Tasers give jolt to Tupperware party format

By Tim Gaynor

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (Reuters Life!) - Arizona realtor Marie Richert raises the pink, palm-sized gadget and takes aim at the silver foil outline of a man set up in the kitchen of her friend's home.

She fires two steel harpoons that streak to the target, delivering a crackling 50,000 volt jolt of electricity, while the couples gathered around the buffet look on approvingly.

"That felt empowering," she says with a broad smile, "I am definitely thinking of buying one."

Home sales parties began with Tupperware, cleaning products and lingerie, although the latest shocking trend blazing a trail in the United States is Tasers.

Arizona entrepreneur Dana Shafman, 35, began selling a sleek new range of stun guns rolled out last year by Scottsdale-based Taser International.

Originally only available in a law enforcement model, the so-called "Lady Taser" is made in nine different colors and patterns, ranging from fashion pink to leopard skin and two varieties of camouflage.

Schmoozing with clients at her home, and in a presentation aided by two male defense teachers, she says the device has a lot of appeal to women and is catching on fast.

Since starting out late last year, she has held some 30-40 home sales parties in several states across the United States, marketing the gadgets to fashion conscious women concerned for their safety.  Continued...