What is New in Party StartUps?
Entreprenuer has an interesting story called 
"When Tupperware parties first became popular decades ago, not many people could have predicted the longevity of the plastic containers--or the company itself, for that matter. Nor could anyone have predicted the groundswell of interest in today's breed of home parties, in virtually every industry imaginable--from power tools to beauty products to apparel. Home parties now account for about 29 percent of the more than $30 billion in U.S. direct sales, and there are 14.1 million direct-sellers in the U.S. Even big companies like The Body Shop and Crayola are getting in on the action and adding direct-selling arms to their existing operations.The numbers are only expected to grow, according to Amy Robinson of the Direct Selling Association. "The majority of companies [joining the] DSA are party plan companies," says Robinson. "They are smaller, newer companies started by entrepreneurs from their basements in a lot of cases." These entrepreneurs are passing on their passion for entrepreneurship to people who want to start businesses of their own but don't want to start from scratch. The opportunities are there for the taking if you are prepared to research the one that's right for you--and if you're prepared for the hard work that accompanies any startup."
Unfortunately, the article gives individuals no due diligence ideas. It is worthwhile remembering why in the 1940's through to the 60's Tupperware was it.
First, after World War II, the only plastic products there were war issue and not consumer "ready". It was opaque, greasy looking, and had poor seals. Earl Tupper developed a new product plastic product - clear, with consumer appeal, and a with tight fitting top, based upon how paint cans were sealed. Such a product must have been an instant success, right?
No, the product fell stillborn and Earl Tupper's wonderful invention would have gone by the wayside, but for a meeting with Brownie Wise -the remarkable woman who was selling Tupper's product through home parties. People needed to see a demonsration of the product to over come their skepticism about plastic. It was critical for the acceptance of the product that the consumer be able to feel, touch and pick-up the product. Now does your home party product require a demonstration for acceptance by the consumer? If not, why isn't being sold through a catalogue? Things to think about before you start hawking vitamens, cosmetics, etc., to your friends and neighbours.
