April 21, 2006
In-home sales parties extend a paw to pets
'Pupperware' events let owners and animals get together to try out products before buying.
JoAnn Turbin of Waterford Township got involved with Shure Pets because she liked their products for her, dog, Merle, and cat, Shelby
Christy L. Breithaupt / Special to The Detroit News
Have you ever been in a pet store and wanted to try out a product on your pet before buying it? Chances are, it would be frowned upon if you just started opening up bottles and pouring them on your pooch.
If you're the type who likes to try first and buy later, then you might want to know about a new game in town -- "pupperware" parties.
At a pupperware party, a pet consultant comes to your home and shows you and your guests a bevy of pet products available for purchase. Pets are not only invited, but are encouraged to be around and get in on the fun.
"It's fun because I get to try the products out on the dogs," says JoAnn Turbin of Waterford Township, a Shure Pets pet consultant. "People like to get their dogs together. This gives them that opportunity."
Pupperware parties are the brainchild of Andrew Shure, founder of Shure Pets. His company offers more than 400 products for all types of pets, including health and beauty items, pet beds, clothes, toys and activities. Products range in price from $5 (a simple toy) to $145 (a sophisticated pet stroller).
"It wasn't too long ago that pets lived in the back yard," Shure says. "The pet has gradually moved inside the house. Today, the pet shares our bed with us. People are spending more money on their pets. It's quite intriguing."
Shure Pets has 20 pet consultants in Metro Detroit and is the only company that offers such a service. Nationwide, the company boasts 1,200 pet consultants.
Turbin, who joined the company about two months ago, became a consultant because the company's catalog had lots of items she wanted for her dog and two cats. She and her husband have no children and have found that extra money and attention goes to their pets. Turbin thought that others like her might enjoy these parties.
"I think for the most part (the parties attract) people who don't have kids," she says. "Their pets are what they focus on."
Besides the convenience of buying pet products at a home party, there are other benefits.
"It's nice to have someone talk to you about the products," Turbin says. "There's something nice about having someone there that has knowledge of all the products."
There are also some things included in the Shure Pets line that can't be found at a store, and some items are instant favorites, Turbin says. Currently, waterless shampoo is the favorite among her customers. A close second-runner up is a kit that lets you throw your dog a birthday party. It comes complete with a cake, balloon and hat.
Christy L. Breithaupt is a Metro Detroit freelance writer. You can reach her at cbreithaupt2002@ yahoo.com
by Christy L. Breithaupt