Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Janette Reinke was a single mother of two, struggling to balance a job with her children’s day-care schedules and fighting to keep up with her bills. The recently divorced Reinke found a viable source of income where she might have least expected: sex toys.
It was about two years ago when Reinke decided to become a Passion Parties consultant to help pay her bills. Now, the former KU student makes her living working as a consultant, selling sensual products to women through in-home sales calls.
“Passion Parties are actually very educational and empowering for women, and very helpful for relationships,” Reinke said. “Having just gone through a failed relationship, it means a lot to help others with their intimacy.”
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
breakbox
How to get involved with Passion Parties, Inc.
- Consultants start out by ordering a “Passion Pac” (minimum of $100) - Each consultant receives her own Web site with contact information - Training DVDs and conference calls are provided for education - Consultants make 40 percent of their total sales - More information on consulting can be found at www.passionparties.com
Passion Parties, Inc., founded 14 years ago, has used the direct sales model popularized by Tupperware and Mary Kay to grow into a successful enterprise. According to owner Pat Davis, the company has gained value for 60 consecutive months.
After taking the company’s reins in 2001, Davis rebranded Passion Parties to appeal to Middle America. Since then, Oprah, Tyra Banks and TIME Magazine have featured the company and its out-of-the-box approach to sex toy sales. Davis said Passion Parties succeeded because it offered women confidentiality and comfort.
“It has really showed that women were seeking this information but had nowhere to go to find it,” Davis said. “Everyone’s looking for ways to enhance their relationships, but going to a sex shop — I think most women wouldn’t feel comfortable there.”
Passion Parties consultants like Reinke — they number more than 28,000 — make appointments with hosts who organize a few of their friends for a party. The consultant explains the nuances of each toy to the group before taking each prospective customer into a one-on-one sales session.
The consultant makes 40 percent of the total sales from each party. Davis said an average party grossed about $500, so consulting could provide either supplemental or primary income, depending on the time commitment. Reinke doesn’t need a part-time job to support her children and herself — parties pay for it all.
“It’s growing all the time,” Reinke said. “My income is increasing and every month it keeps going up.”
Reinke, the sex toy saleswoman who was at first embarrassed by the prospect of even attending a Passion Party, embodies the company’s mission. Davis said helping women gain confidence and taking responsibility for their sexuality was her goal.
“It’s a company people feel comfortable going to,” Davis said. “It’s great that we’re sharing in the movement.”
— Edited by Mandy Earles
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Comments
Former student pays the bills by empowering women
I rather get my sex toys from Toys R Us
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