|
6/27/2008 - MC writes:
I joined SMC back in 2003, I was nearly fresh out of high school. I joined because I wanted to start my own business and make some extra cash. When I got my package, I immediately talked to my business coach who was a very nice guy. He gave me suggestions, and even asked what I wanted to do to start my business out of the choices given. When I told him which ones, he gave me very good advice on how and what to do. When I mentioned selling on an auction site, he told me I shouldn't because there's a lot of price wars on there (something SMC prohibits and is in the rules last time I checked) and I wouldn't make a lot of money. Without selling anything to me, he told me about other sites I could sell on. I got his advise, opened up my own website and the sales started coming in. Plus working at another job, I was getting sales from my workplace as well.
During my 5 years of experience, only once I ran into an item being out of stock. It was only out of stock for about 2 weeks, and arrived a full week a head of the ETA. Some advice, the trick is not to get involved with price wars, they don't make you money.
During my time with SMC, I now have 2 websites, one at retail prices, one at wholesale prices. My wholesale website allows me to be a distributor, plus I can add other products to it that I want. About 6 months ago I got into contact with other places as well, and I now have even more products to offer.
SMC really has opened the doors for me and my business, and as soon as I can find a place where I live to open up a shop, I will. ANd my doors will be open to my parents as well, because they too have been wanting to open up a shop.
I stand by SMC even if others have had bad experiences. I've never dealt with anyone being rude, and have always been treated with respect.
Also, remember, there's a difference between putting items on sale, and getting involved with price wars. One of the biggest online auction websites is known for having the most price wars of many products, and not just SMC. A lot of people look at the small picture, instead of the big picture.
To have a successful business you have to be passionate about what you're selling. If you don't love the products, they wont sell. And you have to work work work to make it. I work 3 hours a day, and that's listing more products, fulfilling orders, answering emails, and doing everything else that comes up during those few hours. If I was paid by the hour, I would average about $400 per hour! There's no job out there that pays that much per hour!
I'm now 23, have a great home and plan on contuning to work until I'm able to retire at 65 and pass the business down in my family.
All the money I've spent with SMC has been gained back. A lot of people complain about the yearly rate being expensive, but broken down it's only $4 per month! You can make that back in ONE sale.
Without SMC, I wouldn't have what I do today, plus the confidence and self-esteem I've gained from doing this is extremely phenomenal.
Thank you SMC!
4/4/2008 - Michael Winston writes:
I can't agree that SMC is a scam, I've been with them since 1996 and I've found that with most legitimate offers they are not promising that you will become rich overnight, but if you put forth the effort you can make a decent income. I sell SMC products mostly at fundraisers, bazaars and such and walked away with at least $800 or more in pure profit. I'm a living witness that SMC products can make money, BUT, as with any business you have to 1) Work it, work it work it. 2) promote it and 3)Like doing it. SMC is tops in my book!
3/30/2008 - Rhianna writes:
One thing you have to understand is that SMC has nothing to do with whether you suceed or fail. That is up to you. SMC gives you the product and the tools. What you choose to do with it is up to you. I researched all of the complaints and sucesses BEFORE I signed up and yes, I did sign up. No, I am not making any money yet. But then, I only just started! It takes money to start a company. I spent my own money to get the proper permits and I formed an LLC to protect myself. I wrote a business plan and I found a few reps. I distributed less than a hundred catalogs. I purchased some products. I've received 3 orders so far, without even trying. I am working on unique programs my customers can utilize by doing business with me. Now, I am ready to start doing business. The 30 days has passed by and I understand this, but I also understood that it takes a year, not 30 days to know if the business will be successful. It will be 5 years before I know if my company will make it. Knowing this information before you make a decision to be self employed is a good idea. There is no such thing as getting rich quick. SMC has nothing to do with your success. they simply have product available for you to offer your customers. I've drop shipped product and I was able to track that shipment, and was able to provide my customers with a delivery date. I did not let the customer go a day without an update. If i saw a change in delivery date due to inclement weather, I let my customer know that as well. I purchased a website and I love it. It gives me a chance to advertise it to potential customers. I can't afford a merchant account so I use the website to allow customers to use paypal to make credit card purchases. I "Give away" the gift cards to customers so they can register at the website. it costs me $3.33 pp to do this. that is cheaper than advertising in the local newspaper which is also cheap advertising. Once i pay off the membership and website, I will use that money to more extensively advertise and buy more product. I have had a great experience with my business coach. I called him every week and talked to him about my plans and fears. He was very helpful. sometimes I called him twice a week. You have to take the initiative and build your business. It is not SMC's job to do this. They can only advise you and ship you the product, but they can't hold your hand all the way. My experience has been a positive one, and now I have enough product to go try out a flea market, or a yard sale. I am trying to work up the courage to go visit [] with my products. My business coach is encouraging me to take that step but he cannot fly here and go with me. The training wheels need to come off at some point. If you are having problems getting started, you have to look in the mirror and not at SMC. If you call and talk to them, they bend over backwards to help. I have called twice this month to postpone a website payment. each request was honored.
Now, if you call SMC and you are treated badly, or unfairly, ask to talk to a supervisor. These CSR's are human beings and have bosses. Do not form an opinion of an entire company because of one or two individuals.
2/17/2008 - DS writes:
I invested $24.95 for a starter kit in the 1990's as well as $495 for a merchant account and payment gateway. I was not forced to get a merchant account. Early on I realized that I could not quit my day job and work SMC. Having visited many sites that sell their products, there was too much of the same thing. Auction sites were no different. Over the years that I participated, SMC's product line did not offer enough uniqueness or diversity. Had the opportunity to see their products at different flea markets in the area. The products were easily recognized. I'm no salesperson. I have no problems charging for my skills as a designer and a computer system builder. There is a difference between sales and service. I used SMC to purchase gifts for friends and customers. At the time they had a good variety of photo frames, candle holders, incense/ oil burners, trinket boxes, and sundry tool kits. I paid the yearly membership fee of $24.95, received their monthly newsletter, had access to my account via internet, and received the semi-annual catalogue packages. I terminated my $39.95 a month merchant account with no problems. My association with SMC ended when hurricane Katrina flooded the city. If SMC continued to send mail, the mail was lost. They did not send anything to my P. O. Box for membership renewal. Can you make a living with SMC? Some people who are good at sales may do well. As stated, the prices were good for gifts for customers and friends. My disappointment with SMC was their redundant inventory. Did not have problems with them raiding my checking account. Never received a call from my personal coach. A word of advice, research and investigate before you invest your money. After reading the complaints, I would shy away from anything like this. I'm still looking for good products at below wholesale prices.
12/29/2007 - Brandy writes:
My spouse and I were looking for a way for him to make us some extra money. He is disabled and can not hold a regular job. We bought into the company, paying our whole membership up front. We had one billing problem, which was quickly fixed and have had no problem since. Sometimes a product come in damaged and like any other company, they quickly send out a replacement. We used the products to open our own wholesale business and the website for our retail operation. He made us some spending money. We didn't get rich quick like I think many people expect to. Its a business, you are just purchasing the right to sell their products. We are currently trying to set up a full out retail store in our area.
11/15/2007 - Michael writes:
I am currently 10 years into SMC. I started like many of us by watching the infomercial on TV. I had flipped the channel many times over, as I was not interested and didn't believe the business prospect. It wasn't until my business 101 course in college that I needed a project, fast. My partner bailed on me half way through the class. I had 2 weeks left to come up with a great businesses fictional business. Long Story short, I used the cliff notes and grabbed SMC as my project. I received a A+ for it. Quickly utilizing their products, services, and techniques allowed me to setup and start a business. I designed my business plan, created the business from ground up, got my licenses and permits, advertised in the paper, and invested into the catalongs for mail order sales. With the class project done and a good grade, I could have stopped. I actually liked the business I created. And enjoyed the products. I was upset about the shipping, but its better than others. My dream of becoming rich took some time. Just about a few months to get a good customer base. Now rich for me, was more than being broke, more than a minimal wage job, and more than I had in debt. Lots of student loans. I still remember my very first order. 100 pieces of the business card + calculator holder designed into a small briefcase. Was I surprised. Honestly though, I didn't expect my first order being of that size. You see, my Instructor was my first customer. I had thought he was being nice. But he told me that the product was a great gift for all his customers. I agreed with him. Now if this SMC was a scam, dont you think this Attorney who taught the business class would have given me a lesser grade? I am not a scam, my business is not a scam, and my clients and those who I do business with are not a scam. Its wrong to point fingers and blame that of what you didn't listen to. Did you read your contract with them carefully? Or were you too excited and missed the part that you had to actually invest into this business? YES, its very hard to make a buck these days. [] ran out small businesses. and Yes I shop at [], as I am addicted like many people. But my business does flourish. Does even better now that the gas prices are sky-rocketing! There are many ways to make money, and they show you how. Do I need to hold your hand? Okay, fine! Here is the best way to make your first dollar... Hand a customer your catalong and watch them carefully. You'll see there eyes widen and give a slight smile as they found a very nice item that they really want. Then your heart will pitter-patter as they say I want it. another is by mail. wait till you start seeing those checks come in. Wahoo! Thank You SMC!!
10/25/2007 - mike writes:
for those who complain that they took out $295.95 out of their account. well at first i thought it was only $25 to get started and which is true. but if you go on their website. they have many so it isnt hard to find them. there\\\'s two memberships you can choose from. the gold or silver package. i believe the gold is $295.95 and the silver is $40 a month for 11 months for a total of $479.90. people lets be realistic here. you cant make money unless you spend money and be prepared to put in hard work and patience. i have not ordered my package yet but i\\\'m thinking about it. and with any business you are taking a risk and like it says results are not typical. the only time you should be worried if they take out extra money or pressure you for mentoring advice like people have said about john beck free and clear.
8/26/2007 - Kenzie writes:
I have used SMC and you have to know how to work at their pace. I have been in this business for 2 years now and I am doing great. I have trippled my money many,many times over now. You have to know how to market the items and use their information correctly. It is not a get rich quick thing it does take time. It does work!
7/29/2007 - Robert writes:
I can agree with the other buisness owners. If you don't do anything with the business, it won't work. I've been with SMC for about 5 years and I did not start right away either. I'm not a salesman either ,but it's true, the gifts will sell themselves. I took my catalogs to work, set them on my desk and the women who work in the office came by my desk, saw the catalogs and placed orders. Only extra thing I did was to tell them how much of a discount they would get and when their merchandise would arrive. One co-worker had standing orders from May of last year til Christmas! It was like a "lay-a-way" plan. Christmas last year, I made about $250.00 to $300.00 from just 3 people from other depts, with one of the customers ordering another $150.00 for my $19.00 and under sales specialty catatlog! And that was just by those girls seeing me bringing in the others' merchandise and they wanted to see my catalogs. That afternoon, I had more orders. So if you don't put forth "some" kind of effort, of course you won't get anything back.
5/10/2007 - Paul writes:
I joined SMC in the late 90's. I never did anything with the program other than order some products and give them as gifts. What I can say is I'm a very observent person and a critical thinker. I noticed the very same products that SMC offers you can find in your local small gifts stores. What does that mean? They probably are getting the products from SMC. HELLO what an endorsement. (Plus SMC offer the products at 1/3 of the gifts store price, so you know you're on the right track) You can also seach the web for other SMC sellers and even find many selling their SMC products []. You can find testimonials every where if you only look. SMC products are priced very low allowing you the opportunity to earn very decent money. The only factor that will cause you to fail with SMC is you! If you take no action to sell YOUR products you will not make money. SMC gives you the opportunity and suggestions but it is the dealer that must actually make the sales.
3/7/2007 - Carol writes:
I am associated only in that I have a membership with them. Back in mid 1990's I signed up with them but thruth be told I did nothing with it for first 3 years. I let my membership lapse. Last August I decided to join again and this time woek my home based business. I have no problems with the company. I have recruited sales reps to sell under my business name and they also are doing well with it. I use the home party theme and book parties to sell my products and I recruit others to become subsellers under me. Just as any other type home based direct selling company we must promote ourselves, our business and our products and we must be willing to work and put the time into it. It is a real business and should be run as such. From some of the reports here most of you never even gave it a chance when you got your membership kits. You apparently were not willing to put the time into learning the different methods of selling available for you to use. Sales are out there with any product if you seriously teat it as a real business and you develop a business plan on how to run your business. It won't get done on it's own. I have had no problems with SMC and receive my shipments in a timely manner and so do my sales reps. As far as the hype with the SMC coach, website and such I simply ignored that and never bothered to call them about it but then again I have alot of experience in direct sales having been a Tupperware Manager in late 70's until 1989 and an Avon Independent leadership rep from 2003 until 2 weeks ago. I do know how to market myself, my business and products and I do know how to train others how to become successful ........... yes even with SMC products. None of you here seem to have given it a chance or figured out what you wanted out of it. It sounds like some of you thought the money would just start dropping from the trees and your not having to promote your business and yourself and what you had to offer the public. That is why you failed at it and I suspect that it would not matter what company you picked to be in direct sales with ........simply because y'all thought it would sell itself. No product sells itself. You have to promote yourself, your company and your products and show potential clients/customers "what is in it for them".
2/20/2007 - Erin writes:
I started with SMC in 96 and left in 99. I started back up again this last year and have had great success. Like any company it has it's faults but to blame them for a person not willing to put in the hard work it takes to succeed is silly. I agree the websites they offer are a joke but, with a LITTLE amount of research anyone would know that. The customer service improves each day. When you find a great rep get ask for the ext they are at and what times they work and only work with them. The shipping is in fact better than I could do walking down to the UPS store. Example: A recent order placed for 18 items cost $11.00 in shipping, find me a better deal and I will take it. The key is hard work. Do you go to your job and sit at your desk and expect the work to get done just staring at the computer screen? I agree there are many others out there selling the products, so what? Be creative, do the research and take the time to build a unique business.
9/24/2006 - Rebecca writes:
My husband and I tried SMC when we both were out of work and although we are not still selling, it is not because we were unhappy with it. Selling is not easy. I have always been in retail, so for me it was fairly easy, you have to convince your customer your products are what they need. I loved the products which were exactly as pictured. Mt husband had a harder time with it, but he has never sold anything. SMC is not for everyonr, but for those who are willing to put in hard work everyday. You have to go out there and make contacts and really promote your business. We are always saying we will get back into it and when we have the time we will.
9/17/2006 - Andy writes:
I was a SMC reseller for a number of years. Even though there are few things a little shady about them (I signed up for a lifetime membership, but still had to pay yearly renewal; their shipping feeds are kind of high; website that contains product descriptions and images is inconvenient and not up to date), they are a legitimate business opportunity. Their infomercial does pay an overly rosy picture of how easy it is to make money, but that's how most infomercials are. I have sold a number of items from SMC catalog, especially during Christmas time. I also have few of their decorative product in my home and they look great. Couple of things to consider before signing up: 1. The money you make is proportional to the energy you put in. I have made some profit, but I have seen a person who apparently struck agreements with most gas stations in my city and they all sell stuff that I can recognize from SMC catalog. That person must be making great money, but I am sure it was quite a bit of work getting these agreements in place. 2. There will be a lot of competition - whether you are selling via [], Web or a flea market, count on having other SMC resellers nearby.
8/19/2006 - Van writes:
My wife and I have been in SMC for more than three years and I'm glad we have. First let me say we work at it very hard every day. Our business is growing every day, thus far this year we have gross over 40,000 dollars in sales. For us that is better than 20,000 in profit. I really don't know what we would have done without SMC. We serve a niche market and have many repeat clients. A large portion of our profits go back into the business for marketing cost. I believe that those who are unhappy with SMC were looking for the easy money. There are no free lunch's. I know SMC makes it sound like it is so easy..... it is if you give it a 100% effort. I have been in and out of a lot of business deals and failed at must of them, SMC is a success for us.You can write to me at []
1/18/2006 - Robert writes:
I've been with SMC for about 7 years and although I'm not the aggressive busy person, I have made money with their products and have been totally satisfied with the quality. When I first used the product, I ordered 30 or so items at around $150. I went to a local swapmeet and made around $300. It was a simple, buy at low and sell and high story.
Kenneth writes:
If you are researching SMC thinking about purchasing their business kit I suggest it. As with all businesses, success depends on the person trying to make it work. I've bought the kit twice and both times have made my money back. No, I'm not what you would call a great success story, but that's my own fault because I haven't put the effort in working it. I assure you that it does work. On one single catalog order I made $250+ and that was after giving my customer a 25% discount. At a festival I sold $100+ worth of merchandise NOT TRYING. At my bowling league I sold $50+ worth of merchandise without personally selling anything I just set the catalog out and some order forms and after bowling was over I had orders waiting for me. So it does work if you work it.
|
