Changing up My Business! (Venting)

[wadesgirl]

:grumpy: I am so frustrated, angry and upset all in the same sentance! I am so sick of being screwed around by irresponsible hosts. This is the 4th party since the beginnig of the year that has rescheduled on me - twice for the same host. It was the same excuses as she gave me last time - no one is coming, people are trying to pay bills, the two people that were coming she didn't want them to feel obligated to buy anything since the one just had a party in November. I politely gave her the three strikes your out talk. Both times she canceled within a couple days while I had been trying to call her for weeks. I told her that if we booked another day, she had to let me know two weeks in advance if she needed to cancel, that I had already reserved two Saturdays for her that I could have booked other parties.

So, instead of sitting on my pitty potty (oops, isn't that supposed to be pitty party! Guess I was really upset at the time!), I'm changing things. I've been throwing around the idea of sending the invites myself for a while. Starting in March, no one will get a host packet until I get an invite list. No list, no date. No date, no party. No excuses. I'm done. I'm sick of not knowing if I have a party or not, who they have invited, booking dates that could have been filled by someone who will hold their party. So here's my chance, wish me luck. I'm not looking forward to the short term problems that come by doing this (stamps, mailing host packets, a little more work on my end) but I'm looking forward to the long term results.

End of vent, thanks for letting me get it out!:chef:

 

[cathyskitchen]

Sorry about all the trouble with that host. She obviously doesn't want to have a party and just doesn't know how to say "no" to you. Just move on to the next one. I've heard of a lot of people having a lot of success by sending invitations to the guests, so I hope that's what it takes for you to eliminate the cancellations!! Good luck!

 

[heat123]

Sorry to hear about your troubles lately! I hope this new format helps you! Good luck and let us know your results!

 

[chefmeg]

Good for you! Taking action is a good thing when you feel the need to change something....no sense just complaining and then not doing anything about it!
One question-how do you plan to present this when someone at your shows books....are you going to hand them something as a reminder or what??? You may not have this worked out yet, but when you do, let me know.

I have sent my hosts invitations for years with very few cancellations. I give the packet and tell them the invitations are my responsibility. They have to send me a list in 2-3 days of booking the show....it just works that way for me.

 

[wadesgirl]

Good for you! Taking action is a good thing when you feel the need to change something....no sense just complaining and then not doing anything about it!
One question-how do you plan to present this when someone at your shows books....are you going to hand them something as a reminder or what??? You may not have this worked out yet, but when you do, let me know.

I have sent my hosts invitations for years with very few cancellations. I give the packet and tell them the invitations are my responsibility. They have to send me a list in 2-3 days of booking the show....it just works that way for me.

I plan to offer then a SASE with a guest list inside that they can fill out. If they don't want to it that way and provide me with an email address, I'll email for their list. As soon as I get their list, their host packet goes in the mail. I will tell them that this guarantees that I will hold the date for them but not until I get the list back.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Way to go! I am sure that you will like this better once you get it going.

I hand them two of our 3 part guest lists the night of the show...as well as a self addressed stamped envelope. I tell them that this is the "worst" part of having a show, so just go ahead and fill out all of the slots and mail it back to me within 3 days. That way, they don't set it aside "for later" and then forget about it. Once I have the list in hand, the host packet goes out. If I don't get the list quickly, I will give them a reminder call...and after that call and tell them that I will not be able to hold their date without the guest list.

No more parties that the host LIES to me about how many were invited...or WHEN they got mailed...or even IF they got mailed!! My attendance has gone WAY up! I also coach them to include phone numbers so I can do their reminder calls (I use post calls) and this has helped with attendance too!

Make sure you use the host's name and address as the return address, so they open up the invite!

 

[KellyTheChef]

I plan to offer then a SASE with a guest list inside that they can fill out. If they don't want to it that way and provide me with an email address, I'll email for their list. As soon as I get their list, their host packet goes in the mail. I will tell them that this guarantees that I will hold the date for them but not until I get the list back.

hee hee!

You were typing basically the same thing while I was typing!!

 

[wadesgirl]

Thanks for the support! I've been tossing around the idea and this host pushed me over the edge. No more, this is my business, I'm trying to make extra money here. I went from 6 shows in January down to 3. Two rescheduled for February and 1 changed to a catalog show. I had 5 shows in February and now I have 4. I'm trying to do as many shows as I can a month while working full time and having a life. But I don't like being pushed around. I'm taking control! Don't p*ss me off!

 

[KellyTheChef]

Oh...and something else. I tell them that I will pay for their postage when they reach a $1,000 show. If it falls lower than that, they will reimburse me when we close the show.

I used to offer to pay for postage with 40+ names, but that doesn't always guarantee you a large show. Now, they are more concerned about listening when I coach them to reach $1,000!!

 

[finley1991]

Great job! What I like best about your post is that instead of just venting, you said what you are going to do to be proactive about the situation! WAY TO GO!!!!!

 

[JAE]

Good for you, wadesgirl! I am so glad I started sending invitations. I don't ask if I can do it for them. I tell them I'm doing it. I just started doing that in September. I offer a mini serving spatula with 40 names. I've only had to give three, though, but my attendance is up. And, I've only had one cancellation - she was in the hospital after I sent the invites. I also print out all my postcards on my printer, and I put on there "RSVP by date": that date is four days before the show. My hosts have been impressed by the calls they get. (They don't realize I do this because they don't read the e-mails or listen when I talk.) The gift I give is a recipe card. I give host packets at the show because I don't want to send a packet. I include the guest list and it's on top. I also tell them to send me their guest list ASAP, and that's all I really say except for picking a date. Many of my bookings are not at shows, so those packets I send after I receive guest lists.

 

[wadesgirl]

Kelly, I've toyed with the idea of still having the host pay for postage but I'm stuck on that idea.

I've seen consultants say with 40 guests they'll pay, having the host send a check for the amount of names on their guest list, getting reimbursement at the show, etc. I don't know what I feel will work best for me. One of the reasons why I never started this is the money factor. I know I'll make it up in time with increased attendance but from the start, it will be hard.

And then I like JAE's idea of still giving them the host packet but I'm sick of lost host packets even when I request them to be returned. Or always having to make sure I have host packets on me at shows instead of possibly coming home and put them together (specials, catalogs, etc) after I get the bookings.

I think I'm going to email my director and bounce this off her too.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I give host packets at the show too - I figure I have $2.50 tops into a host packet - so giving it at the show is cheaper than mailing it for $4.60. I have very few cancellations - I still let them know that I cannot hold the date for them without a guest list - and I write on their host letter, and on their show planner the date when I need to have their guest list.

I had one host who completely blew me off for January, but that didn't surprise me....and 2 who rescheduled - but I knew about the one reschedule far enough in advance that I would have time to re-book that date. (and the other one was because I was sick!)

 

[wadesgirl]

I give host packets at the show too - I figure I have $2.50 tops into a host packet - so giving it at the show is cheaper than mailing it for $4.60. I have very few cancellations - I still let them know that I cannot hold the date for them without a guest list - and I write on their host letter, and on their show planner the date when I need to have their guest list.

I had one host who completely blew me off for January, but that didn't surprise me....and 2 who rescheduled - but I knew about the one reschedule far enough in advance that I would have time to re-book that date. (and the other one was because I was sick!)

Can you post the host letter you use? I've been wanting to revamp my host packets and I think a letter is one thing I want to include.

 

[wadesgirl]

Great job! What I like best about your post is that instead of just venting, you said what you are going to do to be proactive about the situation! WAY TO GO!!!!!

You know the old saying about the cup being half full instead of half empty. My cup is generally usually on the full side. May not even be 1/4 full, but I will never look at the cup as empty. I think this was just the push I needed to try something different.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Here you go.....this is what I include. I also call them and go over the info in the host packet a day or two after we book the show.

 

[pamperedtara]

I've seen consultants say with 40 guests they'll pay, having the host send a check for the amount of names on their guest list, getting reimbursement at the show, etc. I don't know what I feel will work best for me. One of the reasons why I never started this is the money factor. I know I'll make it up in time with increased attendance but from the start, it will be hard.

Keep in mind that postcard stamps are much cheaper (26 cents). I had to ask for them specifically at our PO & the lady said "Oh, I forgot we even had those!" It only takes an extra $50 in orders (@20%) to make up the postage cost for 40 invites. Average show that is only 1-2 more people!

Last show, host only sent me 16 names. I was kind of bummed, but 9 showed up, 2 outside orders, & one last minute cancellation bc of sick child. Well worth the $4 I spent on postage!!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

Thanks for sharing those letters .......... The only thing that I do differently is when they book a show at a show. I give them a basic host packet so the only thing that is in it are the show planner, 50 names in 5 minutes, And the current host and guest special. I tell them I need their guest list with in three days and I will give them the rest of the packet. I also call the host back if their are not numbers included with addresses that way I can make reminder calls. My show attendance has gone way up becasue of that change.

 

[Christ Follower]

My mom sold PH for 17 years and she always tells me to do it that way. She would make them give her the guest list first, and that would then secure the date. But instead of mailing them out for her, she would give them back to her for her to mail out. I think I would probably do the mailing myself though. She was very successful at what she did and says that's one of the biggest keys to her success. Less cancellations, higher attendance, higher sales, etc.

I really should listen to my mother. Haven't tried it though. (must be an "I'm not gonna try it b/c my mom told me to." thing....LOL!)

 

[wadesgirl]

My mom sold PH for 17 years and she always tells me to do it that way. She would make them give her the guest list first, and that would then secure the date. But instead of mailing them out for her, she would give them back to her for her to mail out. I think I would probably do the mailing myself though. She was very successful at what she did and says that's one of the biggest keys to her success. Less cancellations, higher attendance, higher sales, etc.

I really should listen to my mother. Haven't tried it though. (must be an "I'm not gonna try it b/c my mom told me to." thing....LOL!)

How many times have you said that!

I know that it's not that expensive to mail postcards stamps, I just need to remember to be stocked up on them.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

How many times have you said that!

I know that it's not that expensive to mail postcards stamps, I just need to remember to be stocked up on them.

I buy mine by the roll of 100.

 

[wadesgirl]

I buy mine by the roll of 100.

I mail out Nancy's postcards to my hosts so I just buy 30-40 at a time depending on how many shows I have. I do know the post office down the road from where I work has the rolls in the back!

 

[lacychef]

Good luck! I definately recommend sending out the invites. It has been a big help in my biz; plus it gives you that feeling of control of your biz.

 

[wadesgirl]

Question, have you ever had a host who made you feel like you were holding the host packet hostage?! I've had a few host the past year who were a little high maintenance who may pose this issue!

 

[JAE]

Don't let hosts make you feel anything. KWIM? Just state the facts. "I'll send out the packet when I receive your guest list." OR "I'm waiting for your guest list?" OR "It's my policy (not I'm starting a new policy) to send out the packet when I receive the guest list." You are holding the packet hostage. Actually, you're holding your money hostage or at least managing your money responsibly.

 

[wadesgirl]

I totally know what you mean, I was just asking for the fun of it. Right now, my hosts have p*ssed me off enough, I don't mind letting a few of them think that I'm the wicked witch of the west. I do feel bad for the way I stated "3 strikes your out" last night to the host but I had to put my foot down. I'm sick of wasting my Saturday bookings for someone who doesn't want to hold their show. I got to thinking I had another January host who I had to push back to February 11th that I could have offered this Saturday to if it had been open.

 

[JAE]

Someone here requires guest lists a month out in order to secure a date. That way you have enough time to give the date away if you don't get the list. I've thought about that, but I'm not quite that busy that I feel the need to do it.

 

[wadesgirl]

Someone here requires guest lists a month out in order to secure a date. That way you have enough time to give the date away if you don't get the list. I've thought about that, but I'm not quite that busy that I feel the need to do it.

I'm going to require it as soon as they book (unless they book months in advance). Most of my bookings are within 1-2 months so it shouldn't be a problem for them to get my the guest list when needed. Plus I work full time on top of PC and my life so I'll take as much time as I need to get their invites done.

 

[crissy11]

definitely mail the invitations.. I use a 2x4 label with the hostess name, show date/time, rsvp number and I put the guest special on there and if they cannot come they can place their order by calling the hostess or going to my website and typing in the hostess name. I put my name and phone number at the bottom with a one liner that says Surprise your host...book a show!
I started mailing the invitations three years ago when I had all 5 shows in the same week to cancel.. I was soo upset and nauseous.. I have been in the business for 9 years and was disgusted with cancellations or reschedules. This is my job and I worried to death that month how I was going to pay the bills. Soo, starting the next month I mailed out all invites.. Had my first 11,000 month in sales. Since then I am very rarely less than $5000 a month with 12 shows a month. I have made TPC in sales the last three years in a row.
I was the same as everyone else in the thinking that I did not want any more expenses but my expenses were flying out the door on hostess packets and phone calls for looney hostess who didn't care.
No more... I average 4 shows a year who have to cancel or reschedule. It has to be really good reason when you have already invited 40 people and don't want to have to call everyone..
Hope this helps...

 

[wadesgirl]

definitely mail the invitations.. I use a 2x4 label with the hostess name, show date/time, rsvp number and I put the guest special on there and if they cannot come they can place their order by calling the hostess or going to my website and typing in the hostess name. I put my name and phone number at the bottom with a one liner that says Surprise your host...book a show!
I started mailing the invitations three years ago when I had all 5 shows in the same week to cancel.. I was soo upset and nauseous.. I have been in the business for 9 years and was disgusted with cancellations or reschedules. This is my job and I worried to death that month how I was going to pay the bills. Soo, starting the next month I mailed out all invites.. Had my first 11,000 month in sales. Since then I am very rarely less than $5000 a month with 12 shows a month. I have made TPC in sales the last three years in a row.
I was the same as everyone else in the thinking that I did not want any more expenses but my expenses were flying out the door on hostess packets and phone calls for looney hostess who didn't care.
No more... I average 4 shows a year who have to cancel or reschedule. It has to be really good reason when you have already invited 40 people and don't want to have to call everyone..
Hope this helps...

Helps alot! Thanks! Do you give them the host packet up front or after you get the guest list?