September 2022 Update: Sadly it appears this podcast no longer exists which includes my interview not being around anymore.
Friends! I have had the honour of being interviewed for the fantastic podcast ‘This Retro Life‘ by Kia from Australia.
ABOUT:
This Retro Life is dedicated to telling the stories of people who are bringing the lifestyle, fashion, collections and music back from a bygone era.
Meet some of the best modern day pinups, burlesque dancers and vintage collectors and hear the stories behind why they are make this modern life a little more retro.
I talk Lindy Hop in Toronto (the bands, the dance), Toronto Vintage Society (the shopping, the fun), my blog and everything else that makes me tick in my vintage life (like my passion for old photos).
“I think most of us would be familiar with at least one company that marketed direct to consumers in their homes. Examples are Avon cosmetics, Longaberger baskets, and Fuller brushes. In most cases the salespersons were (are, as some of these are still in business) not employees of the company, but were private contractors who took orders for a commission”
Today’s Post is the vintage advertising that was put out there by companies like Harford Fashions, Fashion Frocks, Tupperware, Avon etc. to entice woman to join their teams to direct sell their products to fellow mothers/wives/friends.
The Vintage Advertisements for “Work from Home!” Jobs
A Tupperware Career is so Rewarding! 1950s vintage ad.
“All you have to do is show the attractive and interesting portfolio of gorgeous dresses to friends and neighbors … and in addition get all your own dresses FREE!”
Source: Flickr
“Make Money to buy Christmas Presents for all your little ones.” Late 1940s, Early 1950s Advertisement for Fashion Frocks again.
Source: The Style Sample
1940s vintage ad for Harford Frocks sales opportunity job.
“Show the dresses to your friends, neighbors, fellow works and members of your family….send in a few as 3 orders…and presto…you select a dress for yourself”
Shop-at-home Service
1938 Real Silk Lingerie Ad from your “Real Silk Representative who will call on you soon.”
Source: eBay
1950s Vintage ad for ‘Realsilk Nylons’.
Men! Women! Would you like to sell Realsilk? No experience needed.
source: Alamy
Stanley Home Product Line– “Originators of the Famous Stanley Hostess Party Plan” – 1950s vintage ad.
Source: Pinterest
Tupperware pioneered the direct marketing strategy made famous by the Tupperware party.
Source: Tupperdiva
“The Tupperware party allowed women of the 1950s to work and enjoy the benefits of earning an income without completely taking away the independence granted to women during the Second World War, when women first began entering the labor market, all the while keeping their focus in the domestic domain.” (Source)
Look at the fancy car, Mary purchased by selling Tupperware. Nice! -1960s vintage ad.
Source: Pinterest
Ding Dong Avon Calling! A 1961 Ad showcasing the long history of Avon Sales Reps.
“In 1886, 34 years before women in the U.S. earned the right to vote, Avon’s founder, David H. McConnell, helped give them the chance to earn an independent income. He didn’t set out to create a beauty company. … This began Avon’s long history of empowering women around the globe.” (Source)
Ahhhh these images are reminding me of when I sold Avon for a quick second in my early 20’s. I had 2 amazing customers, my mother and myself. HA!
Question Time: Have you ever sold items like Tupperware or Avon? Share your stories in the comments section below.
Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
