How long have you been in Tupperware, and why did you join?

I joined in March 2010 prior to that I had attended a Tupperware morning tea party which doubled as a kids Christmas party for a coffee group. As I watched the demonstration I thought “I could do that”.  The flexible hours appealed to me, as my husband is a shift worker and at the time I had two little boys under three. Being at home for my family was and still is my priority, but I knew any extra pocket money would make a huge difference.  I was curious and not knowing much about Tupperware, I booked a party, that’s when I became a Tupperholic and within weeks I had joined the team.  My hopes of just making a little extra pocket money have been far exceeded by absolutely loving what I do and giving me an awesome work/life balance.

What part of NZ do you live, and what’s the population?

I live in a small town called Kaitaia. It’s located at the very top of New Zealand, Kaitaia itself has a population of just over 5000 people our wider rural community probably has around 15,000 people.  The biggest distance I would travel to a party would be 30 minutes from home.

Even though I’m from a small town I still meet new people every week and I love that once the party is over and products are delivered, I have made a new friend and loyal customer.

How does it feel to know you’re the #1 Demonstrator for week 19 in Aust/NZ?

It’s really awesome, I’m really blown away by this achievement.  It just goes to show if I can do it, anyone, anywhere can achieve the same result.

How did you plan and prepare your week to hold 17 personal parties?

I organise all my paperwork, catalogues and kit before the week starts. I make sure everyone is party planned well, and then just take each party as it comes. 

My kit stays in the car and I just re-stock catalogues and packs as I need. During the week I take every opportunity to collate each party so it’s easier when it comes to placing that first order.

I could not have achieved this result without the amazing support from my wonderful husband. I also have wonderful support from other family members watching the kids if we both are at work – I couldn’t do it without them. 

Party Planning is key to any successful party – with a $1000 party average what are your Party Planning Tips?

For a big week like this, I often contact previous successful Hosts.  With new hosts I make sure they have extra party planning.  I send an email to every Host with links to view the catalogues online and encourage them to send out to everyone on their email list.

Outside orders are GOLD, I always encourage my Hosts to collect them.  I provide a list of tips to Hosts to help make their party a success, which includes even simple tasks as making sure to phone and remind everyone the day before. 

What is your personal goal in Tupperware?

Tupperware allows me to continue being at home and spend quality time with my little boys, it's not about special holidays or luxuries its just about having the option to put my little family first. I just want to keep enjoying what I do, keep meeting wonderful people, making new friends and continue to be driven by each challenge.

What are your top five tips for dating and holding successful Tupperware parties?

1. I ALWAYS do a cooking demonstration and sometimes several simple ones. I find out who will be at the demonstration and try do something different.  I do simple recipes that people can make at home and tailor the demonstration to the type of people attending. 

2. I’m not out to sell as much products as I can, I really do care about each of my customers and I encourage them to buy exactly what they need.  I try to help my customers save money in the long run.  I ask questions like who throws out vegetables? Who buys bottled water? Who buys their lunch? Who buys store made coffee? Who wraps lunch in glad wrap? Who puts cake in the microwave overnight as it’s the only safe place?  Who melts butter in the microwave?  It’s about knowing the needs of each group of people you stand up in front of.

3. Keep in touch with your customers and past Hosts.  I use an outlook database and make email work for me.  A regularly email my customers, whether it’s the specials or a new recipe I share.  It makes it so much easier to pick up the phone and date a party, when you have kept in contact with your customers.

4. At the end of a demonstration I like to share with the other guests exactly what the Host has achieved. Many guests are unaware how much Tupperware you end up with and it’s a great dating bid.

5. Be passionate about the product and I think most of all you have to enjoy what you do.