Are Your Hosts Causing Headaches? Tips for Managing Hosts and Their Parties

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges Pampered Chef consultants face in managing hosts and their parties, particularly regarding communication and follow-through on guest lists and show closures. Participants share their frustrations and experiences with hosts who do not meet deadlines or respond to requests.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over hosts failing to provide guest lists on time, impacting their ability to manage shows effectively.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience with a host who has not closed their show, citing excuses and lack of communication as major issues.
  • Several users mention that they have experienced a decline in show sales and increased cancellations compared to previous months.
  • One consultant discusses a strategy used by a friend in a different business, suggesting that setting clear deadlines for guest list submissions could create a sense of urgency among hosts.
  • Another participant describes their approach to host coaching, emphasizing the importance of communicating the seriousness of the business to hosts.
  • One participant shares a personal experience of successfully receiving guest lists on time by implementing due dates and reminders.
  • Another consultant mentions their director’s policy of closing shows on the night of the party, which includes requiring guest lists to be submitted promptly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the effectiveness of various strategies for managing hosts. Some express frustration with their hosts' lack of responsiveness, while others share successful tactics that have worked for them.

Contextual Notes

Participants are sharing personal experiences and strategies related to managing hosts in the context of their roles as Pampered Chef consultants. The discussion reflects a range of experiences and outcomes, with no definitive solutions presented.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants facing similar challenges with host management and looking for shared experiences and potential strategies from their peers.

KellyRedHead
KellyRedHead
Messages
634
I have been host coaching ( so I thought) fairly well.
I sent out my host packets, telling them and highlighting I needed to point out as important, like guest list has to be back to me by this date, or no show. Call me with any questions, outline of hostess benefits.

Well I have been calling my host for her show on Nov 7th, still no list, promises she will send it soon, then promised to call me with it, still no list. Host Nov 9th, promised to email me her list, still no list. I want to get these done so I am not up all night trying to get these done and out on time. Do they think this is all I have to do in my life!!!!!!!

Closing out a show today (now I know I went over the benefits with her before I left again) wants free to go to half price items cost, wants more then one DCB, and the half price combo's in back wants have of the half price listed! :cry:

Then my host from Oct 15th, left and her show was around $250, promised she had more coming and we would close the following Monday on Oct 22nd. Called her at home 22nd and no answer, called her at work on the 23rd and they tell me she went to California :eek: !!!! I asked if it was unexpected, oh no she has been planning it for a month now! What the heck??? Do they not think this is my job and I don't want to get the show in for her and the guests (me to I want my commission). She also refused to mail out a guest list, I just seem to not have a hold on my hosts lately.

I think I am going to make them close out the show the night of the show. I am so sick of calling and begging to get them closed and in, its getting very, very old fast!!!! :mad:

Thanks for letting me vent!!

Kelly V.
 
Frustrating!!! I'm sure it's nothing you are doing! Just a run of bad luck, or bad hosts!
 
I am with you! I have a host right now that I can't seem to get her to close. Her show was 2 weeks ago and every time I talk to her (when she even answers her cell phone) she has some lame excuse. Her show was at $800 when I left that night and she has some more orders to add to it, but never has them when we talk. They are out in my car, can I get them later? or I just don't know what I want to pick as my stuff. I am getting really frustrated because I have been trying to call her for 3 days now and she is not answering her phone. I know that she screens her calls and she has not called me back. My next phone message is going to be that I am closing show as is if she does not call me back. (she did tell some of the stuff that she wants, but has not picked out her 1/2 price items). Has anywone done this with success? I just hate to leave out the outside orders that she has.
 
Ok...it is not just you. My fall shows are horrible. Sept. had 3 shows that were barely $150. And Oct. is pushing $1250 in sales (with 4 shows). I have had numerous cancellations which hasn't happened before. Last Oct. I did almost $5000 in sales. I have been host coaching (in person, on the phone, voice mail if no answer, email, postcards) It is very frustrating. I have a show (I guess) on the 1st. No guest list, recipe selection (& I am providing ingredients), no reply to emails or voice mail messages. Hello?
 
I have a friend that does Lia Sophia jewelry and does the following when people book at the show:
She gives them their packet with a sticker on the front with the date of their show AND another sticker that states when she must have the addresses for their guests by SO THAT THE CURRENT HOST GETS CREDIT FOR THEIR BOOKING! Example: she did a show Saturday night, 3 people booked and they have to have their lists emailed to her by Wednesday when she is closing the show!!
I am seriously considering doing this as it would make people have a sense of urgency about getting me their lists.
 
One of the things I do in HC on the first call is say, "I know you know how much I love doing Pampered Chef and you may or may not know that this is my full-time job and I take it very seriously. I want you to know that I will do my best so that you will have the most successful show possible... What I need from you to make that happen is..."

That way they know that this isn't just some "cute" hobby that I do.
 
I had that problem in September. I was getting very frustrated--and it didn't help that I was 9 months pregnant! But luckily so far I've had all of my November guest lists on time so far. I had some extra Dates to Remember cards from Nancys & filled in when I needed the guest list on them. Then I also took a small post it & wrote a due date on it to put on the guest list itself. I've had all of the guest lists by that date or earlier so far. I also mentioned the due date in my host coaching call. I used to tell them when I was going to mail the invitations, but now I tell them their due date instead, so maybe that's what is making the difference.

My husband reminded me that not everyone is on top of things like me & that if they have a due date, even if they procrastinate, the probably won't procrastinate past that date. If they do, I'm going to call them & tell them they have 2 days to get me the guest list via email or snail mail & if I don't have it by such & such day that I'm opening up their show date for someone else.
 
My DH is VERY frustrated with my hosts. He calls them rude and flaky. I have had a couple of months where I have had 8 - 10 shows on my calendar and then end up with only 2 - 3 shows, because everyone cancels.

I have been having a hard time getting them to answer the phone when I am trying to make that first call. I even go as far as setting phone appointments with them and they still don't answer. I then follow up with an email and what we were suppose to talk about.

I do like the idea of of the label on the invitation list that it is needed back by the time the show closes for the host to receive credit. I think I'm going to try it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
My director closes the night of her parties always, its her policy with her hosts. She has them get all their outside orders in before the night of the party.

If the hosts think there are other people that might order she tells the host that when she gets those together they will go in as a separate show for her as long as it adds up to $150.

She also has everyone that books get her guest list to her within three days of the show. She they do not then host doesn't get the credit.

I am thinking about changing a few ways I run my business. I had 4 shows this month and only one has closed. Guess I will have a good November on paper!

Kelly V.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common challenges faced when managing hosts for Pampered Chef parties?

Common challenges include miscommunication about expectations, last-minute changes in plans, lack of engagement from hosts, and difficulty in keeping the party organized. It's important to establish clear guidelines and maintain open lines of communication to mitigate these issues.

How can I effectively communicate with my hosts to reduce misunderstandings?

To reduce misunderstandings, set clear expectations from the beginning. Use a checklist or guide that outlines the host's responsibilities and what they can expect from you. Regular check-ins via phone or messaging can also help keep everyone on the same page.

What strategies can I use to motivate my hosts and keep them engaged?

To motivate your hosts, offer incentives such as discounts or free products based on party sales. Share success stories and tips from previous hosts to inspire them. Additionally, provide them with engaging content and activities to share with their guests to keep the excitement alive.

How do I handle a host who is unresponsive or disengaged?

If a host is unresponsive, reach out with a friendly reminder and ask if they need assistance. Sometimes, a personal touch can reignite their enthusiasm. If they remain disengaged, consider adjusting your approach and offering more support or simplifying their tasks to make it easier for them.

What are some tips for managing multiple parties at once?

When managing multiple parties, organization is key. Use a calendar or scheduling tool to keep track of dates and tasks for each party. Delegate responsibilities where possible and create templates for communication to save time. Prioritize your time effectively to ensure each host feels valued and supported.

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