Would you consider this MLM? I know, it's like cursing around here, lol

[rocksolid]

I was thinking of starting a home party business selling toys and therapy items for special needs kids. Since I have a special needs child and know about all the stuff on the market I thought it would be a good way to make some extra money. Problem is...... I really don't know how to go about it. I found a company that is interested in working with me. They need to figure out how we can all profit from it. So I was thinking instead of doing the parties myself I could maybe sell territories to other people, sort of franchise this. I am looking for input on how to make this fastlane. I don't yet know how things will work with me and the supplier yet, she needs to think about it and we are going to speak again next week.

 

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[JEdwards]

Lot of potential here.

How do you go about marketing to people with Special Needs Kids?

I would not do it as an mlm structure, but as a area licensee structure.

Lot's of ideas on this, and how to turn it into fast lane, as long as there is a simple way to find the people who would buy it.

 

[rocksolid]

I still have to think about marketing. Like I said I have a special needs child so naturally I know lots of parents. I am also on some forums and I was thinking maybe a flyer at some of the local schools.

 

[CommonCents]

Look for a company that was on shark tank that rents toys on a subscription basis. Might help you with a workable business model.

MLM really doesn't apply unless you are making most revenue getting people to recruit others to recruit others etc....

That is different from direct marketing.

 

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[CPisHere]

If you are looking for an MLM model, look at how Pampered Chef does it.

Personally, I think you just need to start out buying some of these products wholesale & trying to sell them. As you go, you'll figure out what customers really want & what the best way to scale it is. There are lots of support groups for parents of special needs children. If you could get a professional relationship with them, it would be the easiest way to reach a lot of people.

 

[Amina1389]

Direct Sales & Special Needs

I was thinking of starting a home party business selling toys and therapy items for special needs kids. Since I have a special needs child and know about all the stuff on the market I thought it would be a good way to make some extra money. Problem is...... I really don't know how to go about it. I found a company that is interested in working with me. They need to figure out how we can all profit from it. So I was thinking instead of doing the parties myself I could maybe sell territories to other people, sort of franchise this. I am looking for input on how to make this fastlane. I don't yet know how things will work with me and the supplier yet, she needs to think about it and we are going to speak again next week.

Hello. I was inspired to join this website after reading your post. I'm the mother of 2 sons with special needs and I can appreciate your desire to want to "work from home" and build a business of your own; as well as support parents like us.

I came across this website that I think you may find to be interesting and a great source of information. I hope this helps.
Case Study: Targeting the Right Market | Inc.com

 

[mayana]

I like the area licensee/franchisee structure idea, personally.

MLM can be a really great way to bring your products to market, for sure. The ONLY way that anyone should ever be involved in MLM should be as owner of a MLM company. I considered using this business model for my cosmetics business, and just for your consideration, I will tell you the reasons that I decided against it:

1. I was concerned about negative stigma associated with my product. If I started MLM style and then changed my mind at a later date, there would still be people who knew of the product as network marketing.

2. I did a lot of research about regulations for networking marketing companies and I didn't want to dedicate the financial resources to make sure that my business was in compliance.

In the name of full disclosure, I did do home parties with my products to see how I felt about it and to see how they would do in that situation.

This is only my experience, and others may have a very different perspective and different personal experiences to relate.

What are some of the other ways that you've considering marketing the products?

 

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[rocksolid]

I am still waiting to hear back from the company that is interested in working with me and I even have a 2nd company interested. When I get more details from them I will lay it out here. Thanks for the responses everybody.

 

[rocksolid]

So the company got back to me and they would like me to do outside sales for them ( i know not fastlane) They are offering 20% commission on what ever I sell. I have a strong territory in NY and they want me to sell to anybody like schools, therapy offices anybody I want. The thought has crossed my mind to hire 3 go getters and offer them 10 % commission on what ever they sell, there by keeping 10% for doing nothing but managing them and making sure things go smooth. Any other thoughts on how to turn this fastlane or at the very least make it very profitable?

 

[rocksolid]

just wanted to bump

 

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[JEdwards]

So you called them and they said sure, go out and sell, and anything you sell we will pay you 20%?

That's it?

You got to sell $25,000 bucks worth of stuff to make 5k a month, I dont know your industry, but is it easy to sell 25k worth of stuff a month?

 

[rocksolid]

I don't think selling 25K a month consistently is possible. I never really planned on this being a big money maker. The first thought was to build a group of individuals in my area and set them up with a territory and let them sell and do parties. They in turn would give me a % of what they made, sort of like a franchise. I was looking to make a little extra money on the side while I work my full time job and work my other products and ideas.

 

[JEdwards]

I think the idea and niche is great. I think it can easily be full time. You just need to figure out your angle.

 

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[rocksolid]

I agree, that's what I am trying to do. I was thinking of making it a 2 tier commission and try to squeeze a bit more out of them. Always good advice on this board Jack!