Dealing with January Cancellations - Tips and Personal Experiences

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences related to cancellations of shows in January among Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their personal experiences, frustrations, and strategies for dealing with these cancellations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, reports having four cancellations in January, including two on the day of the show, expressing frustration and uncertainty about the reasons.
  • Another participant shares that they were advised to double book in January due to expected cancellations and mentions hosting a catalog show at a dentist's office as a creative solution.
  • One participant recounts a past experience where a hostess had to cancel due to a family emergency but was able to turn the show into a catalog show, highlighting that cancellations can lead to alternative solutions.
  • Several users mention having multiple cancellations and express feelings of frustration, with one noting the difficulty in getting commitments from friends who have previously expressed interest in hosting shows.
  • Another participant reflects on a successful show that almost didn't happen due to a cancellation, suggesting that unexpected outcomes can occur even from cancellations.
  • One participant mentions having only one cancellation due to flooding but feels reassured as the hostess rescheduled for February.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the frequency and impact of cancellations, with some participants experiencing multiple cancellations while others report fewer issues. No clear consensus emerges regarding the reasons behind the cancellations.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences primarily from January, a month noted for higher cancellation rates, and discuss various personal strategies to manage or mitigate the effects of these cancellations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for shared experiences and insights on handling cancellations during January may find this discussion relevant.

C
ChefSandyK
Messages
240
Is anyone else having a lot of them? I've just had my fourth one this month (and my second to cancel on the DAY of the show! :eek: ) It's not due to weather...in the Pacific Northwest all we have is rain. I've host coached, so I don't think that's the problem. Both shows that canceled on the day of the show were VERY enthusiastic - one even called me to schedule the show initially...the other called me from the grocery store the morning of to make sure she had the right ingredients! Anyway, now I'm down to just two more shows this month...and it's going to look like I made up those other four to get the free towel. :( I'm doing a home-based business open house tomorrow, so I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for some February bookings.


Anyway, these are the first real cancellations I've had...was just wondering if this is happening to others, as well. (Is that why the promo this month is so good - because this happens a lot?)

Have a great day,
Sandy
 
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Many Cancellations!I was told that you need to double book January because many people do cancel. I had 4 cancel too. So I decided to get creative- I am having a catalog show at my dentist's office. I made it a mystery host show. So anyone who orders has a chance of getting the host benefits :-) It is frustrating! I called a host who scheduled a show for Feb. I called her to get her address to mail her the packet of info. She told me she just started selling Southern Living at Home and she understands how bad it is when someone cancels, but she needs to. I wasn't too happy! Oh well. Good luck.
Smile,
Michelle
 
Cancellations in generalI always seem to have many cancellations too and it's usually things beyond my control...

One time a hostess (a high school friend) had to leave the state for her best friend who was rushed to ER for sudden constant vomiting. This was around the holidays. She was also having family problems. So anyway, we turned her kitchen show into a catalog show, which was better than nothing!

I've had others who cancelled and said they would reschedule and it's been almost a year and I can't get commitment from them! So frustrating...these are also friends, so I don't want to pester them! But they keep mentioning they want to do a show...I think there are at least 6 of them...

I had one hostess who cancelled her show and 9 months later, had a $869 Kitchen show with only 6 guests attending. (She got A LOT of outside orders). Now she wants to do one or two shows a year, because she was THRILLED with all her free and discounted products!

WHen I first started PC, my mom booked a show and TRIED to cancel it because she said only 2 people were coming. WELL, since it was one of my first couple shows, I told her I'd still do it, for practice, if nothing else. TURNS OUT 6 people showed up and each person ordered at least $50 to get the guest special! Then she had 2 outside orders, so it turned into a $500 show. I was so excited! And to think she wanted to cancel it!!

So there is hope...
 
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Whew!I was beginning to think that I was the only one! I have had 4 shows cancel this month too (no earning the new 6 muffin stoneware!). One should be a definite and one I haven't heard from the host so I'm going to guess that it's been cancelled. I'm very frustrated as I can't imagine why people wouldn't be pounding down my door to schedule a show! 1 1/2 times the free stuff! I just wish I had planned ahead and scheduled a show for myself.
 
I also have had cancellations this month. I had a $400 show last night. I too wanted the muffin stone pan but don't think it's gonna happen. I might have a show for the 28th she will let me know next week. She seems really excited about it . We have talked 3 times so maybe she won't cancel on me.
 
I have had a couple of cancellations so far this month too. They have all turned into catalog shows, so hopefully I will still get something out it them. YOu just have to try not to take them too personally.
 
I have been lucky, I only had one cancelation and it was due to flooding on New years eve. I thought my house was going to flood the river was 3 feet away from my back gate and normally during the winter it's about 20 feet away. However she rescheduled for feb. which is double points month, so I am not too stressed. :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common reasons for cancellations in January for direct sales like Pampered Chef?

Common reasons for cancellations in January include post-holiday financial strain, customers returning to their regular routines after the holiday season, and the desire to cut back on spending after holiday shopping. Additionally, some customers may have received similar products as gifts and no longer feel the need to purchase them.

How can I effectively communicate with customers who want to cancel their orders?

When communicating with customers who wish to cancel, it's important to be empathetic and understanding. Acknowledge their reasons for cancellation and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Offering alternatives, such as a delayed shipment or a different product, can sometimes keep the sale alive. Always maintain a positive tone and express gratitude for their initial interest.

What strategies can I implement to reduce cancellations during January?

To reduce cancellations, consider reaching out to customers post-holiday with special promotions or discounts to encourage them to keep their orders. Additionally, you can create engaging content that highlights the benefits of the products they ordered, reminding them of the value they will receive. Building a strong relationship through follow-ups can also help reassure customers about their purchases.

How can personal experiences help in dealing with cancellations?

Sharing personal experiences can help build trust and rapport with customers. By discussing how you’ve handled cancellations in the past and the positive outcomes that followed, you can provide reassurance. Personal stories can also humanize your business, making customers feel more connected and less likely to cancel if they see you as a relatable person rather than just a salesperson.

What should I do if a customer insists on canceling their order?

If a customer insists on canceling, it’s important to respect their decision while also trying to leave a positive impression. Thank them for their interest and let them know you’re available for any future needs. You can also ask for feedback on why they chose to cancel, as this information can be valuable for improving your sales approach in the future.

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