A Thirty-One Consultant is an independent sales representative for Thirty-One Gifts, a direct-sales company that specializes in personalized bags, totes, and home organization products. These consultants operate as independent contractors, meaning they run their own small businesses using the branding and inventory systems provided by the parent company. If you are looking to purchase organizational products or are considering a flexible side business, understanding how these consultants operate is the first step.
The company was founded in 2003 and has grown into one of the most recognized names in the direct-selling industry. Its name is inspired by the Proverbs 31 woman described in the Bible, focusing on themes of hard work, family, and community. Today, consultants across North America use social media, in-home parties, and online catalogs to reach customers and build their own sales teams.
What Does a Thirty-One Consultant Do?
The primary role of a Thirty-One Consultant is to facilitate the sale of products to consumers. Unlike traditional retail, these products are not sold in stores. Instead, consultants act as the bridge between the company and the customer. They provide personalized recommendations, help customers choose embroidery options, and manage the ordering process.
Consultants typically engage in several core activities to maintain their business:
- Hosting Parties: Whether in-person or virtually through social media, consultants showcase products to a group of guests.
- Personalized Shopping: They assist customers in selecting the right tote or bin for specific needs, such as grocery shopping, diaper bags, or office organization.
- Marketing: Consultants use digital tools to share new product launches, seasonal prints, and monthly specials with their network.
- Customer Support: They handle returns, exchanges, and tracking information for their clients.
How to Become a Thirty-One Consultant
Becoming a consultant is a straightforward process, but it requires an initial investment and an agreement to the company’s terms. Because it is a direct-sales model, you generally need to sign up under an existing consultant, often referred to as a “sponsor.” This person serves as a mentor to help you navigate the early stages of the business.
1. Find a Sponsor
Most people join after attending a party or knowing someone who already sells the products. If you do not know a consultant, the Thirty-One Gifts website has a locator tool to connect you with someone in your area. Your sponsor will earn a small commission on your sales in exchange for providing training and support.
2. Choose an Enrollment Kit
To start, you must purchase an enrollment kit. These kits contain a variety of best-selling products, fabric swatches, catalogs, and order forms. The company usually offers different kit tiers at various price points, allowing new consultants to choose the level of investment that fits their budget.
3. Complete Registration
Once you select a kit, you will fill out an independent consultant agreement. This document outlines your responsibilities, the commission structure, and the rules regarding how you can market the products. After your application is processed, you receive access to a “Back Office” website where you manage orders and training.
Understanding the Costs and Fees
While being a consultant offers the potential for income, there are ongoing costs to consider. It is important to treat this as a business venture rather than just a hobby to ensure you remain profitable. Beyond the initial kit, consultants should be aware of several recurring or situational expenses.
Website Subscription Fees: To sell online, consultants usually pay a monthly fee for a personalized e-commerce website. This site allows customers to shop directly under your name, and the company handles the credit card processing and shipping.
Marketing Materials: While digital catalogs are free, many consultants choose to purchase physical catalogs, flyers, and fabric swatches to show customers in person. These are considered business expenses.
Sample Products: To keep their displays current, consultants often buy new seasonal items at a discount. While not strictly required, having the latest patterns on hand can help drive sales during parties.
How Much Do Thirty-One Consultants Earn?
Income for a Thirty-One Consultant is primarily based on commission. As of current standards, most consultants earn a 25% commission on their personal sales. This means if you sell $1,000 worth of products in a month, your gross profit is $250.
There are additional ways to increase earnings as you grow within the company:
- Leadership Bonuses: If you recruit others to join your team, you can earn a percentage of their sales volume. This is a common feature of multi-level marketing (MLM) structures.
- Incentives and Rewards: The company frequently runs challenges where consultants can earn free products, gift cards, or even travel opportunities based on their sales performance.
- Product Discounts: Consultants can purchase items for themselves at a significant discount, which is a popular perk for those who already use the products.
It is important to note that earnings vary widely. Some consultants work only a few hours a month to earn “fun money,” while others treat it as a full-time career. Success typically depends on your ability to consistently find new customers and host successful sales events.
The Benefits of the Role
Many people choose to become a Thirty-One Consultant because of the flexibility it offers. Unlike a traditional job, there are no set hours or mandatory office locations. You can choose to work entirely from home, using social media platforms like Facebook or Instagram to reach your audience.
Additionally, the role provides an opportunity to develop professional skills. Consultants learn about digital marketing, inventory management, customer service, and public speaking. For many, the community aspect is also a major draw, as the company hosts annual conferences and local meetings for consultants to network and share strategies.
Potential Challenges to Consider
Direct sales is not without its difficulties. Because you are an independent contractor, you are responsible for your own taxes and record-keeping. You do not receive a steady salary, and your income is directly tied to your sales volume for that month.
Finding a consistent stream of customers can also be challenging. Many new consultants start by selling to friends and family, but to sustain a business long-term, you must be comfortable reaching out to strangers and building a broader network. It requires self-discipline to stay active and organized without a supervisor overseeing your daily tasks.
How to Find a Consultant Near You
If you are simply looking to buy a specific bag or host a party to earn free rewards, finding a consultant is easy. You can visit the official Thirty-One Gifts website and use their “Find a Consultant” feature. By entering your zip code, you will be matched with someone in your local area who can assist you.
Working with a local consultant often means you can see the products in person before buying. They can also provide tips on which items are best for specific uses, such as which thermal bag keeps groceries cold the longest or which tote fits under an airplane seat.
Whether you are interested in the products or the business opportunity, a Thirty-One Consultant serves as a helpful resource for all things related to home organization and stylish storage solutions. By understanding the structure of the role and the costs involved, you can make an informed decision about whether to shop with one or join the team yourself.
If you found this guide helpful, you may also want to explore our articles on managing a home-based business or tips for effective home organization to make the most of your new purchases.