Dealing with a Kit-Napping Recruit: How to Handle the Situation

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences and challenges faced by Pampered Chef consultants regarding recruits who do not actively engage in their business after receiving their starter kits, often referred to as "kit-nappers." Participants share personal stories and feelings of frustration, as well as various approaches to handling these situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern over their first recruit who has not completed the required shows and is considering reaching out to motivate her.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience with a friend who became inactive after receiving extra products as a thank you, leading to a strain in their friendship.
  • One consultant recounts how their recruit planned to delay starting her business but then became unresponsive, leading to disappointment.
  • Several participants note that it is common for recruits to not fulfill their obligations, suggesting a need to accept this reality and focus on those who are willing to engage.
  • One participant shares a positive experience where a kit-napper hosted a show that resulted in bookings, highlighting an unexpected benefit from the situation.
  • Another participant mentions a strategy learned at a conference where starter kits are sent to the recruiter to ensure personal engagement with new consultants.
  • One consultant discusses their proactive approach of preparing show packets and training recruits before their kits arrive to encourage early engagement.
  • Several users express a sense of resignation, acknowledging that not all recruits will succeed and emphasizing the importance of moving on to other prospects.
  • One participant raises the issue of potential recruits who have not yet signed up despite using show credits, indicating ongoing challenges in recruitment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle kit-nappers, with some participants advocating for a supportive approach while others suggest a more detached attitude. No clear consensus emerges on the best method to deal with inactive recruits.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and experiences related to recruiting and managing new consultants, reflecting a range of emotions from frustration to acceptance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are navigating the challenges of recruiting and managing new team members may find these shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own situations.

J
jennytodd
Messages
28
Hi-i'm afraid my 1st recruit is geting slack and just stop doing her shows...thus, taking the kit and running! She has only done 1 and doesn't seem concerned that she needs to have her other 3 asap. How do i approach this situation? i feel like i need to give her a call, maybe to boost her up at least...
 
I had one too!That is so frustrating! My first recruit is a kit napper too. Not only that I gave her an extra Stoneware Bar Pan because I had 2 of them to thank her for starting her business with me. She decided it isn't what she wanted to do. It was a good friend of mine too and sad to say I think it has affected the friendship. I explained to her that she needs to fulfill her end of the bargain and do at least her 4 shows. She told me she would. NOT! She is now inactive. I have gotten another recruit since then and she is gung ho about her business!!!! But yes, I feel your pain and it is extremely annoying.:mad:
Try calling her and asking if there is anything you can do to help her get going. Offer a little incentive maybe. It is tough! Good luck.
 
I started with PC last September. I signed my first recruit November 30. She said that she wants her super starter month to be January because she is going home for most of December and wanted to wait until she came home in early January. Well she came home, called me and ask a few questions. Never heard from her again. no shows, no nothing.

my director told me that she was a kit napper:mad: :mad: :mad:
 
Ladies, it happens. Bless and release these consultants. Selling is not easy for a lot of people. It will make you stressed if you try to push someone that just can't or isn't willing to learn. I have recruited quite a lot of people and I am amazed how many do not fulfill their obligation. Don't sell a kit. Sell a career. Giving them guilt to qualify might make you feel better but in the long run you will realise that they might have really tried. Then you might feel bad that you wasted so much energy on them.

Once I had a kit-napper host a show for me to replace the business that I lost by giving her the bookings when she signed. Since she already had some products before she signed on she gave away her duplicate products from the kit and I got 3 bookings. Now that was empowering! She was really high maintainance so it felt good watching her give away stuff she stole from the company. I had no idea she was going to do it, so it was a happy, happy day!

So the moral of the story is ask for your business back. There was a tip at conference: If a consultant is going inactive ask them to find a replacement before they leave so their customers have a consultant. You never know, you might get your next TPC consultant!
 
In the "Super Start your New Consultants" (or whatever that exact title was) that I took at conference with Tom Marston as the speaker, I learned that he has all the Starter Kits sent to HIM when he recruits a new consultant. Of course this would just be for local consultants, not ones that are a long distance from him. And he gives them their kit when they come to their first cluster meeting!! If I had a big kit napper problem (which I don't luckily...I've just had two in over three years), I would consider doing this. It's just a thought! It also would be fun to have a one-on-one meeting with the consultant to see his/her excitement when going through the kit together.

Tom Marston also puts the host packets together for each of his new consultants first six shows. Holy cow! I'd need an assistant if I were to try that. I can barely put my own host packets together and that's with about 6-8 shows a month!
 
I too put the first 4 show packets together and I try to train them before the kit arrives---that way while they are waiting they can use the welcome book to make calls and they already have the packets to give the hosts--

My team is growing so I may have to have regular meetings every month:D
I also go to their house to train them one on one--I also offer if they do an open hosue to let them use my products (which are always the NEW ones they don't yet have!!
 
Chefgirl2 said:
Ladies, it happens. Bless and release these consultants. Selling is not easy for a lot of people. It will make you stressed if you try to push someone that just can't or isn't willing to learn.
Click to expand...

I am learning this lesson this month. Bless and release. Some will, some won't, who's next?
 
Yeah i had 2 ! My first was a friend never did a show NOTHING ! She has since gone on to party lite did the same and is now selling somekind of underwear or something ! My second was another friend , she at least did 2 shows but didnt sell enough to qualify.
Someday i will get someone who has the fire you need to succeed !
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
thanks for all the thoughts and advice! After one last shot at helping her, I will try and put my efforts towards more important leads! :-)
 
The only thought I can think of is to ask her why she's quitting just so you can know. Huge bummer with the kit nappers!
I have a stranger problem, though...I have 2 hosts that used their credit from the show, but have yet to sign up! UGH...NOW is the time!!! I'll have to get on the horn with em...
 
They have only 6 months to use that kit credit, Kim, so get them signed!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a kit-napping recruit in the context of direct sales?

A kit-napping recruit refers to a person who joins a direct sales company, such as Pampered Chef, primarily to obtain the starter kit at a discounted price, without any intention of actively selling products or building a business. This can be frustrating for team leaders and other consultants who invest time and resources into training and supporting these recruits.

How can I identify if someone is a potential kit-napper?

Signs that a recruit may be a kit-napper include a lack of interest in the business aspect of direct sales, minimal engagement during training sessions, and no follow-up or participation in sales activities after joining. If a recruit expresses more interest in the products than in selling or recruiting, they may be a kit-napper.

What steps can I take to prevent kit-napping in my team?

To prevent kit-napping, it's essential to set clear expectations during the recruitment process. Emphasize the importance of selling and building a business during onboarding. Additionally, consider implementing a screening process to identify recruits who are genuinely interested in the business opportunity versus those who are only interested in the kit.

How should I approach a recruit who I suspect is kit-napping?

If you suspect a recruit is kit-napping, approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Schedule a one-on-one conversation to discuss their goals and motivations. Ask open-ended questions to gauge their interest in the business and offer support and resources to help them succeed. This can help re-engage them and clarify their intentions.

What should I do if a kit-napping recruit does not respond to my outreach?

If a kit-napping recruit is unresponsive, it may be best to give them space while remaining available for support. Send a friendly follow-up message expressing your willingness to help and encouraging them to reach out if they have questions or need assistance. If they continue to be unresponsive, focus your energy on recruits who are actively engaged and interested in building their business.

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