aReturn for My Mom's Coworker/Host

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Discussion Overview

This thread features participants sharing their experiences and feelings regarding handling product returns and customer service issues as Pampered Chef consultants. The discussion highlights various approaches to managing customer expectations and the associated costs of returns.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration about being expected to cover the cost of a return for a high-stress coworker of their mother, feeling it adds to their financial strain.
  • Another participant shares their experience of not wanting to handle returns personally due to time constraints and prefers directing customers to contact the home office for assistance.
  • Several users mention that they do not pay for returns but will assist with the process, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries regarding customer service responsibilities.
  • One participant notes that they believe customer service is a unique selling point and often handle returns to maintain customer loyalty.
  • Another participant discusses the logistics of online adjustments and providing customers with necessary return information, highlighting a structured approach to returns.
  • Some participants humorously comment on the ambiguity of the size requirement for return pieces, suggesting that it can be interpreted flexibly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether consultants should handle returns personally or direct customers to the home office. While some participants advocate for personal involvement to enhance customer loyalty, others emphasize the need to set limits on service expectations.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences that reflect the challenges of balancing customer service with financial considerations in their consulting businesses.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants navigating similar customer service dilemmas and seeking insights from peers on handling returns and managing customer expectations.

babywings76
babywings76
Gold Member
Messages
7,266
A bit of a vent:

My mom has a coworker who is a very high-stress kind of person. She did a catalog show last November so she could get all the stoneware that was on her wishlist at the discount/free with host benefits. Now her Large Round Stone w/ handles broke and she was going to buy a new one. I told her about it being covered under the guarantee. I explained how I can have a new one sent to her, she would just need to send HO a palm sized piece.

My mom gave me the broken piece the other day. I was a bit disappointed, cause now they both are expecting me to take care of it fully. She said that the girl is so high stress and my mom didn't want her to have to deal with having to return it, etc, so she told her to give her the piece and she'd show it to me. I was a little annoyed because now I have to pay for it. My mom saw my disappointment in that I'd have to cover the cost and then she said, "Well, then I'll just pay for it." But I don't think my mom should have to pay for my customer service situations.

I'm just going to pay for it, I know I shouldn't vent....but it just bothered me. I'm not doing well w/ PC right now and am in debt actually (from my supply orders and sample purchases and I had several shows cancel/not pan out), so having to pay for one more thing just irritates me right now. But I know many consultants handle the shipping back of items for their customers as a courtesy, so I shouldn't complain and just follow suit so I can keep my past host happy.
 
babywings76 said:
A bit of a vent:

My mom has a coworker who is a very high-stress kind of person. She did a catalog show last November so she could get all the stoneware that was on her wishlist at the discount/free with host benefits. Now her Large Round Stone w/ handles broke and she was going to buy a new one. I told her about it being covered under the guarantee. I explained how I can have a new one sent to her, she would just need to send HO a palm sized piece.

My mom gave me the broken piece the other day. I was a bit disappointed, cause now they both are expecting me to take care of it fully. She said that the girl is so high stress and my mom didn't want her to have to deal with having to return it, etc, so she told her to give her the piece and she'd show it to me. I was a little annoyed because now I have to pay for it. My mom saw my disappointment in that I'd have to cover the cost and then she said, "Well, then I'll just pay for it." But I don't think my mom should have to pay for my customer service situations.

I'm just going to pay for it, I know I shouldn't vent....but it just bothered me. I'm not doing well w/ PC right now and am in debt actually (from my supply orders and sample purchases and I had several shows cancel/not pan out), so having to pay for one more thing just irritates me right now. But I know many consultants handle the shipping back of items for their customers as a courtesy, so I shouldn't complain and just follow suit so I can keep my past host happy.
Click to expand...

If you send back just a small piece in a padded envelope via regular US mail, it should cost more than a $1 or so...
 
(((hugs))) Your Mom needs to understand that she can't make promises about you and your business. It was not fair for her to assume that you would provide the return service. Explain to your Mom that you do not want to set a precedence for returning items for customers until you are far enough along in the business to be making enough commission to justify the extra cost. Hopefully, she will understand and not volunteer you to do it again in the future.
 
I know a lot of consultants prefer to handle the customer service and returns personally. For me though, I don't have the time to sit on hold with HO, and I don't currently have a busy enough business that I could do several at a time. If a customer has an exchange, guarantee issue etc, I direct them to call HO. HO gets all the answers they need, they explain how it all works, and if the customer isn't happy with the resolution (which would have been the same if I had called), they address it.

I tried being the one handling issues before, and it usually caused more hassle than it was worth, and lots of extra phone calls to get questions to answers. At first I felt guilty about changing how I handle them, but then I realized this is what HO is for. To help us and support us with the more complicated things so we don't have to. That's the beauty of our business, we don't have to deal with some of the more frustrating aspects, we can concentrate on our shows and customers.
 
I don't pay for returns. I'll do all the legwork, but I make sure they keep the product themselves. When I first started a customer thrust her Quickstir pitcher at me and in a loud tone told me to fix it. I took her info and called HO. She had received it as a gift so PC replaced it and sent it to me. I had no clue who it went to because I lost the original information. It sat in my garage for months until the lady called demanding to know where her pitcher was.

I let her know that I paid for the shipping, but because PC couldn't find her or her friend's receipt they did a goodwill gesture and sent me a new one. At the time the receipt had a disclaimer saying that consultants were not authorized to take returns. I got a thanks of some sort and a "Will you drop it off to my house?"

It would take a lot for me to pay for a return again. I find guests are grateful just not having to make the call. Many of my repeat and first time hosts are guests that I helped that way.
 
I feel like they can buy their Pampered Chef from anyone, but they can't buy my customer service from anyone. I'd do the adjustment and send it back--i do it all the time, and I have a lot of customer loyalty. Do it just to be nice.
 
I do on online adjustment and give the customer the return shipping address & return authorization number if HO wants the product returned.
 
Worst comes to worst, you can always write it off with taxes. If you do send it, it doesn't have to be a big piece. I know they say palm sized, but they have taken smaller.
 
AJPratt said:
Worst comes to worst, you can always write it off with taxes. If you do send it, it doesn't have to be a big piece. I know they say palm sized, but they have taken smaller.
Click to expand...

They didn't say WHO'S Palm! Do you have kids? ;) A toddler's palm is much smaller than yours! *hehe*

I think that request is just to make sure you really broke it anyway.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a return for my mom's coworker/host?

A return for your mom's coworker or host typically refers to the process of returning a product purchased through a Pampered Chef party or event. This can happen if the item is defective, not what was expected, or if the customer simply changed their mind.

How do I initiate a return for my mom's coworker/host?

To initiate a return, you should contact the Pampered Chef consultant who hosted the party. They will guide you through the return process, which may involve filling out a return form and providing a receipt or proof of purchase.

Are there any time limits for returning items?

Yes, Pampered Chef typically has a return policy that allows returns within 30 days of purchase. It's important to check with the consultant for specific details, as policies may vary based on the item or the host's arrangements.

What items are eligible for return?

Most items purchased through Pampered Chef can be returned, but there are exceptions. Items that have been used, personalized, or are considered final sale may not be eligible for return. Always check the return policy for specific exclusions.

Will my mom's coworker/host receive credit for the return?

Yes, once the return is processed, the host will receive credit for the returned item, which can be applied to their future orders or rewards. The exact details will depend on the consultant's policies and the nature of the return.

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