By Holly Reisem Hanna
This month the popular direct sales company, Lia Sophia shut its doors after 28 years of being in business. It’s estimated that Lia Sophia employed more than 27,000 independent direct sales consultants who collectively sold more than $100 million worth of jewelry this past year.
This isn’t the first time that a direct sales company has abruptly closed its doors; but sadly, Lia Sophia’s consultants are now left with picking up the pieces during the busiest time of year.
If this scenario should happen to you or if you’re one of the 27,000+ Lia Sophia consultants, here are some steps to take to alleviate some of the stress and financial burden you’ve been thrown into.
Give Yourself Time to Grieve:
You've just lost your business and your income — it’s okay to give yourself some time to absorb the shock and reality of the situation. While it’s good to take a break, acknowledge your feelings, and prioritize self care during this time, don’t let the circumstances define you. When you fixate on the negative you perpetuate a cycle of destructive emotions that will only dig you deeper into a hole. If you feel like your sadness is becoming overwhelming, try surrounding yourself with positive people or talk to a healthcare professional to get you back on track. Also remember the basics, getting 8 hours of sleep, eating right, and exercising — these go along way in reducing stress.
Tie Up Loose Ends:
Maybe you have customers with pending orders, or perhaps you have upcoming parties scheduled — now is the time to quickly and efficiently tie up those loose ends. Verify with your company what the polices and procedures will be for pending orders, returns, unused gift certificates, and the like. Make sure that you’re clearly communicating with your current customers about what’s going on. While you may be uncertain about what path to take next, you will want to make sure that you’re not burning any bridges along the way — because there is a good chance these customers will remain customers in your next direct sales business.
Look at Your Competitors:
While you may not be ready to start looking at other home party business opportunities, it’s worth noting that you already have a current base of customers who love jewelry. For this reason, it’s highly recommended to check out your current competitors. Another reason to check out your current competitors, is some direct selling companies offer out-of-work consultants startup kits for free or discounted rates.
Here is a current list of jewelry companies to check out:
- Commission: 25%
- Startup Fees: $159
- Commission: 25%
- Startup Fees: $19.95 one time setup fee and $12.95 a month for your website
- Startup Fees: $99
- Commission: 35% – 42%
- Startup Fees: $19.99 – $319.99
- Commission: 20% – 40%
- Startup Fees: $175 + free website
ClaudiaG (Jewelry + Handbags)
- Commission: 25% – 35%
- Startup Fees: $199 – $599
- Commission: 25% – 30%
- Startup Fees: $99
- Commission: 20% – 29%
- Startup Fees: $199 + $9.95 monthly fee for website
- Commission: 24% – 35%
- Startup Fees: $1,500 – $2,500
- Commission: 50%
- Startup Fees: $250 – $1,500
- Commission: 20% – 35%
- Startup Fees: $99 – $199
Jade & Jasper – It appears they have gone out of business. Their website is down and their Facebook Page hasn't been updated since August 5, 2016.
- Commission: 37%
- Startup Fees: $199
- Commission: 50%
- Startup Fees: $99
- Commission: 30% – 35%
- Startup Fees: $149 – $499
- Commission: 25% – 35%
- Startup Fees: $149 – $349
Lulu Avenue – Bought by Yanbal on March 4, 2016
- Commission: 25% – 30%
- Startup Fees: $199 – $599
- Commission: 25% – 60%
- Startup Fees: $20 – $249
- Commission: Up to 40%
- Startup Fees: $99 – $199
Mialisia – Merged with Youngevity May 2016
- Commission: 34% – 38%
- Startup Fees: $199 – $899
- Commission: 25% – 33%
- Startup Fees: $199
- Commission: 20% – 30%
- Startup Fees: $199 – $699
- Commission: 30% – 40%
- Startup Fees: $99 – $200
- Commission: 30% – 50%
- Startup Fees: $149 – $1,199
- Commission: 45%
- Startup Fees: $99 – $499
- Commission: 30%
- Startup Fees: $99 – $500
- Commission: 50%
Silpada Designs – Closed their doors July 31, 2016
- Commission: 30%
- Startup Fees: $149 – $399
South Hill Designs – Merged with Youngevity May 2016
- Commission: 40%
- Startup Fees: $59 – $199
- Commission: 25% – 30%
- Startup Fees: $199 – $699
- Startup Fees: $199
Touchstone Crystals by Swarovski
- Commission: 25% – 40%
- Startup Fees: $139 – $299
- Startup Fees: $199 – $650
- Commission: 20% – 35%
- Startup Fees: $69 – $399
ViVi Jewelry (formerly Cookie Lee) – Closed their doors July 2016
- Commission: Up to 50%
- Startup Fees: $179
- Commission: 35%
- Startup Fees: $199
Creating Cash Flow:
One of the biggest stressors will be your loss of income. Unless you have a traditional day job you’ll likely be without income, at least temporarily. To help alleviate some of this financial stress, you may consider selling your samples and inventory. During this time you’ll also want to modify your budget to cut out non-essential spending while you’re figuring out what to do next. You may even consider doing some side tasks to bring in a little extra money.
Were you affected by Lia Sophia closing their doors? What other direct sales companies sell jewelry?
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If anyone is interested in learning more about Just Jewelry, I would be excited to share the opportunity. Just Jewelry consultants earn 50% commission, our start up costs is $99 and if you sign up by 12-31-14 at http://www.justjewelry.com/courtneyperkins you will receive an additional $100 in FREE Jewelry! Anyone interested can email me at cperkins@justjewelry.com for additional information.
You forgot to mention KEEP Collective! We are the brand new sister company of Stella and Dot. We are taking applications for founding designers and we are even offering a special incentive for Lia Sophia reps who are looking for a new opportunity. Contact me for more details. charmingintexas@gmail.com
Thanks for the suggestion!
Park Lane Jewelry was not mentioned. We have been in business for 60 years. I just joined them in January after being with Lia Sophia for 10 years. I have been thrilled with them. If you have been a manager with Lia or another company we will bring you in as a manager. Special incentives for former Lia Sophia advisers. Great quality jewelry, hostess rewards and customers specials. Commission between 30-50%. A few options for starter kits. Contact me at sparklebyparklane@gmail.com for more information.
Thanks for the suggestion, Kim! Is the jewelry similar to Lia Sophia’s?
Touchstone Crystal is the direct sales division of Swarovski, wholly owned and supported by this world leader in design, innovation and quality. Since 1895, Swarovski has been a global fashion powerhouse and fixture on the red carpet. Touchstone Crystal brings the beautiful and on-trend gorgeous jewelry to women everywhere. Our consultants earn generous commissions and other exciting rewards while supported by Swarovski’s unparalleled commitment to its family of consultants. The jewelry is spectacular; the company is life-changing. I’d love to share my experiences and help anyone seeking a great opportunity. michellebrier@optonline.net or http://www.mytouchstonecrystal.com/michellebrier
Hi,
Chelsea Row is now closed too. I just found a new free affiliate program. Its call All About You Gifts – Adorable Apparel & Beautiful Accessories at AFFORDABLE Prices! Visit my Facebook page for more info or contact me.
https://www.facebook.com/allaboutyouaffiliatewithlynn
Really? Their website is still up … I’ll have to do some more research.
Please speak to a Stella & Dot Stylist in your area. S&D feels for all small business owners and are ready to help. We have been asked to not publicize any information, but you can easily contact a stylist for information let you know how we can ease your transition if you wish. Best of luck to everyone!
I LOVE Stella & Dot — their jewelry is so cute!
This is really unfortunate! If interested please check out Traci Lynn Jewelry! Great company….CEO is awesome! Go to http://www.tracilynnville.com/shanajnorfolk/
Thanks for sharing, Shana!
You left off two highly reputable companies; Cabi and Ruby Ribbon.
Yes, cabi is one of my faves and it’s doing very well financially. If you’re interested in clothing here is a list of opportunities: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/home-based-business-fashion/
If you know Silpada stylists, please let them know my heart goes out to them as they learned yesterday their business is closing. I would be happy to speak to them about Christian Bling opportunities. Please like my FB page and msg me https://www.facebook.com/LauraCBling/
I know I was surprised to hear of their closing; Silpada has been in business for 19 years! Terribly sad for the consultants. Thanks for sharing this opportunity, Laura.
Hi! I just wanted to mention some minor corrections about eSBe Designs. Commission is 25 – 35% and startup fees are $299 – $2499. Thanks!!
Thanks for the clarification Angie =)
If anyone is interested in learning more i am with premier designs and i love it. We get 50 percent of all sales. We also offer hostess rewards. I mean who doesnt love jewelry?
That’s a great commission rate! Thanks for sharing Jen.
I too work with Premier Designs Jewelry. They have been in business for over 30 years and are debt free. You have mentors available 24/7, an opportunity to develop awesome relationships. Yes their commission is 50% but their hostess benefits are over the top and they reward their distributors well! Last year, in my part time work with Premier, I was rewarded with over $10.000 in free jewelry for myself, commission bonuses over the 50% and a 7 day cruise with my husband. You can’t get better than that. I am always available for questions!
Thanks for sharing, Carmen!
i am SO deeply sorry for the loss of your company’s. And although i am not in jewelry ..I do know how this feels and its a lot to take in
Just want you to know we are thinking about you all… and we are again deeply sorry
I know … so sad.
Northern Clover is a fairly new jewelry company but, we are growing fast. Wonderful CEO, company is debt free!Fantastic Hostess and Consultant benfits! Start is only $99.00! Look over our wensite, contact me with any questions.
Thanks for sharing, Liz!
This needs to be updated….Unfortunately Vivi jewelry has just shut it’s doors today.
Oh no, how sad. Thanks for letting me know, Jazell.
I was wondering why Park Lane isn’t mentioned.
I’ll have to add them to the list =)
I’m with Just Jewelry & the JJ Boutique. We added our Boutique line in August of 2015 in which you will earn 30% commission, if you can please update your list. The jewelry still stays at 50%, and the sign up is still $99.
Thanks for sharing, Christine!
Having a company close on you is very frustrating and deflating. Although it is impossible to know everything about a direct sales company, try to do as much research on the owners of the company BEFORE you join…it might give you a feel for the character of the company and the long term focus they have (or don’t have).
Thanks for the information.
Glad you enjoyed the article, Sherri.