Usborne Books - ok, I know it's a perennial topic, but...

[MamaHobgoblin]

...I am thinking of getting started as an Organiser, after thinking hard about it for two previous episodes and deciding the time wasn't right for me. Now I have a 1 yr old DS, and am staying at home with him. No job to go back to, and my other source of income (property rental, nothing flashy, but it paid some bills) has dried up I really do need do be doing something to add to the coffers.

I'm not too bad at talking to people (my main problem is I get too enthusiastic and as I talk fast at the best of times, I think a lot gets lost in translation!) and I'm a book person (can't help thinking that I prefer Barefoot Books to Usborne, but I can't see them selling anywhere as near as well), and I know a lot of local baby and toddler groups, but I'm not sure I'll be very forward about getting in touch with schools, businesses, etc. I'm sure I'd get better as I went on.

Is it worth my while to 'dabble' a little with toddler groups and maybe fetes if I can get them? (I've seen an Usborne seller at local fetes here, so I'd have to get in early or find somewhere else.)

And do you who are already Organisers fill out Income Tax SA returns? I already have to do this because of my (nonexistant) property income and was wondering if it makes it all a lot more complicated/not worth it. The Team Leader I just spoke to (she came to our baby group) said she didn't submit a return because she doesn't make more than the personal allowance...

Sorry, I know this topic has been done to death but I think I'm ready this time around and I need to hear some stories, negative as well as positive!

TO be doing something. If I sound like I've got a cold, it's because I'b god one!

I have not done it myself, I tried Barefoot but found that people looked, said it was lovely, then didn't buy. Usborne books have a lot priced at around £5, which I think is more tempting, plus everybody knows what they are getting.

As far as I have seen with usborne, the books pretty much sell themselves, so I suppose it is a cost issue - you need to have a lot of stock to sell. Consider the cost (no idea what the arrangements are - I'm sure someone will come on and tell you), how much time you have to go out to groups (and think laterally - one local leisure centre has the usborne stall there every couple of months, as does the creche at the local gym). Think about stoarge space at home. And think about lugging the stuff in and out of your car, including the display racks.

Hope that helps - good luck

I dont buy Usborne as DC read them one perhaps twice and thats it BUT Barefoot books are a big hit in our familiy. Lovely lovely books, good illustrations and stories.

I'd go for Barefoot, you will always get lots of windows shoppers regardless of brand but once people know and appreciate Barefoot iit should be easier (or stock both??)

Thanks, that's helpful. I do prefer Barefoot but just think they won't sell as well. I buy a lot of them (because I love them, not particularly because DS does!) but think that I need to be living somewhere more metropolitan (do I mean 'sophisticated'?) to move them. Usborne has immediate recognition. But then do I want to be selling something that I'm not as taken with as the competition?

Display stands are another issue - you have to provide them/buy them from Usborne, I think. I believe the storage issue isn't too bad as they pack down into boxes quite well (mind you, this house is already heaving with books and something of a tip, not sure where I'd put my supplies).

What about Phoenix cards - have they saturated your area yet? Cheap item, everybody needs them, they get used.

I did Usborne for about 3 years. am still an Organiser but dont do much now

It can be really good. I have friends who are Organisers and they do really well and have been promoted and earn good money from it

I will get one to come and advise you better than me lol

You have good events and bad events, but you can do sponsored reads in schools and nurserys. minimum work but can get quite a bit from them

I enjoyed it. did mainly toddler groups and a few fairs

I think to do well you have to venture into more places though

I bought a coupe of table top stands, were not expensive

then a table cloth and away you go!

I just got a couple of cases on wheels so I didnt have to carry then books around

you can buy usborne books sometimes cheaper at other places. I always worried this would affect my sales. To be honest it did at times but only because I hardly did any events. the organisers who do more say it doesnt affect them at all

and you do have a catalogue with well over 1000 titles in

I would go for it, but do get to know an Organiser and ask loads of questions. see if you 'like them' and if they seem a good support before you join. But do join through one , if you just go to the website you get any Team leader assigned to you. some are pushy wereas others will support you as much as you do or dont want

Hope that helps

Hiya MamaHodGoblin

I am an Usborne organiser and I love it its fab!!!!

Being an Usborne Organiser is great for so many reasons and you can do it as much
or as little as you want to work around your other commitments. You can build a
fantastic business, earn some extra money, get cheap or even free books for your
own family. I have a little boy aged 21months, and love being able to spend time
with him. I hate the thought of having a ?proper? job anymore!

You can sell to friends, family, neighbours, playgroups, NCT groups, nurseries,
schools, libraries.... the list is endless. If you can sell to schools, then you are likely to get some big orders! One organiser, just a month or two after joining, secured a
£17,000 library order! We can offer up to 60% in free books to schools, nurseries, etc too so that is great for sales.

The starter kit is on special offer this week at £20, usual price £38, and worth over
£100, it contains everything you need to get going.

I bet you have loads more questions, please feel free to email me on [email protected] or print the agreement off at www.crazyaboutbooks.co.uk to join.

I really look forward to hearing from you

Jo.

Thanks for all the advice. I've sort of had a change of heart and think that I'd rather be involved with Barefoot - I just can't get as enthused about the product that Usborne sells. Daft really, because I think deep down I know that Usborne sell better than Barefoot, but I adore the Barefoot products, and there are far fewer sellers in our area. I'm encouraged by positive stories about direct selling, in any case, so thanks for all that.

Great MamaHobgoblin! Where are you based? As I do love barefoot books too!

I do Pampered Chef - I have no stock! It seems to be doing fine in terms of the economy at the moment.

Another vote for Phoenix - you can work with absolutely no stock if you want to. Also even if you do have stock it doesn't take up much space.

Fantastic, Mamahobgoblin. I love Barefoot, but our local BFB rep is not very enthusiastic - I was practically begging to purchase books but couldn't seem to get her to follow through. We are both in Oxfordshire, (if your profile is right) so if you're near enough, I'd be interested

Hi,

I am an agent with Tish Tash Toys and love it. I just wanted to let any party planners or prospective party planners know about a new website - Party Plan Together - which has lots of useful articles and idea to help with your business.