IMAGINE! Up to $23 in a Week for your Spare Time! 

Via Vintage Traveler: 

“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.

Fashion Frocks Ad from Ladies Home Journal – Aug 1944.

“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!”

“Make Money to buy Christmas Presents for all your little ones.” Late 1940s, Early 1950s Advertisement for Fashion Frocks again.

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.”

1950s Vintage ad for ‘Realsilk Nylons’.

Men! Women! Would you like to sell Realsilk? No experience needed. 

Stanley Home Product Line– “Originators of the Famous Stanley Hostess Party Plan” – 1950s vintage ad.

Tupperware pioneered the direct marketing strategy made famous by the Tupperware party.

“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.

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. 

FURTHER READING:

• Vintage Advertising from the 1920s-1960s (archived blog posts)

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

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.