Home Solutions Institute

In Business Since: 1973

Comments: Dave Longaberger founded this company. All he had was a small selection baskets and a dream of making a successful business. Everyone doubted him and believed he would never succeed. But he believed and made his dream come true.

The Longaberger Company now has tens of thousands working as consultants for this company that others believed would never come to life. They are now creating a dream for themselves by either doing sales as a part-time consultant or making it a full time career.

The baskets began back in 1919, when J.W. Longaberger (Dave’s father) began working with the Dresden Basket Factory. He was a full time apprentice and learned the art of the fine craft of basket bottoms. Then later he learned how to weave in a style that was precise, tight and the basis of their baskets today.

The Longaberger are famous and renowned for their baskets that are all handcrafted. They also have a complete line of Pottery, colorful fabrics accessories, wrought iron pieces, liners and protectors for their baskets. They also carry a beautiful collection So Rachel line of jewelry, purses and accessories.

Longaberger works a bit differently than most network marketing companies. You sign up through their website. They have a consultant contact you in your area and help you to get started. They will help you get your business off the ground by training you to hold the basket shows. You will want to learn about each line and their unique qualities so you will be a qualified representative of these baskets along with their history.

If you are thinking you may want to sell this product, then it would be best to talk to the company or find a local consultant. Go over the marketing plan and find out exactly what the earning potentials are. Find out if a consultant is required to purchase supplies or product on a monthly basis. There are many questions that I am sure you will have.

Advantages:

Disadvantages: Longaberger is a specialty item and will not be for everyone. It is more of a luxury item than a bargain basket just to store things in. You will want to take these things into consideration as you make your decision. The opportunity isn’t a Personal Franchsie Opportunity.

Entities:

Financial Strength: Strong.

Management: Strong

Online Training & Support: Good but limited

Field Training & Support: Unknown

Motivational Support: None known

Products/Services: handcrafted baskets. The Longaberger product is a direct sales network-marketing plan that has representatives who go into homes and have a Basket Party. There are hosts that will have these parties for the consultant, and invite their friends and family. There the consultant is able to make sales of their products and earn on the retail end of things. She will then be able to book more shows through either the guests there or through referrals.

Compensation Plan: The opportunity that being a consultant brings you free Longaberger baskets and other products. You will be able to build your own collection. You will be able to get 25% discount on the handcrafted baskets and other products. They have a Home Show Experience where you can get 25% and earn commissions. You get 50% off samples for one month; enjoy the Collectors Club membership at half price and the opportunity to develop a career with income and travel opportunities. The membership is valuable if you want to be able to purchase their specialty items. There are many products that are for the members only.

The cost to get started is $49, and if you want to have everything you need to start your business, you will need the Business Basics Kit for $159. You also have the chance to buy the Business Builder Kit, which is a complete inventory of their products, according to your tastes for $399.

Health Insurance Plan Available: Unsure