Princess House is a long-established direct-selling company, primarily known for offering high-quality kitchenware, home décor, and cookware products. Founded in 1963, the company has maintained a presence in the multi-level marketing (MLM) space, using home parties and personal networks to drive sales.
Overview of Princess House
Princess House operates on a direct sales model, which means that independent consultants sell products to customers through in-home parties or online platforms. Their products are geared toward promoting a healthier lifestyle, including cookware like their popular Vida Sana line, which is designed to retain nutrition and reduce cooking time.
The company offers a variety of items, including crystal glassware, stainless steel cookware, and home décor. One standout feature is their lifetime warranty on cookware, which gives confidence in the quality of the products. However, these products come at a premium price, often much higher than similar items available from other retailers.
The Business Model
To join as a consultant, you must purchase a kit that costs around $139, which includes $585 worth of merchandise. Consultants earn income through commissions on their sales and from building a downline (i.e.recruiting new consultants). Commissions start at 25% and can rise to 35% based on monthly sales volume.
A key feature of the Princess House business is the in-home party. While these parties can be highly effective for making sales and generating income, the requirement to constantly host or attend these gatherings can be challenging for some. A former consultant shared, "You really need to have a wide social network to consistently throw successful parties, or else it’s hard to keep the momentum going".
Pros of Joining Princess House
- Established Brand: Princess House has been around for over 50 years, making it a stable choice for those interested in direct sales.
- High-Quality Products: Many customers and consultants speak highly of the quality of the cookware, especially the Vida Sana line, which boasts nutritional retention features. The lifetime warranty adds additional security.
- Flexibility: As an independent consultant, you can set your own hours and work from home, which appeals to people looking for flexible work opportunities.
- Strong Support and Training: The company offers a range of training resources and a supportive community, with regular updates on promotions and new programs.
Cons of Becoming a Consultant
- High Product Prices: One common complaint is that Princess House products are often more expensive than comparable items on the market. A three-piece cookware set can cost between $300 and $500, which might be a tough sell in today’s market, especially when alternatives are readily available online for much less.
- Party-Based Sales Model: Although the home party model has worked for decades, it is becoming less appealing in the digital age. Some consultants report difficulties in consistently finding hostesses and generating enough interest for these events. Additionally, the time commitment can interfere with personal or family life, as most parties are held in the evenings or weekends.
- Challenges with Customer Support: Some complaints indicate that customer service issues, especially around product warranties, are often managed by the consultants. If a consultant is unresponsive, customers might face challenges in resolving issues.
- Limited Online Presence: Currently, customers cannot purchase Princess House products directly online; they must go through a consultant, which can be inconvenient in a time when most consumers expect to shop online.
Member Testimonials
- Positive Feedback: One consultant remarked, “Princess House has changed so much over the years to keep up with modern lifestyles. The products are always high-quality, and they offer great deals for hostesses and consultants alike”.
- Constructive Criticism: A different review pointed out, “The products are great, but trying to consistently schedule home parties, especially outside of my immediate social circle, became too difficult. I eventually stopped because it just wasn’t sustainable for me".
Final Thoughts
Joining Princess House can be a rewarding opportunity for those who have a passion for cooking and home décor, and who enjoy social selling. However, it’s essential to approach this opportunity with realistic expectations. Building a successful business with Princess House requires dedication, a large network, and the ability to navigate the challenges of direct sales, especially in an increasingly digital world.
If you are comfortable hosting parties, have a wide social network, and are prepared for the time commitment, Princess House could be a good fit. However, if you are looking for a more modern approach to sales or are not comfortable with the MLM model, there may be better options out there.