Do you feel obligated to buy stuff from home parties like Pampered Chef, Silpada  

That's why they do it. These companies have that angle all figured out. That sense of having to buy because you were invited or because your friend really wants that hostess gift, is an advantage used by the home sales businesses. I have been a member of both sides, but have shied away from being a hostess. Too much work. Anyway, I usually do buy when I attend. If I have not income with which to buy, I have something else up that night.

Yes, but that is the point. Most hostess would not have the party if they were not happy with the products, but as a friend I plan on spending at least 20.00 if I go to one. If I really cannot afford to go, I just won't attend. I can't help but feel guilty if I don't buy.

I dont feel obligated at all. If it is something I cant afford no matter what I do, I will still go to support the host but I will not buy anything. I done see the point in breaking my piggy bank if I dont want to.

I do feel obligated, but I have never bought anything that I haven't used.

Nope. I go to support my friend and I usually tell them ahead of time hey I don't have money right now. Sorry. Several occasions I've told friends I'm sorry I'm busy or that I just don't want to go because I don't have money. They always ask me to come anyways. To just have a good time. People understand that you don't always have the money to spend but want people there too. Believe me I know from experiance that it really sucks when no one shows up!

I avoid those parties at all costs. If I want to buy something, I'll request a brochure, but please, don't force me to go to those parties.

I had a neighbor that gave those parties all of the time and she would constantly invite me. After turning down most of them I finally went to one. I promise, I'll never go go another one again if I can help it.

I always buy something if a friend is having a party,I don't always attend. Sometimes I think you spend more if you go to the party.

I try to buy just one thing because the prices are high but I do always feel obligated. My sister has hosted several of these parties and I just wish she wouldn't invite me to begin with :)

These parties are fun, but I don't like half the stuff they have. That's why I like my direct marketing co. We don't have to sell our products or have parties. We just refer others to the company and get paid monthly for that same customer. We don't have to chase after that person, once there a customer, they shop directly with our company and I get paid. We get residual income and our products are products people need. Consumable products are the best!

When we would have our Home Interior Parties, we would all plan on spending at least $5-$10 each at party, so with at least 20-25 of us that would be $100 to $250 a party. We would have a party every month taking turns at someone else's house each month, so it wasn't hard on any of us. And we got really nice hostess gifts for doing it too.