Caution!!! Don't Order Catalogs!!!!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread discusses participants' experiences and concerns regarding the ordering of new Pampered Chef catalogs, particularly in light of a mid-season product release. Many participants express frustration over having recently ordered catalogs just before the announcement of new ones, leading to additional costs and logistical challenges.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses regret over ordering 100 catalogs just before learning about the new release on May 17.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience, noting they also ordered 100 catalogs at the start of the season and now wish they hadn't.
  • Several users mention the need for product inserts to update their existing catalogs, which adds to their workload and costs.
  • One participant reflects on the unexpected mid-season product release, stating it complicates their usual ordering practices.
  • Another participant notes that while some may not see the cost of inserts as significant, they feel it is unnecessary spending.
  • Some participants discuss alternative strategies, such as printing a single copy of the new catalog for shows or swapping catalogs with team members to manage their needs.
  • One participant mentions using the inserts for host packets, indicating a need for practical solutions amidst the changes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the impact of the mid-season catalog release. While some express frustration and concern over costs and logistics, others suggest practical workarounds and express a willingness to adapt.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences as consultants navigating the challenges of catalog ordering and product updates, reflecting a range of perspectives on managing their businesses during this transition.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on handling catalog orders and adapting to mid-season product changes may find the shared experiences relevant.

L
Lifeat50
Messages
138
I can't believe it. I order 100 new catalogs last week. I really hesitated buying 100 but if I need more than 50 it is a waste of money only ordering 25 at a time. I thought if I order too many I can always sell a pack to one of my clutermates!!

Well yesterday I read the May CN and PC is coming out with new catalogs May 17!! :( I would have borrowed from my clustermates to get me through and then ordered the new catalogs! Now I will have to incur more cost (although not much) to get the new product inserts to put in my catalogs.

So this is a warning!!!
 
They are making inserts with the new product for us to add to our catalogs. But I'm right there with you. I ordered 100 at the start of the season. I usually don't do that, but thought I would this time. Now I'm really wishing I hadn't. :(
 
And now I'm thinking "No wonder they told me to just keep those extra 175 mini's that they sent me by mistake." :rolleyes:
 
ChefBeckyD said:
And now I'm thinking "No wonder they told me to just keep those extra 175 mini's that they sent me by mistake." :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Yeah, I would normally think that was a mistake. Obviously not.
 
We are going through tough times right now and I am suprised that they did this. Not many of us have money we can "throw away" right now.

I have only been a consultant for 2-1/2 years and have never gone through a product being released mid-way through a selling season. In the past, I did not HAVE to order mid season cattys (most of the time I did not need them) as there were NO differences product-wise.

So, even if you don't order the new catty's and use the old ones, you still have to either use up your toner or pay to print the new product insert.

And, while some may think it is not a big deal and not much money...in my opinion, it is money that we should not have to spend.

In order to make this business work for me, I have been trying to keep things as SIMPLE as possible (especially time constraints). So, now I have to make an extra stop at Office Max, make the copies and then stuff my catty's with the inserts. This is all time that could be better spent on something else.

JMO.
 
kam said:
We are going through tough times right now and I am suprised that they did this. Not many of us have money we can "throw away" right now.

I have only been a consultant for 2-1/2 years and have never gone through a product being released mid-way through a selling season. In the past, I did not HAVE to order mid season cattys (most of the time I did not need them) as there were NO differences product-wise.

So, even if you don't order the new catty's and use the old ones, you still have to either use up your toner or pay to print the new product insert.

And, while some may think it is not a big deal and not much money...in my opinion, it is money that we should not have to spend.

In order to make this business work for me, I have been trying to keep things as SIMPLE as possible (especially time constraints). So, now I have to make an extra stop at Office Max, make the copies and then stuff my catty's with the inserts. This is all time that could be better spent on something else.

JMO.
Click to expand...

You could just print a copy or two and put them inside a plastic sleeve and send them around at your parties after you discuss it.:chef:
 
You know what I think I might do...get one nice copy and have it in one of those clear plastic stands or put it in a page protector and then just take a minute at the show to point it out. But for all those catalogs to hand out or put in host packets, I'll probably stick in the insert. I do not want to buy 100 inserts, that's for sure!ETA: :D Gail and I are on the same wavelength and posted at the same time. :D
 
gailz2 said:
You could just print a copy or two and put them inside a plastic sleeve and send them around at your parties after you discuss it.:chef:
Click to expand...

But, I would need to have the inserts for host packets. It is just a pain. Any which way.

Edit: Amanda, just read your post. We are thinking alike about the host packets!
 
The old mid-season catalogs didn't ever have any new products in them, just featured a different cover and recipes. I never ordered mid-season ones. They are selling an insert you can use really cheap on a supply order. That is what I plan on doing.
 
wadesgirl said:
The old mid-season catalogs didn't ever have any new products in them, just featured a different cover and recipes. I never ordered mid-season ones. They are selling an insert you can use really cheap on a supply order. That is what I plan on doing.
Click to expand...

I have not had a chance to "really read" through the CN, yet. I was thinking that the insert was only available for us to download and print. I did not realize it would be available on supply. Thanks for the info.
 
The only thing changing with the catalog is the addition of the new product. Yes, it'll be on the cover, and there will be more pictures of it, but I don't think it'll be too big of a deal not to have those catalogs available.

And yes, the insert is available on supply, KA91 $1.50 for 25.
 
Ah, $1.50 for 25, not too bad. That's a lot easier than printing them off.
 
I JUST ordered 100 on April 29th!!!! :cry
Oh well I gues I have ALOT of stapling!!!!! :cry:
 
babywings76 said:
Ah, $1.50 for 25, not too bad. That's a lot easier than printing them off.
Click to expand...

And cheaper too..if you think about the ink that you would have to use..as long as you have other stuff to order as well.
 
KA91 is not showing up on mine....:cry:
 
Ginger428 said:
KA91 is not showing up on mine....:cry:
Click to expand...

The new things aren't available until May 17th.
 
I'm swapping catalogs with my Director and others on the team. I need catalogs ASAP but will wait to order until May 17. I'll get their extra current catalogs and replace them later in May with the new catalogs, plus order the inserts and minis. Check around in your area and you can probably do a similar swap.

I just wish we had the inserts at least, if not the new catalog, for my June host packets. I'll start giving out June packets at my shows this week.
 
Arggh, I called HO a couple of weeks ago to ask about this very thing, and was told no, they were not redoing the catalog!! I figured at the time they would provide an insert. I did see something about the new cattys, but thought it was just minis, so I placed an order for 100 of the regular (and 100 minis) YESTERDAY!! Oh well, I didn't really have a choice, both my team mate and I are completely out, so we're splitting these. Paying $3.50 or so for the inserts once they're available is better than trying to figure how to have all these shows with no catalogs!
 
Becca_in_MD said:
I'm swapping catalogs with my Director and others on the team. I need catalogs ASAP but will wait to order until May 17. I'll get their extra current catalogs and replace them later in May with the new catalogs, plus order the inserts and minis. Check around in your area and you can probably do a similar swap.

I just wish we had the inserts at least, if not the new catalog, for my June host packets. I'll start giving out June packets at my shows this week.
Click to expand...

I've already started giving out June packets! What I've decided to do is to print page 7 of the CN, and add a little label with the price for it...and include 2 copies in each host packet. I'm also going to start immediately showing that page at my shows, to generate interest in booking in June!
 
yeah, I just ordered 100 as well. I hated when they had mid-season products in the past and I'm annoyed that they're doing it again.
 
I'm with the gals who will just print off one nice copy and stick in a sleeve to take to shows- will probably add a blurb to my mini catalog invites about visiting my website to see a "cool" new exclusive product- this will entice them to visit the website for more online sales- hotdog! :)
I just ordered 300 catties this morning-hadn't read cs but no worries, I'll just hype it up in host coaching and at my shows- gives me another excuse to talk! :)
 
I think we need to email HO about having the catalog inserts available now. Like Becky said, I'm starting to work on June so it would be nice to have them now instead of waiting.
 
wadesgirl said:
I think we need to email HO about having the catalog inserts available now. Like Becky said, I'm starting to work on June so it would be nice to have them now instead of waiting.
Click to expand...

It would be nice. I've already handed out 3 June host packets at shows, and got an email this morning for a 4th booking, plus 2 more I have to call. ALL of my shows in June have to be before the 18th, because we are gone the rest of the month after that.
I have a full May schedule, and I don't have time to be re-doing all my host packets that I hand out.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #24
I have sent out an all call to my clustermates to let them know of this change. I will use my catalogs regardless but I was hoping to let you all know about the Summer 2010 catalog so you could wait for the new issue. I have been in the business just one year. I had no idea that they have mid-season catalogs! Just another new thing learned today!!! :)
 
Lifeat50 said:
I have sent out an all call to my clustermates to let them know of this change. I will use my catalogs regardless but I was hoping to let you all know about the Summer 2010 catalog so you could wait for the new issue. I have been in the business just one year. I had no idea that they have mid-season catalogs! Just another new thing learned today!!! :)
Click to expand...

We haven't had them for the last few seasons, but we used to have them. We also used to have mid-season products...but haven't had those for the last couple of years either. They were always a pain...and I would feel that way about this one if I didn't love it so much, and know that my customers were going to go crazy for it too!
 
Lifeat50 said:
I have sent out an all call to my clustermates to let them know of this change. I will use my catalogs regardless but I was hoping to let you all know about the Summer 2010 catalog so you could wait for the new issue. I have been in the business just one year. I had no idea that they have mid-season catalogs! Just another new thing learned today!!! :)
Click to expand...

They don't usually. They did I think the first year I joined (this is my 2nd year)- around the Holidays...but not in the summer. That's why so many were thrown.
 
I'm annoyed that they didn't let us know in advance!! It seems lately they want to keep everything a secret till the last second!! :(
 
Has anyone designed a mini-cat insert with the new product on it? I am stuffing June invites this week and would love to have it in there.
 
I also have plenty of catalogs still, so I will be using the inserts. Fortunately (or actually very unfortunately) I have no shows on the calendar right now, so I don't have to deal with the timing issue :(.
 
This is really frustrating!! I always order 100 and hardly ever use them all but I've always been able to get rid of them towards the end of the season. Financially I flat can't afford this anymore!! Last week was my last week of unemployment and I'm still going thru the paperwork portion & drug screen, physical, etc. for my new job. I won't order 100 at a time again!! Nope not gonna do it!

Judy
 
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