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anyone sell Usbourne books?

18 replies

anniebear · 19/06/2005 18:42

Just wondered how you found it?

I have two Daughters age nearly 4.

I have had a joining pack sitting here for two weeks now and I just dont know wether to give it a go or not

anyone?

Thanks

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mckenzie · 19/06/2005 18:43

I do. will reply properly later as i have 2 children to get to bed now.

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anniebear · 19/06/2005 18:47

Thanks mckenzie

I dont want to make a load of money just a bit extra, but am unsure

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Cooperoo · 19/06/2005 18:54

I do Usborne books too. I really enjoy it. I wouldn't do it just for the money though... It is a great way to meet people and a great way to get good books for your children. I like the fact that it is low pressure too. Once you get your kit there are no compulsory targets to meet etc unlike some home business type things. I think you have to sell £100 between Sep and Dec to stay registered but with the Christmas season this is not hard to do. Please feel free to CAT me if you have any questions. It suits me better than something like Body Shop at Home or Virgin Vie as I really like the books and can get enthusiastic about them. (Plus I hardly bother to wear make up lol). HTH.

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mckenzie · 19/06/2005 20:28

back now anniebear but not mcuh too add to Cooperoo's comment. Only downside, and this might just be my area, is that Usborne books are now appearing in ELC and other stores. Sometimes at discounted prices. This does then make it hard to sell. On a positive note though, i've yet to do a party where someone hasn't bought at least one book and I did one last year where a lady had a huge list and bought all 26 of her neices, nephews, godchildren etc an Usborne book each as she said it was a huge pile of her christmas shopping done and dusted in one pleasant evening.

Like Cooperoo, I like the fact that I'm selling a product that I like and my own children enjoy and if one day i decide I've had enough then i have a cupboard full of books to keep.

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anniebear · 19/06/2005 21:04

Thanks for your opinions.

Yes, they are often in ELC and sometimes on 3 for 2.

Do either of you do many parties? How do you get to do them? Do you advertise locally?

Also do you got to any Mother and toddler groups? If so, do you sell much there?

Thanks

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mckenzie · 20/06/2005 09:16

I started with hosting my own and then friends, and then took bookings from people who attaended other parties.
I've never done too well at Mother and Toddler groups myself. With a house party the guests are coming specifically to see your product but at a M&T group, it's just a extra that some will be interested in but some wont.

I also did some offices but found that unless the advertising was done properly (and quite often this is out of your hands) then it doesn't work too well either.

House gatherings I have found to be best in terms of sales and also enjoyment.
Schools can bring in a lot of income but you'll need to find out if your local schools are already allocated to someone.

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Cooperoo · 20/06/2005 09:38

I have to say I am very lucky to have a captive audience here. I am on a military base in Cyprus and so access to books for the families here is limited to mail order. I too find parties are the best way of selling and the most enjoyable. I do sell at Creche and mother and toddler type events but these do not make as many sales, although I do often get bookings from them so they are worth doing. I put up adverts in local shops and on noticeboards and took an ad in the local paper. I also went to car boot sales to start with which resulted in practically no sales but did well for publicity. I used contacts I have through my daughter too. I didn't have to be at all pushy. I just told people I was doing the books now and friends asked to have a party and at each party you meet some more new people who might have one etc etc. I think it will be a bit harder for me in the UK but I don't know yet. I decided I had nothing to lose even if I just kept the books for myself as the start up costs are relatively low. HTH.

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hana · 20/06/2005 10:03

sorry but just wanted to say that The Book People often have Usborne Books as well at knock down prices.......
but good luck if you go for it!
I do love their books whereever I buy them!

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anniebear · 20/06/2005 11:59

well I am getting put off now!!!!

Yes I knew The Book People do sell a few now and again, I have bought from them, very good prices.

Still really sure what to do, sounds like everyone is going to go to ELC or the Book People lol!!!

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Cooperoo · 20/06/2005 13:02

Don't forget though that the range is huge and there is a lot more available directly than just through ELC and the Book People. They do games and jigsaws too and there are often special offers directly from Usborne too.

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mckenzie · 20/06/2005 13:18

and also if you sign up, give it a go and then decide it's not for you, you've got a great set of books to either use as presents or sell off to your friends to recoup your initial outlay(which is minimal) and more.

I reckoned it was worth a shot and if and when I decide to give up, I've got a huge pile of books to enjoy with my children.

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Cooperoo · 20/06/2005 13:20

Absolutely agree with Mackenzie!! I think there is a bonus pack of books this month too worth £40 on top of your kit. Speak to the person who gave you the application.....

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anniebear · 20/06/2005 19:57

yes, you get £40 worth of early years learning books

Thanks for all the advice

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notnuftime · 31/08/2005 21:34

hi just wondering if any1 can tell me if its any good selling usbourne books from home i seen the ads to join but not had the courage to do it yet???!!

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anniebear · 01/09/2005 21:10

notnuftime

cat me , I can give you lots of advice and answer any questions.

I am really enjoying it.

If you join this month, it is only £19 (half price)

You have nothing to lose. If you decide you don't want to sell the books, you just keep them!! (over £100 worth)

Cat me and I can give you more info

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anniebear · 01/09/2005 21:11

forgot to say, I can e mail you as much info as you like and also send you application form to join

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Frizbe · 01/09/2005 21:19

you could give barefoot books a go barefootbooks

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Frizbe · 01/09/2005 21:20

and I'll try that with the proper http thing!
barefootbooks

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