Copyright (c) 2009 Tara HamiltonHave you considered holding a home gathering to demonstrate a direct sales product? Would you rather earn products without holding a gathering at your home? It is not uncommon for a customer to be reluctant to host a demonstration party or gathering for a variety of reasons: time constraints, child care concerns, or a lack of space. If so, you may want to consider hosting a catalog party. Catalog parties are low-key, stress-free ways for you to earn the products you desire, without the stress of an at-home party.As a hostess of a catalog party, there are several things that you will want to do to ensure that it is a success:1. Make a list of all possible participants. On your list, include family, friends, coworkers, church, parents of your son's baseball team, hairstylist, etc. Do not limit yourself to people who you KNOW that use a particular product as that eliminates potential sales among people who may still be interested in the the catalog products. By including everyone as a guest to your catalog party, you will reach people who may purchase products as gifts for a friend or family reunion despite the fact that they will not use the product themselves.2. Define your start and end date. Make sure that your catalog party guests know that there is a defined period for your catalog party. If there are special promotions during catalog party time period, make sure that you tell everyone (for example: "Franny Friend, did you know that you can earn XYZ Product, the April Special of the Month, for FREE until April 30th? All catalog party orders are due by April 29th.")3. Distribute the catalogs. While you may not have enough catalogs to give one to each person, make them widely available to your guests. If you know that Freddy Friend will be interested in a particular product, mark the page with a sticky tab to make sure that he sees it. Communicate with your guests frequently. Ask to see their wish lists and order forms. If you think there is something else that they would love, suggest it. Tell them how much more is required in sales to meet promotion or reward levels (for example: "Glenda Guest, did you know that you only have to spend $18 more to get the FREE product?"). Everyone will appreciate knowing how to get the best deal!4. Make your own list. Understand the amount of sales which are required to receive your products for FREE and make it your goal to collect that amount in sales! This is your party and you are ultimately responsible for your catalog party's success.Above all, remember that this should be a fun, stress free way to earn free products. By following these simple ways, you are guaranteed to have a successful catalog party!