I've never been a big fan of jewelry even in the 1990s when wearing “bling bling” was all the rage in the hip hop community. Personally I just associate jewelry with women. It may be a little old school or sexist of me. But that's just my two cents. The one thing I do know about jewelry is that you can make a lot of money selling it. We discuss how to do that in my Touchstone Crystal Review. So if you're a gal or dude that likes jewerly (i'm not judging you), dive into this article.
What is Touchstone Crystal?
Touchstone Crystal, found at TouchstoneCrystal.com is part of the Swarovski Group. If you don't know, Swarovski has been in business since 1895 and was started by jeweler David Swarovski. The Swarovski brand is known for using high-quality crystals to make beautiful jewelry. For many years you were only able to purchase these pieces in their speciality stores.
But Touchstone Crystal Inc was established in 2011 as a way to allow others to buy and sell many of the pieces that Swarovski has to offer.
What Are the Touchstone Crystal Products?
As previously mentioned, Touchstone Crystal is first and foremost a jewelry company. They offer all the standard products that people have come to know and love such as bracelets, rings, necklaces, and earrings. They offer over 400 different products with prices that range somewhere in between suspiciously cheap and excessively expensive. So a piece of jewelry may cost anywhere between $30 and $150. While they cost more than something from a kiosk at the mall, they are not as expensive as some of the custom pieces from professional jewelers. Many pairs of simple earrings can be found for a lower price while more embellished pieces such as golden or jeweled necklaces cost a bit more.
How Do You Make Money With Touchstone Crystal?
Touchstone Crystal uses a multi-level marketing (MLM) business model. Depending on your experience with this type of business you may be rolling your eyes. I can totally appreciate your feelings given the antics of MLM reps I discussed here.
But just in case you don't understand how MLMs work, let me break it down. If you choose to become a Touchstone Crystal consultant, you can earn money through sales of the jewelry and/or by recruiting others to sell jewelry as well. If MLMs give you the heebie jeebies, you have other legit options like FusionCash.com and Swagbucks.com.
How Much Money Can You Make as a TouchStone Crystal Consultant?
By hosting parties or just selling to friends, consultant are able to earn 25-40% commission on each order. There are also opportunities to make more through the recruitment program. Anyone who refers another person to become a consultant can make an extra 9% on all their sales as well. You can read more about their compensation plan here which surprisingly is simple to understand.
How To Get Started Touchstone Crystal?
Those who want to sell the product must first purchase a starter kit before they are able to earn commissions. There are two kits that a person can purchase to get started. First, there is the basic kit which costs $139. Next, there is the enhanced kit for $299. If you don't like the idea of buying any kit and want to make money for free, then consider FusionCash.com and Swagbucks.com.
In any event, the enhanced kit contains the same items as the basic kit plus a few additional perks. Some may find selling easier if they have more to work with in the beginning. You can also get a personalized website for $9.95 per month. Consultants are encouraged to host parties to showcase the products. By getting people together it can increase sales and keep the consultant making money.
Touchstone Crystal Complaints
Most MLMs aren't backed by a company that has been around since the late 1800s. Furthermore MLMs don't usually offer high quality products that have an established brand around the world. So Touchstone Crystals has a lot going for itself when you consider these two facts. But it doesn't mean they're immune to complaints and issues. So let's dive into some of them before you decide to become a consultant.
Making a Full-Time Living is Not Easy
Technically it is possible to earn the kind of money the company brags about on their site. But it is much more difficult to achieve this since it would rely a great deal on home parties and targeting people you know. After a while that pool will dry up. So you'll have to figure out another way to get clients. They don't seem to offer a lot of training on other methods like internet marketing. So your potential income can be very limited if you're not the type of person that wants to chase after people. This is exactly why I prefer affiliate marketing more and have been successful with it.
Hosting Parties can Become Tedious
Hosting the first party may be successful and even fun. Unfortunately, after that, it may become hard to keep people interested. After friends have already gotten together for one jewelry party, they may not be as keen to come to others just to spend more money. To keep bringing in sales the consultant will need new audiences which are usually not easy to find especially with the limited training they provide.
It Takes Many Recruits to Earn Decent Money
Like most MLMs, the people that make a lot of money have recruited others under them. This would appear to be the case here with Touchstone Crystal. It seems inevitable to make real money consistently, a consultant will need to recruit quite a few people and also make sure they are making good sales as well.
It Takes Consistent Results to Stay an Active Member
In order to stay an active member, people must make sure to average at least $300 a month over each three month period that they are acting as a consultant. Constantly hosting parties and hassling friends to buy more will grow tiresome over time. The quota often becomes difficult to reach when the pool of customers becomes smaller.
Jewelry is Too Expensive
While the company puts together durable and attractive pieces, it is often the prices that cause customers to stay away. The lowest priced item comes in at around $30. While some may buy one or two pieces, there is not much to keep them coming back for more. Jewelry is seen as a luxury item, and because of this, it is not something people think they need at all times.
Is Touchstone Crystal Legit or Not?
Touchstone Crystal is backed by the Swarovski brand. Unlike most MLMs you're actually promoting a brand that people trust and do buy. So that makes this company very unique. You'll spend less time trying to convince people that the products are quality because most people know the brand. Now that said, the MLM business model tends to leave people with a bad taste in their mouth. This is understandable since it depends a lot on recruiting people you know for sales or to join your team.
No one likes being sold to. That all said, it doesn't mean that this company is a scam because they use an MLM business model. From what I can tell it is legitimate. However I personally wouldn't join or try this because it depends on house parties and chasing people down. I don't mind working hard for my business. But I prefer that my customers are coming to me.
What is an alternative to Touchstone Crystal?
If you'd like a business where you don't have to deal with house parties or harassing your friends then you may want to consider FusionCash.com, Swagbucks.com and my Top Free Work At Home Recommendation. It's what has helped me earn a full time income. Like any business it does take hard work. But with this business you have people coming to you 24/7 without having the potential of alienating people you know. So check out Wealthy Affiliate. You can even use what you learn there to promote Touchstone Crystal since they don't seem to really teach internet marketing.
Ultimately the key to being successful online is to have multiple streams of income. So don't limit yourself to one company. Because if they go out of business you can end up screwed. You should always explore as many legitimate options as possible. With that in mind, I would recommend looking into my popular Work At Home Courses as well.
Well that's enough yapping from me. I'd love to hear what you think of Touchstone Crystal. Does this company change your views on MLMs? Chime in below.
Hi Eddy,
I know many people still think of the MLM as a business where the consultants are pushy and like vultures. Unfotunately, many consultants think that’s how you have to be. MLM was designed to be a relationship building type of business. You build relationships with people you meet during your day. You really listen to them to find out if what products you have will solve a problem for that person. If none of your products or your business opportunity can fill that need, you then ask for referrals. The best consultants never even mention their company name until the person asks them. They never brand the company, instead they brand themselves. Unfortunately, there are too many consultants who spam their friends, whether online or in real life, which gives people a bad image of ML M marketers. I admit, I’ve been guilty of this myself. I’ve been doing a lot of personal development and learning the right way to do this business. I agree, it’s not for everyone, but you can’t give up. ML M is called the four year business for a reason. Just like building a brick and mortar store, it takes a while to build your business. Plus the residual income can be phenomenonal! I ‘m not with Touchstone Crystal yet (I will be joining this month), but I am an Independent Watkins Consultant. Touchstone will be a secondary business for me. I always recommend any new consultants who join my team to listen to the podcast “ML M Nation” on either Stitcher or iTunes. It’s one podcast i highly recommend to anyone already in the industry as well as anyone thinking about joining a ML M company. The main idea, whether you decide to join a ML M company, or do affiliate marketing, you have to research and decide what type of business you are the most comfortable with and what would be the best fit for you. 🙂
Well said Beth.
More people in MLMs should approach their business the way you currently approach it. Because too often MLM reps don’t engage in business in that way. At the end of the day any business will take time for you to see success. There is a lot of delayed gratification and patience required. But most people have an employee mentality and aren’t cut out to run a business. So it’s not for everyone. In either case, I appreciate your comment and growth. It’s refreshing to see!
TC started in 2008. They advertised in a mag I picked up at Hobby Lobby. When they very first started, the jewelry was in kits, so it was a jewelry assembly party. Now 10 years on, I have found that many of the findings on my pieces have tarnished and look very cheap. My mom was also a consultant and I am trying to unload our collective inventory and am having to remake items. At least I can get the tarnished bead covers OFF w/o breaking necklace/bracelet.
No,I think you are correct, TS is fine for the housewife who wants to make a little extra money, or the female that has a full-time job paying well and does not work that hard. For someone who needs to make a living, TS is not going to work. You have to make five parties, to even make over $2000 that is from their own words. The company is misleading and misrepresenting. Where do you keep finding these women, no where, and a party is alot of work. Not to mention, people often do not show up. I would stay away from TS, there are other companies, whether MLM or not, (network marketing” for those that are progressive) and there are more and more companies utilizing this business model, because you get paid for what you put in, you get out. (unless the product sets you up to fail). We were told TS could be done basically on line, just do the digital posting, until the kit came. I am trying to get my money back now. I would suggest you find a better company, for that 2nd job. One, that you may have a chance of making money that really means something. $850 a month, to someone is less than Welfare, Sorry!!!
Hey Sheila,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience with this company. It sounds like it wasn’t the right fit for you.
Hi Eddy – You do have some miss information – to be active with TC we only have to sell a pair of earrings monthly. I’m not sure where you got the $300 per month as this is in correct. Also, direct sales is not for everyone and yes your friends and family can only get you so far but at each party I have, I meet 10 + women and get a minimum of 2 bookings for future shows. This sustains my business pretty well and with a show average of well over $700 my income for just a few hours of my time is at a minimum $210 per show! The jewelry really does sell itself with the Swarovski name and women buy jewelry just like they buy shoes or makeup. It’s a staple item for most women.
Thanks for the update Karen,
Sometimes thing change or we make mistakes. So I’m not discounting what you say.
But can you show me on the site where you’re only required to sell one pair of earrings monthly? In terms of your own success, that’s great. I don’t know if everyone else doing parties will meet 10+ women and get the same amount of bookings for future shows is the norm. But it’s great for you. I agree that Swarovski name makes a huge difference. For some women jewelry is a staple but not for all. But if you can target the women that are into that, then it’s a great thing. Either way it’s great to hear about folks having success with this. If you don’t mind the whole home party thing, then it may be a fit.
Hey guys, I am a current consultant for TCS and NO WE DO NOT HAVE TO SELL $300 in earrings to stay or $300 in anything to stay active. If you love jewelry, it is a lot of fun and of very good quality. Also, there is nothing to put together, this is all top notch Swarovski products like you would expect.
Thanks for chiming in Stefan. I totally agree with you.
Hi Eddy, I have read about many MLM companies and in my opinion the negatives outweighs the positives most of the times. I don’t like direct selling, but I agree that a lot of people do, and are very good at it. Now, I completely agree it’s not easy to reach a lot of people with direct selling. That’s just one of the reasons why Affiliate Marketing is so much more powerful.
All the very best
Stefan
Hello,
I am a consultant for Touchstone Crystal and love it!! TC is not Multi level marketing it is Direct Sales…..while you layed out a great description of the company I have to say the jewelry practically sells it self…I only invited my family & friends to my launch party and from there if they ask me for a party fine but they all know what I do so I never bother them…..people see me with my jewelry on and ask me about it so I’m never chasing for parties. I make a full time salary working part time hours…you are right it’s not for everyone but it’s worth a try for $139.00. It’s not a cult so you can leave anytime. Husbands are starting to join TC because they see the amazing income thier wives are making and how Swarovski treats us…..no matter how you choose to support your family I wish you happiness!!
It’s great you love the product and are doing well. I don’t know if your experience is going to be the norm for everyone. But as I said in my review the products seems solid and have the brand name behind them which definitely helps. Thanks for sharing.
Doesn’t sound like too bad of an idea for the right person with the right personality. For me, I’ll go with your other choice. Wealthy Affiliate has been great for me. I have 3 websites up and running. I enjoy the work, both writing and teaching some of the technical skills. I write tutorials for my Bootcamp website.
Thank you,
Edward Mijarez
Hey,
So I stumbled onto your website because I’ve been looking around for different ways for my wife to make some extra cash from home.
We have a baby now and she has really been curious about different MLM’s like Avon and Touchstone. We’ve both been researching it but it can be hard to get information from trustworthy websites.
Do you think this is a good option or do you think she would be better off starting a blog and trying to make money from affiliate marketing?
Neither of us have experience in affiliate marketing so we’d have to take a course or something but we’re only willing to try that if it’s very highly regarded.
Cheers,
Robert
Honestly Robert, I’m partial to affiliate marketing since you don’t need to chase after people. I’m only speaking from my experience so I’m a bit biased. But this mlm seems pretty decent compared to the crappy ones I’ve reviewed in the past. So it may be worth looking into. But keep in mind the concerns I listed above.
Thanks for the great review. It sounds like Touchstone Crystal is backed by a big company and that it is not a scam, but I do have a problem with the MLM structure in general.
This may be an opportunity for someone that has a real passion for Jewellery, but I think direct selling, such as using affiliate marketing is a much better business model than using these MLM’s.
I have even seen some MLM’s market their products online in this manner and have considerably more success than hosting dinner parties and hounding friends and family!
Thanks for the review! 🙂
~John
You’re welcome John. I agree I’m not a big fan or the mlm business model or promoting via parties.
Eddy, you have done a really nice job of outlining the Touchstone Crystal business. It is MLM system and comes with all the drawbacks of that type of business that you have outlined very well in this article. It may work for some that really enjoy selling jewelry. But when your pool of friends run out your business has little chance of growing. There is jewelry everywhere to buy.
The idea of a more sustainable business is key.
Thanks Jan. I’ve never felt comfortable with any business opportunity that relies on your family and friends as your initial prospects.
Hey Eddy! I love your writing style and down to earth approach to your reviews, brilliant! I just read your review about Touchstone Crystal and I have to agree with what you say here.
I think a lot of these companies make the process of starting a business sound really easy and exciting, when in actual fact it’s really hard, especially if you want to make a full time income, as you have pointed out here.
I know a couple of people that have tried similar business set-ups like this. I have seen friends that get so desperate to make money that they actually end up pushing friends and family away. The thing with these businesses is that you are forever having to reach people and get them to attend your party’s. Not to mention the fact that you then need to get them to spend a lot of money. You need a lot of people, spending a lot of money to make good commission at this sort of thing.
I think a business like this would be ok for someone that just wanted to make a bit of extra pocket money. But then if that’s all you want to do, why would you want to splash out on the expense of the starter kit?
I agree with you that there are far better ways to start a business. Could you tell me more about your experiences with affiliate marketing?
Hey Andrew,
I totally agree with you. The idea that I may need to harass my family and friends is just a big turn off to me. And they’ll argue you don’t have to come off like that. But regardless people look at you like the slimy mlm person. Whereas with affiliate marketing people are coming to you 24/7 via your website. You’re not chasing them down and chances are they’re already interested in what you want. So to me it’s been a far better business model. But to each their own. Thanks for chiming in!
Yep, Eddy your yapping has changed my mind about this particular MLM, and MLM marketing in a whole. Jewelry seems like it would be a hard sell because of the price. Even if you have buyers it seems you wont have but maybe 2 per month… and to keep up with 300$ minimum seems to be a lot of work.
Thanks for the post.
You’re welcome. I agree this is probably one of the few MLMs that has a great brand behind them. But I still feel it would be a tough sell.