Thirty-One Gifts FAQs

1. Where does the name “Thirty-One” come from?

The name “Thirty-One” comes from Proverbs 31 which talks about a virtuous woman. ~ 10 It is hard to find a good wife, because she is worth more than rubies. 11 Her husband trusts her completely. With her, he has everything he needs. 12 She does him good and not harm for as long as she lives. 13 She looks for wool and flax and likes to work with her hands. 14 She is like a trader’s ship, bringing food from far away. 15 She gets up while it is still dark and prepares food for her family and feeds her servant girls. 16 She inspects a field and buys it, With money she earned, she plants a vineyard. 17 She does her work with energy, and her arms are strong. 18 She knows that what she makes is good. Her lamp burns late into the night. 19 She makes thread with her hands and weaves her own cloth. 20 She welcomes the poor and helps the needy…25 She is strong and respected by the people. She looks forward to the future with joy. 26 She speaks wise words and teaches others to be kind. 27 She watches over her family and never wastes her time 28 Her children speak well of her. Her husband also praises her, 29 saying , “There are many fine women, but you are better than all of them.”

2. How did Thirty-One come to be?
No one can explain this better than our Founder and President, Cindy Monroe
“Seven years ago I was working full time in corporate America, trying to live life with my husband and our two children, managing work, home, church, kids’ activities and still trying to find time for myself. On top of all that, I am a girl, and girls must shop, right? My busy lifestyle made it so difficult to find time to visit all of those cute little gift boutiques where the really great products are. I decided it was time for working mom’s, single women, and even grandmothers to get a chance to shop on their terms. I had a great experience with direct selling and knew of the potential behind owning your own business and prayed diligently about offering something that would help women contribute to their lives financially and the lives of countless others. It is from this passionate resolve that Thirty-One was born.”

3. What is the $99 Consultant Kit?
This kit is an assortment of 12 actual products you can showcase for your business. You can personalize four of the products offered in the kit. You also get stationery samples, fabric swatches, catalogs and all the other items you need to get started.

4. 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 lbporter13@yahoo.com for more detailed information and career path information.

5. What is a “Skirt Purse”?
The skirt purse is a much more modern and classy version of the wooden handled purses with interchangeable skirts that buttoned on (made in the 70's). 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 comes with a free skirt of your choice. You can then purchase additional skirts for only $15 – it’s like getting a new purse for only $15!

Thirty-One also offers a new City Skirt Purse that is larger than the original "Skirt Purse." It is offered at $59 and also comes with a free skirt of your choice. You can purchase additional skirts for $20.

6. How do I place a Thirty-One order?
Simply go to my website http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31/ . If you are local, email me your order and I will deliver it to you! All major credit cards are accepted!

7. 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 lbporter13@yahoo.com and I will be happy to send you the hostess flyer with all of the details!

8. Can Thirty-One help me with my fundraiser?
Absolutely! I would be happy to talk to you about putting together a fundraiser for your non-profit group! I know how important fundraising is and I will be glad to help in any way that I can!

9. What is required of me if I sign up to be a Consultant?
You must be at least 18 years old and a US citizen (or permanent resident) with a valid social security card or green card. 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 these are essential to your success!)

10. What is the “fine print”, you know, the “hidden details” they don’t tell you until you sign up?
There are none. Truly. Thirty-One is a faith-based company and there are no surprises, no schemes, no new requirements you discover only after signing up.

11. 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 from both myself and our team director. 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!

12. 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 cummulative sales of $200 within a 3 month consecutive period.

13. 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!

14. 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.

15. 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. Some people have a full-time jobs, kids, husband, church responsibilities and still manage to make time to put into Thirty-One.

16. Where can I find out about specials?
You can view the monthly customer and hostess specials at my website http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31/Click on Specials or Hostess Rewards.

17. Is there an extra charge for personalization?
Embroidery is $6.00. Except for the month of August in 2010. It is just $1!

18. 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.

19. What is the Thirty-One Outlet?
The Thirty-One Outlet at http://www.thirtyoneoutlet.com/ is open twice a year and offers HUGE discounts on discontinued Thirty-One products. All of my customers are added to my email list (unless they request otherwise) and will receive a notification from me when the outlet is open. Once open, items go quickly so you have to act fast!

20. Do party orders get shipped to the hostess or the customer?
Party orders can be shipped to the hostess or to the customer. Most orders are shipped to the hostess, and the hostess will deliver or arrange customer pickup. A customer can have it shipped directly for an additional shipping charge.

21. 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. NOTE: If they do NOT select the party before placing their order, the order will be submitted immediately to the home office and will not count towards the party total.

22. How are the orders paid for? Are they paid when the order is placed or when it is received?
Orders are paid for at the time of purchase. Customers ordering online must use a debit or credit card. Orders placed directly to you can be paid by cash, check (made out to theh consultant), or credit card. Consultants must use their personal debit or credit card to pay for any orders that were paid to you by cash or check. I highly recommend getting a checking account just for Thirty-One. You can have your commissions direct deposited into this account and it will make doing your taxes a million times easier than if you use your household checking account.

23. 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

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

25. What happens if a party order does not get up to $200?
If a party order does not reach the $200 mark, I will work with you to see what we can do to increase your orders. It is also possible that I may have an individual order from someone else that I can add to your party total. If all of our efforts fail, there will be a $4 direct-ship charge added to each customer and their order will be shipped directly to the location of their choosing

26. Does it matter which consultant I go through to sign up for Thirty-One?
You should sign up with the consultant most likely to help you through the process and answers any questions you have prior to your enrollment. Once you sign up with a consultant, she is your sponsor and will be one of your primary contacts for questions and assistance. If you live near southern Illinois or are in upstate SC our team will help you with your first party! To join my team, log on to http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31/ click on “Join my Team.”

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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!

30. 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 lbporter13@yahoo.com so that I can send you information on business supplies, career path, etc. Once you are ready to sign up, you just go to http://www.mythirtyone.com/Porter31and select “Join my Team”!

31. 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! Please email me at lbporter13@yahoo.com If you live within 2 hours of southern Illinois I can schedule a home party. If you would like to host a catalog or online party, I will mail you all of the information and catalogs you need. If you live farther away and would like to host a home party, I will find a consultant in your area that will be happy to help you!