Are customer accounts necessary for my website?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the necessity and implications of customer accounts for a new website feature. Participants express a range of concerns and experiences regarding customer account creation, its impact on user experience, and potential technical issues related to the website's functionality.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about requiring customers to create accounts, feeling it may be perceived as forcing them to do so.
  • Another participant notes that account creation is standard for online ordering and could streamline the process for returning customers.
  • Several users mention that while account creation may seem unnecessary to some customers, it could ultimately enhance their experience by saving their information.
  • One participant shares their experience of initially being upset about the changes but later recognizing potential benefits.
  • Another participant discusses the importance of being prepared for potential website issues, sharing concerns about system outages affecting order submissions.
  • Some participants reflect on their experiences with other companies' websites, noting that technical glitches are common but can be managed with proper planning.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity and impact of customer accounts, with some participants expressing concerns while others see potential benefits. No clear consensus emerges regarding the overall necessity of accounts.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and concerns related to the transition to a new website feature, focusing on customer interactions and technical reliability.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering the implications of customer accounts on their business practices and those interested in shared experiences regarding website functionality may find this discussion relevant.

vanscootin said:
I was upset too...but after thinking about it I agree that it can only help not hurt. There is method to the madness....

It's a little extra work, but no biggie to keep track of. I couldn't believe that question yesterday my jaw dropped at the almost rudeness. And yeah we have fantastic rewards for hosts... what the heck more do they want!

I must say I'm excited to get my hands on the app.... I keep 4 calendars... and I'm thinking the app is going to knock me down to 2. May not have a need for the consultant planner anymore. It will all be right there! Part of me doesn't even want to try to side load it to my kindle fire and just go get an iPad because the screen is bigger and I'm on the blind side and all thumbs.

I have a Kindle Fire and I'm hoping to be able to put it on there. Really don't want to buy an Ipad, but DH said I could if it would be easier (business expense!). How do you 'side load' it?
 
BethCooks4U said:
Do all the training - more than once. Ask your director for back up. Be excited for her and tell her you will learn together. Don't worry. Both of you will get support from your upline and HO.

Are the videos (tutorials) on CC the only "training" we have? I thought they were going to be putting out actually courses in the Online Training Center. I do have a very sick 1 year old & am extremely sleep deprived so it is extremely possible that I misunderstood or am imagining it.
 
Yes those are the training for the new web. I thought there were going to be classes in the online training center too but evidently this is it. Makes it feel simple.
 
The training tutorial can to be seen on an iPad beacuse you need a flash , so I have to do that part on my desk top . Can't bring that to meetings to train with
Unless I am missing something it won't Come up to see
 
chef131doreen said:
The training tutorial can to be seen on an iPad beacuse you need a flash , so I have to do that part on my desk top . Can't bring that to meetings to train with
Unless I am missing something it won't Come up to see

This is my only pet peeve with Apple. I wish there was a way they could come to an agreement and just make things compatible with Flash.

I asked HO about the new site being Flash player based and how that means we can't do everything on our iPad's (I don't have one yet, but saving up for it.) They acknowledged that fact but didn't really address it. I wish the programmers had another program they could use that didn't involve Flash so that everything would be compatible.

Only time will tell, though. Maybe the new web will mostly be fine on the iPad. We'll have to see what won't work. But my guess is that it would be best to use laptops at training meetings if you want to show those tutorials. ;) :grumpy:
 
We have apple TV and have been talking about what I can do at our meeting. When I practiced mirroring my iPad to the tv I discovered that those classes were flash so DH was looking at apps that would let me use flash on the iPad. We downloaded a free one that had a good rating but it didn't work for this. Then I realized... They can and should watch these at home. We can put our meeting time to better use. My meeting happens to be on the 3rd so I *should* have the new web up so we'll do a tour of the site so they get a feel of what it does and where things are. And we'll go over their questions. If something happens like the web going down I'll be prepared with info and just not have the visual.
 
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  • #38
There is an app called Skyfire that is supposed to help you watch flash videos on iOS's. I'm not sure if it works but I saw it on G4. The no Flash thing is a major source of contention in the Apple world.
 
Since they designed the app for the iPad tablet, then they should have no flash issues. If they do, them PC should fire the team! It is an obvious issue.

There obviously IS a way to do video and such without flash, because Inhave found various sites with videos and such that I can watch on Ipad. But it sure would be nice if Apple and Adobe fixed their squabble.
 
esavvymom said:
Since they designed the app for the iPad tablet, then they should have no flash issues. If they do, them PC should fire the team! It is an obvious issue.

There obviously IS a way to do video and such without flash, because Inhave found various sites with videos and such that I can watch on Ipad. But it sure would be nice if Apple and Adobe fixed their squabble.

Dezi was talking about using an app to see the training videos, not about the PC app. :p
 
esavvymom said:
Since they designed the app for the iPad tablet, then they should have no flash issues. If they do, them PC should fire the team! It is an obvious issue.

There obviously IS a way to do video and such without flash, because Inhave found various sites with videos and such that I can watch on Ipad. But it sure would be nice if Apple and Adobe fixed their squabble.

The app functions will be fine, but I'm looking at all the things that will be on the new CC and our websites that won't be on the App. If I'm away from home and want to do business, my guess is that I'll still need to grab my laptop over the iPad. But the app is going to be great, maybe there's more to it than I'm thinking. Or maybe more of the new CC will be compatible. I'm not going to worry too much over it, though. It is what it is and we'll have to wait and see how everything really functions when it goes live. ;) :cool:
 
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  • #42
I'm thinking that the only think that won't be compatible with anything with flash. I know PDF's are viewable even though those are technically adobe format as well. So really you should be able to access just about everything from the iPad less the trainings.
 
They HAVE made the current PC website more iPad friendly. It used to be that you could not see certain parts of it and parts of our PWS (like the ordering links). Then they had a link to purchasing for a special they ran one month and I was one of probably many that said why can't you have a link like that up all the time. Now they do. My bet is there will be very little that won't be viewable on iPad. I do wish they'd redo the training area to be compatible too. They did say that there will be errors and there will be issues and to be patient. It is a work in progress. When you build a house there is always a punch list of things to go back and fix.
 
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  • #44
BethCooks4U said:
It is a work in progress. When you build a house there is always a punch list of things to go back and fix.

The first time I ever heard the phrase "punch list" was when I was working for an evil builder. I asked one of the contractors what it meant he told me to look at is the list of crap that went wrong while we were building and now that it's done we have to go back and knock it out. I thought he meant knock it all out literally. Then it dawned on me.... bad joke about a "punch." Ha ha.
 
I gotta say, I just signed up as a Consultant and its more than annoying that I have to learn the old system and then learn the new system. The date they selected is too arbitrary. If they are rolling it out May 3rd and allowing consultants who signed up that day and beyond immediate access, they really should have grandfathered it. Not happy about this at all...
 
LI Chick said:
I gotta say, I just signed up as a Consultant and its more than annoying that I have to learn the old system and then learn the new system. The date they selected is too arbitrary. If they are rolling it out May 3rd and allowing consultants who signed up that day and beyond immediate access, they really should have grandfathered it. Not happy about this at all...

As with everything there has to be a start date when changes come and someone is going to be upset with that date or change. The systems are not that different, in fact it looks like the new one is simpler. Sorry.
 
LI Chick said:
I gotta say, I just signed up as a Consultant and its more than annoying that I have to learn the old system and then learn the new system. The date they selected is too arbitrary. If they are rolling it out May 3rd and allowing consultants who signed up that day and beyond immediate access, they really should have grandfathered it. Not happy about this at all...

What else could they have done?? Told new consultants they have to wait to sign up??
Just do the basics you need to do for submitting your shows. The old system isn't terribly complicated when it comes to the shows. Just don't put any effort into too much on P3 other than the basics (ie- customizing contacts, or doing expense records, etc.)
When the new system is online, it will be simpler. There really wasn't any other options for them, since someone would have been caught in the middle. "Grandfathering" wouldn't really work in this case. And you'll be able to use P3 until end of June, so if you want to keep using what you know...go for it. But once you see the new one, you'll be glad you won't have to.
 
esavvymom said:
What else could they have done?? Told new consultants they have to wait to sign up??
Just do the basics you need to do for submitting your shows. The old system isn't terribly complicated when it comes to the shows. Just don't put any effort into too much on P3 other than the basics (ie- customizing contacts, or doing expense records, etc.)
When the new system is online, it will be simpler. There really wasn't any other options for them, since someone would have been caught in the middle. "Grandfathering" wouldn't really work in this case. And you'll be able to use P3 until end of June, so if you want to keep using what you know...go for it. But once you see the new one, you'll be glad you won't have to.

No, they could have had a larger window - not just launch date forward. Those of us who signed up within a week of launch could have easily been included. Go back to April 1. I'm tech savvy so I'm not overly concerned about the learning curve but I would have preferred not to waste my time learning one system and switching over to another. It is ridiculous.
 
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  • #49
LI Chick said:
No, they could have had a larger window - not just launch date forward. Those of us who signed up within a week of launch could have easily been included. Go back to April 1. I'm tech savvy so I'm not overly concerned about the learning curve but I would have preferred not to waste my time learning one system and switching over to another. It is ridiculous.

But you're not within a week of launch. Consultants at the consultant level don't have access until near mid May. It's easy to understand your frustrations but the bad attitude about it isn't going to help your new business. Just sayin. This is a big change for ALL of us. Not just you.
 
I have a different question. Say my host doesn't use e-vites (most of mine are not really computer people and I'm lucky if they check e-mail!) and so Sally Guest enters my PWS. When she gets there, she sees a list of shows she is "invited to or hosting." Well what if she's not signed in, is not on my guest list, and just found the show. Will she still be able to find Jane Host's party and place an order?Also, if Gina Guest has been to another consultant's show but now wants to order from Heather Host's show ... will she instead be encouraged to order from "Other Consultant's" page?And inquiring minds want to know about the "1250" thing.
 
Intrepid_Chef said:
I have a different question. Say my host doesn't use e-vites (most of mine are not really computer people and I'm lucky if they check e-mail!) and so Sally Guest enters my PWS. When she gets there, she sees a list of shows she is "invited to or hosting." Well what if she's not signed in, is not on my guest list, and just found the show. Will she still be able to find Jane Host's party and place an order?

Also, if Gina Guest has been to another consultant's show but now wants to order from Heather Host's show ... will she instead be encouraged to order from "Other Consultant's" page?

And inquiring minds want to know about the "1250" thing.



I couldnt even wager any thoughts on the first two, but the 1250 thing....from what I read in the FAQ about the new Lead system - ANY consultant who has $1250 in sales the previous month will be eligible for leads that month. (sell $1250 in May, get leads in June). No career status required, or recruiting requirements, or multiple months.
 
I like that. It would be rare for me, but I'm sure team leaders and directors will be upset about it.
 
Well the 1250 new new lead thing going on is what I'm not sure I like . This is what I'm thinking , not a big incentive to become a Team leader .

Ok a person gets 5 consultants to pick from she talks to me for a while about business she is ready to sign , then she shows her sister the LIST her sister says oh go with is consultant instead cause she I'd a party for me a few years ago ...... Now she joins with the other consultant that her sister suggested BUT I basically was the one that got her interested cause we spoke for a while ect I just lost that lead ( not too good )
Now this keeps going on when do I ever get picked , I may be getting my name passed out to leads but how long will it take to get picked .
Just a thought I know we have to see it play out just some thoughts
 
I like the 1250 lead change. It rewards EVERYONE who is working their business. Not everyone wants to be a TL, D, AD, etc... If you want the extra income and perks that come with those positions you can still work to achieve those things.

This coming from someone who usually has to choose her full-time job over PC and will still not qualify for leads. Honestly, maybe the ability to get the leads will help me work my business more which will lead to promotions. I want to promote, but would rather work it slower so that the achievement is sustainable when I reach it rather than scrambling every month to try to maintain something I wasn't quite ready for.
 
chef131doreen said:
Well the 1250 new new lead thing going on is what I'm not sure I like . This is what I'm thinking , not a big incentive to become a Team leader .

Ok a person gets 5 consultants to pick from she talks to me for a while about business she is ready to sign , then she shows her sister the LIST her sister says oh go with is consultant instead cause she I'd a party for me a few years ago ...... Now she joins with the other consultant that her sister suggested BUT I basically was the one that got her interested cause we spoke for a while ect I just lost that lead ( not too good )
Now this keeps going on when do I ever get picked , I may be getting my name passed out to leads but how long will it take to get picked .
Just a thought I know we have to see it play out just some thoughts


That could happen regardless of the lead system. You stand just as good of a chance in the lead system (better actually, since you only have one requirement now, sell $1250), of getting a lead as the next person.
 
So with the new $1250 lead system does that include orders that are placed on the Pampered Chef website (not tied to a particular consultant) or are those orders still going to Team Leaders and above who recruit every 3 months. I e-mailed HO and they didn't answer it.
 
vanscootin said:
But you're not within a week of launch. Consultants at the consultant level don't have access until near mid May. It's easy to understand your frustrations but the bad attitude about it isn't going to help your new business. Just sayin. This is a big change for ALL of us. Not just you.

Wow, bad attitude? I wouldn't characterize my statement as having a bad attitude. My business is starting off just fine thank you. Have 10 shows booked. I was merely making a statement.

Didn't know posting on this forum would encourage personal attacks - how does that fit in with your Pampered Chef persona???
 
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  • #58
LI Chick said:
Wow, bad attitude? I wouldn't characterize my statement as having a bad attitude. My business is starting off just fine thank you. Have 10 shows booked. I was merely making a statement.

Didn't know posting on this forum would encourage personal attacks - how does that fit in with your Pampered Chef persona???

It wasn't meant to be a personal attack. My apologies you took it so personally. It was more of a "there isn't a thing anyone can do about it so deal with it" statement.
 
So with this new lead system... I love the idea of the $1250 requirement because it really helps everyone who works their business!!!! And rewards them too! I dont like the fact that its not a rolling list that is given to the consumer. Instead, they get to pick. I did a practice just now and typed in an address on my street, and I was on the bottom of the list of 5 and its the address across the street. I typed in my moms address which is 3 miles from me and wasnt even on the list... just not sure how fair it is... what if someone never picks you? No point in being on the list... Just ranting! Sorry! It might work out but just doesnt seem quite fair.
 
Ya... I typed my address in several times and my name NEVER came up! In fact NONE of my team even came up! Never even heard of these names! Confused! and a bit worried!
 

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