Bare Minimum Supplies/Costs for Operation?

[pchefinski]

What is the bare minimum supplies for operation - and how cheap do you think you could go before compromising your business success? How much do you spend monthly (or less often, such as quarterly) on supplies?

Catalogs (how much are they now?)
Order forms
host packet shipping costs - what is your shipping cost & what do you feel is necessary to put in them?

With trying to maintain minimum expenses one obviously wouldn't buy ingredients for the shows or mail the invitations for the host, nor would one offer extras on top of the already awesome rewards program PC has in place. I was just wondering how I could keep my costs down as much as possible.

 

[pamperedharriet]

Amanda,

Go to CC and hit downloads. You can download a paperwork supply order form for the prices. I know catalogs are $17 for a pack of 25 and I forget how much 100 cost.

 

[chefann]

100 catalogs are $52, higher than they were a year ago, but still less than buying 4 packs of 25 on separate orders.If you're trying to save money, then give host packs when they book, then you don't have to pay postage on them. You'll also save by planning supply orders so you don't pay more than the $4 shipping (one supply order a month, in other words).

 

[kspry]

I put 4 catalogs & 5 outside order forms into my host packets. Around $4.50 to ship locally.

 

[BethCooks4U]

100 catalogs are $45, 25 catalogs are $17. 100 receipts are $9.25 and remember that you will get 50 free with your first supply order.

Invitations if you choose to use them, your life your way brochures.

Get the pack of show planners too - you can get one free (just click on the space under n/c in the supply order page).

I would say that is the minimum. Download guest and host specials each month.

I have really simplified my host packet:

Cooking show - 3 catalogs, 5 outside order forms - downloaded with the guest specials right on there, show planner (PC has all the info you need on here now - I don't even add a note - just highlight), host special flyer, and your life your way brochure. And invitations.

During host coaching and at the end of the evening I talk about upcoming host specials to entice her to help get bookings and also talk about starting her own business.

I used to send all kinds of stuff and spent way too much time and money on cute fliers that no one even looked at. I know because of the silence or blank looks when I asked about it.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I agree that handing packets out at shows does help save money. I would also suggest estimating what you will need for the whole season if you can - then you only have to pay the shipping once during the season. If you find you need a few other things then talk with cluster mates or director about ordering together. Especially near the end of a season, I let my team know when I am ordering in case they just need one or two things and want to save on shipping (I pay the full $4 but you could split it...).

 

[pamperedharriet]

100 catalogs are $52, higher than they were a year ago, but still less than buying 4 packs of 25 on separate orders.

If you're trying to save money, then give host packs when they book, then you don't have to pay postage on them. You'll also save by planning supply orders so you don't pay more than the $4 shipping (one supply order a month, in other words).

When did they go up to $52, Ann? I thought they were around $45 for 100.

 

[Evelynt]

The US price is $45 for 100

 

[BethCooks4U]

When did they go up to $52, Ann? I thought they were around $45 for 100.

They are still $45 - she must have moved to Canada.

 

[Kristina21]

They were $52 in F/F '07 because the page count was higher. They are currently back to $45.

 

[chefann]

Oops - sorry ladies. I misremembered the cost. It's still cheaper to order 100 than 4 packs of 25 in separate orders.

 

[heat123]

Good luck to you Amanda! I hope it works out for you this time around!

 

[kspry]

I like to go in with a cluster mate on a pack of 100. We split cost, tax & shipping down the middle & take turns being the one who orders them.

 

[cathyskitchen]

100 catalogs are $45, 25 catalogs are $17. 100 receipts are $9.25 and remember that you will get 50 free with your first supply order. Invitations if you choose to use them, your life your way brochures.Get the pack of show planners too - you can get one free (just click on the space under n/c in the supply order page).I would say that is the minimum. Download guest and host specials each month.I have really simplified my host packet:Cooking show - 3 catalogs, 5 outside order forms - downloaded with the guest specials right on there, show planner (PC has all the info you need on here now - I don't even add a note - just highlight), host special flyer, and your life your way brochure. And invitations.During host coaching and at the end of the evening I talk about upcoming host specials to entice her to help get bookings and also talk about starting her own business.I used to send all kinds of stuff and spent way too much time and money on cute fliers that no one even looked at. I know because of the silence or blank looks when I asked about it.

I do exactly what Beth does - I am trying to only spend what I have to on supplies and have been doing this for over a year and it really works for me. I am planning to use my leftover F/W 07 order forms b/c they don't say anything different on them (I use the write-in style and rip off the shopping list anyway). When they're all gone, I'll order more, but I'll probably be fine for a while with the 60 or so I still have, plus the 50 free I'll get free with my first supply order.I tell my team the same thing - they are all trying not to put too much money into their businesses and actually make money with PC, so we were all brainstorming ideas on how we could do things cheaper at our last meeting. We all agreed that swapping extra catalogs/order forms is helpful, as well as any other supplies we might have, and we plan to work together to help each other out. HTH!

 

[ljeffries]

I do my own order forms. You can really get by 'cheaply' with PC. The main thing supply-wise that you need are catalogs. You can get by without a lot of the extras. My first year in business I SPENT WWAAAYYYYY too much on EVERYTHING! Now, I am much more cautious about what I spend - and I only order supplies once a month if I have to.
It does cost a little more to start, but the 100 catalogs saves you a good chunk of money. A box of paper will save you money. You will figure it all out as you go.