April 9, 2009

Replacing Tupperware and makeup, pet products are now making it big at home parties. (ZT Pet News Photo by Robert Gill)

BANGOR, Pa. -- Look no further than a friend's house for the latest in pet merchandise. They're not fancy boutiques, but pet home parties are becoming all the rage -- and yes, the same kind of home party where people purchase their Tupperware and Mary Kay products.

Direct sellers have sold all kinds of products in the past, now they are pushing pet products. ShurePets started this new trend in 2002; others have since caught on, including Petlane and Woofgang's, which started selling pet products through home parties in 2006.

These companies claim to have everything, from treats to toys, food and apparel, to meet the average pet owner's needs. They say their products are of a higher quality than what you can find in the pet store. Key differences include products being all natural, organic, made in the USA -- some of the toys offered are also recyclable.

A consultant present at the home party displays the products, answers questions and provides demonstrations.

"I've never seen products like this sold for dogs and cats," said Kathleen Coor, of Bangor, while at her very first "pet party."

She said she found the demonstrations to be helpful, making her an informed consumer.

Petlane founder Lane Nemeth says that although sales are down right now, this industry remains recession proof.

"People still have to feed and take care of their animals," Nemeth said.

Pet products is one of the fastest growing industries, selling $43 billion worth of merchandise annually. This is not surprising to ShurePets rep, Janet Hill, who remarked, "I know people who spend thousands of dollars on their pets."

But Nemeth says directly selling pet products is so new, the approach accounts for only a small fraction of that billion dollar figure.

ShurePets, Petlane and Woofgang's believe this new trend of selling quality products through direct sales will continue to captivate pet owners everywhere. With record numbers of people signing on to be consultants right now, it's more than likely a "pet party" invitation will show up in your mailbox.

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