Angie Martinson had a dilemma. She wanted to have a job, but wanted to spend afternoons with her children. So when the Lake Tapps mother of two discovered she could make some extra money selling Tupperware, she jumped in with both feet and has been going strong ever since.
“I can honestly say I love my job,” she said. “How many people can say that? Most jobs just pay the bills. I have my own life and get to meet new friends. I love doing these parties and I meet awesome people.”
Martinson started selling the ubiquitous plastic ware at the end of last June and became a member of the Bonney Lake Chamber of Commerce last month. She said becoming a chamber member gave her a chance to network with other local business owners and pass around business cards.
Martinson previously ran an in-home day care business, but found that the business did not suit her personality.
“I did it for three years, but it seemed like 30,” she said. “Not that I don’t like kids. I’m just not a homebody by nature.”
Tupperware sells their products through consultants who host parties where clients can view the products, ask questions, purchase them on the spot or order from a catalog. This aspect of the job is where Martinson excels and is what she likes best about the position.
“It is very rewarding,” she said. “A lot of people do this part-time to supplement their income, but I do it full-time. Everybody in the company works to help each other out. We’re not a pyramid or multi-level marketing. We’re direct marketing. We are very team driven.”
Martinson finds hosts for her parties just about everywhere — the grocery store, acquaintances, or friends. Those who host the parties can be rewarded with free items or product discounts.
Tacoma resident Olena Benson said hosting a Tupperware party for Martinson last Saturday was a lot of fun.
“Angie was great and had everything prepared and set up,” she said. “She played a whole lot of games that got people involved and made everyone feel comfortable. She was very knowledgeable about the products and was easy to ask questions to.”
Benson said she wanted to pick up a few Tupperware items at the party to organize her kitchen pantry.
“Now I can organize things like bags of cereal and bags of chips so I can find different things.”
Tupperware has come a long way since apron-clad 1950s housewives sold their products. High-tech Lexan polycarbonate material allows food storage bowls to go straight from the refrigerator to the microwave. All the products are designed for the dishwasher.
“There’s a lot of science to it,” Martinson said. “These bowls are made out of the same stuff as airplane windows.”
Safety concerns over the release of toxins from plastics has tightened standards on food storage containers. Martinson said Tupperware products are also sold in Europe so they are tested under European standards, which are even more stringent than those in the United States.
Martinson demonstrates a “Rock ‘N Serve” container designed to withstand the microwave with a pop-up ventilator that allows steam to escape so the food won’t explode.
“Company microwaves can get pretty gross,” Martinson said with a grimace. “These lids keep things from falling in.”
Tupperware products have also moved away from the standard avocado and orange colors of the 70s. Products sport everything from sleek smoky-black lids to aqua, fuchsia and other Mediterranean-themed colors.
“People think all plastic containers are Tupperware,” Martinson said. “A lot of them don’t know that Tupperware is a brand. It does cost a little bit more, but it has a lifetime warranty. They’re really hard things and they’re air-tight so you can store foods in bulk without it going bad.”
Martinson talks about “modulizing your pantry.” Tupperware products end up saving money by keeping products like chips and cereal fresh.
“You don’t have to worry about bugs and you can see what you’re storing,” she said. “It can double or triple the life of your produce. Most people throw away produce way too much. It’s all about convenience and organization.”
And the convenience of running her own business gives Martinson time to do what she wants to do — have a job and spend time with her children.
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