We create an online destination where our hostesses and their guests can meet. As with in-home parties, we include a place for visitors to register, see and purchase merchandise, order catalogs and play games for prizes. 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.