Dealing with Friends Who Want the Kit Without Becoming a Consultant

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences and challenges faced by participants when friends express interest in purchasing the Pampered Chef kit without the intention of becoming consultants. Participants share their personal encounters and feelings regarding honesty, agreements, and the perceptions of direct selling.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, recounts a conversation with a friend who wanted to order the kit without becoming a consultant, emphasizing the legal agreement involved.
  • Another participant expresses the view that honesty is crucial and that attempting to circumvent the agreement is akin to stealing.
  • Several users mention their experiences with friends who seek bargains and how they navigate these discussions, often emphasizing the importance of explaining the requirements for obtaining the kit.
  • One participant shares their belief that some friends may have a negative view of direct selling, which complicates conversations about the kit.
  • Another participant reflects on their approach to educating friends about the benefits of hosting shows to earn products instead of just purchasing the kit.
  • One participant notes that they have encountered similar situations and feel that being upfront about the requirements is necessary, even if it leads to discomfort.
  • Another participant shares a story about a successful show and how it changed a friend's perspective on the commitment required to keep the kit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding how to handle friends interested in the kit without the intention of becoming consultants. While some agree on the importance of honesty and clarity about the agreement, others express varying levels of comfort in discussing these topics.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and feelings about the challenges of discussing the kit with friends, highlighting the complexities of direct selling and the perceptions surrounding it.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who encounter similar situations with friends or potential leads may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant to their own discussions about the kit and the business model.

chefann
chefann
Gold Member
Messages
22,050
Augh!!

This is not the first time this has happened to me. I was host-coaching today, and my friend (the host) asked about the kit. Specifically, she wondered if she could order it and not become a consultant. I told her that ordering the kit included signing an agreement to become a consultant. "But couldn't I order it, and then call them and tell them that I just wanted the kit and didn't want to be a consultant?"

I told her that it was a legal agreement, and there was nothing in the kit that wasn't available individually. She didn't seem to like that answer (she was looking for a deal). I did try to rescue the conversation by telling her that many consultants have signed and made their kit money back in 2 shows. I wimped out on telling her that the agreement is that they'll do 4, but I didn't want to seem pushy (she had already complained about the monthly specials and the invitations I had for this month being to "charity junk mail-like").

Anyone else have this type of problem, and how did you get over it?
 
There is no such thing as being too honest. An agreement is an agreement - if she chooses to do otherwise then it is called stealing!
 
pamperedlinda said:
There is no such thing as being too honest. An agreement is an agreement - if she chooses to do otherwise then it is called stealing!
Click to expand...
I could not have said it better myself! Well put, Linda. :)

And if it helps Ann, I get stuck in situations like you are in quite a lot due to my overly honest nature.

Good luck with this one, and don't be too upset because your friend isn't able to get a bargin for not doing what is required in order to get it. It isn't your fault- you didn't make the rules. :) And, rules are rules.

(BTW- not to hijack, but I made a simpson of me, and it gave me long wavey black hair and made me Indian- I think I'm going to have to find a better picture of me because they were WAY off!) :)
 
Sounds like she's one of those people who is always looking for a bargain and thought she could get one this way. At least she was honest with you and didn't just kit-nap.

Tell her that you checked with your director friends and that in order to get the kit she has to agree to do 4 shows - who knows she may love it! Explain the minimums (4 shows at $150 each) and the catalog show option. Who knows, she just might give it a try and grow into your next star.
 
I think what you told her Ann was right on the money.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
I'm working on not pre-judging people, but really can't picture her doing any DS, just because she always seems to talk down about DS reps. As if she thinks we only do this because we can't get a "real" job. So I'm going to her show with recruiting info, and using Colleen's technique of specifically mentioning the insurance and investment plans. I think this friend would be good at it, but she'd have some hurdles to get over. Her new DH was a LONG time bachelor, and isn't used to the kids (one from her prior marriage, and one they had together), so she'd probably have to get a sitter. But she isn't looking forward to returning to work next school year (she's a teacher) because of the drive to her old district - and nobody in the area where she's living now is hiring teachers. So she could replace (at least part of) her income by doing this, or at least make some extra money to help cover her commuting costs if she returns to teaching.
 
I have a feeling that whatever you do that it will be the right thing. You strike me as very intuitive and smart, so I'm sure once you marinate on this for a while, you'll know just how to approach this person. However I still agree that you cannot be too honest- but there is something to be said about not telling someone EVERYthing there is to tell them... I have trouble with saying too much sometimes (okay, a lot of times, but who's counting?) :)
 
The last girl I sold on give it a try just had her first show and it was $580!! When I called to congratulate her and see what was on the horizon she blew up!! She said she was told she only had to "try" 4 shows, not do them. I clarified that trying a show and not being able to make it through without fainting would be reason to not go on. Being that her show was well above the National average she really should try to live up to her agreement and do 4 shows or $1,250.

No, you were not too honest. I am thinking the next time I get the "What happens if I don't question" I will be not try to convince them to sign. This job Rocks! We don't need to beg for business. I do need to clarify what is expected, and why trying it for 4 shows might just be what they need.

The kicker is new girl was on her way to her second job where she waits tables. I ran the numbers with her. Now she knows that she can work 6 hours and make $60-$80 or she can work 3 hours, be home with her son the other 3 hours and make $100 or more...
 
Ann - I understand how you are feeling!!! I feel like SO many people ARE curious about the biz - but they have some kind of a negative view of DS people - I just don't know what it is - I guess I just have to ask!

The Kit IS a deal - tell her how much it is retail! PLUS it is ONLY 4 evenings of her time to do the 4 shows - and then joke with her that she will probably be hooked on the products, meeting the people, and the money! Some people thought it was hard to get a show to qualify (I have recently realized that this is a BIG concern of a few leads) - until I told them how much a qualified show AND that LOTS of people will place an order of that amount just by themselves! I have also talked about the different options for shows to do (F/R, PB, Interactive, etc.)

You are right Ann, - bring recruiting info and offer the Host Kit Credit to her and talk to her one-on-one

BTW, I think people are/want to compared PC starter kit to the other DS starter kits - where you can use it JUST for the discount without having to ever submit a show (I know BeautiControl is like that)
 
Honesty is a wonderful virtue to have and I think we all have been in your shoes, Ann.

What I do when someone talks "kit napper" is explain to them that the purpose of the kit is to help them get started in a great personal business. If they want the kit products for $155, I could help them have a fantastic party so they could earn them for the same price.

Maybe I am off base, but it seems to me that she is telling you what she wants...the products. Helping her seeing how she could earn products as a host and as a consultant is educating her about our business. It is up to her to decide which avenue she chooses to get the products into her kitchen.

Congratulations on working on not prejudging. Very difficult not to do!
 
I agree with everyone else, you handled it properly. I had an aunt ask the same question and I told her flat out that she's obligated to have 4 shows if she buys the kit and then it's hers to keep if she doesn't want to keep doing shows. She didn't like that answer and didn't "buy" the kit!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Thanks, everyone. I know I did the right thing, it's just happened to me enough that I was starting to question it. The companies that allow people to buy a kit simply for personal use do a disservice to those "consultants," who never put in any effort and therefore never get the sense of accomplishment from owning their own business. But they also shortchange consultants who represent companies that don't have a personal use option, because potential consultants completely disregard those companies.
 
I will come right out and tell them that if they don't do the 4 shows, they are basically stealing from the company. This is after quite a bit of discussion as well as if I feel if they are trying to swindle into the kit without the shows.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I say to a friend who wants to buy the Pampered Chef kit but doesn't want to sell?

You can explain that the Pampered Chef kit is designed for those who want to start a business, but it can also be a great way to get high-quality kitchen products at a discounted price. Encourage them to consider the benefits of being a consultant, but also respect their decision if they prefer just to purchase the kit without selling.

How can I support a friend who wants the kit but isn't interested in being a consultant?

Support your friend by sharing your own positive experiences with the products and the community. Offer to help them find ways to use the products effectively in their kitchen, and let them know that they can always reach out to you for tips or recipes.

Is it possible for my friend to buy the kit and not sell anything?

Yes, your friend can purchase the kit without any obligation to sell. The kit is an investment in quality kitchen tools, and many people buy it solely for personal use. Just make sure they understand that they won't receive the same benefits as active consultants, such as commission or discounts on future purchases.

What if my friend feels pressured to sell after buying the kit?

It's important to communicate clearly that there is no pressure to sell. Reassure your friend that they can enjoy the products without any obligation. If they ever feel uncomfortable, they should feel free to step back and use the products at their own pace.

Can my friend still participate in Pampered Chef events if they only want the kit for personal use?

Absolutely! Your friend can still attend Pampered Chef events and gatherings as a customer. They can enjoy the community and learn more about the products without the pressure of being a consultant. Encourage them to engage with others and enjoy the experience!

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