What is Kitnapping and How Can it Change Your Life?

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                                                         

Personal website: www.simplyaroma.com/yolo     (< I love it!)

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

Personal website: www.nicoleromanello.scentsy.us

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

Personal website: www.mythirtyone.com/favfabbags 

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.

Finding Your Passion in Direct Sales

In my close circle of friends, I am the only one who is self employed. It is not the most popular choice among most, and I think it takes someone very unique to truly make it on their own.

Some people have asked me before what it takes to succeed in Direct Sales. I believe it takes two things - you have to be teachable, and you have to find a company that fits you.

*Please note: the term "success" when referring to Direct Sales is a very subjective term, and really relates to what that persons goals are. If your goal is to make a side income to fund a family vacation, you cannot compare yourself to someone who is working on becoming a stay at home mom. The goals for everyone are going to be different. 

Become a Sponge

What I mean by teachable is that you have to be willing to be a sponge and soak up all of the training
that is available to you. Look to the people who are in leadership positions in your DS company. Ask them what they did to make it to where they are today? I have met a TON of people that have started with a Direct Sales company (my own specifically, but also in others) that have done well at coming to every training meeting there is, taking awesome notes, studying all the material...and then take absolutely no action. It does you no good to ask for advice and then not do anything with it!

I built a very successful business with Safety Pro, and what I saw month after month, year after year, was that the people who showed up to weekly meetings were the ones who succeeded the most. If your company provides weekly training, GO. The motivation alone will be a huge help in your success. Nothing is required in this business, which is why some people cut corners. But if you follow the advice of those before you, you're far more likely to do well.

Other places to find training will be on your personal web pages (not the shopping one, of course, but the one where you place orders, etc.), YouTube videos, and books. Stay in touch with our Read Your Way to Success page for recommended reading.

True Love in Direct Sales

Finding a company that fits you is almost the same as finding a life partner. How many dates have you gone on before finding The One? Not to mention the fact that many people have found who they thought was The One, only to see things fall apart a few years down the road.

I have been with three other DS companies before finding Mary Kay. Although I love some of the products from the companies that I was with before, I really wasn't passionate enough about them to build a lifelong business with them.

Don't Give Up!

If you've ever walked away from a Direct Sales business but still love the idea of being self employed, please don't give up! Your success can also depend on you finding a company that really fits you. There is a fantastic group on Facebook that I am a part of, called Promoting Direct Sales. Spend some time on that page, and you will find out about all sorts of companies! There is such a wide variety that I'm sure you'll find something to suit your needs.

One thing you need to keep in mind is that building a business takes time. Don't quit your day job just yet! But put together a plan that will help you get there in the next year. In the mean time, start focusing on building relationships. Mostly with your  clients. A client will make a better team member than anyone else! They've already used your product, they know your product (less training), and they believe in your product. That is key. Audrey from ItWorks agrees: "You have to be a product of the product! How can you expect others to use it if you don't use it?" 

Advice From the Pros

Attract, don't push. People join people, not companies. Act with integrity and honesty, and you'll attract that into your organization. Learn Attraction Marketing Strategies well.
Connor, Sales and Marketing Trainer


Be passionate about what you're offering! What is your "why"?
Tina, Stella and Dot

If someone joins your team, make sure they know you're always there for them.
Amanda, Makeup Eraser


No need to reinvent the wheel, the system works! Follow your leaders, do your training, take full advantage of team support.
Debbie, Nerium International


Remember your "why"...Why you started, why you love [your company], why you believe in the
products...Don't ever give up on that!

Jennifer, Damsel in Defense 

Please read your manuals! No question is stupid. We were all first at one time! It's all about teamwork and motivating each other on our journey.
Andrea, Younique


Step outside of your comfort zone, get away from the computer, and go talk to people face to face. It might be scary at first, but you are missing a world of opportunity by focusing just on the internet.
Melissa, Endless Xpressions


The only competition you are in is with yourself! Don't worry about who everyone else on the team or in the company is doing on their sales. They have a different situation than you do. Just constantly push yourself to beat your best.
Laura, Passion Parties


What is your "why"? If it does not make you cry, it is not your why!
Justine, Origami Owl


First and foremost, write down your goals of where you want to be in 6 months, 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, 10 years. Write it down, show it to everyone. Make sure to have someone hold you accountable for everything, too!
Jennifer, Kalypso Twistz

Be consistent, consistency yields results. Your goal should be to share your business consistently every day.
Priscilla, Rejuvenetics