Good Tastings by Watkins is the name of the program from Watkins Corporate that makes it easy for any associate to present Watkins products at parties or other types of in-person events. Those who wish may sign up as Good Tastings Associates at their initial enrollment as Associates. See below.

Before 2003, associates who wanted to present the products at parties or other events were pretty much "on their own" to figure out everything... Watkins had a few materials like party invitations, but beyond that, there was not much guidance or framework for the associate. And any incentives the associate wanted to give to the party Host or Hostess came fully out of the associate's pocket.

In summer 2003, Watkins introduced the Good Tastings program, which centers around the Good Tastings assortment. The Good Tastings assortment is a kit that associates order from Watkins, which has enough materials to present four average-sized parties. It has basically everything that's needed: materials that help the Host invite guests, materials that help the associate can present the products, and materials so the associate can gather orders. The Good Tasting assortment changes every three months, so that associates can do parties year-round, with the possibility of going to back to the same Host many times.

Along with the huge benefits of the having well-planned materials, the Good Tastings program also has the benefit that the Host's incentive of free products is paid completely by Watkins, and does not come out of the associate's profits. Note: Initially Watkins paid only 65% of the Host incentive, but Watkins is now paying 100%. Host rewards products credits worth 10% of their retail sales on events with sales over $150. On events over $500, the host receives 15%.
 

As an additional incentive, each host can earn the opportunity to purchase high-quality Casafina stoneware pieces at reduced prices, two ways, through sales and through bookings.

EVENTS: Good Tastings events do not have to be home parties or open houses. Think creatively. For example, Associates have run Good Tastings events at county fairs, retail stores, craft fairs, and in break rooms at the host's work.

The orders from Good Tastings events are processed by Watkins as customer-direct orders. That just means that the products for the Host and guests are shipped directly from the Watkins warehouse to the Host's address. Generally, the Host would then divide up the products and get them to the guests, but in some cases the associate offers to go to the Host's home to help with this process. Just like with other customer-direct orders, you (the associate) receive your earnings on those sales on a check from Watkins after the end of the month, which can be a benefit since it lets you see the results of your effort in one lump sum.
 

The Goal of Good Tastings Parties

It seems obvious that the goal of presenting Good Tastings parties is to get retail sales from guests to increase your profits. And, yes, that is the immediate benefit to you, the associate.

But that's not the only goal of the event. There are two other major goals:

1. Help you find other people who may be interested in becoming associates. Some may duplicate what you're doing with Good Tastings events. Others may choose some other method for building their own income with Watkins. Either way, you win by adding members to your team, and they win by getting the benefits of being a Watkins associate.

2. Help you find other people who may be interested in becoming Hosts for a future Good Tastings event. The best place to get bookings for future shows is during the fun while you're presenting one show.
    

The Good Tastings Assortment—Cost and Contents

The Good Tastings assortment costs $40.00 ($60.00 CN), and includes literature and products to present four average-sized events of approximately ten guests each.

For example, here are the items included in the Good Tastings Assortment for February to June, 2008:

• Business Materials:

• 4 packs Good Tastings Postcard Invitations

• 1 Good Tastings Guide

• 2 packs Good Tastings Customer Order Forms

• 1 pack Good Tastings Event Planner

• 1 pack Good Tastings Recap Order Form

• Products and Samples

• Garlic & Parsley Grapeseed Oil
• 4 Tomato & Basil Snack & Dip Seasoning Samples
•  4 Bacon & Horseradish Snack & Dip Seasoning Samples

•  4 Mandarin Orange Fruit Dip Mix Samples

• 4 Good Tastings Bread Mix 

• 1 Chocolate Dessert and Frosting Mix

• 1 Lavender All-Natural Body Oil

• 1 Lemon Citrus Room Freshener