Is your Avon Lady Evil?

I sat in a living room not too long ago with two ladies as one complained about a girl she knows 'getting into essential oils' and selling them too. The groans and exasperated huffs were audible from those sitting on the couch cushions next to me. And its not just oils, its cookware, tupperware, leggings, makeup, weight loss products, exercise videos, baskets...etc, etc, etc! And let's not even mention the word Amway--insert shriek of terror.

A few month's ago my husband comes home and tells me that we have some people coming over to give a Rainbow vacuum demonstration. 'Okay,' I relented. The people that came over were certainly nice and well-versed on their product. And to be sure, Rainbow vacs are amazing, as heavenly as actual rainbows. They showed me the dirt my vacuum was missing--horrifying but sadly not surprising given my housekeeping skills. They showed me all this incredible machine could accomplish. When it came down to the pen and paper portion of the meeting we had a few options: 1) Sell one of our kids on the black market and buy the vacuum outright 2) Annoy other people with booking more showings for these reps or 3) Get out there an sell those puppies myself. I guess I chose option 4) None of the above. Oh, how I wish I could have purchased that beautiful machine, and somedays I'm willing to consider which kid I would sell.

This article popped up on my Facebook feed a couple month's ago: Stop Trying to Sell Me Stuff on Facebook.  Sure, I can laugh at some of this lady's frustration of being asked to multiple product parties. I think we've all been there before at some time or another. 

That article got me thinking...

Why are these parties or Facebook product posts so annoying to people? 

Maybe with all we have going on in our lives taking time out for a party seems impossible and frankly a little annoying. Enter in the Facebook virtual parties. Perhaps a wonderful alternative to putting on pants and actually interacting with people. 

Maybe people feel used when they're just another profile pic to click on and message as a 'business contact.' It's about as personal as randomly jabbing your finger in a phone book and calling one Marjorie Whipliffer. 

Maybe people don't know that saying 'No' is an option. Two simple letters: N-O. Why is it so hard to just utter this word? Especially, when toddlers do it with such wreckless abandon. Do you want to come to my Jamberry party? No. Can I come over and give you a vacuum demonstration? No. You can even add the polite addendum: No, thank you. See that's not so hard is it? Say it with me. No. Again! NO! There you've got it!

To be sure, I'm not slamming these companies or the products they offer. In fact, some of them do have amazing products you can't find in stores. These companies are not evil for wanting to make money, don't you want the same thing when you go to your J-O-B? These companies are ultimately the product of someone's passion that they shared with others and are offering others the same opportunity. And yes, all the while making a little cash too.

Do you ever recommend a book to a girlfriend? How about suggest a yummy restaurant to eat at with the hubby? Share a link to a funny article or website? Pass along a tasty recipe to mom? You know what? You're sharing someone else's passion too! Sure, it's not as intimidating as inviting them in your home and having them 'pitch' something to you. But at some basic level it's essentially the same. Why can't we be equally excited to share a friend's passion by supporting their business? 

You are perfectly within your rights to say 'No thanks' when the next party invite pops up in your inbox. If you're at a party and the product doesn't fit your lifestyle or budget, simply say 'No thanks' when asked if you'd like to place an order. But you don't have to feel mortally offended if someone offers. 

People that 'get into' Multi Level Marketing or Direct Sales are not ignorant boobs that thought, "How can I take my limited checking account and invest in a starter kit, offend my family and friends by asking them to parties,  or drive an hour each way to find out you've got another 'no show.' " These 'horrible people' actually love the product that they're selling enough to offend you by seeing if you might like it too. These people are your brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, friends, acquaintances--they are people with feelings. Quit treating them like they've been recruited into Al Queda. They're selling you yoga pants for goodness sakes, not asking you to carry a backpack to an airport terminal.

People that sell, listen up! Be tactful, tasteful, and gracious when inviting others to your party. Enjoy getting to know people apart from padding your business contacts folder in Outlook. Don't blow up your Facebook page with only solicitations. People still want to know that you like funny cat videos too. Be gracious when your RSVP is 'no.' 

Invited to a party? If you can't go graciously decline the offer and offer an alternative. Don't want to go or are not interested? You have the ability to say, you got it, 'No, thanks.' But you can still support your friend or family member by saying something like, "I'm not particularly in the market for this, but I'll keep people in mind who might be." And if you're one of those people who say 'yes' and then blow off the meeting, put on your big girl panties and be kind enough to value that person's feelings and time.

Is your Avon Lady evil? Nope, just someone sharing their passion with you. She's hoping to support her family too. Cause guess what, I'm sure it wasn't her dream to be cleaning your house. But if you buy a Rainbow Vac that sucker will practically clean it for you! Can I set up an appointment to show you? Well...

*As a side note, I'm not involved with any MLM or DS product. But I do have a wonderful link to an Etsy shop. :)