A Tupperware party is a marketing event hosted in someone’s home. The host receives certain incentives for hosting the event, and his or her guests have an opportunity to see Tupperware products demonstrated, and to order specific products. This sales method, a form of mulilevel marketing, was developed in the 1950s by the Tupperware company, and it is used to sell a wide variety of products by numerous companies. Online versions are also available, for hosts who prefer a more modern approach.
At a Tupperware party, the host provides refreshments and entertainment, and secures the services of a consultant who works for the Tupperware company. The consultant brings a variety of products to demonstrate, along with order forms, and he or she answers questions, shows guests how various products can be used, and markets the product line to encourage people to buy. The goal is to have a stack of orders from guests by the end of the party.
In return for hosting a Tupperware party, the host usually receives a discount on products, and he or she also has the opportunity to access gifts from the company. Typically the gifts are awarded on the basis of total sales, to give the host an incentive to sell as much as possible so that he or she can get the high-end rewards. While hosting a Tupperware party can seem like a good way to make a little bit of money, it can be exhausting, and the pool of guests is only as wide as the host’s friends.
The tradition of the Tupperware party is mostly associated with women, and historically some women have used these parties as an excuse to get together with friends and have some fun. Some hosts have made careers out of hosting parties for Tupperware and other products, investing a great deal of time and energy in expanding their marketing pool and encouraging friends to make purchases.
A typical Tupperware party centers around a particular product line, such as storage containers or kitchen implements. Some hosts organize their parties around themes, such as a tropical Tupperware party with tropical décor, Polynesian-style snacks, and tropical drinks such as fruit punch. At a minimum, the host provides small food snacks and drinks, and he or she may also put together grab bags for guests, along with other incentives to encourage them to come and to spend money on the products being demonstrated.