**How much does it cost to get started?
You can start your Noah's Ark business for just $129.00. That gets you a marketing kit that will help you to start getting your name out as an event provider and show off some of our animals. It also gives you all the training materials, CDs and DVDs you need to be ready to do an event for a child care center, birthday party, scout troop or other event. Once you get a booking you'll need to order the inventory for that actual event. For this you can ask for a deposit from the event coordinator. If you're really serious about starting a business, we can talk about ordering our inventory add on option right at the beginning so you are ready to do parties and events right from the day your kit arrives.
(Click here for more information on our $29 Summer Success Kit)
** Are there minimums I have to produce each month?
No, there are no minimums to be a crew member with our company. However, to be successful in any business you'll want to set goals to do events each month because only by doing events will you make money!
** How do I make money?
You'll purchase the supplies and inventory for each of your events from the home office at the crew member cost (the discounted cost). You'll then sell that same product to your party coordinators for the full retail value. The difference between the two is your personal profit. Profits for smaller events run right around $50 per hour, larger events bring in more. You are welcome to do as many events as you want per month. Some crew members hold several events a day. Other members just do one or two parties a month or whatever works into their schedule. It's all up to you!
** How do I get bookings?
This is your own business and therefore you'll need to market yourself locally and that's where a bulk of the "work" is in your new home business. There are a lot of ways to do that including paid advertising. The company will send out a press release on your behalf when you join and you'll also get a 60 piece postcard mailing to local child care providers in your area with your information on it. You'll receive a list of the locations who will receive your information so that you can follow up with them. Some crew members start by hosting an open house to let local moms know of their birthday party service and to showcase the animals for potential gifts, etc. With our 30-60-90 day bonuses you can earn our car magnets and other promotional materials which advertise your business every time you drive.
** Do I have to keep an inventory?
Noah's Ark Workshop does not require that you keep an inventory of animals. You can order on a party by party basis. You may want to consider keeping a small inventory however, to be available for last minute events and parties in your area or for gift giving.
** How long does a typical event take?
Our events usually last about 45 minutes to an hour although large events (large day cares, fundraisers, etc) will take longer. A typical birthday party runs about 40-60 minutes from the moment you walk in the door until you get back in your car to head back home.
** Do I have to offer both Bella Bee Workshops and Noah's Ark Workshops?
No, you don't have to offer both but once you start marketing your business you'll find that people will request both. The starter kit contains training materials for both types of parties but it's up to you how much you want to market or push either one. There are crew members who only market Bella Bee and others who only do the stuffed animal workshops. A majority of members do offer both options. The nice thing about having the Bella Bee as an option is that you can offer that as a second option to past birthday customers.
** I have more questions - what should I do now?
Email me at annetteyen at aol dot com and I'll be happy to talk with you and answer your specific questions and explore if the Noah's Ark Animal Workshop business is for you and your family.