Stale Economy, Fresh Leftovers?

Topics: Field Notes

(AP)

Philip Maravilla is a CBS News producer based in Miami.

I read a short business-page article that said Tupperware stock was at a 10-year high, and I asked myself why.

Why, when so many companies are struggling – and some are even laying off employees – was Tupperware bucking the trend? What made it different? The simple answer is that Tupperware, in some ways, is a counter-cyclical company. When the economy is slowing, people eat out less, cook at home more and need a way to store leftovers. Tupperware and leftover storage are synonymous. Tupperware is the Xerox and Kleenex of food storage.

But what really got my attention was an animation that plays on the Tupperware Web site. The Web site actively taps anxiety about the economy, displaying data about layoffs and other negative economic news, and uses it as a recruiting tool. Again, I asked myself why. When people are laid off or need extra cash to supplement the family budget, they turn to part-time jobs like those Tupperware offers.

Tupperware CEO Rick Goings says simply: "A downturn in the economy makes for good business … when economies are soft, you usually have higher unemployment, and when there's higher unemployment there's a bigger recruiting pool. And the No. 1 driver for direct sell companies is recruiting a sales force. So it makes it easier for us."

Tupperware has been around for a long time. I bet there is a piece or three in your cabinets or fridge. The company has been witness to plenty of ups and downs in the American economy. If the economy stays stale, there is a chance that a few more pieces will grace your kitchen.

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by tuppercookie March 15, 2008 2:11 PM EDT: Dear,skeezix06.
I don''t think you are getting it.Tupperware the containers saves you money. If you buy the cheaper stuff that is what you get cheap. And the end reslut is you will throw away the cheap stuff and fill the land fields up.Is that what you really want? Tuppperware last a lifetime and then some. No one makes anyone buy from a Tupperware Demonstartion. Tupperware Consulatns educate people like you on ways to save money on their food by preserving it longer. Saving the earth from all those throw away containers and plastic wraps.It also saves you on your gas because you are not making as many trips to the grocery store. Tupperware is an investment for the longevity of your food. Customers know Tupperware is the best product and find themself coming back to it over and over again because they do need more than one item. Just like when you go to Walmart or any other store you don''t just go once. You Shop because you don''t have all the money right away to buy it all. When a Hostess has a friend book a party it gives the guest another chance to shop when they want. And it gives the hostess and chance to receive free products she will use for a liftime.
I am sure someone in your family had some Tupperware and has passed it on to someone else. If not most people don''t throw Tupperware away. Because the containers are still useful.
Go Green and
Have a wonderful day!
Star Manager
Rhonda Edwards; Reply to this comment


by twfan4 March 13, 2008 4:49 PM EDT: You don''t get the Customer Service at your local Walmart or Kmart stores either that you get when you establish a Tupperware Consultant.; Reply to this comment


by skeezix06 March 13, 2008 4:25 PM EDT: Oh look. The tupperware party ladies are here.

That doesn''t change the fact that if you take a close look you''ll see that no one actually makes any money because they have to return the favor and buy from the friends who bought from them.

Tupperware ain''t that special. You might as well hang on to your money, especially in this economy.; Reply to this comment


by taoscar March 13, 2008 1:51 PM EDT: When you purchase through Direct Sales(DS),you are not "donating a portion of your check" to a friend. Stores charge more than wholesale cost to pay for expenses and realize a profit. In DS, rather than a storefront, we "rent" a host''s living room. People "switch companies" for several reasons:
-They came in for the wholesale benefits, not to earn, have bought what they want and then switch to do the same elsewhere.
-You can see profits quickly, but to sustain a business, a person must be willing to invest time to learn skills and develop a clientele.
-The love of the product is not there. You must love whatever you do to be successful.
I''ve spent 32 years in DS; 28 with Tupperware. Training and support is provided. The product has name brand awareness, an unbeatable warranty, and is economy-resistant. We teach how to save time, money, space and waste. I help other women, while contributing to the environment. All while developing a business that provides a lifestyle for my family that is affluent, yet balanced.
Lastly,no matter what you purchase...food storage, tools, automobiles...there is a "less expensive" alternative. Alternative, NOT equivalent. The bitterness of poor quality will last longer than the sweetness of a cheap price.
Tina Oscar, Legacy Executive Director
www.tinaoscar.com; Reply to this comment


by havefaith4 March 13, 2008 10:48 AM EDT: Oh yeah, and did anyone mention the amazing sales TRAINING that Tupperware consultants get, as evidenced by all of my fellow Tupperware Ladies posting :-); Reply to this comment


by bizlady-2009 March 13, 2008 10:32 AM EDT: Most people don''t know that Tupperware has a lifetime guarantee. They think Tupperware is expensive but when you consider you can exchange it for a lifetime(without a receipt or a hassle) it worth paying a little extra. Why keep buying cheap plastic over and over when you can invest in lifetime pieces?; Reply to this comment


by tuppercookie March 13, 2008 10:13 AM EDT: Using Tupperware also helps keep the Earth Green. Tupperware does not fill up in land fields because it last a lifetime. I know alot of you have grandmothers who want let go of their Tupperware.Oprah even chaces down her Tupperware. Tupperware helps keep your food fresh longer therefore keeping more money in your pocket. And less gas trips to the grocery store. Going Green with Tupperware makes sence. Everyone says Gosh Tupperware is so high priced. But when you think of it like this,it will last you a lifetime and save you money in the long run. You are going to find out you are saving so much more than you ever thought.
Tupperware Star Manager
Rhonda Edwards
www.mypartykitchen.com; Reply to this comment


by ckwike March 13, 2008 12:19 AM EDT: You COULD buy cheaper containers from Walmart, but that is exactly what they are - CHEAP (as in quality). Tupperware is the only company I know of that warrantees its products for a lifetime against breaking, cracking, chipping, or peeling -- and you don''t need to produce a receipt to get it replaced - you just have to contact your local tupperware representative. Obviously they are not going to replace something you melted on a burner, cut with scissors or used as an oil pan. However - they will evaluate each and every product under that lifetime warrantee, and either replace it or give you a credit towards a new product (in the cases where the product has been discontinued). You can go a head and buy your cheap plastic containers, and replace them in 6 -12 months because they are warped, pitted or leaking at the seal. Then replace them again, and again, and again...catching on? You may pay a premium price up front for Tupperware, but it is well worth the investment because you ARE getting a premium product, and in the long run that lifetime warrantee will save you a lot more money than having to purchase multiple sets of lower quality storage containers or disposable storage containers to perform the same tasks.; Reply to this comment


by skeezix06 March 12, 2008 11:44 PM EDT: You can buy the equivalent from WalMart cheaper. So unless you happen to feel a need to donate part of your check to one or more of your friends at a tupperware or one of the many, many other company parties that are popular around here in the hope that your friends will return the favor and you can recoup what you spent at their party during a future party you sponsor, how much money are you actually gaining from these things? Suspicious minds would consider the possibility that the only people coming out of this with cash in their pocket is the company; especially if you happen to notice your friends switch companies frequently as they frantically try to come out ahead on these parties.; Reply to this comment

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