Considering Being a Consultant - Looking for Honest Advice

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences and considerations of individuals contemplating becoming Pampered Chef consultants while managing full-time jobs and family responsibilities. Participants share their personal stories, challenges, and thoughts on balancing their commitments with the demands of a consulting business.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares that they have been involved with Pampered Chef for two years while working full-time and managing family responsibilities, holding 1-4 shows a month.
  • Another participant mentions that they have a busy life with a full-time job and two active kids, yet they have maintained their consultant status for five years despite personal challenges.
  • Several users express that the flexibility of the business allows them to adjust their show schedule based on personal and family needs.
  • One participant notes that hosting catalog shows can be less demanding, but requires consistent communication with hostesses to ensure success.
  • Another participant highlights that the minimum sales requirements to remain active are manageable, allowing for breaks when necessary.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of consistency in scheduling shows to achieve financial goals.
  • Another participant mentions the potential earnings from doing multiple shows a month while balancing a full-time job and family life.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the ideal number of shows to conduct and the balance between work and family life. Some participants find that a few shows a month work for them, while others suggest that more frequent shows may be necessary for financial goals. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their experiences in the context of managing busy lives, with varying levels of commitment to the Pampered Chef business. The discussions reflect a range of personal circumstances and how they influence the decision to pursue consulting.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals considering becoming Pampered Chef consultants, particularly those balancing full-time jobs and family commitments, may find the shared experiences and insights relevant to their decision-making process.

janetupnorth
janetupnorth
Gold Member
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14,814
Good afternoon - I have owned Pampered Chef items since 1996 and throughout the years have thought off and on about being a consultant.

I am once again thinking about it...I have a friend at church that I'd be signing under who has been a consultant since 1998. She still hasn't made director so I know it would help her reach that goal.

Here's the catch so to speak...
I lead a VERY busy life already. 2 young kids, full-time job in a good field which I would not want to/can't give up, husband works as a missionary at a Christian camp, am a volunteer Firefighter/EMT. I'm interested, but not sure if I can fit it in. I love the products, it'd be fun and a little extra money to pay bills would be nice. However, my friend thinks one show per week would be the minimum I would need to make it work good. I'm torn between the potential benefits of doing it versus the time I'd have to give up those nights with my kids.

Anyone out there that works full-time with a family and does Pampered Chef? What pace do you keep up? What "minimum" do you find works? ...etc....

Open to hear some opinions out there...

Thanks in advance!
 
Hello! Just wanted to give you my story as you consider starting your own PC business. I work FT, have a 8 1/2 month daughter and work my PC business. My husband also works FT and is trying to get his real estate business off the ground; so things are busy around my house.

I've been a consultant for 2 years and up til this point have worked my business PT, holding 1-4shows a month. I'm hoping to step up my business for 2007, as my goal in starting my business was to earn enough to leave the corporate world and stay home with my family. I've found that catalog shows are wonderful, since they require less work on my end. Though, it can be challenging to get the catalog shows to "hold". So, I've found I have to stay in touch with my hostess more with a catalog show. It's important to find the balance that is going to work for you and your hostess. I use email alot.

My overall challenge is taking the time to work my business on a regular basis. It really is easier if I work my business in the same way, week in and week out, this way it becomes apart of the routine. I've also found that keeping a family calendar helps so we are both on the same page.

Working FT with a family and having a PC business is possible, but as with anything it will take work. However, what's great about this business, is you get to decide how much "work" that is. Good luck with your decision, keep us informed. I'd be happy to answer any other questions.

Heather
 
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Thanks for the story - will keep you posted. I am hosting a show on March 30th (probably my 10th over the years - I host about 1 per year) booked off a friend's show and will be making my decision around then. My friend is great about "not bugging" me but being there to answer questions until then.

Looking forward to hearing more stories/opinions - thanks!
 
Janet,I also work full time, in addition to PC. It can be a challenge at times, depending on work and family situations. But the great thing about PC is that the minimum sales to stay active are not overwhelming. So if I need to back off for a month because a project at work is getting near a deadline, I can. You also found this forum, which is a great place to get tips and information. I hope this helps, and that we'll be seeing you around as a consultant, too!
 
The great thing about PC is that you can try it out and stop after your 6 shows. You will have fulfilled your agreement with The Pampered Chef and given the business and honest try. I joined PC just to get the stuff in the kit, and now it is even better for the same commitment. You can use some of your free product value from your show towards your kit to bring the price down, and you will earn any money spent back and more with your commissions. This is a wonderful business and quite risk free compared to other direct sales companies. I wish you good luck and hope to see you here often!
 
I also work full-time in addition to Pampered Chef. Plus my husband works two jobs, and we have 2 very active kids ages 13 and 10. In addition to our jobs, we are very involved in assisting/coaching their sports year round and believe it or not.....I just picked up another part time job because it looked like a fun place to be!!! Am I nuts!?!!?

I have also had 2 major surgeries during my 5 years with pampered chef....I have never gone inactive.

The beauty of the business is that you can do as many or as few shows as you'd like.

My goal for 2007 is to build some consistency in my schedule....I usually do anywhere from 1-3or 4 shows a month.....I would like to consistently do 3-4....and then go from there.

If you want to make money.....then 1 or 2 shows a month may not meet your goal.....personally, I bump my schedule up when I want a little more money or want to earn an incentive. But my main priority is my family's schedule.

Consitency is the key....no matter what your goal.

good luck with your decision

Melinda
 
Oh, I forgot to say I know some people in Rhinelander!! Is it a pretty small town?
 
janetupnorth said:
Good afternoon - I have owned Pampered Chef items since 1996 and throughout the years have thought off and on about being a consultant.

I am once again thinking about it...I have a friend at church that I'd be signing under who has been a consultant since 1998. She still hasn't made director so I know it would help her reach that goal.

Here's the catch so to speak...
I lead a VERY busy life already. 2 young kids, full-time job in a good field which I would not want to/can't give up, husband works as a missionary at a Christian camp, am a volunteer Firefighter/EMT. I'm interested, but not sure if I can fit it in. I love the products, it'd be fun and a little extra money to pay bills would be nice. However, my friend thinks one show per week would be the minimum I would need to make it work good. I'm torn between the potential benefits of doing it versus the time I'd have to give up those nights with my kids.

Anyone out there that works full-time with a family and does Pampered Chef? What pace do you keep up? What "minimum" do you find works? ...etc....

Open to hear some opinions out there...

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...
Hey! Fellow Wisconsinite (well... I lived there MOST of my life and my family is still there)! I can tell you that I have a couple consultants on my team who do 3-5 shows a month and make about $750-$900 each month and all of them work full time and have children - including me. So the potential there.

Read over the posts on this site and at the PC website to get a good idea of what it's about. We are all here to help you.

If you aren't working with someone I would be glad to send you some information.

Good luck!
 
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  • #9
Thanks again for the posts so far - reading them all...

To Gillian - yes, it is a pretty small area. I've only lived here 7 1/2 years, grew up in Racine.

Beth - Hello to you too...thanks for sharing about your consultant. I do have someone I'd be working with, but I appreciate the information offer. I have stayed pretty "well-versed" in Pampered Chef throughout the years although never a consultant...partially how I found this site. So needless to say, I'm not taking the decision lightly or I would have done it years ago.

I don't want to do anything "half-way" even if I choose to do only a few shows a month so why I'm taking ANOTHER 2 months to make the decision. I'm making sure it is the right decision for my family not to get free products, although I did like the looks of the new kit. ;)

Well, off to do some housework/schoolwork with the kids and then I'll be back to read.
 
Janet:

It's what you want out of it that will make it work for you. Try thinking about it now as to who would book shows from you if you decided to take the plunge. I'm sure some would rather do catalog shows than cooking shows and you could book x number of both a month. With all of your connections you could probably make it work while still doing all that you do.

PC often tells us to make up a list of 100 contacts that you can approach. We have cooking shows, catalog shows, bridal shower/wedding shower shows, fundraisers for example and if you get a website after you qualify you can have engaged couples set up a wedding registry on your site and of course you can have "online" web shows.

This site offers so much to all of us who are hear for different reasons.

Think about it more and ask away. Also make up a list of pros and cons and see what you come out with.

We'd love to have you join our online cluster!
 
HAHAHAHA...Honest advise is we love PC and you can do it your own pace with us to support you. You are gona hear all wonderful things here. It is great.
 
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Good point - if I was looking for negatives, I wouldn't be here. ;) I truly do want to get the feel of it from those who also work full-time like me and how they do it and at what pace.
 
I work FT as well as PC. I have an almost 3 year old daughter. My husband works full time as well. Plus, we remodel houses on the side. So we are really busy. But we juggle everything well. Our house thing isn't an every day thing (couple months a year), so that helps. I can't say that I push PC as much as I would like to. I do one or 2 shows a month. The special incentive months, I do push it more. But that is the great things about PC, it's what you make of it. It's your business. I enjoy it, and it give me some "ME" time.
 
Janet:

You've come to the right place for advice and opinions! One of the very first online opportunities you would have as a consultant is the "Setting Goals" course (this is new this month for PC). The course really walks you through how to fit PC in your schedule month by month by having you schedule your family and work commitments first and then filling in the time you want to work your PC business. I'm sure that working full-time you'll need to make some adjustments at first, but you'll find a plan that works for you!

Good luck and keep us posted on your decision!

Mary
 
I also work full time along with doing PC. I also have a 4 year old sone who is extremely energetic but also the light in my life! I would like to do PC full time but can't right now. So it is possible! I have enjoyed every minute!
 
I don't work FT, but I can tell you that last year (my first full year) - I did 4 shows a month. Two "Home" shows and two "catalog" shows. It was great - I brought in average $500 a month and hit most of the consultant promotions. I also hit Level 1 of the incentive program. And my Oct/Nov/Dec sales paid for a great Christmas!! It was good for me & my family (3 young boys). I do plan to step it up this year - my February is packed, but I'm excited!
Joanne
 
I am a Single mom of 4 attending college full time (16 units) working and doing PC.
You decide what your priority is. My kids have always been #1 so I work PC part time around my kids schedule. I work in the pharmacy during school hours for the money but PC for Pleasure. Full time school is Culinary school & my teacher's credential. It is Possible to fit/blend it with whatever you choose. Just let your Friend/Director know what you want out of your business (Friendships/Sanity/Money/Entertainment/?) I'm sure she will support you in whatever you choose. Who knows you starting your own business might inspire others to start theirs as well. Good luck.:)
 
Here is my story. I work full time as an Administrator for an Adult Foster Care Home in Michigan (which is a 24 hour per day 7 days a week job). I also have a part time job as a mystery shopper. Plus do pampered chef. I have a 22 month old and another on the way. I have not been doing much with the pampered chef in the last couple of months but thats what is great with the flexibility of the pampered chef....I love the Pampered Chef and their products. Even if I only do 1-2 shows per month that is extra money in my pocket that I wouldnt have otherwise. Take your time and think about it. This forum is great, they give you so much support and encouragement and they even give you some great ideas.....

Eric
 
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Ok, leaning towards this more and more...meeting probably on Thursday night with my friend to go over more details (I'm pretty well-versed in many after 11 years of being around it but she'll fill in the "other side"). I'll keep everyone posted later on my decision and ask if I have any questions. Thanks for the stories so far.
 
I can't answer your question about working a PC business around a FT job and a family. However, I can tell you that one of the things I love about TPC is that I am the one who defines success. My definition is probably different from everyone else's, but it's mine.
 
I sure hope you sign on Janet. You are quite at home with all of us here! How much longer before the ham and broccoli ring is ready?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the initial costs involved in becoming a Pampered Chef consultant?

The initial costs to become a Pampered Chef consultant typically include a starter kit, which can range from $109 to $159, depending on the current promotions. This kit includes a selection of products and materials to help you get started. Additionally, you may want to budget for marketing materials and any personal expenses related to hosting your first parties.

How much time do I need to commit to be successful as a consultant?

The time commitment can vary widely based on your personal goals. Many consultants recommend dedicating at least 5-10 hours per week to start, which includes hosting parties, following up with customers, and training. As you grow your business, you can adjust your hours based on your success and personal schedule.

What kind of support and training does Pampered Chef offer to new consultants?

Pampered Chef provides extensive support and training for new consultants. This includes access to online training modules, a dedicated consultant community, and resources from your director or upline. You can also participate in regular webinars and conferences to enhance your skills and knowledge about the products and sales techniques.

Is it possible to make a full-time income as a Pampered Chef consultant?

Yes, it is possible to make a full-time income as a Pampered Chef consultant, but it typically requires dedication, consistent effort, and time to build your customer base. Many successful consultants treat their business as a full-time job, while others enjoy it as a part-time endeavor. Your income will depend on your sales, the number of parties you host, and your ability to recruit and build a team.

What are the potential challenges of being a Pampered Chef consultant?

Some potential challenges include finding and maintaining a customer base, managing your time effectively, and dealing with the ups and downs of sales. Additionally, it can be difficult to balance your business with other personal commitments. It's important to have realistic expectations and be prepared to face these challenges as you grow your business.

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