Dealing with Disappointing RSVPs: The Reality of Party Planning

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges and emotional impact of disappointing RSVPs in party planning, particularly within the context of Pampered Chef events. Participants share personal experiences of low attendance despite prior confirmations and express feelings of frustration and hurt.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses disappointment after only two attendees showed up to a party despite eight confirmations, highlighting feelings of hurt, especially when family members were involved.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience, noting that it is upsetting when no-shows are related to the host.
  • Several users mention that some people may avoid saying "no" to avoid hurting feelings, leading to last-minute cancellations.
  • One participant recounts a coworker who frequently commits to attending events but often cancels, leading to frustration and feelings of rudeness.
  • Another participant suggests that people may simply forget or get busy, and offers a strategy for hosts to follow up with no-shows to collect orders.
  • One participant shares a venting experience about a poorly attended fundraiser, emphasizing the emotional toll of such situations.
  • Another participant notes that they have learned to expect some no-shows to mitigate disappointment and focus on sales rather than attendance numbers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle no-shows, with some participants advocating for follow-up calls while others emphasize the importance of not taking it personally. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to managing expectations.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences from various types of events, including personal gatherings and professional fundraisers, reflecting a range of emotional responses to attendance issues.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who experience similar frustrations with RSVPs and attendance at their events may find the shared experiences and coping strategies relevant.

C
ChefDaynaDos
Messages
29
I'm pretty upset because I had a party today and only had 2 people show up. There were at least 8 people that had confirmed they were coming. The host even spoke to them yesterday and reminded them and they said they were coming. 3 of the people that said they were coming are part of my family, so it really hurt my feelings when they didn't show up and didn't even bother to tell me they weren't coming. The 2 people that did show up drove over 30 minutes to come to the party. Does anyone else have this problem? I just think it is so rude for people to say they are coming and then NOT show up. :(
 
Hon, I'm so sorry! It IS upsetting when our show's go that route, especially if we are related to the no-shows. Keep your chin up and try not to take it too personally.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Crystal Patton said:
Hon, I'm so sorry! It IS upsetting when our show's go that route, especially if we are related to the no-shows. Keep your chin up and try not to take it too personally.
Click to expand...

Thank you! I'm trying not to, I just wish people would at least tell me they aren't coming, that's all. :/
 
It's such a stinky thing when people do that. Hang in there. :)
 
I hear you. It's like they think if they say 'No, we can't come.' you are going to fall down in tears and beg them. So they say yes or maybe and then don't show. It's the whole 'it's easier to get forgiveness, than it is to get permission' thing.
 
This is the part of our business that sucks!!
 
I have a coworker (at my other job) who I invite to lots of events, some PC, some not and she often says "Oh, yeah, I'm coming and then the day before she tells me she is not." When I joked to another coworker recently that I was not going to attend 1st coworkers MK party, because she always bails on me, my second coworker said that it was rude! So I ended up being the rude one!!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
pamperedcheflori said:
I have a coworker (at my other job) who I invite to lots of events, some PC, some not and she often says "Oh, yeah, I'm coming and then the day before she tells me she is not." When I joked to another coworker recently that I was not going to attend 1st coworkers MK party, because she always bails on me, my second coworker said that it was rude! So I ended up being the rude one!!!!
Click to expand...

I had a friend that was the same way! I'd always invite her to places and events and she would say she was coming and then would bail, so I stopped inviting her all together and then one day she asked why I never invited her anywhere! :rolleyes:
 
Sometimes people do get busy and forget. What I tell my hosts when people who said they would be there aren't, is to call them first to ask what they want to order. I usually suggest that she say, "I know you were planning to come, and we missed you. What did you want to order, so that I can be sure you get it."
 
Ditto on what Ann said - take the high road, and call them as a follow-up. Just like MAC calls, do 'pre-customer service' calls to those who had intended to come.
 
Okay..gotta vent! Did a Relay Fundraiser tonight. Host told me to be ready for 50-75 people (over 200 invited)........are you ready for this 5 people showed up! Not even a $300 show! So she said she will try and get some outside orders....(over the last few weeks she has been telling me about all the outside orders she has)...well she had NOTHING! UGH!
Thank you for letting me vent...I feel a little better.
 
yep, this is the not so fun part of the biz. i traveled over an hour in a downpour....for 3 guests. i make it a point to coach the host to follow up with the no-shows and collect their orders.

the next night there were 25 people at a show to which 15 were invited....so i made up for it.

main thing is to not take it personally, even if the no shows were relatives. be annoyed with their lack of manners, but don't see it as a reflection on you
 
I always assume that a couple people who said they would come do not. That is true for any kind of party. Then I am not disappointed. It's all about attitude. Actually, I had two shows where only two people showed up and they spend as much money as my show of 10 people spent ($500) so I didn't care. It's not the number of people, it's the number of sales. I also try to get side orders myself to add to peoples shows. It helps me and them! Good luck and keep smiling!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if guests RSVP but don’t show up?

It's important to remember that no-shows are a common occurrence in party planning. To mitigate disappointment, consider following up with a friendly reminder a day or two before the event. You can also create a fun atmosphere that encourages attendance, such as offering incentives or highlighting special activities planned for the party.

How can I handle last-minute cancellations?

Last-minute cancellations can be frustrating, but it's best to remain understanding. People have busy lives, and unexpected events can arise. You can ask if they would like to reschedule for a future party or offer to send them a catalog or samples so they don’t miss out on the products.

What strategies can I use to encourage more RSVPs?

To boost RSVPs, create excitement around your event by sharing sneak peeks of what will be featured, such as new products or exclusive deals. Utilize social media, personal invitations, and follow-ups to remind guests about the event. Offering a small incentive, like a raffle or a special gift for attendees, can also encourage more people to commit.

How do I manage my expectations for attendance?

Managing expectations is key to enjoying the party planning process. Set realistic goals based on past experiences and the size of your network. Focus on the quality of interactions rather than the quantity of attendees. Remember that even a small gathering can lead to meaningful connections and sales opportunities.

What can I learn from disappointing RSVPs for future events?

Disappointing RSVPs can provide valuable insights for future planning. Take note of patterns, such as which dates or times yield better attendance. Solicit feedback from your guests about what would encourage them to attend. Use this information to refine your approach and create events that resonate more with your audience.

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