Leadership Discussion Board - about new products, etc.

[jenniferknapp]

This is where we can talk about the new announcements - please post the actual announcements under Leadership Info!

[jenniferlynne]

I am thrilled with the new products!!!! I am really happy about the new oil!!! I didn't care for the basil canola oil too much, but the garlic has me jumping for joy!!! I signed up several months ago with Wildtree Herbs. They have a garlic oil that I love. I only signed up to get the products at cost. Well, after 6 months, I had only ordered $149.20 and I was supposed to order $150, so they kicked me out. I was mad but only because I was going to miss the oil. Who cares now!!! I love cooking with garlic oil, and now I can do it with PC!!

I also love the sound of the new theme as well as the spices. Very happy with the new SA pieces too!! When I heard polka dots, I thought yuk, but after seeing the pictures, I think they are cute. I liked the stripes, but hated the tiles. They were crooked. I have a trifle bowl, but like the PC one better. The lid is a wonderful idea!! I'm going to be participating in a big community yard sale this weekend, and now I can just sell my other on at that.

Can't wait for the new tool turnabout. Mine is so loaded down in won't spin! I had been thinking about getting a second one.

[quiverfull7]

I am thrilled about the 12 qt. stockpot... can't wait! And the stainless strainer... another thing people see being used on Food Network all the time as a sifter and many other things so part of our job of introducing that is done for us by them! SO many fun new things... the salad spinner sound super! It's all just wonderful and exciting... I didn't like the tiles and had no one buy them, not even one piece so I guess I wasn't alone ... I think the dots are cute but I do love the plain white. I think I'll love the solid green and lilac too. but I'll begin saving up right now for that stock pot! I'm SO thankful I made it to level 2 in Nov. or I'd be coveting SO many things!

[nikkijo]

the garlic canola oil will be really good for dipping bread...yummmy

I am so happy we have pictures..this website is the best! I think I'm going to end up doing more desert show's because of the trifle bowl. You can use stones, sa, ead (top layer) and so many more tools to make a trifle. I can't wait!

[pcROX]

I am glad that we have the new salad bowls. They look really cute with the cranberry rimmed squares. In one of the pictures, I saw that the small bowl was turned upside down to hold the larger one right side up. Clever!!

[jrstephens]

I LOVE the dots! I do not think I ever sold a tiles either. I normally sale more plane white than anything.

I am excited about the trifle bowl!

I am a little disappointed with Level One Sell-a-thon. I loved the fall Level ONE! This one seems to give too many little items. I will have to purchase some big items to show - which works fine for PC I know! ha!

I have people wiating for March shows b/c they have sold out with Fall/Winter. I am going to book them the first few days of March. I would LOVE to earn the HWP cancer products. I signed up too late last year to earn them.

I know I will want to large round platter. And have a customer that LOVES SA in white, so, she will want it for sure. I just called her to book hre March show.

Mix and chop sounds interesting and I love the strainer. and the small slotted turner.

My husband wants the steak knives, so, that is fantastic!

I was just about to order a kitchen brushe but will wait for the new colors now.

I do not know about the Asian and Jamaican rub. I will have to try that. I am not big on "other" tastes.

The Mid-Season products sound awesome too! I earned them in the Fall and hope to earn these too!!!

It is going to be hard to NOT talk about new items at my upcoming shows, but I know I will not need to for fear of hurting sales. They will just have to book a show to SEE!!!

I cannot wait to know what s discontinued - that always helps sells!!

[C. Schapker]

Quick question, does the new Round Platter compliment the Family Skillet like our old platter to immediately turn out cakes onto? I so miss that!

[mom2leelee]

I am SO excited. I earned level 2 in the sell-a-thon and I can't wait to get all my freebies! I just hope I can earn those midseason products. I did last time but this time I am going to school full time so I had planned on cutting back on my business. I am stoked about the cute lilac santoku knife. I think those things will sell like CRAZY!!!

Also I wanted to add...Jennifer I know how you feel about keeping the new products a secret but I do think it will help business if we do. Give them something to look forward to and plus you don't want to get them so distracted by what's to come that they don't order now!

[mom2leelee]

Hey Chris! Good to see you on here!

From what I have heard it does compliment the family skillet because I know people were excited about being able to turn their skillet cakes out onto them.

[nikkijo]

Does anyone know when general session get's over with today?? Just anxious for more updates!

[C. Schapker]

Just joined and so far am lovin' this website. However, I totally agree with keeping the new products hush hush. People will reschedule shows so they can get the latest! We don't want to hurt ourselves.
Big hype... Tell all potential hosts and guests now to book for February so they can get 10% off all their new products in March or at all bookings from their show and 60% off an exclusive item!
The company is great to help us out with booking incentives let's not ruin it!

[jenniferknapp]

I am SO excited. I earned level 2 in the sell-a-thon and I can't wait to get all my freebies! I just hope I can earn those midseason products. I did last time but this time I am going to school full time so I had planned on cutting back on my business. I am stoked about the cute lilac santoku knife. I think those things will sell like CRAZY!!!

Also I wanted to add...Jennifer I know how you feel about keeping the new products a secret but I do think it will help business if we do. Give them something to look forward to and plus you don't want to get them so distracted by what's to come that they don't order now!

All that I see is "Color Coated Santoku Knife - $16.00 artichoke" ...I wonder if it will be available in lilac too??

[pamperedlinda]

Just joined and so far am lovin' this website. However, I totally agree with keeping the new products hush hush. People will reschedule shows so they can get the latest! We don't want to hurt ourselves.
Big hype... Tell all potential hosts and guests now to book for February so they can get 10% off all their new products in March or at all bookings from their show and 60% off an exclusive item!
The company is great to help us out with booking incentives let's not ruin it!
I disagree! Feb has an AWESOME incentive for both hosts and guests!! Stoneware pricing is great and it won't be on sale like this for a while. Plus, in a day or two we will know what is to be discontinued and guests/hosts can go ahead and get these items. By "teasing" everyone with the new items it will help to get March bookings as well.

If you have a great attitude about booking for Feb & March you can fill them both. If you have the attitude that March is better than Feb, then you will have trouble booking your Feb calendar.

[DanielleQ]

This sounds crazy, but I'm thrilled about the new salad tongs (the ones that lay flat!)!!. I just bought some of these and thought, "I wish PC would come out with these. Then I could sell 'em cuz I love 'em so much!" Voila! It really is a little thing that makes me so happy!!

[PampMomof3]

:D Does anyone know when general session get's over with today?? Just anxious for more updates!

It's over at 10:45 (central) so in 4 minutes!!!

[kimhquilt]

Does anyone know when we will be able to earn the Mid Season products. We are moving but I really want to make sure I have a full schedule the month that the mid season products come out.

Thanks,

[jenniferlynne]

Does anyone know when we will be able to earn the Mid Season products. We are moving but I really want to make sure I have a full schedule the month that the mid season products come out.

Thanks,

The first year I started selling, we earned them in April. April was my SS1 and I earned the Patriotic table cloth, towels, ice cream sandwich maker and the three rubs. There may have been something else but I can't remember. I also don't remember what I had to do to earn them. I was thinking I just had to submit two shows before the 15th, but that seems kind of easy to do to earn that much stuff.

[nikkijo]

I am so excited about the trip!! I have to start recruiting so I can get those points!

[jenniferknapp]

Is airfare included for levels 2 and 3?

[ChefBeckyD]

Pc trips, to my knowledge, have always been COMPLETELY paid for - airfare and everything else!

[jenniferknapp]

Wow - awesome!!

[ChefBeckyD]

Wow - awesome!!

Yep - and I know in the past that if you didn't want to fly, PC gave you a travel allowance. My director took her husband and 5 (!) kids to Disney World, and they drove down to FL. instead of flying - I thing PC gave them $500 or maybe $600 travel allowance - took them 2 days to drive it, so they actually came out ahead cost wise, and had more spending money for Disney!

[pixel-_]

I think that Level 2 is way better than Level 3...but I have always wanted to go on a cruise!

Now that I have my goal...I need to get booking....oh and um recruiting :D

[sarahmarie]

you get a travel allowance. if you dont use it for airfare you still get the money. I live about 150 miles from Miami so i would just keep the money to spend on the trip! (heck i might have to use it all for gas!)

[PampMomof3]

Since I just went on a 5 day cruise in December, I WANT LONDON!! I WILL MAKE IT HAPPEN! Starting today, I'm getting on the phone!!!:D

[chefjeanine]

I think that Level 2 is way better than Level 3...but I have always wanted to go on a cruise!

Now that I have my goal...I need to get booking....oh and um recruiting :D

The advantage of a cruise? If you don't buy anything extra on the boat, you can walk off and not pay a dime.

We had a nice time on the cruise this year, but I'd REALLY like to get to England. I've never been to Europe.

[dollfangs]

My Mom wants to go to DC so that is what I am working towards. My kids would also love this trip. I have been and DC is facinating!

[PampMomof3]

Now no more news until after 1pm central time TOMORROW.:( Man, what are we going to do? Hopefully they get the catalogs today so they can go through the discontinued products.:) THey probably won't have time to do it today though, they have such a packed schedule ALL DAY and NIGHT!!!:p

[pamperedval]

Am I missing where the pictures of the new products are? Can someone tell me where to find them!

Thanks!

[sarahmarie]

they keep them busy up there so that they wont get on their cell phones and call us!

[Omarakeen]

Hello Everyone... Is ther a list of things new. And when will they be available to purchase?

[mom2leelee]

All that I see is "Color Coated Santoku Knife - $16.00 artichoke" ...I wonder if it will be available in lilac too??


Your right I typed the wrong color, there is only artichoke as far as I know. I am just excited that there is one in color and that's cheaper. I have had TONS of people very interested in the santoku but turn it down because of the price. It's hard to push such an expensive knife in my area for any reason so I'm thinking I will sell a ton of the cheaper ones, plus who doesn't like color!

[jenniferknapp]

The entire thing is artichoke, I am very interested in seeing it, in person (and to try it)....especially with the blade!

[PamperedChefDebi]

The fact that the blade is also artichoke is kinda weird to me. Is it just me?

[jenniferknapp]

Yeah that is what I meant, it just came out in a round about way! ...hmmm I hope it doesn't look too cheap, then people may not buy it because of that!!

[PampMomof3]

The fact that the blade is also artichoke is kinda weird to me. Is it just me?


Nope, it's me too! It seems too strange to me. I guess I'll have to put it in my hands in 3 weeks when it gets delivered from FEDEX!;)

[PampMomof3]

Yeah that is what I meant, it just came out in a round about way! ...hmmm I hope it doesn't look too cheap, then people may not buy it because of that!!


EXACTLY!:rolleyes:

[Koolotus]

I just rechecked the email Darby sent out it said that the april guest special is lilac and artichoke MICROFIBER towels...which were NOT announced and don't seem to be in the Product line.

[jenniferlynne]

How did you find out the blade was artichoke? I went back and looked at the pictures but I didn't see it. That does sound strange!!

[jenniferknapp]

How did you find out the blade was artichoke? I went back and looked at the pictures but I didn't see it. That does sound strange!!

Someone that got info from their director/recruiter mentioned that the entire thing was artichoke..

[jenniferknapp]

I just rechecked the email Darby sent out it said that the april guest special is lilac and artichoke MICROFIBER towels...which were NOT announced and don't seem to be in the Product line.

on the day 1 spoilers thread, in the first set of notes it says:

"MicroFiber Towels - $8.50 in artichoke and lilac"

I am assuming someone said mint green instead of artichoke...easy mistake.

and I am almost positive that the incentive flyer said that the product will not be available in the product line..

[cajunchelle]

ADDED: Level 4 of Trip: Anyone can earn Level 4 this year. It adds extra days to either the Washington D.C. trip or the London trip.

[gilliandanielle]

The Spanish flyer said that the green (I did say mint!) and lilac microfibers weren't in the catalog, and Ann didn't mention them. I saw on someone else's notes that they were on there. Also the Spanish flyer said that the trifle bowl is only available in April, which obviously wasn't true if they are putting it on the cover!!

[jenniferknapp]

I guess it is still a mystery!! and since it will be a guest special, I would assume it is under $15...$20 max!

[thechefofnorthbend]

The Spanish flyer said that the green (I did say mint!) and lilac microfibers weren't in the catalog, and Ann didn't mention them. I saw on someone else's notes that they were on there. Also the Spanish flyer said that the trifle bowl is only available in April, which obviously wasn't true if they are putting it on the cover!!

See....I said that I had no way to verify any of it...its called CYA!! :D

[PamperedChefDebi]

Someone that got info from their director/recruiter mentioned that the entire thing was artichoke..

I'm that someone! Yes, it was in the notes my Director sent me that are posted on one or two other threads.

[jenniferknapp]

:) Thanks Debi ...sorry, I have read so much in the past 2 days!!!

[gilliandanielle]

Ann said the artichoke knife was more "kinda fun" than a serious kitchen tool!

[klsnyder]

Do you always get points for recruits? I signed someone last week. How many points will I get for that, when she qualifies?

[Jilleysue]

I just feel overwhelmed. I feel like I have been building my products up, and now all new stuff is coming out.....Just when I am booking shows to make money....other consultants will have new products out there to show. How do I keep up?

[lilscrapmama]

I just feel overwhelmed. I feel like I have been building my products up, and now all new stuff is coming out.....Just when I am booking shows to make money....other consultants will have new products out there to show. How do I keep up?

I know what you mean...I just became a consultant & have been trying really hard build up what I have...and NOW everythings NEW :rolleyes: but I am excited to SEE the new stuff, but since im a new consultant, this is my starter month..i also want NEW stuff :p

[jrstephens]

I just feel overwhelmed. I feel like I have been building my products up, and now all new stuff is coming out.....Just when I am booking shows to make money....other consultants will have new products out there to show. How do I keep up?

I do not think you will have a problem keeping up. I still use older products and just talk about how they are upgraded to be so much better and that one of the reasons I am selling it to get them all for free!

[jenniferlynne]

I just feel overwhelmed. I feel like I have been building my products up, and now all new stuff is coming out.....Just when I am booking shows to make money....other consultants will have new products out there to show. How do I keep up?

Jill,

It does seem that way in the beginning, but just hang in there. You of course never have to purchase the new items, but you sure do sell more if you have them. Eventually, you will be getting so many bookings that you will start earning some of the new stuff and won't even have to buy all of it or any of it. I invested a pretty good amount this Fall, but made more in commission the first month than I spent on the products (and I spent quite a bit!). I ended up earning level 2 of the sell-a-thon (never earned more than level 1 before) in November, so I will have even less to invest this time! Just be consistent and it will happen. Even if you don't know how to cook ;)

[klsnyder]

Jill,

It does seem that way in the beginning, but just hang in there. You of course never have to purchase the new items, but you sure do sell more if you have them. Eventually, you will be getting so many bookings that you will start earning some of the new stuff and won't even have to buy all of it or any of it. I invested a pretty good amount this Fall, but made more in commission the first month than I spent on the products (and I spent quite a bit!). I ended up earning level 2 of the sell-a-thon (never earned more than level 1 before) in November, so I will have even less to invest this time! Just be consistent and it will happen. Even if you don't know how to cook ;)
I totally agree....It will all come together, you just have to buckle down and sell!!!!

[chefjeanine]

You don't have to have the item to sell it. . .our catalogs are very well done.

It does seem overwhelming at first but as stated by several folks, soon you'll be earning products for free. Also, the ones you really want can be purchased for 1/2 price or another reduced rate.

Hang in there and enjoy the excitement of a new selling season.

[Jilleysue]

Yeah I have invested quite a bit so far, so I wondered if others have done that. I didn't want to be the crazy one that has spent more than I have earned. I just figured, the more I have to show, the more people will buy and then and then the more I will earn. I may buy a few new things...but I really want to push what I have now so I earn stuff, that will be much more fun.

[thechefofnorthbend]

Yeah I have invested quite a bit so far, so I wondered if others have done that. I didn't want to be the crazy one that has spent more than I have earned. I just figured, the more I have to show, the more people will buy and then and then the more I will earn. I may buy a few new things...but I really want to push what I have now so I earn stuff, that will be much more fun.

No hon, you're not crazy. I have spent about $1,000.00 more or less then what I have earned in commission, but I too want to have whats "eye candy" to my customer base, keeo them coming back. I seem to, by years end, break even. I say, better to be safe then sorry, and If I earn duplicates, the more the merrier!

[ChefBeckyD]

Yeah I have invested quite a bit so far, so I wondered if others have done that. I didn't want to be the crazy one that has spent more than I have earned. I just figured, the more I have to show, the more people will buy and then and then the more I will earn. I may buy a few new things...but I really want to push what I have now so I earn stuff, that will be much more fun.

Jill, almost all of the consultants I know take to shows only what they need for their demo, and maybe a few new/favorite pieces. That's all I take with me! I used to feel like I needed EVERYTHING too, but after a while, that need isn't so great anymore! I have things now that have never even been out of their boxes, or they've been out, and are now back in.....For example - I've never used or opened the largest Chillzane server piece - but I've sold quite a few of them. I would suggest just purchasing the pieces that you are interested in using yourself, and wait to earn the other stuff.....oh - and I have learned that the seasonal colored stuff, unless it's something I will use myself, is definitely not a priority for me! (here for 6 months and then it's history!)

[jenniferknapp]

And, if you want to try a product for a recipe, or have a host or guest that would really really like to see a product that you don't have, you can ask your director if she has it and see if you can borrow it....i've done this before! and the guest did buy it (smooth edge can opener) ...and i would have bought one for myself, but I earned it in in my SS first...

[Jilleysue]

Phew ok...thought I was going crazy..having more boxes come for me than guests....LOL Although I am having so much fun and trying to buy only the basics and not the things that just look pretty. I am trying to buy the things that I really think people will buy. Plus reading on here what the top 10's are and stuff. I have been reading everything in site to make sure my money is being spent wisely. You guys are a great help. I just can't wait to earn stuff so I have two of everything and dont have to unpack to use something...LOL

[tlennhoff]

Phew ok...thought I was going crazy..having more boxes come for me than guests....LOL Although I am having so much fun and trying to buy only the basics and not the things that just look pretty. I am trying to buy the things that I really think people will buy. Plus reading on here what the top 10's are and stuff. I have been reading everything in site to make sure my money is being spent wisely. You guys are a great help. I just can't wait to earn stuff so I have two of everything and dont have to unpack to use something...LOL

Remember the stuff you can earn throuhg your SS bonuses and also that in month 4 you get 40% off of anything not included in your kit or any bonuses you actually got. You really should be fine with just the SS kit if you stick to the recipes specially designed for the kit. Plus if you do an open house/new business show where you are the host then you'd get those benefits too.

[mbh06]

My first shows were all family and close friends so I went off their 20% discount and earned commision... I bought things I wanted. I feel that even the old SS kit had enough paired w/ just a few of the more expensive items to help you do well. When I prepare for a show and make my outline I always cross reference. I will show the product that is used in the recipe and have in bold pg. #s of other similar products for them to flip to and look at. I sell so much more that way! I do this w/ every product I show so they may find something better, are paying attention and not talking, and something else in the book may catch their eyes! So no you really don't need everything, I just want it all!!

[jenniferknapp]

That is a great idea! can you upload a sample of a handout? I always find everyone searching and searching through the catalog to find somehting specific. I do have an alphabetized list of products and their paid number, but that will soon be out of date..

[jrstephens]

Phew ok...thought I was going crazy..having more boxes come for me than guests....LOL Although I am having so much fun and trying to buy only the basics and not the things that just look pretty. I am trying to buy the things that I really think people will buy. Plus reading on here what the top 10's are and stuff. I have been reading everything in site to make sure my money is being spent wisely. You guys are a great help. I just can't wait to earn stuff so I have two of everything and dont have to unpack to use something...LOL

I generally stick with the rule that if I will not use it in my own kitchen I do not buy it. Unless, it is something really popular that people mention they wish they could see. That way I feel better about spending all my commission on products!

[mbh06]

Oh, I don't have a specific outline!!! I have just spent time w/ the book...
For example if I was using the batter bowl I would tell them it was on pg. 32, mention it comes in two sizes (they can see the price) *at the begining I always mention how the warranty is in the black circles and for them to pay attention to that* so I also hope they look at this. I tell them some of the nice and wonderful features about the bowl and then cross sell. I would then direct them to look at pg. 31, the stainless mixing bowl set... and talk a smidgen about them. But I look at my recipes and if I am going to be mixing something for a while I will cross sell a little more. I probably should go though and make a flyer for what cross sells with what best! It would make it easier on me than doing it everytime!!

[jenniferknapp]

Wow, that is great! I am not great with memorization, don't do enough shows to learn all of that info!! It is a great idea though - thanks for sharing :)

[ChefinHarmony]

That is one of the reasons I like the new Consultant PC dollar thing - I felt like I was spending too much on supply/paperwork out of my commission to keep up with changes, etc. If they can "bank" their PC dollars and use it towards their Spring paperwork that would be awesome! I wish I could have done that - I liked earning all the Free product, but PC dollars would have been better.

I too agree with the other posters... in the beginning it seems like you NEED to buy a lot, but try to resist the urge, just buy what you need to do a demo - and most of that can be found on the supply order form. If you stay consistant, the free product & money will come. I earned Level 2 of the sell-a-thon and I'm tickled about all the free product, but my hubby just said "where are we going to put it? Do you really NEED it?" And I probably don't. Plus my bank account is in the + AFTER Christmas and I just put in my lowest supply order ever! It seems like when you need the items (supply or product), you don't have extra $$ - but it will come. Just keep constant with your bookings & do you best at selling!

Good Luck!
Joanne

[chefjeanine]

Wow, that is great! I am not great with memorization, don't do enough shows to learn all of that info!! It is a great idea though - thanks for sharing :)

My Director has been in the business for 7+ years. She puts the page numbers directly on the products of frequently used products. (Just tapes on little pieces of paper) I have a catalog that goes to shows with me that has little flags sticking out of the top. I've marked stones, forged knives and several other key areas.

HTH

[jenniferknapp]

My Director has been in the business for 7+ years. She puts the page numbers directly on the products of frequently used products. (Just tapes on little pieces of paper) I have a catalog that goes to shows with me that has little flags sticking out of the top. I've marked stones, forged knives and several other key areas.

HTH

That is a great idea, but I only have 1 set of products still...and it ends up being the little tools that everyone can't find... pocket thermometer, cook's corer..etc!
Thanks :)

[chefkitty]

Use a shoppers game. I use the queen of all shoppers and say a little rhyme and end it with a product that the guests then have to find in the catty. when they do they pass an envelope that has 3 different slips of paper in it and when the game is over the person with the envelope gets to choose one of the slips of paper sight unseen. If I don't have the product with me I just add it to their order at the end of the show. I use anything that is less than 5.00 or one of the spices as the prize for this game. it gets people looking through the catalog and they usually will see something that catches their eye and then it starts discussion. I generally do this at the end of my demo.
Hope this helps!!