Pamperedcheffkg
- 6
Is it Worth Driving 53 Miles for a Show?
- Thread starter Pamperedcheffkg
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Discussion Overview
The thread explores the experiences of participants regarding the decision to drive significant distances for Pampered Chef shows. Participants share personal anecdotes about their travels, the outcomes of those shows, and considerations for future trips.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions driving 90 miles for a show that resulted in $800 in sales and potential bookings, deeming it worthwhile.
- Another participant shares their experience of traveling 80 miles for a show that had low sales but resulted in a booking, highlighting the unpredictability of show outcomes.
- One participant recounts a trip of almost 100 miles for a show that generated over $400 in sales, emphasizing the importance of building relationships with hosts and attendees.
- Several users mention driving long distances regularly for shows, often finding that the sales compensate for travel costs.
- One participant describes a negative experience driving 2.5 hours to a show that had a drastically reduced attendance, resulting in a loss on travel expenses.
- Another participant expresses a willingness to drive for family members, indicating that personal connections can influence the decision to travel far for shows.
- Some participants note that weather conditions and travel distance are significant considerations, particularly in winter.
- One participant mentions flying to California for shows, sharing that the sales from those shows justify the travel, especially when multiple bookings are secured.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the value of traveling long distances for shows, with some participants sharing positive experiences and others recounting negative outcomes. No clear consensus emerges regarding a minimum number of attendees necessary to justify the travel.
Contextual Notes
Participants share a range of experiences, from local shows to those requiring significant travel, reflecting diverse strategies and personal circumstances in their business practices.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants considering traveling for shows may find these shared experiences relevant as they evaluate the potential benefits and risks associated with long-distance shows.
Kristen
- 159
KHocutt
- 76
You never knowIn October I traveled 80 miles for a show, which wasnt really high in sales, but I did get a booking from it, which means I will be making the same trip, actually tomorrow night. Hopefully this one will be higher in sales and worth the trip. I guess it's just the chance you take with any show. I'm just thankful that the first host was willing to hold a show for me since it was my in my 2nd month. If nothing else, you meet a new group of people and may get someone interested in the opportunity! 
MSmith
- 232
I traveled almost 100 miles (one way) to Muldrow, OK for a show. Normally, I wouldn't have done it, but I really liked the host and her friends. The show was a little over $400, but I don't think it's the last that I hear from them and that was my goal. Developing the inner PC junkie is the way to go! 
C
cookerup
I Will Drive...up to two hours, that's how far some of my children live and I will do shows for them, and then I have gone back the same distance to do a show for a friend of theirs. I have a couple coming up after the first of the year that are 85 miles away. In winter, I just pray for good weather.
Ruth Mescher
Independent Kitchen Consultant
The Pampered Chef
Manning, Iowa
Ruth Mescher
Independent Kitchen Consultant
The Pampered Chef
Manning, Iowa
Pampered Zoe
- 94
Chef Kearns
Gold Member
- 3,304
Not a happy ending!At the time I did this I lived in Northern Phoenix, AZ and drove to Tucson, AZ for a party (roughly 2-1/2 hours one way). The lady assured me she would have over 30 people there. She said I have a huge family and at least one of them will do the business. Well we did the host coaching and I kept asking her, "Are all of your family members coming to the party? Do you still have a head count of 30?" "Oh yea yea" she would say.
Then the week before the party I asked her. The number dropped to 17 for sure, but she'll get outside orders from the others. Three days before the party I asked her. We were down to 10. The day before I called to verify directions and the number was down to maybe 5.
I did not recoup the gas money. One of her cousins(?) was interested in the business she said, but not until the following year. She never signed. There were no bookings and she DID NOT get any outside orders. The show closed at $357.30. I will not go that far AGAIN!!
However; with that said, I would go 53 miles. In a city the size of the one I live in that just across town. Good luck! Try to get a recruit in that area if the drive is too much of a burden.
Then the week before the party I asked her. The number dropped to 17 for sure, but she'll get outside orders from the others. Three days before the party I asked her. We were down to 10. The day before I called to verify directions and the number was down to maybe 5.
I did not recoup the gas money. One of her cousins(?) was interested in the business she said, but not until the following year. She never signed. There were no bookings and she DID NOT get any outside orders. The show closed at $357.30. I will not go that far AGAIN!!
However; with that said, I would go 53 miles. In a city the size of the one I live in that just across town. Good luck! Try to get a recruit in that area if the drive is too much of a burden.
pamperedbecky
- 4,441
Wow, that's terrible Chef Kearns! Not a happy ending at all. I usually drive pretty much all over for a show. I like driving and sometimes it's my only peace and quiet in the car. I did a show probably about 50-60 miles away and it was a $1000 show, plus the host became a recruit! So I was quite happy with that.
Even shows 15 miles from me may take as long to get there as a show 40 miles away and it all depends on traffic. That's the joy of the Chicago area!
Even shows 15 miles from me may take as long to get there as a show 40 miles away and it all depends on traffic. That's the joy of the Chicago area!
Lisa S
- 185
I fly to California every six months (I live in Wisconsin!) My first show there was $2000. I had two in October that were $1800 each. I picked up two catalog shows from one of the October shows that totalled $1700 in sales and I am going back in February for 3 kitchen shows and 1 bridal shower.
Sometimes taking a trip is definitely worth it... especially if you create a strong relationship with the people at the party. I will continue to go out to California as long as they are willing to host.
I do make sure to do multiple bookings. If I am leaving my family for a time, I try to make it worth the trip. That is why I have 4 bookings in February in 3 days. It will be a lot of work, but it will also take care of my month for me as well.
Sometimes taking a trip is definitely worth it... especially if you create a strong relationship with the people at the party. I will continue to go out to California as long as they are willing to host.
I do make sure to do multiple bookings. If I am leaving my family for a time, I try to make it worth the trip. That is why I have 4 bookings in February in 3 days. It will be a lot of work, but it will also take care of my month for me as well.
Pamperedcheffkg
- 6
Thank you !I appreciate all of your comments and help! I am going to do it, I just don't want to end up 'upside down'. There are some consultants in my cluster who will not leave PA unless there is a minimum of 15 people definite in attendance. I am finishing my second month and don't really know if I can turn down a show just for that! Thanks again!
Lisa S
- 185
Becky,
The first show was for my mother-in-law which initially started out as a joke. I didn't think she would host. She was not that supportive when I first started the business but is now hooked! The rest of the shows have blossomed from that first show. She now solicits bookings for me!
Since she is a relative, I had no problem telling her that she had to have 20 people there to make it worth the airfare. I love it because that is true "mommy time" for me! I leave town and the kiddos and the husband stay home and have some "quality time".
At least I know I have a customer base if I ever move to S. California!
The first show was for my mother-in-law which initially started out as a joke. I didn't think she would host. She was not that supportive when I first started the business but is now hooked! The rest of the shows have blossomed from that first show. She now solicits bookings for me!
Since she is a relative, I had no problem telling her that she had to have 20 people there to make it worth the airfare. I love it because that is true "mommy time" for me! I leave town and the kiddos and the husband stay home and have some "quality time".
At least I know I have a customer base if I ever move to S. California!
DZmom
- 1,059
Never want to do it again!! At least not with this Host!I recently did a show on the 19th and drove 85 miles one way. I only had 3 orders plus an outside order. My commissionable sales was only $135 and guest sales was $165. One of the guests was the past host and she only ordered the special. This person was coached and coached and she assured me that we were going to have more than 20 people in attendance and the others were ordering. Come to find out she only called 5 people to remind them and then was upset with only having 6 people in attendance. The extra person came with the past host. One of the other guests also brought a guest, BUT she was 14 and looked 22! So, no order there and I was out a SBCB!
Chef Michelle D
- 455
Lisa, what does your husband do with your kids during the day while he is at work. That is great that you get to go to CA for shows, while you are there do you stay with your mother in-law? Do you have to rent a car or do you use hers.
I would drive about 1 hour away for a show maybe 2 in the better weather. I don't like driving in the snow so I would not want to be far from home in bad weather.
I would drive about 1 hour away for a show maybe 2 in the better weather. I don't like driving in the snow so I would not want to be far from home in bad weather.
Lisa S
- 185
I agree with the snow comment! I keep close to home in the winter if I am driving... no further than an hour... and i still have to consider that.
When traveling I keep my costs at a minimum. I have a family member stay with the 3 kids while my husband is at work (or he takes time off). In California, I stay with my inlaws and borrow one of their cars if possible. Remember, everything is a write off if it is for business, so you still gain in the end.
If the shows ever started "not producing" - I would no longer travel that far. But honestly, I think my hosts work twice as hard because they know I am making a special trip.
When traveling I keep my costs at a minimum. I have a family member stay with the 3 kids while my husband is at work (or he takes time off). In California, I stay with my inlaws and borrow one of their cars if possible. Remember, everything is a write off if it is for business, so you still gain in the end.
If the shows ever started "not producing" - I would no longer travel that far. But honestly, I think my hosts work twice as hard because they know I am making a special trip.
Lisa S
- 185
I bring everything in my tool turnabout... which obviously has to be checked. I can guarantee you I say a few prayers about luggage being lost!
I then look at my recipe to see what else I need that is big and bulky... and then I ask my hosts (or mil) if they have those items). In October, I still had to take the large round stone, the striped rect. platter and 2 SA medium squares. I put all 4 of those in the stoneware bag and took that on board with me as carry-on.
You have to plan very carefully and consider what will break easily. The first show I did, my mother-in-law had nothing! I checked the chillzanne server, the cooling rack, and a hundred other things (at least it seemed like that many).
Whatever you do, take inventory! I carry a sheet with me that has 4 columns... packed in WI, received in CA, packed in CA, received in WI. That way if anything ever does "disappear", I have documentation for a claim with the airlines. I hope I never have to deal with that.
HTH
I then look at my recipe to see what else I need that is big and bulky... and then I ask my hosts (or mil) if they have those items). In October, I still had to take the large round stone, the striped rect. platter and 2 SA medium squares. I put all 4 of those in the stoneware bag and took that on board with me as carry-on.
You have to plan very carefully and consider what will break easily. The first show I did, my mother-in-law had nothing! I checked the chillzanne server, the cooling rack, and a hundred other things (at least it seemed like that many).
Whatever you do, take inventory! I carry a sheet with me that has 4 columns... packed in WI, received in CA, packed in CA, received in WI. That way if anything ever does "disappear", I have documentation for a claim with the airlines. I hope I never have to deal with that.
HTH
pchefmomof2
- 68
I drive 2 1/2 hours (one way) several times a year to a neighboring state. When I first started my business (4 yrs ago) my sister helped get started by hosting a show for me. I generated 4 bookings from her show and they just keep building up. I now have 2 consultants on my TEAM from that area and the bookings keep coming too! I try to make a weekend out of it when I go, doing 2 shows that weekend. I generally have about 6-7 shows a year in that area. Not all the shows are BIG ones. My hosts know that I am coming from a long distance so they do their best to make it worth my while!!! I have had several $1000 shows because they wanted to make it worth it for me they said! I do have a FREE place to stay so that makes it nice too!
Good luck to you!
Good luck to you!
Sk8Mom209
Gold Member
- 741
Have Show to go - will travelAt this point, my fartherest show has been 2 hours one way from home. I have done 2 shows for this host (former sister-in-law) and both shows have been in the $800 range, with guests of 5 at first show, and 3 at the 2nd.
Most of my shows are at least an hour from my house and most are above-average.
My feeling is, you never know which show is going to be the "out of the park" show. I alway do my host coaching and the farther away the host, the more coaching I try to do. I also add incentives for my hosts and try to up the anti if I have to travel farther.
I figure that my business is a traveling business and I will go where the business is.
Most of my shows are at least an hour from my house and most are above-average.
My feeling is, you never know which show is going to be the "out of the park" show. I alway do my host coaching and the farther away the host, the more coaching I try to do. I also add incentives for my hosts and try to up the anti if I have to travel farther.
I figure that my business is a traveling business and I will go where the business is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth driving 53 miles for a Pampered Chef show?
Whether it's worth the drive depends on several factors, including potential sales, the number of guests expected, and your personal goals. If you anticipate strong sales and bookings, it may be a worthwhile investment of your time and resources.
How much can I earn from a show that far away?
Your earnings from a show depend on the sales generated. On average, consultants earn 20-25% commission on sales. If you expect to make significant sales, the drive could be justified by the potential income.
What are the costs associated with driving 53 miles for a show?
Consider the costs of gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and any potential overnight accommodations if necessary. Calculating these expenses can help you determine if the trip is financially viable.
How can I maximize my success at a distant show?
To maximize success, promote the show through social media and personal invitations to ensure a good turnout. Offer incentives for guests to attend, such as exclusive discounts or giveaways, to increase sales potential.
What if the show doesn’t go well?
If the show doesn’t yield the expected results, it’s essential to learn from the experience. Analyze what went wrong and consider adjusting your strategies for future shows. Networking and building relationships can also lead to future opportunities, even if the immediate show was not successful.
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