So, what does one do when they find themself running around like a chicken with their head cut off because they have too much on their plate? They take one thing off at a time! I have started the process of relieving my daily plate of things to do, and I am already feeling 100 pounds lighter.
After giving it a go for 9 months with absolutely no profit, no parties, and pretty much no reaction whatsoever, I have decided to close up shop with my Tupperware business. All I can say is, "AHHHHHH!!!!!". Really. I have tons of beautiful pieces just sitting in my basement due to no room to store it all in my own kitchen. From the few orders that I received during this whole time, mainly from friends and family who felt bad and wanted to support me any way they could, I never have recooped anywhere near the amount of money I invested into the business. The time I invested, I think, will be forgotten, and I can look forward to spending more valuable time with my children.
I think I had forgotten for a moment exactly why I got into it in the first place. To begin, the lady who was my doula for one of my children's birth, emailed me that she was selling Tupperware. For years, literally, I had been waiting for someone to hold a party. I have very fond memories of eating and drinking off of Tupperware as a child. My mom still has tons of perfectly good Tupperware from 20+ years ago. She has FOUR children! And all of her Tupperware is in good condition. That should tell anyone about the durability of Tupperware. Anyhow, I had been wanting a party, so I told her that I was interested in a party. While telling me about her business, she shared with me her success. Well, she just happened to hit the jack pot of Tupperware lovers. She was dating parties that were producing $100s and $1000s in retail sales. She was able to make enough in a few short months over the summer to fund her college tuition and fees for this past school year. Who the heck wouldn't go for it?! I figured that if I could do this for a period of time, maybe I could afford more or better homeschooling supplies, get some of the old, bad debt off of our credit, or maybe get the hardwood floors I've been wanting. Not much to dream for, huh?
Well, apparently, I am not a saleswoman, and I don't have many friends. Well, at least I don't have the friends who'd be able and willing to make the investment in Tupperware, or even host a party. I figured the product would sell itself, but I suppose it also takes a bit of salesmenship, as well. After several booth events (school festivals, job fair, home show at the mall, etc.) and quite a bit of contact leads, not one followed through or panned out. Obviously, this is not the field for me!
I am not one to "quit" or "give up", and I have been reminded by a dear friend (who did buy a few pieces of Tupperware out of the kindness of her heart) that I am simply walking away and turning the page. I am not giving up. I have given the opportunity more than what should be required, both monetarily and time-wise, for a Tupperware business. I am disappointed, to say the least. But you know what? I now have time for ME! I can now read all the books I've been piling up and accruing. I can finish my degree in natural health (don't ask me what I'll do with it). I can skip checking my email, in the hopes that I will have a contact from my business website. Ahhhhhh...
So, what's next? Scouts will be coming to a close in the next month. My homeschool group will be slowing down on events and activities for the summer. I will be freer to travel with the kiddos to see family, go on field trips further away, go camping with hubby and kiddos and so much more. Maybe my house will get a little more attention with all of this free time! Maybe I'll get that big fat veggie garden started and maintain it right. Maybe I can start finishing the basement so we can have an actual school room. Maybe...
