What is kitnapping? I've just heard the term recently, and as soon as I saw a thread on Facebook about it I read up all the comments! Although it seems like a great idea, some comments lead me to believe it's a bit of a touchy subject.
Basically, kitnapping is when you sign up with a Direct Sales business solely for the purpose of getting their starter kit, which is usually worth hundreds of more dollars than what you actually spend on the sign-up. For instance, when I signed up to start Mary Kay, I spent $75 on the kit (normally $99; it was on sale that month), and I ended up receiving over $400 worth of goodies.
Many people, I've found, will 'kitnap' from a DS company that they are interested in or just really like the products, for the intention of getting either a ton of stuff in their kit, or maybe to also use the consultant discount for their own purchases. What has happened to a few people who've done that was unexpected to say the least.
Some have found that after getting to know the product, they love it so much that they share it with some friends. Then they love it so much that they want to buy it! Well, you just became a consultant, so they can actually order from you know, and you've just made a few extra bucks! And before you know it, word of mouth is spreading the news and you've got more sales coming your way. Suddenly, you've actually got a business on your hands here!
I talked with a few ladies about their experience in kitnapping and asked if they would share their stories here. This is how their lives were changed...
Name: Stephanie Lintz
Business: Simply Aroma
Years in Business: almost 6 months
I was inspired to kitnap from Simply Aroma because it was free and an incredible value with no strings attached! I thought I would simply snag my kit and none of my sweet friends who were signed up with competing essential oil companies would even have to know about it!
There are three reasons why I ended up making a business out of my kit.
First, I was sold on the high quality of the oils and how effective they were. I felt that I could not only be proud to represent this company, but I could truly help improve the lives of others, which is fulfilling.
Second, their policies revolve around helping their consultants succeed. My sponsor and team that I lucked into finding are equally supportive and I love them to pieces.
Third, the opportunity provided by getting into a company at the ground floor can't be measured. They were only 6 months old when I joined them, and that was a huge part of my decision to stay.
Simply Aroma has been great for my family because we homeschool, and any income I make can only happen if it fits into my schedule.
My children always come first and being in direct sales is the perfect business to schedule around our busy lives. And most importantly, Simply Aroma has given us all a safe, healthy alternative to medications and chemicals, and the discount I receive comes in handy!
I would encourage anyone to kitnap with one caveat: follow the rules of the company! I would never encourage anyone to break a company's rules. But since many of my teammates are kitnappers, you can't discount the value of picking up a kit just to try the products. Many companies have ended up with lifetime customers and consultants because of this practice.
In fact, my other company,
Jamberry Nails, advertises their 'hobbiest' option (Think: cushy discounts without being a full-fledged consultant).
My advice to someone who wants to kitnap is to be honest with the person sponsoring them so they don't get their hopes up that you'll be off and running on week one! It's a professional courtesy that will also benefit you and give you some protection against an overbearing sponsor.
Name: Nicole Romanello
Business: Scentsy
Years in Business: almost 1 year
I simply started with Scentsy as a kitnapper because I was introduced to the product and loved it. So I figured, why not get everything that comes in the kit for the small cost of $99? I had no intentions of building a business with Scentsy. I just wanted to be selfish.
So I got my warmer and my wax and I plugged it in. When I came home from work the next day I was amazed at how my house smelled! That weekend I had some friends over and they all asked
what that amazing smell was. I simply pulled out my things that I had gotten in my kit and showed them. Well by the end of the night I had over $300 in orders!
Since then I have had huge success with my business. I have had three promotions since I started in February [2014], and I was able to cut my work hours in half. I used to work over 50 hours per week. Now I'm working 20-25 hours per week!
I would encourage anyone to kitnap with Scentsy because once you plug that warmer in, you have no idea how many others will be wanting to order! Scentsy sells itself once you introduce it to your friends, family, and co-workers! So go ahead and kitnap and enjoy the product you'll receive!
Name: Merry Millard
Business: Thirty-One Gifts
Years in Business: 2.5
I was inspired to kitnap from Thirty-One because I felt that the $99 startup cost was an awesome way to obtain product. I had an inkling I was going to try being a consultant, but at first I didn't have much faith that I was going to be successful at it. It was really just a way to have products at a discount.
What inspired me to actually build a business out of it was all the support and training I was able to be a part of. Even though I am in Florida, and my Executive Director is in California, I am still a message or a call away. Every win or even small achievement is celebrated and acknowledged for the importance of it.
This company is more than about the bags. The bags are a vehicle to an end result. Making connections, getting to know those we interact with, celebrating our hosts, encouraging others and rewarding their actions are all a part of the company.
Thirty-One has helped increase my self confidence and helped me to step outside my usual comfort zone, try things, and make new connections, which are all things I would not have done before.
It has also helped me provide extra income for my family to help pay for things we need, such as gas and food; and it has also allowed me to support organizations and causes that I feel strongly about.
Kitnapping can be a good way to get to know a variety of products that a company offers for a lower fee than if one were to purchase them all at full retail. Thirty-One offers a three month trial, where
you can try being a consultant for three months, and if it doesn't you work out, then you keep the kit and that is it. I like that idea.
I find this topic interesting. I think at some point we all kitnap when starting a business. It's what we do with it in the end that makes the difference.
My advice to someone wanting to kitnap would be to give the company a try. Step out of what feels comfortable and you never know, you may just find your next great passion.
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