The Business Of Plastic Booms Again

When Other Industries Are Downsizing, Tupperware Is Capitalizing On Economic Anxiety

(CBS)  At 37, Yvette Rivera is the face of a stale economy. She was out of a job, feeding a family of five on her husband's $40,000-a-year salary and stuck in a central Florida home that won't sell.

"That's got to be so frustrating," CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella said. "You're trying to move for economic reasons and you can't get out of the house."

"No, it's very tough. It's emotionally frustrating," Rivera said. "You're on a rollercoaster."

Desperate for extra cash, Yvette turned to plastic. Not credit cards … but an American icon, Cobiella reports.

Tupperware … the company of burping bowls.

And post-war house parties are booming once again ... thanks in part to a slow economy.

CEO Rick Goings has seen the company's stock rise to a 10-year high, almost doubling in five years. The U.S. sales force has grown 10 percent since 2005, and it shows in sales: up 14 percent last year.

"When economists are soft, you usually have higher unemployment, and when there's higher unemployment, there's a bigger recruiting pool," Goings said. "And the No. 1 driver of direct-sell companies is recruiting a sales force."

While other industries are downsizing, Tupperware is capitalizing on economic anxiety, using it as a recruiting tool - with promises of a new career and big money.

The company points to sales consultants like Michelle Labarca as proof.

"I do roughly six to eight parties a month," Labarca said. "I really do focus on being a stay-at-home mom. So I make roughly $60,000. And a free car."

---

Read more at Couric & Co.: Stale Economy, Fresh Leftovers?

---

That's after nine years of sales, and a cut of the profits from dozens of sales people she's brought in.

Yvette started selling Tupperware four months ago. Her cabinets are overflowing, but her monthly profits?

"About $300 or $400 is my average," she said.

Not a windfall, but enough to pad the family budget and keep the "for sale" sign in storage until the economy improves.

[Centina]

Great Article

I started using Tupperware when I was 18. (24 yrs ago) It truly is an amazing product. This year I decided to join the Tupperware Team. It has been the best thing I could have done.
Last month alone I made a bonus of $899 (that doesn't include my commission or free products/luggage/jewelery/trip/and other wonderful gifts.
Tupperware has an amazing support team. We are all here to help each other. The recognition is amazing.
I have been with Tupperware for just under 3 months. I have 15 consultant under me already.
I went from consultant to Manager to Star Manager and I am now in the DIQ (director in Qualification) program .
You have the opportunity to make an excellent income. Whether you are wanting to make a little extra spending money or building a career where you are continually offered the opportunity to advance.
People have a right to their opinion but I feel that if they haven't tried it they shouldn't comment.
Just because Tupperware isn't for them it doesn't mean it isn't for anyone. Tupperware wouldn't be as successful as it is if it weren't for it consultants.Recruiting has grown an amazing amount over the last year. If the consultants weren't happy they wouldn't be succeeding and continuing a career with the multimillion dollar company.
Tupperware knows how to treat their consultants. If more companies followed in their footsteps they might have happier and more committed employees.
I can't say enough good things about Tupperware the Company and Products. I am looking forward to a long and prosperous time with Tupperware.
Thank you again for sharing the experience.
Grace L

[iammyownboss]

Regarding Wed''''s segment about Tupperware. I am also in the direct selling business, and was glad to see that focus. It is really accurate, esp about the incredible perks. I would, however, preferred to have seen an unbiased version showing the direct selling business as a whole, and included some facts showing new and established companies, and industry numbers as a whole. Showing Tupperware exclusively was incredibly myopic. CBS, please consider fleshing this story out, as there is a lot that was not covered that is well-worth mentioning, including the fact that all DS companies are now hiring!

[shoediva2]

I was so thrilled to see the wonderful story about Tupperware; I well know how direct sales can be a fabulous income or support to income. I founded a direct sales shoe party company, Footprints International, therefore I know first hand how this wonderful business can add to the way that someone can assist in providing for their families. I also know the joy that owning your own business can bring to the lives of the representatives. If anyone ever thinks of wanting to own his or her own business, direct sales is a wonderful way to do that.

[rushlimpdrug]

What a stupid story to run.

Is Katie Curic selling tupperware nowdays?

CBS you really think soooo little of us as to fall for this krap? ? ?

Honestly?

[twfan4]

Tupperware is a great company and lifetime guarantee. How many baggies are bought and then thrown away to end up in the landfills; might as well through money away. Tupperware can be used over and over again and last for years to come unlike the other plastic products that you throw away--which there again, costing extra money. If you think Tupperware is expensive then watch for sales; they have them all the time. When you buy Tupperware you get an outstanding product with lifetime guarantee!! With everyone trying to save where they can and make cooking easy--Tupperware allows us to cook, freeze and reheat with ease with less waste. Way to Go!!

[havefaith4]

Thank you bizlady. You said it all. Tupperware was made to last a lifetime and stands behind that with a lifetime guarantee on its plastics. Talk about doing our part to keep containers out of landfills! The pay is awesome and we are treated like ROYALTY :-) I was never recognized for my efforts like this working for any company, big or small. In fact more of what I saw is a bunch of people pointing out others shortcomings. Be glad that there is an opportunity that provides REAL income and REAL benefits and REAL security because YOU choose! And then thank the Lord you get to set your own schedule and no one ever "approves" or disapproves your vacation time!

[bizlady-2009]

Thanks for the story on Tupperware. My mother was a Tupperware lady in the 60s and it was a blessing. She made an extra income, won a car, and even some trips. My sister joined about 6 months ago and is doing great! People appreciate the value and lifetime guarantee of Tupperware. Glad and Rubbermaid won''t replace your pieces 50 years later. I''ve seen people turn in 20 year old bowls for replacement and Tupperware replaces it no questions asked. It''s sad that people can''t separate mlm scams from legit direct sales companies. If you put in the work you get the reward. Look beyond the get rich quick scams and find yourself a legitimate company with a good reputation. There''s something for everyone.

[cclark2854]

Dear CBS:
Just sad...
Hard Times, Good Jobs...
selling Tupperware!
Give me a break!
You must think the wee people out there are so stupid as to think Tupperware can replace a good job.
C''mon, sober up!
Are you people even journalists anymore?
Do you have any integrity left?
Tupperware, a good job, yeah, right!
I am stunned by your insipid machinations.
Sincerely,
Craig Clark

[cclark2854]

Dear CBS:
Just sad...
Hard Times, Good Jobs...
selling Tupperware!
Give me a break!
You must think the wee people out there are so stupid as to think Tupperware can replace a good job.
C''mon, sober up!
Are you people even journalists anymore?
Do you have any integrity left?
Tupperware, a good job, yeah, right!
I am stunned by your insipid machinations.
Sincerely,
Craig Clark

[cclark2854]

Dear CBS:
Just sad...
Hard Times, Good Jobs...
selling Tupperware!
Give me a break!
You must think the wee people out there are so stupid as to think Tupperware can replace a good job.
C''mon, sober up!
Are you people even journalists anymore?
Do you have any integrity left?
Tupperware, a good job, yeah, right!
I am stunned by your insipid machinations.
Sincerely,
Craig Clark

[ottis.murray]

I cannot believe that CBS would actually promote a multi-level marketing scheme as a partial answer to the unemployment problem in our country. Are you suggesting that everyone go out and sell and then you have a productive, secure employment future?

Yesterday'' story was also misleading in that one company was cited as having (6) openings in the manufacturing sector, which by implication, suggested that the manufacturing sector is the salvation for unemployment workers. Somehow it was suggested that we do not want good jobs and because one manufacturing firm has (6) openings, ipso facto, the unemployed must be whiners, slackers and malcontents.

Shame on CBS (not News ... but) Views!

[olebd]

I wish somebody would go after Juice Plus like they did Enzyte and prove that it''s just a bunch of overhyped ***. I''m tired of folks around here trying to sell it all the time.

[olebd]

Too bad Tupperware is way overpriced.

I guess I''ll get out my Fuller brushes to sell. And how about Amway and Shaklee? Anyone?