With chat, party goers can ask questions about the products and interact with the host or hostess and other guests via the ChatSpace software. As moderator, Dottie manages the environment for the hostess. She sets up the party chat rooms and scans in pictures so that potential buyers can view merchandise while conversing online with the host and other participants. Parties typically last about two hours. The Party Project has hosted a number of successful parties, where business was closed and guests numbered in the dozens.
Most parties are public and anyone can attend, but private parties are also available.
As with in-home parties, party hosts need to be properly trained to be effective in organizing them. Dottie and her partner Lori Callen can provide this training as well in online chat-based open houses. Gruhler is also expanding her site to include other types of parties. One plan is for theme events to include 1950s and 60s-era events and romance parties. Another concept is for online gatherings such as baby showers, and birthday parties that include chat along with photos of visitors, guests of honor even signed electronic birthday cards that can be viewed by all participants.