Suprise Boxes!!!

Chef Gilles

Sorry if I offended anybody, but I did attend NC last year, wanted a box but they were sold out...probably because others were purchasing for others...unless you have been in that situation, you don't really know how it feels...try putting yourself in someone elses shoes.....sorry if this is rude but I am honest in sharing my feelings and opinions. Luv you all!!!!

gaddischef

Actually, the reason they run out is not because others were purchasing for others but because the people purchasing for themselves usually buy 3-4-5 boxes at a time. They do only have so many for each wave. If you have not been there to see this surprise box time, it is CRAZINESS!! This year, there wasn't even a table for me to open mine on like there has been in the past. My director purchased one for one of her team members, but the person next to me on the floor had 4 boxes for herself!! I guess if people want to pay for the boxes it doesn't matter if it is for herself or not. The point is, don't wait -- get there first thing to get a box!

etteluap70PC

I don't think you were rude, you were expressing your feelings and opinion.
I would be majorly bummed if I went up to purchase the first day and boxes were allready sold out. Surprise boxes are a PERK of going to conference.

I will probably get flogged again but I am PMS'ing so don't really care, plus I have gotten used to it in the past week.

I am really dissapointed in how nuts people get about every little thing. Yes I love all the carrots that get dangled too. If I earn them great! If not I am bummed but move on. Why have we become a society that has to have everything and have it NOW! We need to get a grip and decide what is really important. If you decide staying home for various family/work reasons are more important I salute you and have been there as well. BUT... accept what goes along with not participating!

Here is an analogy... I am a Girl scout leader, if I have a outing planned to earn a patch and last minute one of my girls misses the outing they do not get the patch. It is a tough lesson to learn but they learn it. The girls that were there not only made the comitment to be there but did the work or activities to earn the patch. Why should someone who did not get the smae rewards?

Just something to think about...

Triciascucina

I totally agree with you. It would not be a wise investment for me to spend $1000 on a plane ticket.(I am in Japan) Everyone has some reason they could not make it. I went a few years ago and had the best time. It is also runs during my daughters birthday so I have to hope I am not in the wave at the same time.
It would be nice though if they would offer any surprise boxes that were left to be ordered online at the end of the conference to anyone who would like to purchase it.

pjpamchef

OK, I'll probably get flogged for this, but I don't really see the Surprise Boxes as a perk for going to NC. Fact is since the Outlet came out, much of what is in the Surprise Boxes are the same as what is offered there. Bottom line is, it's a form of entertainment and a way for HO to rid themselves of retired products! I have sent boxes home in previous years to sister consultants who for very good reasons couldn't make it. They both used the products as incentives in their business. Cool thing was, I got to do the trading, which is the fun part, and didn't have to buy the boxes!!!! win/win!!

Chef Bobby

I think that I'm going to put the idea above on the suggestion board at conference. They ought to offer left over suprise boxes on the outlet. I'm sure someone would order them.

schel

Oh my gosh! Blah Blah Blah!
Not everything in life goes by the book! Careful what you say, what goes around comes around!
BTW I am a Pack Leader for Scouts and glad not as strict as that!

schel

You know, maybe they should offer an online form of conference for those of us that can not go due to unforseen circumstances! If I only had to pay for conference I could maybe be able to attend, minus the plane, bus or gas expense, ie... hotel, food, etc...
Then online have the option to get a surprise box sent to us. PC would make more money also!
Then maybe there wouldn't be all this mud slinging going on on this site!
Schel

Saturday Gourmet

That is an awesome idea! I also like the idea of allowing those who couldn't "physically" be there to pay for an online conference. I know it wouldn't be as amazing, but at least we could be in the loop.

I am totally bummed about not getting to go. I was going up until a month ago. Next year I'm there, barring any illnesses, surgeries, etc.

As for the flogging thing. I haven't been on here as long as most, but the thing that is neat about this community is that it's sort of like family. You can growl at each other and disagree, but it is soon forgotten and everyone is family again.

Now, back to why we all came into the wave 1 thread to start with: I can't wait to find out what all the new products are! What do you guys hope they have redesigned?

janetupnorth

My goodness! I read this thread and really didn't think it was bad until this. I thought Paulette was expressing an opinion kindly.

Society is way to focused on "things" and having things immediately and on our terms.

...and I agree with her that children aren't taught rules and life lessons like they used to be. We all have to make tough choices in life and live with the consequences of those choices good or bad. We can't have our cake and eat it too in all things. It's tough to watch sometimes especially when our kids have to learn lessons, but I'd rather have them learn actions have consequences with me by their side than to grow up spoiled and not know how to handle life.

janetupnorth

I agree, this is how it "usually" is. Sometimes people take things way too personally.

loreo

Well said, Janet. I totally agree.

ChefBeckyD

Hear Hear! Totally agree with the point Paulette was making, and also with your further explanation of it!

I am always teaching my son that there are consequences to the choices he makes. It's much less stress to live your life w/o a sense of entitlement.

etteluap70PC

Thanks janet.

Yes I have been freely expressing my opinion lately. I have tried hard not to attack or get personal with anyone. I have said many times if others have differen views it is fine with me, but I don't have to like it.

Unless people have gotten personal and nasty with me I hold no ill feelings. As for some you say shame on me, well... back at ya.

Jules711

I don't see a big deal of people ordering boxes if they aren't going. I'm not, but I don't get them when I'm there either...it's fun to watch though! I almost think of it as if we only allowed hosts to get benefits if they have an actual kitchen shows. If they don't have time/space for a show, then they can't take advantage of the benefits. Some of us do not have time for conference this year. If it were available online, I'd be there (like a webcast or something) if I could do it in the moments I have time.

Of course, I don't think it's wrong to dislike that people do it. I'd be frustrated too if I didn't have first dibs, which I think would be fair, but impossible to enforce.

I'm not asking for info before it's available b/c it's just not that important. I would love to know, but delayed gratification can be fun. Plus, I'm too busy with other things to worry about info. I would love to know the discontinued products in that can affect my shows NOW, but still.

Shawnna

Every year I have been to conference they had surprise boxes left on the last day. didn't go last year. I bought surprise boxes the first year I went but haven't since. I agree that the outlet and surprise boxes are basically the same.

Di_Can_Cook

I bought a $10 surprise box on the last day of conference last year on purpose just because I didn't want to haul around some junk I had accumulated.

There were plenty.

Of course the "good" ones were sold out, but I'm not interested in the pricey ones this year. Just one or two inexpensive ones.

Have a lovely day, all!

cutiechic

I AGREE 100% I think that statement was rude. I cannot go to conference as we JUST MOVED. My husbands job required a move for us this year...not my choice.

schel

Sorry if I offended anyone also. I am done with my 2 cents here on the site, I will only be reading and observing from here on out.
Schel

janetupnorth

I read this year on the schedule that the surprise box purchase time is much more limited than last time - should make it interesting!