Thirty-One Gifts, founded in 2003 by Cindy Monroe, is a direct sales company specializing in personalized handbags, totes, and organizational products. The company's mission has been to empower women by offering them the opportunity to run their own businesses as independent consultants.
Company Overview
Over the past two decades, Thirty-One Gifts has built a reputation for its stylish and functional products, often personalized to meet individual customer preferences. The company's product line includes handbags, utility totes, home organization solutions, and accessories, all designed to simplify daily life and add a personal touch to everyday items.
Pros of Becoming a Thirty-One Gifts Consultant
- Flexibility: Consultants have the freedom to set their own schedules, making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking work-life balance. One consultant noted, "You are your own boss, you have your own client. You're an independent consultant so you work on commissions, so you set your own hours."
- Supportive Community: The company fosters a strong sense of community among its consultants, offering training and support. A consultant shared, "Very good. Lots of support from HQ and a great team of other consultants to work with."
- Quality Products: Many consultants express pride in the products they sell, citing their quality and appeal. "The products are ones I personally use and love to gift to others," mentioned a consultant.
Cons of Becoming a Thirty-One Gifts Consultant
- Sales Pressure: Some consultants find it challenging to meet sales targets, especially in areas with lower income levels. "Items are pricey so it’s hard to sell in my area of the country which is middle to lower income for the majority of people," a consultant observed.
- Income Variability: As with many direct sales roles, income can be inconsistent and heavily dependent on individual effort and market conditions. One consultant stated, "You have to put the time and effort in to earn a good commission check!"
- Market Saturation: In some regions, the market may be saturated with consultants, making it harder to find new customers. This can lead to increased competition and challenges in building a customer base.
Recent Developments
As of October 2024, Thirty-One Gifts announced it would be closing by the end of the year. Founder Cindy Monroe shared, "I shared with our internal team yesterday that we will close Thirty-One at the end of this year."
This decision has significant implications for current and prospective consultants, as the opportunity to join or continue with the company will no longer be available after December 31, 2024.
Conclusion
Thirty-One Gifts has provided many individuals with the opportunity to run their own businesses, offering flexibility and a supportive community. However, challenges such as sales pressure and income variability are important considerations. With the company's impending closure, those interested in similar opportunities may need to explore alternative direct sales companies or other entrepreneurial ventures.