A purse party is a home party like a Tupperware party, but instead of Tupperware, you sell purses! You pick the purses you want to sell, invite some friends, open a bottle of wine (or two), show off your wares, and collect the cash. Purse parties are a fun way to make some extra money. The great thing about a purse party is that it's really easy to put one together. Here's some advice on throwing a purse party.

1. Buy your bags before the party. It's a good idea to have bags on hand for the party (instead of taking orders and delivering the bags at a later date). Your friends will be so excited at the party, they'll want to take their bag home right away and show it off. It makes you look more professional too! You don't have to sell designer purses, but it really depends on who you are inviting to your purse party. If your friends only buy designer goods, you may want to skip the generic brand purses and only bring your Gucci and Louis Vuitton handbags! You may want to offer a mix of designer handbags as well as some fun, inexpensive trendy bags. That way, everyone is happy.

2. Make your invitation list. Make a list of who you want to come to your party. Don't forget coworkers, neighbors, and relatives who live nearby. Decide whether you want to have a big party or a smaller, more intimate party. Sometimes, large groups can be chaotic and you'll need more bags on hand (which means more upfront costs) so it may be better to start small.

3. Send the invitations. First, decide whether to send paper invitations (the old fashioned way) or evites (the high tech method). Paper invitations are a classy choice, especially with some of the really cute paper invitations available these days. You can also handmake invites using craft store supplies. Evite is the modern way to go. Evite lets you know when people RSVP so it's easy to keep track of whose coming. Evite also reminds your guests by email before the party. You may want to include an information sheet or brochure that describes some of your purses and gives price ranges so people know what to expect.

4. Plan your menu. You will want to serve some simple hors d'oeuvres and plenty of wine on hand (depending on your guests). Wine and appetizers will make it more like a party and less like a sales pitch. It will also relax anyone who may be nervous (if they don't know anyone or have never been to a home party before). You can make theme appetizers like Italian appetizers to match Italian purses or even purse related appetizers like dumplings that look like purses filled with a variety of different fillings.

5. Throw your party. Set up your handbags ahead of time and make sure you have all your materials. Give everyone nametags as they come in if they don't know each other. Serve your appetizers and pass out the wine. This is the time to just socialize and catch up with everyone. This will help everyone feel comfortable. If your party is more formal, you can then make a short presentation that shows off the bags you have available (pass them around as you talk so your guests can look at the bags up close). If it's a more informal party, you may just want to have your purses displayed attractively throughout the room with cards that provide necessary info. This way, your guests can actually touch and smell (yes, smell) the great bags! Pass around order sheets, collect the money, and dole out the purses! Be sure to have several of each kind on hand if possible so fights don't break out. If you anticipate that one purse will be in high demand, you may want to make note of it in the invite (i.e., first come, first serve). Have order sheets on hand in case you run out of a style and need to order it. In this situation, your guest should make a deposit (typically half the cost of the bag) and pay the rest when the bag is delivered.

6. Raffle off a bag. Pick a bag to raffle off at the end of the night. It adds excitement and is a great way to get everyone involved.

7. Don't forget to have fun!

8. Shhhh! Your friends don't need to know that you saved tons of money on the designer purses you're selling. They'll just wonder how you can sell designer purses for so cheap! Don't worry - It's our little secret. They'll just be so happy they didn't have to fight the crowds at the malls or the outlets.