Founded in 1931, Stanley Home Products (SHP) is a pioneer in the direct-sales industry. Originally launched to provide high-quality cleaning supplies, the company has maintained a strong presence in American homes for nearly a century. SHP is well-known for products like degreasers, laundry solutions, and general household cleaning tools, many of which are still popular today. In recent years, SHP has joined forces with Fuller Brush, another legacy brand, continuing to provide household products through a similar direct-sales model.
History and Growth
Stanley Home Products became famous for revolutionizing the direct-sales model through the "party plan" approach. Much like its contemporaries, such as Tupperware, this model involved individuals (primarily women) hosting home parties to showcase and sell products. In its prime, the company had thousands of independent sellers across the U.S. and even expanded into international markets.
Despite the shift in social dynamics over the decades, which saw fewer women at home to host parties, SHP has adapted its business model to modern trends. The company has continued to evolve by merging with Fuller Brush, allowing it to stay relevant in an increasingly competitive market for home care and personal care products..
How It Works
The structure of Stanley Home Products remains centered around independent sales representatives who sell products directly to consumers. Individuals can become members (distributors) of the company by purchasing starter kits, which include product samples and sales materials. From there, members can build their own business, hosting events or selling online.
Pros of Joining Stanley Home Products
- Flexible Working Model: One of the key advantages of becoming a Stanley Home Products distributor is the flexibility. Like many direct-sales opportunities, it allows individuals to work at their own pace and set their own hours. This is particularly appealing for stay-at-home parents or people seeking a side income.One member shared, "I love the flexibility of running my own Stanley Home business. I can work around my family schedule and still make a decent income by hosting just a few events each month."
- Well-Established Brand: SHP benefits from being a longstanding name in the household products industry. Many customers trust the brand for its quality, making it easier for representatives to sell products. Their popular items, such as the Original Degreaser, have been praised for being highly effective, offering a real selling point for distributors.Another testimonial highlights this: "The Stanley Original Degreaser has been a best-seller for years. My customers keep coming back for more because of how well it works on tough grease."
- Supportive Community: Members often speak about the supportive community within the company. With numerous resources for training and mentorship, new members have the tools they need to succeed.
Cons of Joining Stanley Home Products
- Limited Growth Potential: While there is income potential, direct-sales jobs often require extensive networking to see significant financial returns. Some members report that it can be challenging to scale the business beyond part-time work unless you are highly motivated or well-connected in your community.As one distributor noted, "It’s not as easy as it looks. You really need to hustle and have a good network of people to sell to. Otherwise, it’s hard to make real money."
- Product Niche: Although Stanley Home Products have a loyal customer base, their offerings are relatively niche. The home cleaning market is saturated, and competition from larger brands and newer, more modern cleaning solutions can make it harder to attract new customers.
- Initial Investment: Like most direct-sales companies, new members are required to purchase a starter kit to begin their business. Some people feel that the upfront cost of inventory and marketing materials can be prohibitive, especially if they do not achieve sales goals quickly.
Product Reviews
Stanley Home Products continues to receive positive reviews for the quality of its products. Items like the Original Degreaser and Orange Wonder Spot & Stain Remover are frequently praised for their effectiveness. Customers have shared that they appreciate the durability and long-lasting nature of many SHP tools, such as their brushes and mops.
However, some customers feel that the price point for certain products is higher than average, which can be a disadvantage when compared to more affordable brands available at retail stores.
Final Thoughts
Stanley Home Products offers a flexible and well-established direct-sales opportunity for those interested in home care products. The company's strong brand recognition and supportive community are definite advantages. However, individuals should be mindful of the challenges, such as the need for constant networking and potential financial risks involved with any sales-based business.
If you’re considering becoming a member of SHP, weigh the pros and cons carefully to determine if it aligns with your personal and financial goals. Many find the community and product quality rewarding, while others may find the sales model difficult to scale without significant effort.