Biltmore Inspirations Review and Profile

Biltmore Inspirations no longer appears to be active as a direct sales company.

Biltmore Inspirations was a short-lived home-party direct-sales division of The Biltmore Company. It ceased operations in December 2012 after approximately 18 months in business.

Original Npros business profile for Biltmore Inspirations, preserved below for archival purposes:

Biltmore Inspirations was developed by The Biltmore Company, owner and operator of the historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. Announced in September 2010 and formally launched in July 2011, it was Biltmore's first entry into the direct-selling industry. The company positioned the program as an extension of the Vanderbilt estate's traditions of hospitality, entertaining and craftsmanship. By September 2011, Biltmore reported that the business had independent consultants operating in 42 states.

The exclusive product line included tableware, serving pieces, home décor, wine accessories and approximately 40 chef-selected gourmet foods. Many items drew inspiration from the architecture, gardens, artwork, winery and entertaining traditions of the Biltmore Estate. Products included the Olmsted Oak and Damask tableware collections, baking dishes, wooden serving pieces, lanterns, candleholders, linens, decorative accessories and regional artist-inspired merchandise. Biltmore initially stated that the products would be available only through Inspirations consultants and would not be sold at the estate or through conventional retail outlets.

Independent Consultants sold the products through home parties, personal orders, events and consultant websites. The company selected 12 experienced direct-selling leaders to serve as an initial advisory council, develop consultant teams and provide field training. Consultants could sponsor and build teams, making Biltmore Inspirations a party-plan network-marketing business rather than a commission-only retail representative program. A lower-priced "Grab n Go" starter kit was advertised for $99. Surviving public materials do not provide a complete compensation schedule, typical consultant earnings or verified commission percentages.

Biltmore Inspirations closed in December 2012, roughly a year and a half after its national launch.