I'm a Slimming World Consultant and have been for almost 2 years. I do enjoy doing it but would say that I am not a "lifer" and don't obsess over it.
I have 2 children under 4 and another on the way and it is very good to fit around the children. My OH and I had an agreement that as long as it didn't take over my time then it was great to do. My priority is looking after the kids but I needed something for me to stop me going crazy and something to bring in some extra cash.
You don't have to work all the hours God sends to earn a reasonable amount. I would say that those guys earning £20-£30 a group are not really putting any time or effort into their groups or understanding the right way of doing things to ensure best use of their time. It really is a case of you get out what you get in. It's a job at the end of the day and SW are very upfront about the hours you are expected to put in. There is a structure - you take a % depending on number of members.
It can cost approx £1000 to get started depending on the franchise option you go for (and this is cheap in franchise land!)
I took over a group with 15 members and now it sits comfortably at between 55-65 and therefore earns me anywhere between £75-£120 per week depending on countdowns purchased etc. There are quieter times of year that you have to be prepared for - high summer and xmas can be much lower earnings - I probably take £30 a group the week inbetween xmas and new year! If I wanted to work a little bit harder and promote some more then I could get my group up to 100 members probably and run a double session and earn more money. You really need to be looking at having minimum of 50 members to make much money.
You are expected to promote at key times of the year - Xmas, Easter and August and this is usually for 2 weeks at a time. So in theory you are looking at giving up 6 Sundays a year to go leafleting plus an extra few days each time for posters, sending letters, networking, advertising etc. It can be hard work to drag yourself out leafleting on a rainy sunday but if you want to grow your group then you do it.
I probably work about 15 hours per week - including my group. Planning, packing the car, setting up and running group, cashing up and sending support notes/emails/texts etc. But I don't break my back doing it and if I work less one week and more the other then that's fine.
You have district meetings once a quarter - they are not compulsory but you get a lot out of them. If you have a Team developer then you will probably have a monthly meeting as well. These really are good as you get support, can arrange cover for your groups and keep your motivation high.
It does cost to go up to Derby for training (petrol/hotel etc) but the training really is very good and compared to stuff I've done in big companies is great! And the SW canteen is to die for! Training is about 4-5 days. Half day pre-training. 2 days in derby then another 2 days later on after you have started. I first enquired in Feb and was up and running and in group on 10th April.
If you go to an opportunity event then go with an open mind and don't be afraid to ask questions! Speak to your consultant as well.
If you are friendly and outgoing and fancy the thought of working for yourself but with the backing and support of a great company that have the funds to invest in you and improvements and research then go for it. Because you are self-employed you have to pay your national insurance and do a tax return but it's not difficult!
For me it's a no-brainer. I get to be with my kids (not that I always want that!!), not fork out thousands of pounds a year in childcare, work 15 hours per week to fit around me and take home an extra £280 - £500 per month to give me some financial independance. It's not always great but most of the time its fab! I get a lot out of helping people - it's very rewarding.