AIBU not to want to buy goods from my friends?

[Amyksays]

As its Christmas, I've a few friends remember that they sell body shop, Neals yard, aloe stuff etc. I really don't like them asking me to buy stuff, I find it uncomfortable, I would never try and sell them building supplies (that's what I do!). I know it's a bit of extra income for some, but I don't like feeling under pressure to buy, I don't think it's fair.

[ZippyNeedsFeeding]

But would you really want to go to a party to look at cement?
MrZippy would love that! Perhaps there's a niche there? I'd pay good money to send him to a party where he could talk to other concrete bores about their best mixes, polishing technique and mixer versus readymix stories!

[Sittingintheautumnsunshine]

They actually think that they're above them, hence the ironically bit. It's all rather strange, but they have never needed the money, they were all just bored.

[likepeasandcarrots]

I have friends who have well paid, full time jobs yet also peddle the younique, scentsy, jamberry, Herbalife and aloe Vera crap! It seems like ever 'new' brand comes along they all jump on it and fill Facebook with ads for it all! It gets right on my tits

[PenguinsandPebbles]

Is it somehow more acceptable if you do it "ironically"

[PenguinsandPebbles]

Ha ha socks I'm a bit like this with computer equipment and bits of wire, get a bit hot under the collar thinking about technology but I still don't think I would want to go to a party with that specifically in mind :)

I'm all up for the wine and nibbles though just not with the intention of buying stuff I don't need.

I have so much overpriced shite from these things!

[SocksRock]

I'm a structural engineer, so to be fair I do get rather enthusiastic about concrete and steel! I accept I am probably in the minority...

Catalogues of new cunning builders metalwork accessories are eagerly pored over here (DH is a structural engineer as well!)

[Sittingintheautumnsunshine]

Most of my friends seem to have out grown this stuff now, thankfully. We went through the Pampered Chef, Tupperware ("ironically "), Ann Summers (" ironically "), and lots of home made jewellery parties.

The diehards are working for HOC now, and I simply won't waste my time and money to be told that I can't wear black, because black is my favourite colour. Luckily, they know that I am a miserable miser who would rather spend my money on a good book, so they have stopped asking me.

I do " like" their Facebook posts, mind you. And sometimes comment on particular shades of plum.

[PenguinsandPebbles]

But would you really want to go to a party to look at cement? I'd rather go to Homebase, id more than likely end up with enough to build a house because I get these feelings of guilt that I have to purchase something when tucking into someone's nibbles and wine

[SocksRock]

Building supplies parties would be awesome. I need 5 fire doors and fixtures, new outside lights, two new lintels (and a builder to fit them if you have one knocking about), some topsoil for the garden and a new driveway.

[schmack]

thats the thing though, we may not all be laughing but I shake my head and marvel at the desperation/stupidity/sadness when yet another school.mum announces she's joined one of the MLMs like Forever Living, Younique etc. Many, many people do. especially those that run proper businesses and are genuinely self employed. They don't tell you that though when they sign you up, and that your friends will dread speaking g to you if you keep trying to hard sell them.

[Sparlklesilverglitter]

I hate this kind of thing, I always feel awful b no put on the spot when I'm saying no.
Thing is I can afford it but I don't like the brands my friends sell, or the one that sells bras when I did buy one from her it was awful quality

[HateSummer]

Just say no thanks, I've done all my Christmas shopping! I was very organised this year.

mondegreens you sound like a horrible person. You're exactly what a member of a "clique" would be like at a mother and toddler group. Glad you had a nice time laughing like idiots at random people though.

[Slightlyperturbedowlagain]

Building supplies I'm more interested in however

[Slightlyperturbedowlagain]

I always just say 'no I'm fixed for (insert name of crap for sale here) thanks'
Seems to work They rely on people feeling awkward about saying no.

[altiara]

I love how this thread is turning out! I will be needing some floor tiles soon

[NovemberInDailyFailLand]

I wouldn't mind a new shed and a built-in barbecue...lovely :)

[BarbaraofSeville]

Looks like the building supplies party might be a goer. I'd be willing to host and put on some wine and nibbles and let AmyK show us her wares - she could do my driveway as a 'demonstration' and then you'd all put your orders in for yours too.

[PenguinsandPebbles]

I like to know if friends sell this sort of thing and would prefer to buy from them than amazon, but I generally don't need to be reminded constantly :) but I don't mind a gentle reminder, ramming it in my face I wouldn't be so keen on.

What I hate are the "parties" especially the Jamie Oliver ones - so much pressure to purchase a £30 spatular by Jamie Oliver, actually had a friend get the major hump with me as I wouldn't go to the ones she was organising, she was doing one every three months.

[TheInternetIsForPorn]

I'd rather buy building supplies. I'm in need of skirting board and assorted fixings

[pringlecat]

I just don't understand how this model survives now, when people have such easy access to the internet and can source the same tat for less.

[ZippyNeedsFeeding]

Maybe you're missing a trick here. I'm allergic at Avon and aloe vera, and have no patience for the rest of it, but I'd be well up for a deal on a pallet of blocks, half a dozen skeleton guns and a uPVC window! For that kind of opportunity I might actually turn up for school stuff!

To get rid of them, I think you do occasionally have to be quite blunt. Or try "yes, I'm happy to talk about that, but first let me show you the special deal I'm running on wall ties this week".

[Laiste]

virgin vie! That rings a bell. I think that was one of the many i sat through.

[SilverDragonfly1]

I take great pleasure in keeping the events committee where I volunteer up to date on all the latest MLMs, so they can be turned down when they ask for stalls at our fetes. Charities should never have them at any event as that can be perceived as the charity itself endorsing the products- something any scammer will be happy to encourage...

[agentmarmalade]

I used to go to virgin vie parties just to see my friends and end up buying something out of politeness, even though I did not have the money to justify it. Twenty quid make up remover? how the saleswoman cringed when I said I used £1 baby oil and a few wet wipes and it the best cleanser ever. You gotta keep it real. I cant afford it and just say so! It's not unreasonable at all.

[RebelandaStunner]

We have the obligatory Avon lady at work.
She always gives me a book to "look through" even though I have been there years and never bought anything ever and never will because I don't even look at it, I've seen one once so already know what's in it.