When sales are slow, it’s time to think outside of the box in order to drum up new business. I can’t think of anything that would work better for Bath & Body businesses than Spa Parties.

I personally have been to several spa parties thrown by Mary Kay and Arbonne consultants, but they always seem to miss the mark. I attribute this to the fact that more time is spent listening to a spiel about the benefits of each product than actually enjoying the product itself. I think we can do better.

There are at least two ways of throwing a spa party. For the purpose of this article, I will call them 1) a ‘Spa in a Box’ party and 2) a ‘Make Your Own Spa Products’ party. You can call them whatever you like of course. Today’s post is all about the Spa in a Box Party.

The Spa in a Box Party

As I mentioned before, I believe spa parties fail because they aren’t really spa parties at all, but more of the same type of product-sampling-get-togethers we’ve always been obliged to attend. Why not add some entertainment value and let your guests actually experience your products in a setting that feels like a spa? Obviously guests won’t be bathing at your parties, but facial, manicure and pedicure products would work beautifully here.

Idea #1 - I see real value in designing a Spa in a Box type of product grouping in addition to selling your items separately. Sleek boxes or tins that scream upscale spa quality would be a must to package this special group of products in.

Idea #2 - Set the mood. Work with your hostess to decorate the space in a way that soothes and relaxes. Wine and bubbly would make excellent refreshments. Carrot juice and wheat grass is another option, but, BLECH! I personally would prefer a Pinot Grigio. Music is also a great way to achieve a spa effect. If you can only do one thing to improve the environment, music would be the way to go.

Idea #3 - Products that can actually be used by party guests should not be demonstrated but experienced instead. Briefly explain the purpose and use of each product and then turn your guests loose to enjoy the process. You’ll be amazed at how much product information will come out naturally over the course of the event. By all means, take a list of touch points for each product to ensure you cover everything, but let the information flow naturally by giving detailed answers to questions and comments whenever possible. For example, when a guest remarks on how smooth her skin feels after using a sugar scrub, take the opportunity to explain the scrubby effect of the sugar and the skin conditioning effects of the oils.

Idea #4 - Some products won’t actually be used by guests at the party, but simple demonstrations can still be fun and educational. For example, you can demonstrate how your bath bombs work by filling a large bowl with hot water to drop the bath bomb into. (Demonstration video) Allow each guest to put their hands in the water to experience what the bath bomb would feel like in their own tub. Demonstrate how special your handmade soaps are by having guests wash one hand or arm with a store bought detergent bar, and the other with your skin loving soaps. Seeing is believing and their own comparisons will sell your soap far better than you telling them about the differences ever will.

This article contains only a few of my ideas on how to achieve a successful spa party. Brainstorm for more ideas keeping your specific product line in mind. You may also consider specialized parties that would give your hostess a choice of a manicure party, or pedicure or facial parties etc. The main objective is that your guests have a good time, feel pampered and know that, without a doubt, they can enjoy the same pampering at home by purchasing your ‘Spa in a Box.’ Come back tomorrow for Part II of this article on the ‘Make Your Own Spa Products’ party.

Happy soaping!