Complain about a product or service

PartyLite Gifts

Blyth Industries

Partylite • No merchandise! • Defective products • Unhappy hostesses • Miffed consultants • Apologists --- • More abour Multi-Level Marketing

Hollie of Denver (8/11/03):
I noticed that a lot of people are talking about how the Corporate Office doesn't help customers when they have been taken by a consultant. Trust me they don't help their consultants either.

I used to be a consultant with PartyLite, until I got taken for a ride. I hosted a show with over $1500.00 in sales right before the holidays. The order was sent out almost right away in order for the customers to receive it in time. It was shipped out so quickly that my bank didn't have time to process the checks for the guests at the show. Over $1000.00 in checks bounced, and all of the customers received their products. I contacted the home office for help and they informed me that my check to them had bounced and then I was placed on "probation" until the payment was made to them.

Needless to say that I never was able to collect my money from the customers, so I had to quit to find another job so I could pay Partylite back. I ended up paying over $1200.00 with NO help from the "big wigs" at PartyLite. I know that I do love the products, but I NEVER will buy anything from them again, I refuse to support a company that doesn't care about its consultants or the consumer.

Marilyn of Burt MI writes (3/8/02):
As an Independent Consultant, I was also a consumer. However, after over 9 years of service as both a consultant and a leader, I was terminated out of the clear blue sky! And to top it off, they not only didn't adhere to their 10-day notice of termination policy in my case, but they refused to give me the reason for termination. (Note: legally they do not have to according to the Consultant Agreement.

I have no idea why they terminated me just over a year ago. My husband and I were counting on my PartyLite income not only for the present, but also for our retirement. I have experienced major anxiety, depression, and emotional scarring from this ordeal. I also cannot hold a "regular" job, due to my having fibromyalgia.

I tried to start over with a new Party Plan Company, but it is my understanding that the Home Office gave my Upline my entire Customer base and she in turn divided my Clients up between her entire lineage. I have not had anything other than a 'petty' income since this all happened, so I cannot even afford a lawyer.

There are many advantages to being a free agent, but there's also a downside. Independent contractors have few of the protections accorded to employees. We doubt that Marilyn has any practical recourse, other than to start over with another company.

Laura of Tempe AZ (10/19/02):
The same scenario happened to me with Partylite. I was a consultant for 2 1/2 years and then all of a sudden they terminated my account so that I could no longer submit shows. This was a great company to work for but I feel like they are not a very honest one. It's too bad that Partylite did not adhere to their agreement.

I also had to move on to another home based business in order to make the extra income.

Georgianna of Louisville KY (5/29/02):
My daughter had decided, been convinced or talked into becoming a Partylite dealer almost 3 months ago. While I knew this was not a good idea, I decided to support her anyway. I had what turned out to be the only one of her supposed 6 parties.

It has been all this time (from March 2002 to now late May 2002) and I have yet to receive the orders placed at my party. People are asking for their money back if I don't hear something soon. This is causing my daughter and myself much embarrassment. She has people at church asking about their orders and I have people at work asking the same thing. I don't have a full time job and we live very simply. My daughter has a daughter who is 20 months and can hardly afford this either.

Helen of Buffalo NY (5/2/02):
I had a party in my home hosted by Kim H. I had a few problems with a couple of items that I had ordered. I returned them and was issued some gift certificates. I have since redeemed them (2-26-02) at another party, and the check that covered the differance in my new order has been cashed (3-13-02). I would love to know where my stuff is! Also I never received my hostess gift for having two of my friends book and hold their parties.

Back to the top | Small Business