Why Can't Dates Stick? Tips for Successful Party Bookings

[Muppetgal]

Seriously, I had an awesome looking November...I had 8 booked and most looked quite positive.

Tonight I did some host coaching calls and am down to 6. 2 for the same weekend postponed leaving me nothing that week at all.

I do have a party this Wednesday that seems promising so I'm going to do my all out best to get one of those nights rebooked, but seeing as it will only be a week and a half away I'm now going to have to offer an incentive.

Why can't people realise this is how I make my money and FEED my family...when they keep postponing it screws that all up (especially when they wait for the last minute, couldn't these people have told me a few weeks ago so I'd still have time to rebook???)

ANyway, sorry, rant over. On a good note looks like my host for Wed may actually be a recruit lead! Focus on the positive right?

 

[britishchef]

I know the feeling. Makes me feel bad for some things I did as a customer! I had two of my super starter shows cancel... both for valid reasons but still, it's discouraging.

 

[lisacb77]

At least you still have 6! I started the month with 5 cooking shows, now I'm down to 2. One rebooked for Jan and the other 1 is doing catty and hopefully so will the third, but still! I guess I don't have to waste my time as those 2 were an hour plus out of town.

 

[Muppetgal]

cancel cancel hun, or just postpone?

I do have a group of ladies ONLINE that I talk to (fellow mums) and a few of them are up Aberdeen way...do you want me to ask?

 

[britishchef]

That group isn't BGH is it? 1 cancelled, she *may* rebook again in the future, but her first grandchild was stillborn so obviously Pampered Chef is the last thing on her mind! (Of course.) The other one may have a show in January instead but told me among her friends I'd get better sales if I did Ann Summers!I hope you get some more bookings, I know Nov. is an important month for you! Maybe we could talk on the phone sometime so you can give me some words of advice! My first UK show is Wednesday at a WRI, with up to 40 people coming (many over 50's). I'm making pecan tassies and a puff pastry/chutney/cheese roll thing. Any stellar tips for me?

 

[MandyK]

I think sometimes we do try to make it seem as if our job was just a party -- maybe we need to show hosts that the "work" is a party but the "outcome" is the real deal for our families.

Cancel a PC party -- it's just a party! Cancel a dentist appointment -- never!

We need to somehow show that our "party" may be more fun than the dentist, but a canceled booking doen't mean the "day off" or "early dismissal" like it does for salaried employees.

Sorry -- not to be negative, I've had a few of these recently,too. And, since I am so passive aggressive I always say "no problem -- life happens!" I guess, the solution is better host coaching in the beginning. Darn -- it always comes back to that

 

[Muppetgal]

Host coaching - yup it always comes back to that doesn't it! I have been trying really hard to work on this and have had some success with my new techniques, I just find sometimes when they have a genuine reason for postponing then they tend to do it again. One would think that once they'd postponed once they would feel guilty about doing it again but NO, seems to be easier for some reason.

In fact the two that postponed on me last night have BOTH done it once already. I have rebooked them but don't know how I feel about it....maybe I should have a limit or something. I have another lady to call today for host coaching whose party is in two weeks and she too has postponed on me before so I'm not holding up much hope for her...that will take me down to 5!

I did think that people could have a Friday twice, and if they postpone again they don't get choice of a weekend. It's very annoying when someone has booked a Fri and then postpones too late for me to reschedule it....it's my best/busiest night of the week and there are only 4 each month!!


Britishchef - borrow the microcookers and sell those. I sell tonnes of them, usually as an add on to a piece of stone/food chopper etc. Remember not everyone has heard of PC either, so the food chopper is still a cool gadget! My last show only had 4 people plus the hosts hubby and I managed to sell an average of £43 per person...which is well above average (I think average is around £26). I think all of them bought microcookers!!

 

[tlennhoff]

For constant postponers maybe off them either to do a catalog show or a mega show where you pick a date?

 

[cmdtrgd]

I let people reschedule once. The next time it goes to a catalog show. Until that closes, I don't do live shows with them again. I have two other jobs and only three nights a week to do this - the other four are filled with other stuff. Three nights a week sounds like a lot until you realize that those are the only three I don't do stuff, and I don't always fill them because sometimes I need a night at home with hubby.

 

[chefjeanine]

Are you sending the invitations? I've found this has pretty much eliminated cancellations. Also, the Host doesn't get the true host packet (specials, order forms and catalogs) until I have their guest list in my hand.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I have also found that sending the invites myself has eliminated cancellations - or if they do cancel, I know it far enough ahead that I can rebook that date w/ someone else!

 

[klsnyder]

Are you sending the invitations? I've found this has pretty much eliminated cancellations. Also, the Host doesn't get the true host packet (specials, order forms and catalogs) until I have their guest list in my hand.

I do the same thing!! Works very well for me..also not losing money on invitations not ever mailed.

 

[Chef Diane]

I like this idea..

Are you sending the invitations? I've found this has pretty much eliminated cancellations. Also, the Host doesn't get the true host packet (specials, order forms and catalogs) until I have their guest list in my hand.

So what do you put in the host packet?

 

[janel kelly]

Sometimes even great host coaching doesn't stop people from canceling. I had 2 shows in the past 2 weeks cancel the day before their show. One I had talked to the night before and then they called the next day to cancel. Both said they want to reschedule but when I try to reschedule with them I can't get ahold of them. It is very frustrating when people don't take our business seriously. It may not be a big deal to some consultants who do this part time but some of us really depend on the money we make with PC. Unfortunately with this kind of business hosts are never going to take it as seriously as we do.

I always try to get people to change to a catalogue show. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't. The best thing to do if its possible is overbook in a month that way a couple cancellations don't hurt your business too much. Sometimes having alot of catalogue shows can help pick up the slack of those shows that do cancel. There are a couple letters circulating on this website that have a letter you put in your host packets that impress upon hosts that they realize this is your business and to give at least a week or 2 heads up if they need to cancel. That might be another way to go if the cancellations are really bothering you.

 

[Muppetgal]

In Scotland we don't really do catalogue shows...PC has only been around for 7 years (and that's up in Aberdeen) but in Edinburgh people haven't really heard of it before. A catalogue show doesn't do well...no one knows how good the stuff is so they just look through it and think it's all too expensive.

I would love to have that letter to put in my host packs...I think people forget this is how I get my income!

 

[ChefAggi]

Show CancellationsI tell you what gets my goat!!!

I have (suppose to have) a show for tomorrow night (Thurs). So I started my host coaching with this gal over 2 weeks ago to see how she is doing. All I kept getting when I would call is her voice mail. She would NEVER return my calls!!
So I called a week ago, after leaving a couple messages on her phone. I FINALLY get through. She cuts me off midsentence to say she is not sure if she will be in town that week as she might have to fly out on business. Okay, hey these things come up unexpectedly with some people and their jobs. She said she would have an answer for me by that Tues. (I spoke to her on a Sunday evening). A whole week went by and still no idea if she would be in town, or out of town, show or no show. So this past weekend I started making calls again to her. Left a message with her Saturday supper time. NO calls back. Tried Sunday night.. no answer. MONDAY night after I got home from teaching quilting I FINALLY got through to her. She said that her husband was out of town and MIGHT be coming home Thursday. (the day of her show). If he does, she would have to reschedule. I informed her that I would HAVE to have a confirmation from her by Tuesday night (the next day) so I can make the necessary preparations, and pick up ingredients, etc. etc. for her show. She said "not a problem. I should hear from him by the morning and will get back to you." I asked.. "you still have my phone number?" "oh yes" she replied. well Tuesday has come and gone it is now Wednesday late morning.. STILL no call. I am ready to string this woman up by her two ears!!!! I MIGHT tempt to call ONE last time this evening just so that I have covered myself and she doesn't come back calling me on Thursday night wondering where I am and all her guests are waiting (a fear I have). Has this happened to anyone else?

 

[Chef Diane]

I tell you what gets my goat!!!

I have (suppose to have) a show for tomorrow night (Thurs). So I started my host coaching with this gal over 2 weeks ago to see how she is doing. All I kept getting when I would call is her voice mail. She would NEVER return my calls!!
So I called a week ago, after leaving a couple messages on her phone. I FINALLY get through. She cuts me off midsentence to say she is not sure if she will be in town that week as she might have to fly out on business. Okay, hey these things come up unexpectedly with some people and their jobs. She said she would have an answer for me by that Tues. (I spoke to her on a Sunday evening). A whole week went by and still no idea if she would be in town, or out of town, show or no show. So this past weekend I started making calls again to her. Left a message with her Saturday supper time. NO calls back. Tried Sunday night.. no answer. MONDAY night after I got home from teaching quilting I FINALLY got through to her. She said that her husband was out of town and MIGHT be coming home Thursday. (the day of her show). If he does, she would have to reschedule. I informed her that I would HAVE to have a confirmation from her by Tuesday night (the next day) so I can make the necessary preparations, and pick up ingredients, etc. etc. for her show. She said "not a problem. I should hear from him by the morning and will get back to you." I asked.. "you still have my phone number?" "oh yes" she replied. well Tuesday has come and gone it is now Wednesday late morning.. STILL no call. I am ready to string this woman up by her two ears!!!! I MIGHT tempt to call ONE last time this evening just so that I have covered myself and she doesn't come back calling me on Thursday night wondering where I am and all her guests are waiting (a fear I have). Has this happened to anyone else?

I got a very excited host from a Babies R Us event I did this summer. I did all the host coaching and she was very excited, she loves the products. When I tried calling her a couple of days before the show to confirm time again and get directions, no answer. I must have left 5 messages in 3 days. I never did hear from her again. I even went as far as sending emails requesting her to get ahold of me. The day of the show I got the host packet back in the mail, hmmmmm, was that a hint. I guess you never know who or what you are dealing with until it comes right down to it. I used to think it was just me. Thanks everyone for posting and encouraging me

 

[ChefAmber]

i have the some problem if you ever find the answer please let me know :0)!!!
amber

 

[ChefAmber]

if you ever find the answer to that please let me know :0)
thanks amber

 

[DZmom]

I had a host that scheduled a show on Mon 9/11 and then had to reschedule because her sister went into labor on Sat the 9th. (Remember this, it's important in a moment!) Did she call me? NO!! I called her Monday morning to get directions and she said, "OH! I totally forgot!! My sister needs me to be her labor coach!!!" Ok no problem!! Let's just reschedule. I gave her my next 2 dates and she picks the following Wednesday! A week & a half later. I told her I'd call her on Friday and hung up. Well Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday, & Tuesday all come and go. No answer on her phone or email and no return calls to any of my messages. Finally Late Tuesday night, I email the Past Hostess and ask her if everything is ok with "C", that her show was tomorrow evening and I hadn't spoken with her since her last show date when we rescheduled so that she could be her sister's labor coach. The next day the past host "K" calls me and says, "Why would her sister need a labor coach on Monday when the baby was born on Saturday?" (Told you it was important!) As you can imagine, I'm fuming by this time!! I ask "K" to call "C" and see what's up. She says no problem and calls me back a few minutes later and says that "C" had lied to me and had been avoiding my calls, because I'm pushy and she didn't know how to tell me NO!! HELLO!! Two letters, one syllable. It's really not that hard to do. "K" apologized to me and said that she knew the girl was flaky, but never dreamt that she would do me that way. She constantly emails and calls me now to order stuff!! I don't know if it's because she feels guilty or what.

All I know is that I spent OVER $100 on host packets and postage for September and ended up with one show! Granted it was $1090.40, but still yet, I sent out 8 Cooking Show packets and 4 Catalog Show packets and only turned in 1 stinking show! I'd love it if my hosts would return the catalogs and stuff from their packets. Most of that stuff is reuseable!

 

[chefann]

All I know is that I spent OVER $100 on host packets and postage for September and ended up with one show! Granted it was $1090.40, but still yet, I sent out 8 Cooking Show packets and 4 Catalog Show packets and only turned in 1 stinking show! I'd love it if my hosts would return the catalogs and stuff from their packets. Most of that stuff is reuseable!

I know some folks who use recyclable host packs in a binder instead of a folder (for cooking shows, anyway). There's a letter or a stick note in it that if the host cancels, she is responsible for shipping it back to the consultant. That helps to get across to the hosts that there is a cost to scheduling something and that it is a real business, we're not just doing this to get out of the house.

 

[klsnyder]

I know some folks who use recyclable host packs in a binder instead of a folder (for cooking shows, anyway). There's a letter or a stick note in it that if the host cancels, she is responsible for shipping it back to the consultant. That helps to get across to the hosts that there is a cost to scheduling something and that it is a real business, we're not just doing this to get out of the house.

That is a great idea!!! I don't send out the hostess packet until I get addresses..I send out the invites...Then I am guaranteed they get sent.

 

[DZmom]

That is a great idea!!! I don't send out the hostess packet until I get addresses..I send out the invites...Then I am guaranteed they get sent.

But, what do you do about the invites. I can't afford to send them out myself. That would be another $9 on top of the $4.05 for the host packet. Do you charge them for the invites or do you just pay for them yourself?

 

[Chef Diane]

But, what do you do about the invites. I can't afford to send them out myself. That would be another $9 on top of the $4.05 for the host packet. Do you charge them for the invites or do you just pay for them yourself?

I just sent out 2 host packets, 1 cost me $4.05, the other; on a different day; I was told would be media mail, only cost me $1.59. Ask for that next time, catalogs are considered books.

 

[chefann]

BUT-- if you send things Media Mail, they aren't guaranteed to get there really fast. The post office has up to 2 weeks to deliver Media Mail, depending on the volumes of First Class mail and availability of room in trucks, etc. So sending it Media Mail will save you a couple of bucks, but may not be adequate for your needs.

 

[Chef Diane]

true didnt think of that. Oh well was a nice thought

 

[Chef Diane]

Are you sending the invitations? I've found this has pretty much eliminated cancellations. Also, the Host doesn't get the true host packet (specials, order forms and catalogs) until I have their guest list in my hand.

So Jeanine what do you give the potential host at a show? Just a guest list? This concept is foriegn to me.

 

[DZmom]

Yeah, I used to send packets BOUND PRINTED MATTER and it cost me under $2, but it would sometimes be a week or longer before they'd get their packet.

 

[Muppetgal]

sheesh...well the other booking flaked out on me too..so now I'm down to five, leaving me only one to hold over to December. I so wanted to earn the December incentive too but it will just be too hard to do at this stage in my pregnancy.

My party last night was a sharp reminder that I'm eight months pregnant and feeling it. My director was able to work right up until her due date but I know I certainly can't....I'm in pain and tired and last night I really struggled to keep my energy up.

Does someone have a copy of that letter we were talking about on the previous page...I'd love to look at it but don't have a clue what to search under.

 

[chefjeanine]

So Jeanine what do you give the potential host at a show? Just a guest list? This concept is foriegn to me.

At the show I give them the guest list information (paper clipped together). This includes:

• two of the Pampered Chef 3-part guest lists
• a self addressed stamped envelope
• flyer that explains creating a guest list (who to invite, not everyone you invite will show, etc) on one side and the incentives I offer on the other side.

Once I receive their guest list, I mail (drop off or they pick-up) the host packet. Usually I mail the packet. It contains:

• 3 catalogs (or more if they've made a special request for more)
• 5 outside order forms (with a sticky that says "copy more as needed")
• a Quikut Paring Knife
• "your life your way" brochure
• monthly specials flyer (guest on one side, host on the other)
• page one of the show planner (I cut off the second page because it is excess information) I have a sticker on front of the planner that lists their website password

Because I've nearly eliminated cancellations and have better attendance (and can try to get them to beef up their guest list when it is whimpy), I don't mind paying postage ($11.52 if they've done their job right) to send the postcards or the $4.05 to mail the host packet. Plus, postage is tax deductible.

I'm seriously toying with idea of asking them to find a co-host if they cannot fill 30 spots on the guest list.

 

[tlmcunning]

[*]"your life your way" brochure --Do we still have this?

[*]page one of the show planner (I cut off the second page because it is excess information) I have a sticker on front of the planner that lists their website password

I have never thought to cut the show planner apart, I am going to start doing that.


Tracy

 

[pampered1224]

No Answers!I hate that too and ran into it alot in the first three years. Then I got a good tip from a conference attendee.


Make one last call two nights before the party. You should already have an address as to where this show is going to be. Simply go to Yahoo Maps and get directions. (You'll see why soon.)
Then, after all the no call backs from your host, simply call two days before the show. You simply state this. "Just wanted to let you knwo that I willa rrive at your home at 6 p.m. to give me enough time to set up. I already have directions and I picked a great recipe for our party. So I will see you then."
You would be amazed at how fast that call comes back.
So if you want to reschedule, do this two weeks in advance of the show. This may give yout he cahnce you need to reschedule for that night.

I gotta also say this, you want a show to stick a little in the minds of your host's guests? Make sure to mention that one of the resons you do Pampered Chef is to supplement your income or it is your major income. If they hear this, it may stick and make it harder for them to cancel knowing it is your income they may be messing with. Can't hurt to make them know this.

 

[DZmom]

Make one last call two nights before the party. You should already have an address as to where this show is going to be. Simply go to Yahoo Maps and get directions. (You'll see why soon.)
Then, after all the no call backs from your host, simply call two days before the show. You simply state this. "Just wanted to let you knwo that I willa rrive at your home at 6 p.m. to give me enough time to set up. I already have directions and I picked a great recipe for our party. So I will see you then."
You would be amazed at how fast that call comes back.
So if you want to reschedule, do this two weeks in advance of the show. This may give yout he cahnce you need to reschedule for that night.

I tried that in September! SHE STILL DIDN"T CALL ME!!! I would've follow through, but it was an hour and a half drive one way. So, I guess she knew that I wouldn't drive that far without hearing from her.

 

[yummy4tummy]

I just don't understand what it takes to get people to host a show. The PC benefits are the best but then you try to throw in an added incentive and they still don't follow through. I can't afford to offer everyone a free 7 piece EC set for hosting a show (and I don't) but sometimes I feel that is what they expect.