Argh - Guest With Finanacial Issues

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses a situation involving a Pampered Chef consultant dealing with a guest whose payment for an order has bounced. Participants share their thoughts on how to handle the situation, including options for payment and the implications of the guest's financial issues.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over a guest's bounced check and the subsequent payment issues.
  • Another participant suggests giving the guest a deadline for payment and being firm about the consequences if payment is not received.
  • Several users mention the difficulty of trusting the guest again, given her financial situation and previous payment issues.
  • One participant shares a similar experience, noting that the guest seemed to know her payment method was not valid at the time of the order.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of protecting one's business and suggests collecting cash payments in the future.
  • Some participants discuss the emotional aspects of the situation, including sympathy for the guest's circumstances but also frustration over potential exploitation.
  • One participant highlights the logistical challenges of retrieving the products due to the guest's distance from the consultant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle the situation, with some participants advocating for leniency and others urging a more strict approach. No clear consensus emerges on the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to handling payment issues with guests, reflecting a range of emotions and business considerations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing similar challenges with guest payments may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant to their own situations.

OMG! Bethcooks4u - you put a picture up! I have been seeing posts by this "new" person all day & then I flipped back to see who & where she was from...Its Beth! I know I sound crazy but I really was thinking someone new was really getting into the posting thing. lol
 
Oh Carolyn! I'm so sorry this happened. Be sure to stand firm with her on Saturday, if she shows. However, I have a feeling she won't show. Sounds too fishy for me. Usually when people are broke or short on cash their order usually reflects that. Usually those are like $20 but she spent $60! Good luck and keep us posted!
 
kaseydee said:
OMG! Bethcooks4u - you put a picture up! I have been seeing posts by this "new" person all day & then I flipped back to see who & where she was from...Its Beth! I know I sound crazy but I really was thinking someone new was really getting into the posting thing. lol

Too funny! I added the picture because of the friends thing that was just added to the site. I didn't want a big question mark to represent me on those pages. ;)
 
Another thought: Does the guest live close to Saturday's show? If she doesn't show up or doesn't bring the money or products you could go over there after the show to get it and save yourself some travel time and gas (and grief).
 
I have all my guest write the check to the host and have the host write me one check. People are less likely to write a bad check to a friend.
 
Jenni said:
I have all my guest write the check to the host and have the host write me one check. People are less likely to write a bad check to a friend.

I disagree. I would rather have one smaller check bounce (only have had 6 or sow in 6 years doing it this way) than the whole show. If the host doesn't get those deposited and cleared before the check clears my bank I am out the whole show.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #37
BethCooks4U said:
Another thought: Does the guest live close to Saturday's show? If she doesn't show up or doesn't bring the money or products you could go over there after the show to get it and save yourself some travel time and gas (and grief).

No...she lives about 1/2hr-45 mins from the show -- the show is already an hour away for me.
I am figuring if she doesn't have the $ or the products on Saturday then I am going to go the legal route to get back the $ from her bounced check.
 
Hey, I could hunt her down and kick her ankles for you.
 
After the ccard was declined I would no longer give her the benefit of the doubt. I would have had Fed-ex not deliver/pick up the products.
 
BethCooks4U said:
I disagree. I would rather have one smaller check bounce (only have had 6 or sow in 6 years doing it this way) than the whole show. If the host doesn't get those deposited and cleared before the check clears my bank I am out the whole show.

You have a good point... something to think about!
 
Re: ARGH - Guest with Finanacial Issues-CAROLYN
dannyzmom said:
ARGH

Had a great show early this month...$1200+ in sales

One of the guest paid with a check. I deposited the checks, waited 3 days and then submitted show.

After like 4-5 days I find out her check bounced.

Show has already been submitted at this point.

I call HO and they say they can change her form of payment to credit card (get a cc # from her) and they'll credit the $ back to my PC Visa. So, that's what I did.

While I was in DC, host called to say show has been delivered - all is well.

Yesterday evening I get a call from HO telling me the guest's CC was declined.
Well...she already has her products!

I call guest today - she says she doesn't get paid until July 3rd and has $12 to her name 'til then.

HO says I can have FedEx p/u her stuff & cancel her order or wait til July 3rd and have them re-run her card then - it's up to me. At this time PC has payment for her order (they've charged it to MY Pamp Chef Visa!!)

What would you do? Wait til July 3rd (10 days away) or have FedEx go pick up her order? (It's $61.50 in commissionable sales)

Oh - and PS this guest will be at my show this coming Saturday and has assured me she'll bring me my $20 bank fee for her bounced check.

Carolyn, I posted on the other thread, but did you see that guest this past weekend???
 
  • Thread starter
  • #42
Re: ARGH - Guest with Finanacial Issues-CAROLYN
chefsteph07 said:
Carolyn, I posted on the other thread, but did you see that guest this past weekend???

Yes, I did. I updated on the thread about bashing up my car. I guess I should added to this thread, huh? LOL
Anyway - she came, she paid cash, she apologized up down & backwards. She paid the $ she owed form her check PLUS my bank fee. I am glad that is over...
 
GOOD!
Funny, I submitted a show last night that put me $99 over the $1500 level for SAT and now this morning I find out that the hosts credit card was declined for $137!!! Ugh!!!! So I"m dealing w/ a similar problem! Why can't people just pay for their STUFF...and why order it if you KNOW you can't!!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a guest expresses financial issues during a party?

It's important to be empathetic and understanding. Acknowledge their situation and let them know that there are no obligations to purchase. You can also suggest lower-cost options or highlight the benefits of hosting a party to earn free products.

How can I help guests with financial concerns feel comfortable at a party?

Create a welcoming and non-judgmental environment. Encourage open discussions about budget-friendly products and emphasize that everyone is welcome regardless of their purchasing power. You might also consider offering a few giveaways or games that allow guests to win products without spending money.

What are some budget-friendly products I can recommend to guests with financial issues?

Focus on essential kitchen tools that offer great value for their price. Items like the Classic Batter Bowl, Simple Slicer, or a set of measuring spoons are affordable and versatile. Highlight how these products can save money in the long run by making cooking easier and more efficient.

Should I offer discounts or special promotions to guests with financial issues?

While it's not standard practice to offer discounts, you can consider running promotions or loyalty programs that allow guests to earn discounts over time. Additionally, remind them of the benefits of hosting a party, where they can earn free products based on their friends' purchases.

How can I encourage guests to join my team if they have financial struggles?

Share the benefits of joining your team, such as flexible hours, the potential for extra income, and personal growth opportunities. Emphasize that many people start their direct sales journey to supplement their income and that it can be a great way to improve their financial situation while having fun.

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