Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Welcome to the team, Melissa!

I'd like to welcome Melissa Lara to Thirty-One Gifts! Melissa has been a friend for about 25 years and I am so excited to be working with her.

Welcome, Melissa!

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Questions about Thirty-One? Here are the answers!

Where does the name “Thirty-One” come from?
The name “Thirty-One” comes from Proverbs 31, which also happens to be one of my favorite passages of scripture.
10 Who[b] can find a virtuous[c] wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.


What are the benefits of being a Thirty-One Consultant?
The most obvious benefit of being a consultant is that you receive 25% commission on your product sales. As you progress through the career path, you have the opportunity to earn even more commission, bonuses, and trips. You also have the benefit of purchasing all Thirty-One products at 25% off. In a broader sense, Thirty-One gives you the ability to make your own hours, realize the dream of owning your own business, help others realize their dreams, and experience financial freedom! Please contact me at alison.31@att.net for more detailed information and career path information.

What is a “Skirt Purse”?
The top of the purse is leather and folds over to hide the top of the skirt that is attached to the purse body by multiple metal fasteners. The skirts are very easy to replace making it a snap to change the look of your purse as often as you need to without having to transport all your “stuff” from one bag to another. The skirt purse comes in black or brown and is made with a high quality material that allows you to carry the bag without a skirt as well. The skirt purse is $42 and the city skirt purse is $59; both come with a free skirt of your choice. You can then purchase additional skirts for only $15 (skirt) and $20 (city skirt) – it’s like getting a new purse for only $15 or $20!

How do I place a Thirty-One order?
Simply go to
www.mythirtyone.com/alisonrader
You can browse all three of our catalogs and place your order online. You can also send me an email with your address and I will send you a catalog or bring one to you if you are in the Austin, TX area.

What are the benefits of being a hostess for Thirty-One?
The benefits of being a hostess include free products, half-price items, and additional discounts. In addition, there is a hostess special each month that offers you even greater incentives to hosting your own party! Being a Thirty-One hostess is fun! You get to have all your friends over and shop for purses – what could be better? If you would like more specifics, email me at
alison/31@att.net and I will be happy to send you the hostess flyer with all of the details!

Can Thirty-One help me with my fundraiser?
Absolutely! I would be happy to talk to you about putting together a fundraiser for your school, non-profit group or team!


What is required of me if I sign up to be a Consultant?
First of all, you must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen or permanent resident. When you sign up to be a consultant, you are agreeing that you will have at least $1000 in sales. You are required to uphold the reputation of Thirty-One and to present the products in an honest manner. You are not required to purchase any other products or business supplies, although as you go along business supplies can help you be successful


I want to be a consultant, how do I get started?
The first thing I advise you to do is book parties! The first party you should book is for yourself! Host an Open House to introduce Thirty-One and all we have to offer to your family and friends. Not only does this give you an opportunity to have people book more parties, but you can use the hostess benefits to get more products to add to your display! It is highly encouraged for you to book parties even before your kit arrives because there are great incentives and freebies if you meet certain goals during your first few months. If you join my team, you will receive party tips and any help you need from me. Thirty-One also has tons of training and resource materials on its consultant-only website. In addition, there is a yahoo forum for consultants that has an overwhelming amount of files, advice, photos, peer support and more!

Is there a minimum I have to sell to stay a consultant?
In order to remain an active consultant, you must submit a qualifying show or cumulative sales of $200 within a 3 month consecutive period.

Do I have to recruit new consultants?
You have no obligation to recruit new consultants. However, once you reach the Senior Consultant level, you start to earn commission on the sales of your recruits. I hope you will find that as a consultant, you are so excited about the company and the products that you will be thrilled to share the opportunity with others – but that is completely your choice!

What kind of support do consultants get from the Home Office?
Consultants receive an unbelievable amount of support from the Home Office. The consultants-only web site is packed with party, business, and recruiting tools. There are regular trainings, tips for success and more! The Home Office also offers incentives and rewards for consultants throughout the year.

How much time does it take to be a consultant?
The amount of time you put into being a consultant is completely up to you. You can put in as little or as much as you have time for. I have a super cute husband and a sweet baby girl, work part-time as a community outreach coordinator for a hospice and am involved in a number of capacities with church. I am able to do Thirty-One on the side and have time to do all the things I am passionate about. I also have time to do those things about which I am not passionate, such as washing dishes. Other consultants take on Thirty-One as their full-time job and find great success!

Where can I find out about specials?
You can view the monthly customer and hostess specials at
www.mythirtyone.com/alisonrader. Click on Specials or Hostess Rewards.

Is there an extra charge for personalization?
Embroidery is $6 for an initial, monogram, word(s), or name. When hostess earn half-price items, the embroidery is half-off as well.

Do consultants get commission on personalization?
Yes! Consultants make commission on personalization, retail orders, hostess retail orders, and hostess credit overage. Consultants do not make commission on hostess half-price items.

Do party orders get shipped to the hostess or the consultant?
Party orders can be shipped to the hostess or the consultant.


How do friends/relatives from out of town order from a party?
You have the option to set up your party online. Friends and relatives of your hostess can go online and select the party they wish to shop from. These orders are not truly placed until the party order is submitted.



Are my expenses as a consultant tax-deductible?
Certain expenses are tax-deductible but you should speak to a tax advisor or accountant for help in determining your deductions.

What is a “qualified” party?
A “qualified” party is a party with $200 in retail sales (not including tax or shipping).

What is a “catalog party”?
A catalog party is a party where the hostess passes out catalogs to friends, family, and co-workers and takes the orders and payment. The hostess decides when to end the catalog party and then passes on the orders to me and I enter them online just like a home party. I will also set the party up online so that people can order directly online and pay by credit or debit card. I will provide you with emails that you can send out to your potential customers announcing your party and detailing how they can order.

Are consultants allowed to show Thirty-One products at trade shows, craft fairs, etc.?
Absolutely! In fact, you can receive a gift certificate towards the purchase of catalogs by participating in trade shows or fairs.

What resources exist for Thirty-One consultants?
Thirty-One’s website for consultants has a tremendous amount of resources which include trainings, files, party tips, ordering guides, and so much more. As I mentioned earlier, there is a yahoo group of Thirty-One consultants that is a wonderful resources for ideas, support, encouragement, advice, and files that will help you to succeed in your new business! Your sponsor (hopefully me!) and your director are also great resources for you!

I’m ready to make my dreams come true! How do I sign up to be a consultant?
If you are ready to sign up, please email me at
alison.31@att.net so that i can send you information on business supplies, career path, etc. Once you are ready to sign up, you just go to www.mythirtyone.com/alisonrader and select “Join my Team”!

I’m ready to host a party and earn FREE PRODUCTS!! What do I need to do?
I LOVE to help hostesses get free products. I remember how excited I was to pick out all of my free stuff when I hosted my first Thirty-One party before becoming a consultant! Please email me at
alison.31@att.net.

Skirt Purses!!! Get your Skirt Purses!!

Skirt Purses are available again!! Check out our selection of Skirt Purses and Skirts, including some new holiday designs in our gift guide!


How skirt purses work....


Head to www.mythirtyone.com/alisonrader to check 'em out!




-Alison

Friday, September 17, 2010

Skirt Purses Temporarily Unavailable

Just wanted to let you all know that the Skirt Purses and City Skirt Purses are currently not available; they’ve been put on stop sell. We have several other great purses available and I will let you all know as soon as the skirt purses are are available again. If you are looking for a great purse at a great price, you ...can get our Demi purse (last photo) this month for only $14.50 when you spend $31!!





























Monday, September 13, 2010

Thirty-One Benefit Party for Madilynn Rose and her family!

Madilynn Rose
Born June 14, 2010
1 lb., 5 oz. and 11 inches

Order Thirty-One Gifts from the link below between now and Sept. 18 and 100% of the profit will go to the family of Madilynn Rose Haefs! Madilynn Rose was born June 14, 2010 weighing only 1 lb., 5 oz. and measuring only 11 in. long and is now doing very well and on track to go home. Her parents, James and Ashlee, have been there with her every step of the way, but the journey has been an expensive one for her family! All profits from this Thirty-One Online Party will go to a fund for Madilynn and her family. See our events page for more information and please pass this on to your friends. :-)



To order and have the proceeds go to this remarkable family, use the link below:





Remember that when you spend $31, you can get our Demi Purse half-price ($14.50). This is a great time to get a great deal and help a great family all at once!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

The Proverbs 31 Woman

When I first heard about Thirty-One Gifts I went to the website and immediately found myself drawn to the products in the catalog. I loved the pretty things for me, the adorable things for my Lily and attractive and practical products for my home. I was not looking for a business opportunity at the time, but I continued to feel myself very drawn. Was it because I was 31? Nah, that couldn't be it.


As I flipped through the pages of the catalog a few times, I came across the pull apart cosmetic case being used for a Bible cover and the embroidery read, "Virtuous Woman." When I read those words, I realized several things. First of all, "Thirty-One Gifts" must have some connection to my favorite Bible passage, Proverbs 31. Next, I realized that I was flipping through a catalog with products I not only loved, but that were being produced by a group of people who shared my values. Finally, I realized that this was a business of which I wanted to be a part. I have not regretted that decision!I have always loved reading Proverbs 31 and although I began this page as a place to share information about my business, I would love to see some discussion on this passage. We live in such a crazy, busy world and the Proverbs 31 woman can provide inspiration to us all when we need it most.


Proverbs 31 is an acrostic, with each of the 22 verses beginning with a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. Depending on your version, this woman we are reading about may be described in verse 10 as "virtuous," "noble, "excellent" "capable" or even "worthy." We don't seem to have a word in the English language that aptly describes the woman in the passage. I recently learned that the Hebrew word, when describing a woman, was almost always translated "virtuous." However, when the same adjective is used to describe a man, it is almost always translated as "strong," "worthy" or "valiant," but most commonly it is translated as "army." God calls us to be women who are strong, brave, hard-working, trustworth--worth an army to the people in our lives.


Is there a woman in your life who fits the description of the Proverbs 31 woman? Are there women who inspire you by living a life like the one lived by the woman in Proverbs 31? Please share it with us as we edify one another! "Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing."1 Thessalonians 5:11


Here I am with my Proverbs 31 women...

Monday, August 30, 2010

Time to book your September party!

Now's a great time to book a party for the month of September. We have a great hostess special for you and a wonderful customer special, as well. Parties are a great way to see new products, but also a great excuse for a night away from it all for you and your friends!

I'm open to booking home parties in many places in Texas and catalog/internet parties are a fun and easy option anywhere!!

Here's a look at what we have in store for September:


Customer Special! Get our Demi purse 50% off when you spend $31!! The Demi purse is cute, functional and an all around great back. Choose from a variety of colors and add embroidery to make it your very own!


Hostess Rewards are awesome this month! Host a $450 party and get our City Weekender Tote for only $25!
Hostess Rewards are awesome every month. Take a look at the chart below and see how easy it is to earn free and discounted products!


Saturday, August 28, 2010

Proverbs 31

This is the passage of scripture from which Thirty-One Gifts gets its name. This has always been one of my favorite passages. :-)

10 Who can find a virtuous wife?
For her worth is far above rubies.
11 The heart of her husband safely trusts her;
So he will have no lack of gain.
12 She does him good and not evil
All the days of her life.
13 She seeks wool and flax,
And willingly works with her hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
She brings her food from afar.
15 She also rises while it is yet night,
And provides food for her household,
And a portion for her maidservants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
From her profits she plants a vineyard.
17 She girds herself with strength,
And strengthens her arms.
18 She perceives that her merchandise is good,
And her lamp does not go out by night.
19 She stretches out her hands to the distaff,
And her hand holds the spindle.
20 She extends her hand to the poor,
Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy.
21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,
For all her household is clothed with scarlet.
22 She makes tapestry for herself;
Her clothing is fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is known in the gates,
When he sits among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
And supplies sashes for the merchants.
25 Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come.
26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
And on her tongue is the law of kindness.
27 She watches over the ways of her household,
And does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;
Her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “ Many daughters have done well,
But you excel them all.”
30 Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing,
But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.
31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,
And let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:10-31 (NKJV)

Welcome!

I am a consultant with Thirty-One Gifts and I’m lookingforward to sharing our wonderful Thirty-One product line with you. Thanks so much for joining my group!

The name Thirty-One is derived from the Old Testament,where Proverbs 31 describes a virtuous woman who exhibits hard work, wisdom, encouragementand care for others. Because of these qualities she is worthy of reward, honor and praise. It is ourintention to celebrate, encourage and reward women for who they are as individuals. Our products arecarefully chosen to provide you with unique, high quality merchandise at affordable prices. We believe women deserve the best products and the best values.
If you are interested in products, please take a look at my official site:http://www.mythirtyone.com/alisonrader

If you are interested in hosting a party, please feel free to contact me. There are so many great rewards for hostesses, and you may host a "book" party, an online party or a party in your home!

I was first introducte to thirty-one gifts by my friend Heather. I had known Heather through church initially, but our friendship grew as we double dated with our husbands and went through our first pregnancies together. I agreed to host a party for Heather as she kicked off her thirty-one business and fell in love with the products the first time I thumbed through the catalog!

I hope you enjoy the thirty-one products as much as I have!