Clever Container Review and Profile

Clever Container no longer appears to be active as a direct sales company.

Clever Container discontinued its consultant-based direct-selling program in December 2018.

Original Npros business profile for Clever Container, preserved below for archival purposes:

Clever Container was a home-organization direct-selling company founded by Karen Eschebach and Jennifer Weaver in the Detroit area. The business began in 2006 after the two women tested a small selection of organizing products at a vendor show. Eschebach brought experience as a professional organizer, while Weaver had worked as a Pampered Chef consultant. They initially operated from Weaver's basement and expanded after attracting interest from prospective consultants across the United States. In 2010, Chicago-area investors placed $250,000 into the company, helping it move into warehouse space, establish an online ordering system, and develop a larger compensation plan. By 2012, Clever Container reported approximately 900 consultants and projected annual sales of about $2 million.

The company sold storage and organization products for kitchens, closets, offices, craft rooms, children's rooms, automobiles, travel, laundry, and general household use. Its catalog included totes, baskets, drawer organizers, food-storage products, shelving accessories, travel bags, filing systems, and other products intended to reduce household clutter. A later company profile reported more than 3,000 consultants and 216 products, with projected annual sales of approximately $3 million.

Clever Container used a party-plan sales model, referring to its in-home demonstrations as "Workshops." Independent consultants earned retail commissions on personal sales and could recruit and manage teams of additional consultants. Historic versions of the compensation plan paid a base retail commission of approximately 20% to 25%, with higher percentages available after reaching monthly personal-sales thresholds. Qualified leaders could also earn unilevel commissions on team sales, rank bonuses, and mentoring bonuses connected to newly recruited consultants. Starter-kit prices varied over the company's operating history and were commonly advertised between $49 and $149.