Not sure what to purchase?
Before making your selections, think of your guest list and anticipate what your guests may want to purchase, based on what you have seen them wear before or what kind of styles they are into (ex. trendy, classic, bold etc.). The e-invitation Portia will send you to forward to your guests via e-mail or you can print them out and hand deliver them, will inform your guests to visit PortiaJewelry.com so they can select items they wish to purchase. It will inform them to let you know with their R.S.V.P. It will also let them know that you will be saving them shipping costs and sales tax!
The Party Set- up
You will need to designate a table to display the jewelry on. Portia will provide you with a display cloth to display the jewelry on. Keep the jewelry covered until all your guests have arrived! Be sure to have enough seating for all of your guests. All jewelry shipped will have labels with the item #'s to allow for easy identification and each of your guests should receive the retail price list, all of which is provided to you by Portia! The retail price list will include the item #'s in numerical order, name of each piece and descriptions, the retail price along with important information about Portia Jewelry, "Your Host" information, and a jewelry care guide. Make sure you have filled out the back of the promotional host cards to give out to your guests.
Also make sure that there are plenty of mirrors on the table or nearby. Your guests are sure to want to check themselves out when trying on the jewelry!
Food is not necessary, since you want to keep your costs to a minimal but it is necessary to offer beverages to your guests (coffee non- caffeinated & caffeinated, teas, water, wine or any other beverages). You can always offer inexpensive snacks or create a theme, such as a "Jewelry Tea Party" and offer tea and tea biscuits.
Hopefully you can keep your computer nearby! Keep PortiaJewelry.com up and use the site as a reference. Type in the item numbers in the search box to answer detailed questions about the jewelry, such as measurements or components. You can also refer to our FAQ page to get definitions on components and metals commonly used in our jewelry. Be reassured that all you have to do is pick up the phone and call Portia Jewelry to get answers when you aren't able to locate them online!
Get creative by purchasing loose rhinestones, glass pearls or plastic beads to decorate just about anything! You can lay them around the table, glue them to plastic cups, or fill up glass bowls! You can find these and many more creative decorations at your local party or craft store or go online and visit places like shindigz.com and orientaltrading.com
Thank your guests when they have arrived!
Thank your family, friends and co-workers for coming. Let them know that you are aware how busy we all are these days and how ecstatic you are to have everyone together and how you hope they will enjoy themselves. If you have set up a theme, explain it to your guests and get them excited! Point out all of the little things you have done to decorate. Welcome them to take in a beverage and/or snack and then explain to them what they should do. Tell them to view the jewelry and use the item #'s located on the labels to locate the information on the retail price list. Inform them that there is no ordering, no waiting time, no shipping costs or sales tax to worry about. They will be able to take what they like right away!
Orders & Wrapping up
Use the Host Tracking sheet to write down information for each purchase. Place the jewelry into the jewelry pouch and tie a simple bow with the ribbons Portia has sent to you. You can also place your promotional host card into the pouch, if you did not already hand them out. Explain to your guests that if they wish to throw their own Portia Party they should be sure to mention your host name and number. *Remember, all completed referrals means more commissions for you!
Do it with a friend
If you are worried about taking on this venture on your own or if our minimum order amount may be more that you can spend, you should consider finding a friend or family member to throw a Portia Party with you! Not only will you share the expenses and help each other with party preparations, but you will be able to have a greater turnout by combining your guest lists. Another good idea, is throwing a Portia Party with someone you know who may be selling something else (ex. spa products, handbags etc.).
Themes
Build excitement to an ordinary "home party" by creating a theme.
I. Throw your party during the Oscars or The Emmys.
II. As mentioned earlier, sell lots of pearls and theme it as a "Tea Party".
III. Choose nautical colors and components (shells, nautical pendants, toe rings, pearls and anklets) and create a tropical summer theme.
IV. Make it educational! Do a little research on the history of jewelry and how costume jewelry has changed the industry and even dates back to biblical times! There's tons of information out there! You can include information on sterling silver, silver & gold plating and cubic zirconia. Many people are surprised to learn about what these metals and stones consist of and how they are made. You can also educate weary guests on caring for and preserving costume jewelry and ensure them that with proper care, costume jewelry can last for many years! Portia already provides you with information on caring for costume jewelry and our FAQ page has useful definitions and charts for you to use.
V. Perhaps you know how to make some basic jewelry; you can have your guests all make a piece of jewelry with inexpensive beads and threading or wiring.
The possibilities are truly endless. Let your creativity take over! You will be surprised at how much you can do on a small budget.
