omega chain that is silver on on side and gold on the other. This necklace is the base piece that you can dress up any way you want to with one of our slides. You can even take some of our pendants off other pieces and add them to the trish to change up the look a little.
2. Deb Collar - This 15-16" collar is the starting point for creating your own style. The start kit traditionally includes the silver Deb, but it also comes in gold.
The starter kit contains an additional 22 styles and is valued at over $1000. Some items are basic, and some are standout pieces. You're going to get a variety to show the huge range of jewelry available. lia sophia stocks the kit with the goal of helping you succeed in your business.
With that in mind, you're going to see some items that fit these general categories:
~around 5 pair of earrings. You're likely to see gold, silver, hematite, and a 2-tone set
~One of our toggle pieces. This may be the Natural Charm or the Myth, which are the most popular pieces, but there are other toggle necklaces in the catalog. These are popular because of the versatility they offer. The 17 inch chain fastens in front with a toggle, but can be unfastened, the chains separated, and worn long as a 34 inch necklace.
~2 or 3 slides. It wouldn't do any good to give you those wonderful Deb and Trish necklaces without something to put on them, would it?
~A ring. You'll specify your size when you order the kit.
~An ankle bracelet. lia sophia offers 3 or 4 anklets currently.
~4-5 bracelets. I'd expect to get at least 1 cuff, as a sample of what lia sophia offers, but most of the bracelets will be stretch. You're going to get some basics that will work with a large variety of styles.
~A couple of longer style necklaces. The Menagerie necklace has been offered in the last few starter kits, and continues to be popular. These long necklaces boost sales, so they're gong to want to make sure you have a couple.
~And the remainder will be shorter necklaces. I'd expect a few different styles for these. You'll most likely have a wire neckalce and maybe a multi-strand one. Most often, they include one of the chains with a removable pendant slide as an example (although there wasn't one in the SS09 kit {shrug} for some reason).
That's the most interesting part, but that's not all you'll get. You're going to get all the supplies you need to get started right, too. Which is just as important. You don't want to go investing more money in this thing right after you get started, right? You'll get enough supplies to get through your first month or two. You'll get: 2 display trays with foam inserts, 20 current catalogs, invitation postcards, Hostess Envelopes, Guest Lists, Ring Sizer, Hostess and guest order forms (although I print my own), wish lists, a guide, a display cloth, and a bag to carry it all in.
This means that you don't have to spend a cent over the cost of the starter kit ($149) for supplies to start out.
Do I have to carry an inventory?
No! The only jewelry you have to have is the jewelry you pick out! Once you buy your starter kit, it's all up to you. This is your jewelry wardrobe - no one else's. Customer's orders will be filled by the company and shipped to the hostess.
Do I have to make deliveries?
No! lia sophia takes care of all shipments. They pack and ship directly to the hostess via UPS.
Do I get a discount?
YES!! Here's the best part - Get anything in the catalog at only 30% of cost for sample orders. That's right - 70% OFF!
How many shows do I have to do?
To become a "qualified advisor" we recommend you have 5 or 6 shows scheduled your first month. This is the only way to know that you're getting started off well, and your business won't fizzle out. It's hard to get parties when you're not holding any. We want you to succeed. Once you get qualified, the only requirement is one $250 show each quarter. Easy.
What support is available?
You are not alone! This business is one of the best things for women I've ever been a part of. You're going to get encouragement from me, from my upline, from her upline, all the way to the top. Each month, you are recognized for your successes. Women in this business are eager to help you succeed. We're not competing. We want you to enjoy this. We want you to make it work. If there's anything you need, you won't be alone.
There are tons of resources online as well, including a section of the lia sophia website just for advisors, with lots of informative articles. It's called lia sophia university and it is the BEST place for learning this new business you're starting. Plus, they have many web classes available each month, and recorderd ones you can watch.
Got a question? I'll try my best to answer it!
