The following photo is the PROMPT. Keep in mind that all photos are the property of the contributor, therefore copyrighted and require express permission to use for purposes other than Friday Fictioneers. Giving credit to whom credit is due is proper etiquette.
Please make an effort to stay within the suggested word count. While 50 to 100 words over the limit might not seem like much to the writer, in the context of reading up a hundred stories, it’s a little inconsiderate. Use your imagination and pare it down. It can be done and you might be surprised at how few words you need to create a scene or tell a story.

PHOTO PROMPT © Marie Gail Stratford
Genre: Hysterical Non-Fiction
Word Count: 100
PREMIER SALES DITCH
“Everyone gets a facial.” My friend Jennifer’s voice crackled with enthusiasm through the phone. “It’s great fun and you can make a ton of money.”
That night, at a rah-rah recruiting meeting as her fresh meat du jour special guest, I swallowed the hook.
__________
Pink Cadillacs sped along my mind’s highway as I arrived at my first skincare party.
Setting Styrofoam sample trays before potential customers, I touted my product’s miraculous benefits. “A hide tanner discovered the formula.”
One dainty lady dipped her fingertip into the moisturizer and frowned. “You expect me to put this shit on my face?”
***
I recently did a blog interview with Deborah Kalb. To read it, click HERE
She didn’t like the Emperor’s new clothes, either – and clearly said so. 😯 😆
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Dear Archon,
That’s one way to put it. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Emperor’s new clothes or pharoah’s new pyramid scheme… neither sounds like the best idea. Love the gentle humor you infuse into these ones, Rochelle
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Thank you for such a nice comment, Jenn. Everything has a price, particularly those get rich quick pyramid schemes.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh, I’ve been there…barely managed to break even. Tupperware, Avon, can’t remember them all. 😀 You painted it vividly and accurately, nice job.
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Dear Loré,
I finally got a full time job with a grocery store as a cake decorator/sign maker that lasted 23 years. You work harder trying not to go to work, don’t you?
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Your true story is hilarious, Rochelle. True stories are often better than fiction. Your interview was great. I learned interesting facts I didn’t know before. 🙂 — Suzanne
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Dear Suzanne,
They say that truth is better than fiction and sometimes harder to believe. It was a long time ago. I was trying to find something where I didn’t have to pay for childcare. Ah well, I’m glad it’s just a memory now. 😉 Glad you read the interview, too.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not going to be the quick win she was hoping for! These things always sound to me like a lot of hard work for very little return. More a way to meet new people than make your fortune.
Great story, loved the title!
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Dear Ali,
It certainly wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. In the long run, getting a full time job was the best option. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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There’s precious little money to be made from anything that isn’t full-time work, sadly. And sometimes very little from that. I’m not sure the word “hide-tanner” figures highly in the sales pitch league though. Made me smile, especially the dainty lady’s response. Nicely done, Rochelle.
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Dear Sandra,
This is one of those rare ones that I just let it flow out to 187 words and pared it down. Great fun in practicing what I preach.
The story of the hide-tanner was a big selling point in this cosmetic company. He noticed after working with this ‘formula’ how smooth his hands were. Think what it could do for your face. 😉 Let’s not mention what the whole thing did to my pocket book. Glad it made you smile.
Thank you. Shalom,
Rochelle
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hide tanner! Lovely!
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It sounded plausible at the time, Neil. Thank you. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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My first ever job (besides baby sitting) was selling cosmetics for Fashion 220, I don’t even know if they even exist still. Didn’t make much money and although I didn’t run into a client quite like the one described, I do remember a few who had me do their make-up because they had a special party and never thought to buy even a moisturizer. Ah … the memories. Have a great weekend!
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Dear Georgia,
It seemed like a great idea at the time. Let’s just say I didn’t last long as a “consultant.”
Thank you for reading and commenting.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
Love it! I have never tried selling stuff, but have been to loads of these types of things. Fab take on the prompt!
Hugs,
Heidi
🙂
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Dear Heidi,
If something is too good to be true, it usually isn’t. I really did like the product but sucked at sales. Actually what I sucked at was booking the infernal parties. Glad you liked.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Oh dear!
The job of a sales rep. is twice as hard when the product is crap.
It’s even worse when you don’t like anything about it too.
Great story.
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Dear Chioma,
The fact is that it was, and still is, a good product. I really didn’t like booking the parties. I was never cut out to be a sales rep. The up side to that is I can spot those sales pitch lines a mile away. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahh… yes. the wanting to find that little something that you can do in your spare time and make some moulah! Yeah… look at the ones going for their Director’s titles! The bags under their eyes tell the whole tale. You have to work your butt off to make it in this “just a little something to keep you busy job”!!
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Dear Dale,
Obviously you’ve been there, too. That dainty customer was the beginning of the end for this ‘skincare consultant.’ Besides, I prefer purple to pink. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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And I, orange… See? Was just not meant to be for either of us!!
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She must have known what tanners of old used to release the tannins, using the s…. word, my dog often wonders if I know an old fashioned tanner.
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Dear Michael,
“She” knew nothing about tannins or tanning hides. It was in the presentation notebook and gave validity to the cosmetics. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hahahahaha! I take it you have been there before.
There was a lady in our neighborhood who drove a Mary Kaye pink Cadillac for years. I guess it was leased, we didn’t see it after ten. Five lipsticks.
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Thank you. Thank you verra much. Yep…been there done that but I don’t have a pink Cadillac to prove it. No fiction here.
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😀
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I remember this period of time. It wasn’t so good but you got the chance for more driving experience. That was good. The job…..not so much. Lol.
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Dear Rochelle,
The people who say anyone can succeed at direct sales are full of that stuff you told your potential customer to put on her face. 🙂 I love my work with PartyLite–as long as I can do it to have fun and have other means of income too, but I can’t stand any of that “rah-rah” stuff, regardless of which sales company it comes from.
Great story! One of your best, IMHO.
Peace and chicken grease,
MG
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Dear Marie Gail,
I definitely wasn’t cut out for that kind of business. I’m glad you liked my story, though. Some things you just can’t make up. Know what I mean? Of course you do. 😉
Thank you with hugs.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Super. “fresh meat du jour” and pink cadillacs. Great story. You show us how it is done for sure.
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Thank you for such a lovely compliment, Graham. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha! Seen things like this before. My wife’s friend is constantly trying to make us the “fresh meat du jour.” We aren’t buying it, and neither of us enjoys sales. Great slice of life piece, Rochelle. I enjoyed it!
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Dear Eric,
To be sure, there are some “friends” I just avoid these days. Every encounter includes a new business they’re excited about and are going to get rich with. Glad you liked my story. It’s funny now. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Been there. Done that. Loved the story. 🙂
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Dear Chris,
Sorry you’ve been there. But I think a lot of us have. 😉 Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another great one Rochelle. So true of an industry that lives on people’s dreams.
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Dear Michael,
Actually the term I would use would be “preys on people’s dreams”. 😉 Glad you liked. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Funny you should say that, I was searching for prey but it wouldn’t come. One of those mental blocks. 😊
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Your character said exactly what I should have said at my first facial party- my skin broke out (red all over) for the first time. Cheers to people who aren’t easily swayed and make you laugh while at it!. 🙂
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Dear Ifeoma,
While I did like the product, I wasn’t cut out for sales. 😉 Sorry about your break out. Glad you liked my story and took the time to comment. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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True life is always funnier (and sadder) than fiction!
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Dear Jan,
I am my own anecdote. 😉 If you can’t laugh at yourself… Thank you for dropping by. Sorry no facials today.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well the lady’s language certainly isn’t dainty! lol
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Dear Dawn,
She wasn’t all that dainty either. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha, great fun (although not for you at the time). I always loved the Avon and Tupperware parties my friends dragged me to.
I also read the interview. It’s very interesting, great information on the background of your books.
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Dear Gabriele,
it’s those life experiences that either destroy us or make great anecdotes. I prefer the latter. 😉 Interesting to see that things like Tupperware are universal and so are the parties.
I’m pleased you read the interview. What impressed me with Ms. Kalb is that she took the time to read both novels before setting up the interview. Being Jewish, she related well to my stories and we had a great phone conversation.
Thank you on all counts.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds all to familiar. Some people are great at sales and some are not. I’m definitely in the ‘not’ camp but did get talked into trying a few such schemes by those from the ‘great’ camp.
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Dear Siobhán,
Apparently the party plan is a worldwide thorn in the side. It was the first and last time for me. Thanks for reading and commenting. Great to see you here.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Love your real story, Rochelle. Had to laugh because I did the Mary Kay thing. I was a nurse with a full time job. I think nurses were targets because we know so many people and make a good salary. I got talked into buying a big order because you have to have the products if you want to sell. Well, I couldn’t sell and ended up giving away and eventually tossing away. A hard lesson.
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Dear Lily,
I did know some nurses in the business. Sorry to hear that your story didn’t end any better than mine. Glad you liked my story, though. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Too real to be funny, R.
I am rather taken aback at the language used by a ‘lady’.
As you know, we Scots are not used to such talk!
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Dear CE,
It wasn’t too funny at the time. I’m so sorry to have offended with my ‘language.’ Sometimes the truth has to be written in an unladylike fashion. As for Scots…
Thank you for commenting. (I think)
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“Hysterical” is the perfect word. And, as usual, you throw your real punch with the last line. It makes perfect “fiction” as well — far enough out there to capture our imagination, but real enough to let us relate. I could SEE that “dainty lady” clearly.
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Dear Sandra,
If one can’t draw from life’s experience, then from where else? 😉 Glad you came along for the ride and enjoyed it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Another fun picture! I am really enjoying your prompts.
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Thank you, Melony. I hope that included my story. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Not sure if you were replying to me as I am Connie, but if so – yes, of course, your story:)
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Oops. Sorry, Connie.
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Melony is D3athlily so. So I guess you could say I made an ‘ath’ of myself. 😉
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Golden promises, and then REALITY!
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Dear Mary,
They certainly make those promises but never tell you how hard it will be. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hysterical non-fiction–that’s great! My new neighborhood MK lady phoned just last night, and sadly for her, I had the same reaction.
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Dear Karen,
That’s the beauty of Mary Kay. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ding-dong! Avon calling! The poor woman will meet a lot of equally rude customers if she works in sales!
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Dear Liz,
She has indeed encountered many rude customers in sales and retail.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hehehe this made me giggle! I’ve been to a fair number of these things and loathed them all. You painted it all perfectly
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Dear Melony,
If it made you giggle my work here is done. 😉 I’ve come to avoid these things like the plague. I buy Rubbermaid and Hefty disposable containers at the grocery and Cover Girl at the drug store. No parties, thank you very much.
Thank you for your wonderful comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Mary Kay,
Maybe if that rude woman had smeared the cream on, it might have helped that horse’s ass face of hers. Everybody gets roped into that home party thing at least once. Connie did Amway back in the 70s. Only the people at the top of the pyramid get the pink Cadillac.
Good luck with the bunion sander,
Clark Kent
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Dear Clark,
I don’t remember you being there, but you must’ve been since you described the lady to a T. Ah, yes, we had ‘friends’ who tried to rope us into Amway. We dodged that bullet. And I rather like my Chevy Cruz. I suppose I could get it painted pink, but I’d prefer purple.
Shalom,
Mary Kay
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Hahahahahha Great final line!!
I have a few friends who are into the clothing ones. I’m looking forward to going to the underwear one but I hate sitting there watching the kitchen goods!
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Dear Laurie,
Admittedly the parties can be fun, but I can’t stand high pressure sales. I guess that’s why I didn’t make it. I just couldn’t be that gung-ho sales lady.
Thank you…happy to make you laugh.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This one had humor and a bite! haha
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Thank you, Emily. 😀
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You were meant to sell stories Rochelle not cosmetics 🙂
Nice personal story !
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Thank you for such a ear compliment, Ansumani. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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This made me laugh out loud. I’ve totally been there, done that and only wish I’d realized early on that I have zero talent for sales. Great story! 😂😊
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Dear Helen,
As the old cliche goes, hindsight’s always 20/20. 😉 Glad you laughed. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Yes it is. 😊
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i guess you can’t win them all. 🙂
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Nope. 😉
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Great interview. I just read it. That’s great news about a fourth book! Very funny story, Rochelle. Well captured. I might put anything on my face if it promises youth. 🙂
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Dear Amy,
I’m pleased you read the interview and even left a comment. Working on the third and fourth book at the same time.
As for the story. It seemed like a great idea at the time. The parties were fun for the most part but I’m really not a sales person.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Hysterical! Well done, Rochelle.
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Thank you, Madamwriter. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ahh, the things that people will sell because other people will buy. And I love the Thoreau quote at the top.
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Dear R Todd,
Can’t help think of P.T. Barnum at this moment. As for the Thoreau quote, I prefer to think of it as the Friday Fictioneers’ Mantra. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, this is fantastic. I loved the strike through in the first part—I’ve never thought of using that in a story. It works brilliantly—it really adds to the voice of your character, who is clearly telling her story from a more jaded position now. The last line is just wonderful. It tells us everything. A great story.
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Dear Helena,
I’d seen one other person use the strike through. My husband actually thought I left it there by mistake. I’m glad you caught my intent. Thank you for such lovely comments and compliments. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I was an Avon Lady for a few years. I’m telling you, those party organizations are really just pyramid schemes. I’ll never do it again.
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Dear Alice,
Not a lot of difference between any of those pyramid schemes is there? Glad that’s behind me.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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everything sells, nice story
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Thank you, Arora.
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Oh dear. I laughed so much at this. I have to confess to joining you and those other commenters who’ve dabbled briefly in the murky waters of party plan selling. I suspect, from the pink cadillacs, that I was with the same team as you. What a disaster. Wonderfully told, Rochelle. Wonderful.
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Dear Margaret,
Mission accomplished. I’m glad you laughed. I guess the pink Cadillac is universal phenomena. Many are roped in, few succeed. 😉
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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