This week’s Ask The Swag Gal comes from a Swaggernaut who is dealing with a situation that I think a lot of us have been in before.

Dear Swag Gal,

A few of my coworkers are independent consultants for jewelry and makeup catalog companies. They are often asking me to consider ordering from their catalogs, going to merchandise parties they host or even hosting a party myself. I have no interest in doing this but many of my other coworkers feel they should buy from them to support their business. Is there a nice way to tell them to stop asking me if I want to buy their products or should I politely turn them down each time they ask?

I have been in a similar position, actually, as I had a family member who was an independent consultant for a makeup company.  I definitely understand how it could be difficult to get yourself out of a situation like this, especially because it’s someone you know and have to face on a daily basis.

As you stated when posing the question, it is important to let them down gently and politely, because of course you’ll want to remain on good terms with them.  The best way to handle your response the next time they ask you to consider purchasing a product or attend a merchandise party is to simply say that at the moment you do not have any need for the offered products.  If they ask you why, you can explain that you are very loyal to your makeup brand, and only use products from that one company.  Let them know that you’ll keep their catalog in mind and that they will be the first people you go to when you need jewelry or cosmetics.  If you have a friend or family member that you know might be interested in what your coworkers have to offer, refer them!  Your coworkers will certainly be grateful for any new customers.

~TSGal

Have you ever been in a similar situation?  How did YOU handle it?

P.S. – Have a question for me? Send it to TheSwagGal@swagbucks.com and your answer could be featured in the next Ask TSGal! Plus you’ll get 150SB if we choose your question!