Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Fun Facts

Unique not only in the direct selling industry, but among retail brands as well, Vessel has created a new product category: Scented Jewelry. Combining these two products that nearly all women love, fragrance and jewelry, Vessel is on track for success and sustained growth.

Fascinating facts from the fragrance and jewelry industries:

The research firm EUROMONITOR International predicts US retail fragrance sales to reach $6.1 billion and US retail jewelry sales to reach $64 billion for a five year forecast period. Outside the US these numbers skyrocket, meaning there is an enormous global financial potential for Vessel.

Set part from traditional jewelry and fragrance, Vessel's new product category is combined with a business opportunity in the fun, social selling environment of direct sales.

Fantastic facts from the direct selling industry:

76% of sellers have been with their company 1+ years
78% of sellers say direct selling meets or exceeds their expectations
82% of sellers report a good, very good or excellent experience with direct selling
74% of US adults have purchased products from a direct seller
15.9 million people in the US are involved in direct selling
$31.63 billion in total US sales
$166.9 billion sales worldwide

These fun facts should help us see the tremendous financial opportunity in front of us!

Source:
www.dsa.org
www.directselling411.com

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Don't Underestimate What You Deserve

by Dioni Morales, Director of Stylist Services

As most of you know, I was on a Caribbean Cruise last week with my husband and girls. We had been planning this trip for over a year.  For months we talked to our girls about it.  Because it was their first time on a cruise, they were very excited!  My husband and I have made a conscious decision that we are more interested in giving our girls experiences rather than material things, and traveling is a great way to give them those experiences. 

While on the cruise we met people from all over the United States, as well as from all over the world.  These people surely saved and planned for this trip for a long time just like we did.  I'm sure they were just as happy as we were to have that experience, and especially to be able to share it with their children. But as we are sitting there enjoying all the luxuries of this fantastic cruise, I could not avoid thinking of the people I know who would not even dream of being able to enjoy this -  or anything similar, for that matter. I think of people who go through life thinking that luxuries are for others, but never for them.

It reminded me of the old story of a man who wanted to travel the Mediterranean and saved for years in order to be able to take a Mediterranean cruise. That day finally came.  But because he was short of money, he brought along an extra suitcase full of cans of beans, crackers and lemonade. He spent most of the days in his small cabin watching the views from his window.  He would hear people laughing outside and he wished he could enjoy the dinners and the entertainment that they all enjoyed. On the last night of the cruise, one of the cruise staff asked him which Farewell Dinner Party he would be attending.  The staff member proceeded to explain that not only that party but ALL the meals and the entertainment on the cruise were included in the price of the trip. As you can imagine, the man just about had a heart attack upon learning that his sacrifices were totally unnecessary.  But at this point it was too late.  He had wasted ten days being stuck in his cabin.

Some people spend their life watching others enjoy the great things in life, but thinking that they themselves are not deserving. They don't realize that we all have the capacity for a great life.  All we have to do is find the best way to be able to enjoy what matters most. As we have talked about many times, this industry allows you to enjoy freedom of time and money so you can live the life that you deserve. With Vessel, you can achieve your dream and enjoy life, rather than letting it pass you by!

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Making the Most out of Trade Shows

by Tracy Rodgers, National Sales Director

Trade shows are a great way to introduce new potential hostesses, customers and business-minded people to Vessel, and to educate them about the many valuable products and services we have available.

Trade shows also provide an informal setting for people who have been thinking about working with Vessel to get their questions answered and have an impromptu discussion about potential solutions to their challenges.

While trade shows can be a winning strategy to attract new business, they can also be a huge waste of time, energy and resources if all that happens is that you build a eye-catching display and say “hi” to people as they walk by. Do not waste this great opportunity to build your business! When formulating your trade show strategy for success, use the following tips to make your connections count.

Look Like a Million Bucks
You want to always look your best when working a trade show. Looking professional makes people more receptive to speaking with you. Make sure you look the part of the successful direct sales company representative. Press your outfit, get a haircut and make sure your shoes are comfortable and polished. Where light colors – dark blue and black are more intimidating. Go with the lighter colors in your closet for this event.

Get Out In Front
Put together a great display to really catch the attention of trade show attendees. Be sure to position the display tables in a way that allows you to easily enter into the pedestrian aisle. Do not put a table across the front of your booth, since this puts a barrier between you and passersby. Keep your booth neat and uncluttered. Put out only a few materials at a time.

Show Your Smile
Show your teeth to everyone and make eye contact as people come near your booth. This conveys warmth and makes it easy for people to approach you. Go out of your way to be friendly, energetic, approachable, and connect with all the trade show attendees.

Success Starts with a Great Opening
Rehearse your opening statement. Say something that gets people to stop in their tracks and spend some time at the booth. Ask a question. “Are you familiar with Vessel?” Chances are it will be new to them.  What a great opportunity to show and tell!

Gather the Important Info
Have a drawing, and make it easy for people to enter by dropping their card into a bowl. This creates excitement and ensures people will stop at the booth. If people do not have a card, provide a form for them to fill out. Make sure everyone writes in all their information: name, address, phone, and especially email address. Gathering the contact information of attendees is one of the primary objectives of participating in trade shows.

People Love Giveaways
If all of your materials look like sales materials, they will probably end up in the trash before the trade show attendees leave the convention hall. Give everyone coupons and innovative premiums with your logo. These keep your name in front of someone long after the trade show has passed. Make sure to bring plenty of whatever you are giving away. You do not want to run out of goodies. 

Do It Now
Come to the show knowing your open dates for bookings, and give people incentives to book right now. Have recruiting conversations and offer an incentive to join your team right now -today. Do not assume that people have to go home and think about it. People sign up and join companies all the time at trade shows. We want that to happen at your booth.

Your Fortune Is in the Follow Up
Follow up immediately on any hot leads for bookings, sales or new team members. Send out a thank you email with an additional special offer to everyone within two days after the trade show. Within two days is key. Otherwise, they will not even remember you. If you wait two weeks or two months the trade show attendees will not even remember meeting and speaking with you.


Trade shows can take a lot of time and energy. When done well, they can attract many new customers and recruits, and expand your relationship with current customers and recruits. Follow the ideas above and get the most out of your next trade show adventure!

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Vessel's Committment to Quality

We have had several questions lately about the metals in our jewelry, and about our Lifetime Guarantee.  Hopefully the following information answers your questions.  Be sure to check regularly on the FAQ section of the website (www.VesselScentsofStyle.com) when you have questions, as you are quite likely to find an answer there!

What are Vessel's metal pieces made of? 
Vessel jewelry should be considered fashion jewelry (also known as "costume jewelry").  Fashion jewelry will typically have a "base metal" and then a "plating" on top of that base metal.  We have a mixture of pieces with a base metal of copper, and also some with a base metal of zinc alloy (we are transitioning to zinc alloy).  An "alloy" simply means that it is a mixture of various metals.  The plating of each finish is also an alloy, and the combination of metals in each finish alloy plating is dependent upon that finish.  We do not use precious metals such as gold, silver or platinum, and our prices reflect this. 

Vessel's jewelry is lead and nickel safe. 

What are the ScentSpheres made of?
The ScentSpheres are made of absorbent polymer clay.  Eventually the scent will dissipate, and you can simply purchase new sets.  You can also use your own perfume or essential oils on unscented ScentSpheres.  The perfume will likely dissipate faster because commercial perfumes have a high alcohol content.  Essential oils may cause a change in color on the bead, depending on the oil used.  Most essential oil users prefer to apply the oils frequently to the ScentSpheres for maximum benefit.

What does "Lifetime Guarantee" mean?
Here is Vessel's Guarantee (which can be found in our FAQ section on the website):
  • The guarantee covers manufacturer’s defects.  It does not cover: 1) normal wear and tear, 2) slight irregularities of design or color; 3) accidental damage.  Metal Lockets and metal Chains covered by this guarantee are repaired or replaced at no cost if returned within 120 days of purchase.  If returned more than 120 days after purchase, a minimal shipping and handling fee will apply.
  • All other items (i.e., Ribbon and Cord Necklaces, Flowers, Charms) are repaired or replaced at no cost if returned within 60 days of purchase.  After 60 days, no further warranty applies.  
  • The guarantee does not apply to scent inserts.
  • The guarantee applies only to the original purchaser and requires proof of purchase.
  • If an item is not repairable (at the Company’s discretion) or an incorrect item was sent, it will be replaced with the same, new item.
  • If the customer wishes to replace the item with another item, she/he may do so for an item of equal or lesser value.  If a more expensive item is selected, the customer must pay the difference.
  • If the item is returned by a customer, the customer must contact the Company for a return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and enclose the original shipping invoice with the returned item.
  • This product guarantee does not apply to products damaged by abuse or misuse, or to product damaged in shipping.  If an item is damaged in shipping, the customer must contact the shipper.
  • You should take care of your Vessel jewelry.  This includes storing it properly, keeping personal care products, cleaners, etc. off your pieces, avoiding submersion in water (especially chlorinated swimming pools or sea water), for example.  Your jewelry should be the last thing you put on in the morning, and first thing you take off at night.

How do I return a damaged piece?
You can obtain a replacement in one of two ways:
  • Return the damaged piece(s) to Vessel at 988 North 600 East, Springville, UT  84663.  PLEASE be sure to use a padded envelope or wrap the pieces so that they are not damaged or fall out during shipment.  First contact Vessel at 888-966-8775 or send an email to stylistservices@vesselscentsofstyle.com and get an RMA number.  Once we received the damaged piece(s), we will send you the replacement(s), along with a gift as reimbursement for postage.

Karen and I are absolutely committed to continually improving our product line, and we are working with current and new suppliers to address quality issues as quickly as possible as they come up. 
 
As much as we strive and work toward the ideal of perfect products, the actor Michael J. Fox said it best when he said, "I am careful not to confuse excellence with perfection.  Excellence I can reach for; perfection is God's business." 

To your success!

Susan