Touchstone Crystal, the direct sales division of the renowned Swarovski Group, offers a unique opportunity for individuals passionate about jewelry to become independent consultants. Founded in 2011, the company combines Swarovski's legacy of craftsmanship with a direct sales model, allowing consultants to sell exclusive jewelry pieces directly to consumers.
The Opportunity
As a Touchstone Crystal consultant, you have the flexibility to manage your own business, set your own hours, and earn income through jewelry sales and team building. The company provides a comprehensive starter kit for $99, which includes $400 worth of jewelry of your choice, along with essential marketing materials. Additionally, consultants have access to digital tools such as a personal website, back-office platform, marketing support, social media tools, and email marketing resources, all for a $14 monthly tech tools fee.
Earnings Potential
Consultants earn a base commission of 25% on their sales, with opportunities to increase this to 30-40% based on performance. For those who choose to build a team, there's potential to earn additional income through team sales. However, it's important to note that earnings can vary widely. According to the company's 2023 Income Disclosure Statement, 77.3% of consultants earned an average of $157 per month, while higher ranks, such as Senior Executive Directors, averaged $18,022 monthly.
Pros of Becoming a Consultant
- Brand Recognition: Being part of the Swarovski family lends credibility and appeal to the products, making them easier to market and sell.
- Quality Products: The jewelry is crafted with Swarovski crystals and gems, ensuring high quality and exclusivity.
- Flexible Schedule: Consultants can set their own hours, making it an attractive option for those seeking work-life balance.
- Community Support: The company fosters a supportive environment where consultants celebrate each other's successes.
Cons of Becoming a Consultant
- Commission-Based Income: Earnings are primarily commission-based, which can lead to income variability. One consultant noted, "I say do this if you know a lot of people and have a bunch of friends/acquaintances."
- Market Saturation: As with many direct sales companies, finding new customers beyond immediate social circles can become challenging over time.
- Monthly Fees: The $14 monthly tech tools fee is mandatory, regardless of sales performance.
- Product Pricing: Some customers may find the jewelry prices higher compared to similar products in the market. A reviewer mentioned, "CZ jewelry is priced at $75 for a necklace that I could get anywhere else... for about $15."
Consultant Experiences
Many consultants appreciate the quality of the products and the potential for earnings. One consultant shared, "Working for Touchstone Crystal was a wonderful experience... I learned a lot when it came to assembling costume jewelry."
However, success often requires significant effort in building and maintaining a customer base. As another consultant pointed out, "The ability to complete in-home sales can become tiresome and can be grueling as the economy changes."
Conclusion
Becoming a Touchstone Crystal consultant offers an opportunity to align with a prestigious brand and sell quality jewelry products. While there are clear advantages, such as product quality and flexible scheduling, potential consultants should consider the challenges, including income variability and the need for continuous customer acquisition. As with any business venture, success depends on individual effort, market conditions, and personal networks.