Bad Practice? Making Oob Calls Only?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores experiences and opinions regarding follow-up practices for catalog orders among Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their approaches to customer communication and express varying views on expectations from customers.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, typically makes follow-up calls about a week after orders are delivered to check on product usage and offer assistance.
  • Another participant mentions encountering rude customers and suggests being overly nice in communication to manage expectations.
  • A different participant notes that they do not call catalog orderers prior to placing orders, as they often only receive names from the host, indicating a lack of direct communication.
  • One participant expresses that the expectations from the customers seem excessive, questioning if they believe the consultant stocks products for immediate fulfillment.
  • Another participant shares their relatively new experience in the business and reflects on the impracticality of calling all catalog orders and conducting extensive follow-ups.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity and frequency of follow-up calls for catalog orders, with no clear consensus emerging on best practices.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and perceptions regarding customer interactions and follow-up strategies, highlighting the variability in customer expectations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants seeking to understand different approaches to customer follow-up and communication within the context of catalog orders may find this discussion relevant.

pampermejolene
pampermejolene
Gold Member
Messages
816
Generally speaking, the only follow up calls I make are about a week after the order has been delivered. I figure that has given the host enough time to distribute the orders and then I call to see if they have taken the products out of the boxes if they need recipes or hints & tips etc. I have done this with all my shows (probably half my shows have been catalog).

Recently I was supposed to do a joint party with 2 other DS companies. I didn't know them, just the girl that was putting it together. I had to cancel 2 days in advance because I had fallen ill. The host and I talked and decided to treat it as a catalog show... no problem...

Well, I just received an email from one of the other consultants wondering where her stuff was and hoping it would be here within 3 weeks when she leaves to go out of the country (the party was a week and a half ago). And she also informed me that she had talked to one of her friends who had ordered from me and if she didn't hear from me today that she was going to cancel her order. (the whole tone of the email was very rude).

I did call the lady but was only able to leave a message. I'm just wondering if anyone else has had any problems like this. Should I be calling all catalog orders PRIOR to placing the order? that just seems a bit redundant to me... they just placed the order! When I have called for oob calls, people have been able to ask for tips or sometimes even order another of whatever it was because they like it so much or whatever.

Any advice would be appreciated. I guess part of me kind of feels attacked and I want to know that I am doing the right thing or that I should change my biz practices. However, I don't want to change how I run my biz if maybe it's just two someone nit-picky ladies.
 
Wow, I think you ended up with a couple rude customers. Maybe the host didn't give them much info. I would call them and let them know the status. Be overly nice. :)
 
I usually do not call catalog orderers to let them know I am placing the order, most of the time because the host only gives me their names anyway. Sounds like you bumped into a couple of people with different expectations.

I would not stress about it.

BTW - great picture!!
 
Hmmm, that is really expecting a lot from you - I wonder if they thought that you stock the stuff and could just fill the order from your storeroom?:D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thanks!
I thought I was doing ok, but I still consider myself somewhat new at all this (Feb 22 is my one year anni :D) If I called all my catty orders and did host coaching and OOB calls, I would never get off the phone! :p
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Oob Calls in Direct Sales?

Oob Calls, or "out of the blue" calls, refer to unsolicited phone calls made to potential customers without prior contact or relationship. In direct sales, this practice can be controversial as it may come off as intrusive or pushy.

Is making Oob Calls a bad practice in direct sales?

Many consider making Oob Calls a bad practice because it can lead to negative perceptions of the brand and the salesperson. Building relationships and trust is crucial in direct sales, and cold calling can undermine that effort.

What are the potential consequences of relying solely on Oob Calls?

Relying solely on Oob Calls can result in low conversion rates, damage to your reputation, and potential burnout. It may also lead to high levels of rejection, which can be discouraging for sales representatives.

What are better alternatives to Oob Calls in direct sales?

Better alternatives include leveraging social media, hosting parties or events, and nurturing existing customer relationships. Building a referral network and engaging with customers through personalized communication can also be more effective.

How can I effectively incorporate Oob Calls into my sales strategy?

If you choose to incorporate Oob Calls, do so sparingly and strategically. Ensure you have a clear value proposition, be respectful of the recipient's time, and follow up with additional information or offers that may interest them. Always prioritize building a relationship over making a sale.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Why I Should Make Phone Calls Everyday! :)
  • kcmckay
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
12
Views
3K
chefmatula
Did My Persistence Hurt or Help? The Surprising Results of My Phone Calls
  • Intrepid_Chef
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
12
Views
2K
Intrepid_Chef
Need Script Ideas for Phone Calls for a Grand Opening
  • babywings76
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Boosting Sales with CC Calls: A Success Story
  • angmillar
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
8
Views
2K
kaceyleigh2
Boosting Sales: My Success with Customer Care Calls for My DS Business
  • princessmeshelle
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Another Merrill Car Window Logo Testimonial!
  • Sheila
    • Pampered Chef Sales
2 3
Replies
66
Views
9K
Sheila
Reminder Calls: What to Say on Post Calls?
  • wadesgirl
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
19
Views
2K
babywings76
Advertise Your Business: Creative Ways to Reward Customers
  • slhalepc
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
2
Views
2K
pchockeymom
Making OOB Calls Pays Off: My Story of Success
  • susanr613
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
17
Views
2K
lockhartkitchen
Reminder Calls for Open House...how Soon???
  • HH_04
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
4
Views
1K
KellyTheChef
Back
Top