Frequently Asked Questions About Silpada Designs

When was Silpada Designs started?
Bonnie Kelly, Teresa Walsh and Jerry Kelly started the company in 1997 after six years of Bonnie and Teresa personally selling jewellery at parties. So many women said, ”I want your job!” that they decided they had to share the opportunity with others. Thus, the company was born in the United States. In 2008, Silpada Designs launched in Canada.
What does "Silpada" mean?
When Bonnie and Teresa started the company, they made up the name "Silpada". In the years since, "Silpada" has evolved into a life-changing business opportunity that offers hand-crafted .925 Sterling Silver Jewellery, as well as financial freedom, flexibility and friendship.
What makes Silpada Designs Jewellery unique?
Bonnie and Teresa work with artisans from all over the world to design Silpada's unique Sterling Silver Jewellery. Because the jewellery and extraordinary accessories are handcrafted, each piece varies. Individual artisan details make each piece slightly different from the next. That is what millions of customers love about our products.
What is a Silpada Designs Home Party like?
Our Home Party is unique in the direct sales industry. There is no formal presentation and no pressure. Guests drop in for "A Fun Ladies' Night out Playing Dress-up with Jewellery,"™ and purchase the things they like. It's just that simple!
Is Silpada Designs Jewellery sold in retail stores?
No. Silpada Designs Jewellery is sold exclusively by independent Silpada Designs Representatives.
Who can sell Silpada Designs Jewellery?
Anyone with an entrepreneurial spirit can sell Silpada Designs Jewellery.
What if I have no sales experience?
It might surprise you to know that most of our successful Representatives have never sold anything before. As Bonnie and Teresa say, "If you can wear our jewellery, you can sell our jewellery!"™ Seriously, it's that easy!
What is "Direct Sales"?
Direct sales is a method of getting a product or service to a consumer. This distribution system relies on the services of independent sales Representatives, eliminating the need for a retail outlet for the product or service. The sales through this distribution system are growing rapidly – a vigorous 25% growth in the last two years from $1.57 to $1.96 billion.*
* Statistics from the Direct Sellers Association.
Is this distribution system legal and ethical?
Absolutely! The Direct Sellers Association (DSA) makes sure of that. Member companies must meet the highest ethical standards, and the DSA works with federal and provincial agencies to ensure that the public is protected from illegal pyramid schemes.
Does the direct selling industry have a good reputation?
The direct selling industry has developed an excellent reputation over the last decade. Because of the industry's strong emphasis on personal, one-on-one relationships between the Representative and the customer, convenience and a high emphasis on consumer education, direct sales is custom-made for today's busy consumer. The industry is now studied at prestigious centers of higher learning like Harvard Business School and described favorably in magazines like Fortune and newspapers like USA Today. In fact, 1.3 million Canadian workers are associated with the direct selling industry.*
* Statistics from the Direct Sellers Association.
What is "party plan"?
Party plan is one type of direct selling. (Another type is one-on-one sales.) Party plan is one of the simplest types of business for a Representative because the host invites friends into her home or workplace to meet the Representative and purchase the products. Silpada uses party plan as our primary method of distribution. Our Representatives can also sell to individuals via phone, fax and e-mail.