What Should I Do About a Guest's Bounced Check and Low Sales at My Party?

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and strategies regarding bounced checks from guests at Pampered Chef parties, as well as the challenges of low sales at shows. Participants discuss various approaches to handling these situations, including communication methods and payment collection strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared a negative experience with a guest's bounced check and low sales at two shows, expressing uncertainty about how to follow up.
  • Another participant recounted a similar issue where a bounced check led to significant bank fees, but they eventually received payment after addressing the situation directly with the guest.
  • Several users mentioned the idea of sending a letter regarding bounced checks, with one suggesting using certified mail for proof of receipt.
  • One participant described a strategy of having guests write checks to the host instead of themselves to mitigate the risk of bounced checks.
  • Another participant expressed a preference for handling payments in a way that avoids large bounced checks, sharing a past experience with a significant bounced check from a host.
  • One participant noted the complications that arise when relying on hosts to collect payments from guests, citing a negative experience with a host who mishandled funds.
  • Another participant mentioned their hesitation to ask hosts to collect payments but considered changing their approach to ensure all checks clear before submitting shows.
  • One participant shared a proactive approach of cashing checks immediately to confirm funds availability, while also suggesting alternatives for out-of-state checks.
  • Another participant expressed frustration over the financial impact of poor sales and bounced checks, emphasizing the importance of accountability in resolving such issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to handling bounced checks and low sales, with no clear consensus emerging on a single effective strategy.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared personal experiences and strategies based on their individual circumstances, reflecting a range of outcomes and feelings about managing financial issues related to their shows.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing similar challenges with bounced checks and low sales at parties may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own situations.

P
PamperedPrincess74
Messages
233
A few weeks ago, I did a show (turned out to be horrible) for a girl that my husband works with. One of her guests, I'll call her DEE (not her real name) placed an order that amounted to 57.30 and also booked a show, which I had this past Saturday (also turned out to be horrible). Dee's show only amounted to sales of $137 so unless she turns in some outside orders, it won't even qualify as a show. That's not the main problem - the check she wrote for the items she purchased at the first show was returned to me because she had insufficient funds in her account.

I'm not sure how to handle this. I left her a very polite and understanding message regarding the bounced check two days ago. I haven't heard from her and she was supposed to call me yesterday to close out her show (she only wanted to keep it open for an extra day or so). Should I send her a letter?
 
I too had this problem!My host works with my hubby and expressed an interest in being a consultant. She closed out her show and used her FPV for her kit. Then the check her boyfriend wrote to me bounced. I called her and explained and finally got paid the money I was out. The check was $51 and my bank charged me $8 for returning the check. Well, needless to say I didn't have the money to cover it, so my bank ended up paying 5 checks that I had wrote and charged me $170 in NSF fees and $7 for my account being in the red. I calmly explained this to my now recruit and have now been paid.

I don't think that I handled this as professionally as I should have, but felt that it could be handled face to face since she was now my recruit and a friend. Anyhow, I would write a letter to the lady and explain what has happened and tell her how much it will cost to fix the problem. This way you have a written record of the returned check notice, include a photocopy of the returned check with your letter. Call your county attorney and ask how to handle this. She is liable for the check and any fees that you incurred due to her returned check.
 
if you do send a letter, send it certified return reciept requested this way you have proof that she recieved the letter
 
this is how I handle it nowIn order to avoid bounced checks, I have the guests make the check out to the host! I don't have them put it in my name because it is possible that it would bounce and I do't know them from Adam to chase them down, etc. At least the host would know them and could possble get with them better than me. I have had a problem with getting the money from the host, but I don't 'close/transmit' the show until I have the check in my hand that pays for the whole show. I do lay the guilt trip on them that their guests I know would like to have their products so we really do need to close this show quickly.
 
Bounced checksI know we have all had them!! But, I wanted to comment on the idea of having your host write you one large check for the whole show. I do not do this, because I had a host who bounced her check of $1200!! So, I would rather have one check that is $50 bounce than a check for the whole show!

Another thing I do- if the check bounces and that person hasn't got their products, I have the host give me those products until I get the payment. I also have the host help me to get payment from the person who bounced a check.
 
You're darned if you do, and darned if you don't.I have had this happen both ways. I have had about 10 checks bounce from guests in 5 years. I have had hosts write one check so I did not have to deal with that, guess what? I have had two of those bounce because of guests check bouncing. I have had three that bounced because the hosts did not have their money and one bounced because the host took off with all the money. It was only for $1300 plus.
So...
One other thing, never trust your host to help you find a guest with a bad check or credit card. Why? Because you never know what that relationship is.
I had a bad credit card come through on a show and because, being new it never dawned on me, I never got the guest phone number, I had to call the host. The next thing I know, I am finding out that the host spread it all over town that this guest was broke and trying to swindle me out of money. Her credit cards were no good! Can you just imagine the panic if it had been a check and the merchants in town had been accepting checks from her!
Some people really are not nice in the least.
 
Last edited:
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I don't really like to ask a host to collect the $ and then write a check to me but I might start doing that. I also may start NOT submitting shows until every check associated with it clears, but that may mess ME up as far as trying to meet sales goals and stuff.

I did just send her an email about the rest of the show that needs to be closed (she still owes for that) and I included the information about the bounced check. I can't submit her show until I receive the rest of her orders and payments anyway, so I am hoping she'll just include the $ from the returned check with all of that. I don't really want this to turn into a big thing, but as of now, she received her items from that first show and she hasn't, technically, paid for them. By the time I received the returned check from my bank, the host had already given her the stuff (Pamp. Chef was shipping really quickly back then!)
 
Bounced ChecksI haven't had any problems (yet) with bounced checks. I have the guests make the check payable to me. Then the next morning I go to their banks (which is on the checks) and cash them. That way I know off hand whether they have the money in their account or not. All you have to do is show them your drivers license to cash the check. Then go and deposit the cash in your account.
If it is an out-of-state check I have them pay by cash or credit card. If they can't do that then I tell them to make the check payable to the host and have the host pay me that same night.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
The thing that really bugs me most about this is that both shows that are associated with this person have been crappy and at this point, have COST me money. The check was returned to me on October 14. This means that, I'm sure, by NOW her bank has notified her that her check didn't clear so she's aware that she bounced the check and has done nothing to clear it up. She made me go to her, which is uncomfortable for me. If I bounced a check to someone, I would go to that person RIGHT AWAY and make up for it. It's not a huge amount of money, but that's not the point.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a guest's check bounces?

If a guest's check bounces, reach out to them directly to discuss the situation. Politely inform them that the check was not processed and ask if they can provide an alternative form of payment. It's important to handle this delicately to maintain a positive relationship.

How can I prevent bounced checks at my parties?

To prevent bounced checks, consider implementing a policy where guests can only pay with cash or credit/debit cards. You can also inform guests in advance about acceptable payment methods to avoid any confusion during the party.

What should I do if my party has low sales?

If your party has low sales, analyze the situation to identify potential issues. Engage with your guests to understand their needs and preferences, and consider offering incentives or promotions to encourage purchases. Follow up with guests after the party to see if they have any questions or need assistance.

How can I boost sales during my Pampered Chef party?

To boost sales, focus on creating an engaging and interactive experience. Demonstrate products effectively, share personal stories about how you use them, and encourage guests to participate. Offering exclusive party discounts or bundle deals can also entice guests to buy more.

What should I do if a guest refuses to pay for their order?

If a guest refuses to pay for their order, try to understand their concerns. Communicate openly and see if there is a misunderstanding or issue with the products. If necessary, you may need to follow up with your host or consult your Pampered Chef support for guidance on how to handle the situation professionally.

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