Can We Advertise Our Business on Other Sites?

[MSmith]

My guess for the reason that we can't advertise website addresses, even on sites like this, is because PC doesn't want to get away from the format established by Doris...that is the Kitchen Show as the primary method of getting PC products, and we all know why the Kitchen Show is so important!

It must be a hard to find balance b/n utilizing to advantage the technological advances available and staying true to the personal service of our shows.

With websites, it opens up our name and product to a wider audience than the more localized business card/catalogs that we leave to promote our businesses and even the newsletters that are sent to people we have met through our shows, etc.

HO could definitely explain their line, not just by reiterating the policy, but by explaining the intention behind it.

 

[Sethea]

Just some thoughtsI would have to disagree with the idea that they are trying not to get away from the personal sales with the home shows. Otherwise why would they let higher ranking reps link? I think they're trying to give certain folks the ability to make a heck of a lot more than others.

But even this is dumb. Imagine if you are 1 higher up (I don't know all the terms and stuff about PC, so bear with me) and have 100 lower people. As the 1 higher person I would think that you would WANT all 100 of your lower people to be able to link to their sites and increase their overall sales. After all, doesn't a higher up make money on their 'underthem' people?

So.. Let's say that everyone can add one link per day. After 1 year 1 higher up with current rules would have 365 links. Let's say that every 10 links result in 1 sale per month at an average of $100. For 1 higher rep that would result in an increase of $43,800. THAT's a lot... BUT... what if the 1 higher up and ALL of the "underthems" were allowed to link. Now the 1 higher up will have $43,800 in sales for them, PLUS another $4,380,000 that their reps would get as well. I don't know what a higher up gets, but I beat if their underthems had over 4 milion they'd get a few bucks?

Here's the thing, a person buying online isn't going to buy at a show. They're looking for something NOW... their not looking for a show in their area, they are looking for a product. The product that you sell them can result in a show. It gets you a contact that you didn't have before. People ARE buying online. They're just not buying from YOU because Pampered Chef won't let you show THEM where your site is.

Here's an email I got that I think really shows the way people feel... I just think that some are afraid to express their feelings.

<START>
Seth,

I was wondering if you could list my webpage to your site? My web address is www.pamperedchef.biz/SomeonesWebsite <EDITED FOR ANNONIMITY> . I’m still trying to figure out this whole thing about not being able to have our website address listed in our signatures and all that, and so far, I can only think that it is not exactly the best idea to come from Home Office. I’m really hoping they will take another look at their policies and realize that they are only hurting us as Consultants and ultimately the sales of the company by restricting where we can and can’t advertise our business when it comes to the internet. It would be like telling us that we can’t PC clothing or carry around a tote bag with our catalogs in it because that is considering advertising as well. Anyway, thanks for trying to help us out!

<END>


Anyways... Good luck all!
Sethea

Read my PC story here:
http://www.meettheandersons.com/Pampered_Chef.htm
Send me a email with your link if you want your site added.

 

[Anne Batt]

Unfair Business Practices Not PerksThis is getting more confusing than ever. I am not sure what it is all about however, but I do know that if some people are given certain opportunites that others are not,then it is an unfair business practice. It would be like a new consultant given catalogs and telling them that they could only sell from the catalogs and others that they could go into the homes and sell. It is not right that some should be given special priveledges and some not. Aren't we all working for the same company and shouldn't we all be able to succeed because of hard work and not because we got a better deal. For some reason over time I think someone forgot what our Company has stood for. It has always conveyed that we are all equal and that we can all be at the top if the top is where we want to be. If this is true then what in the world is happening. Are we becoming a company of rank and priveledge rather than ethics and hard work. Since the company has opened the door to the online market place, shouldn't we all have access to it?

 

[luvs2sellit]

I don't think any of this information is new. This was in the guidelines that I read when I signed up over a year ago. I personally don't think anything is wrong with the big achievers being able to do more than we do. It only makes sense. Look at it this way. They have worked hard and climbed up the ladder all the time becoming more knowledgable about PC. Last year when I signed up I was not ready to answer all the questions and handle all the problems that you would get from doing more advertising. If new consultants were allowed to do as they please the PC reputation would be on the line. I think the issue is getting blown out of proportion.

 

[MSmith]

I agree w/ the statement made by luvs2sellit...with years of experience comes a knowledge about PC that those without do not have. Great point. I would also imagine that at the tippy top levels of the company, you have to spend a lot of time supporting your downline so maybe the "benefit" is being able to have web advertising so that they can keep up with personal sales, since even at that level they've got to submit sales.

I also see validity in Seth's arguments (I have read you story) and even support some of it.

I don't feel strongly one way or the other because my goal at this juncture is to have a good time, learn something, teach something, earn some cash and free products while having the time to develop a meaningful relationship with my children and husband. It's not just about the money for me...

But, more and more people are choosing to shop online and probably at a rate that was inconceivable at the time of the rule writing regarding web advertising. If PC is not addressing this issue, they are doing their consultants a disservice. My hope is that they find a balance w/o sacrificing the core values and mission of the company or losing wonderful consultants.

 

[Sethea]

Some more thoughts...I've decided the best way to look at this is to consider the beginnings. I've come to three ideas as to why a no link policy would be created...

1. Possibly the idea was to give the higher-ups (I got an email telling me that they are executive directors) an additional perk. Something extra to work for. I've been in decision-making meetings and I can see this being a 'brilliant idea' at the time it came up.

2. Possibly the idea was to give the exec. dir.s an extra way of making even more money. An accelerator of types.

3. This idea was mentioned earlier - that perhaps they thought that consultants haven't had enough experience to answer all the questions and responsibility that a world wide audience may require.


Let's examine these:
1 and 2 - If the idea was to give the exec. dir.s an additional perk, the idea was actually a bad one. See the math in the previous post. Let's say the exec gets the 44k in sales and although I don't know the percentages, say they get 50% (probably high?). That's 22K. Now... let's say that they get all of additional links from the consultants and they get 1% of those sales (maybe low?) That 1% would result in $43,800 in their pocket! Twice as much using 50% (high) and 1% (low) Whatever the real numbers are, you do the math. I bet it's even more than twice as much having everyone linking than just the execs.

3 - Basically this is saying that pampered chef thinks that if they give you the tools to succeed, that you can't handle it. You're not qualified? Not smart enough?

I'm curious as to what they think on this? Any input? Public (here) or private ([email protected]) I'd like to know.

What's my purpose in doing this you might ask? Mostly it's the business decision that I'm curious about. I've just finished my degree in Marketing and during the process of getting that degree we looked at a lot of business decisions, the impact they had, and the thought behind it. I see this as being one of those decisions that will be studied in colleges down the road. Many interesting case studies on companies similar to PC (like Avon) and I'm sure this one will get added some day (once they make the right decision). The other reason is that they (Richard Laiche) made me mad by telling me I couldn't have a link on my site...

Once again, I wish all of you prosperity in your quest to create a successful Pampered Chef business!!!

Sethea

 

[MSmith]

last post for me, promise, promise!The Pampered Chef could just as easily open up their website for online buying and not worry about the "middle man" consultant at all.

 

[WoodenSpoon]

MSmith, you raise a scary thought. That would seriously undermine our ability to schedule shows and promote the brand. Yikes!

 

[Pampered Sofia]

I see no problem......with the higher ups being able to do things we can't. They've earned it as far as I'm concerned. Think of it this way too, would any of us have more business if there were 70,000 consultants advertising on the internet? No, of course not! People would be swamped with PC consultants and totally sick of our web pages. By keeping it limited we are creating an intimate and hopefully loyal group of clients. Make sense?

 

[fruit76loop]

The Pampered Chef could just as easily open up their website for online buying and not worry about the "middle man" consultant at all.

Doris addressed this at National Conference a couple years ago. She said the Pampered Chef would never sell directly to the public. And Doris still makes decisions like these even since Warren Buffet has bought the company. And Buffet is a smart man...he knows not to mess with what is working! That is why Doris sold to him!

Look what happened to Tupperware once they started selling through stores...the company went down...thus, the reason they pulled the products in stores and are now through direct sells.

 

[Stampaholic1961]

I've been reading the posts, both here & on another group as well. Here are
my 2 cents worth.

I have a couple of problems with the situation.

Someone mentioned that they are trying to have a level playing field. This isn't true or else no one would be allowed to advertise or everyone would.
Also, they would apply the rules equally to everyone. Jeanne has done everything they have asked her to in order to remain in compliance but there are other people who are blatantly breaking the rules & when confronted they refuse to change anything yet PC won't do anything to them. How is that fair?

Another thing, what's the point of allowing us to have websites if we can't use them to increase our business? I don't understand the reasoning. Maybe it made sense at some point in the past but not any longer.

This has probably already been stated as well--someone mentioned that they probably are trying to keep the focus on Kitchen Shows versus web orders. If that is so, why are upper level people allowed to advertise online & no one else is? That doesn't make sense either.

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO angry about this situation. I have always loved this company & have enjoyed being a part of it but if it continues with these unfair policies (selective enforcement of the rules)
I will reconsider being a part of it. And I will let them know why I'm quitting.

I have lots more to say on this subject but I'll spare you!!!!!!

Bev

 

[luvs2sellit]

Just happy to be here!!! I really don't get all the hoopla made over this. I have had my website for 3 months and have only gotten one order from it (from a party). I don't think I will be renewing it when the time comes. All of my bookings and sales come from parties, festivals and just plain getting out there. Not my website. Big deal that they wont let you link to another page. I honestly don't see the problem.

 

[Sethea]

Exactly the reasonThe fact that you have gotten zero sales is proof why linking should be aloud. NO ONE CAN FIND YOUR SITE. It's just a page out there somewhere on the world wide web that nobody knows about and PC won't let you tell them about it. It's like me telling you to come over to my house but not telling you where I live. Buy some google ads for a few days (you'll probably be threatened to be sued by PC) and you'll see the power of the web. Or just find some popular cooking site or forum and post a link... Or send me your link and I'll post it to my site. (can't promise anything will come from my site... it's mostly just there to make a point).

Seth

 

[luvs2sellit]

So let's just say that I would be allowed to link my website. What are the odds that along with the other 70000 consultants that I would get an order. Probably very slim. If there are that many web sites out there that would be accessible we all would have a hard time getting an order other than from our personal contacts. How many consultants have gotten orders from being linked to your site?
PC is a great company to be associated with. I am not going to complain and get all fired up about a rule-that by the way is not new. I chose to sell PC. I read the guidelines. I can quit anytime I do not like what is going on. So far I am more than pleased.VERY!!!

 

[its_me_susan]

OUCH. I have never knowingly broken the advertising rules. The way I understand the rules is that we can use our website in e-mail signatures and we may only set up chat rooms with other consultants. So, I have not broken the rules.

Here are the rules via the website:

Consultants, Future Directors, Directors, Adv. Directors and Senior Directors are allowed to have personal Web sites through www.pamperedchef.biz to promote their business.

You are allowed to use the company name as part of your title in email signatures, e-newsletters, e-fliers, etc., to promote your business, as long as you act in accordance with all other guidelines.

.....

You may only set up a chat room or email newsgroup to communicate solely with other Pampered Chef consultants about the business.

.....

Now I'm worried ~ does this mean I am ok? Don't want to break any rules.

 

[fruit76loop]

Susan,

I spoke to the HO about this and they said, no we are not allowed to list our websites in online communications. However, we can list them in our signature for e-mails only!

 

[its_me_susan]

Susan,

I spoke to the HO about this and they said, no we are not allowed to list our websites in online communications. However, we can list them in our signature for e-mails only!

Thanks I am going to remove it then (if I can remember how to access that part).

 

[chefgirl1113]

Linking to PWSHi all,
I have read the posts about linking and I am curious to know why Seth is taking this so personally. He apparently is in no way associated with the Pampered Chef.

After contacting The Home Office, I found out there is actually a very good reason why the decision was made to prohibit linking by Consultants of all levels. The Pampered Chef is all about bringing people to the table and enhancing the quality of family life. Doris does not want the Pampered Chef to become an Internet based company. She started the business with the Kitchen Show in mind and she intends to keep it that way.

The Pampered Chef is not about logging onto the Internet, placing your order, and being done with it. It's all about the customer to Consultant contact and I am all for that.

 

[RachelNguyen]

Love my website...From my perspective, the website is a wonderful adjunct to the kitchen and catalog shows. I put my site address on all my paperwork and encourage my hosts to share it with their distant friends and relatives. I believe that THAT was the original intention of the site... to add value to your existing customers. And for that, it works really well.

This is my first SS month and I have only had a single party so far. But I have already gotten $150 worth of orders from my site from friends of my hosts. It works just fine!

So, I am fine with the rules. I understand that they don't want to flood the world with individual websites. I understand that they want to keep the Cooking Show model. It makes sense to me! (Especially as a consultant! If they were going to shift to an internet business, we'd be out of jobs. The prices of the products would go way down and there would be no middle man. US!)

Love,
Rachel

 

[Oven Knobs]

I'm so confusedHey Again!

Ok, I have researched the Internet Policies thread and I am still somewhat confused.

My understanding here is that I may not PAY to have website linked...such as Google AdWords.

But what I don't get is this....If I have my own personal website, is it against policy for me to place a link to my Pampered Chef site on my own personal website. This seems strange to me...if I am a PC Kitchen Consultant, and that is what I do...then why would I not be able to put that information on my own personal sites.

Does anyone have the actual policies that were sent out. Can someone e-mail them to me?

I am hearing great things and reading great things about PC, but I am also in the business of making money...

Not allowing me to promote myself as a Kitchen Consultant or as an Independant Rep of PC would be a hinderance in my abilities to possibly earn as much income as possible, while at the same time earning money for PC.

Also, any suggestions about pricing issues...meaning how do you guys handle the remarks about things being over-priced through PC?

Oven Knobs

 

[prepchef]

PwsI 've been reading this thread and have had the full range of emotions as all of you.

I had written an article titled "A Male In a Female Dominated Industry" (currently located on my website .biz/richm". I had a website interested in it and linked to it. HO found it and told me to remove the link. I did (not happily).

The guy decided to print the article in full on his website and included a link to my website with my email and cell #. A couple months went by and HO emailed again to tell me to remove the article. I went to the A&P G and could find nothing that says we cannot have articles printed on the internet. So i just had the guy remove the link to my website, and left the email and phone number. If you Google "male pampered chef" the article comes up in the #1 spot. (Now it does not include my name or contact info)

I finally was able to talk with someone from HO and she told me that my name had come up in a meeting with Marla and Jean. Yikes! I told her that the A&P G is very vauge. It should state explicitly that consultants cannot advertise on the internet period. Their PWS is the only place on the internet that you can have a presence. And I said, the current guidelines do not state that. They do not tell me I cannot have an article published on someone elses website with my email on it.

Our conversation went on for about 35 minutes, sometimes quite heated. Her constatnt comment to me was that other consultants are complaining that it wasn't fair. I say, "Tough S***! I " If someone beats me in business, they beat me, I don't complain about it. If someone was to send a mass emailing to my community about TPC, I would say "Good on you!" And bummer for me that I didn't think of it first.

Anyway, I have decided to let it go. I love this business and want to continue, it isn't worth getting kicked out over a website.