Dealing with Unforeseen Challenges Before a Show

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges faced by a consultant before a show, particularly regarding unexpected competition from another vendor and last-minute changes communicated by the host. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on handling such situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration about being informed last minute about another vendor at the show, feeling it could negatively impact sales.
  • Another participant shares their experience of having a successful show despite competing with another consultant, suggesting that collaboration can lead to good outcomes.
  • Several users mention that unexpected challenges can still result in sales and bookings, encouraging the original poster to proceed with the show.
  • One participant notes that they typically arrive early to set up, while others share differing opinions on the appropriate arrival time before a show.
  • Another participant recounts a past experience where they had a combined show and managed to achieve good sales by tailoring their demo to incorporate both products.
  • Several participants express support for the original poster, wishing them luck and encouraging a positive mindset despite the challenges.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the best approach to handling shows with competing vendors, with some participants advocating for collaboration and others emphasizing the importance of individual presentation. No clear consensus emerges on the ideal arrival time before a show.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences of consultants dealing with unforeseen circumstances at shows, highlighting the varied strategies and outcomes they have encountered.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing similar challenges before shows may find the shared experiences and perspectives helpful in navigating unexpected situations.

chefkristin
chefkristin
Gold Member
Messages
2,903
So I have a show tonight. I talked to my host last night and she went nuts on me. Her show is at 7. I told her I would be there at 6 to set up. Well she preceeds to tell me that 6:30 would be better becasue 6 is just a crazy time for the family. So I will have to be like Speed Gonzalez to set my stuff up.

Ok fine I can deal with that.....Then she tells me (THE NIGHT BEFORE) that there will also be a rep from WildTree Herbs there so she will be set up in another room! HELLO!!!!! We sell spices!!!! I think this will definitely lower my sales even if they weren't out to buy spices to begin with. I am so mad and I don't even want to go tonight. Plus it sounds like she isn't even going to have many people there. One of her guests is the WildTree Herb lady. Should I play sick and cancel???? I AM SO MAD!!!!! :mad: :eek: :mad:
 
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NO...Do Not cancel, whatever you make is more than if you didnt have a show! You never know what might happen, she might get you bookings or maybe she'll give you a nice order as well, but if you cancel....you get NOTHING!;) HTH
 
I met a Wild Tree Herbs rep at a school vendor night...she told me she uses MANY of our products. I think they have some flavored oils that she demos in our spritzer. The prep bowls for tasting and I can't remember what else...Good Luck!!!
 
Kristin- How did it go?
 
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  • #5
SillyChef said:
Kristin- How did it go?
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I don't know it is tonight.LOL!
 
OH! lol. Opps. I should go to bed. :D I think it will turn out just fine. Good luck!
 
I'm sorry Kristin! Good Luck tonight! ;)
 
Go - show them all our wonderful products and they will buy OUR stuff!! She may sell herbs but she doesn't sell STONEWARE!!
You'll do GREAT!
 
Look at your pink star Carolyn! Man, I want one now. We were neck and neck a month ago! Oh well, I won't be on much this weekend so no pink star for another month!:rolleyes:
 
I never arrive an hour early, (& I always have extra time to mingle with the guests) I think setting up in 30 minutes will be good for you. You will work more efficiently because you have to.
I teach my recruits to be considerate of the hosts time. Do you stay to do your dishes there too? That would be a big turn off to me if I were wanting to book to know you arrived that early.
 
Teresa Lynn said:
I never arrive an hour early, (& I always have extra time to mingle with the guests) I think setting up in 30 minutes will be good for you. You will work more efficiently because you have to.
I teach my recruits to be considerate of the hosts time. Do you stay to do your dishes there too? That would be a big turn off to me if I were wanting to book to know you arrived that early.
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I always arrive an hour early, and have been doing so since I started. I would be stressed and out of sorts if I only gave myself 30 minutes to get ready and that would show up in my presentation.

It's not inconsiderate, I'm busy doing my thing and I tell the Host to just keep on doing whatver he/she needs to do. I don't need to be hovered over and when I'm ready, I can assist the Host with any last minute arrangements he/she has to complete.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Teresa Lynn said:
I never arrive an hour early, (& I always have extra time to mingle with the guests) I think setting up in 30 minutes will be good for you. You will work more efficiently because you have to.
I teach my recruits to be considerate of the hosts time. Do you stay to do your dishes there too? That would be a big turn off to me if I were wanting to book to know you arrived that early.
Click to expand...
No, I bring my dishes home for my husband to wash. LOL!
 
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  • #13
I am going, Who knows maybe it will turn out fine.
 
I"m sure it will go fine Kristin! Especially with our stone sale:) Good luck & let us know how it goes!
 
Kristin,

I know it's frustrating to not be told or asked. People sometimes just don't get it! I have done a few combined shows and I know my sales have always been much higher than the other consultant so I wouldn't worry too much. Hopefully her guests know that they are coming to two shows and can plan accordingly. Just be prepared for any bookings and people thinking this is the way you always do shows. That happened with one of my combined parties and everyone there who booked wanted to do a combined show as well. Luckily the other consultant was on the same page as me and we were able to work it out with future hostesses to do separate shows.
 
I also was told last Sept. that I would be sharing the night with a jewelry lady, the show was an hour away. Everyone did not buy from me, nor her & I still wound up with a 600.00 show....:D You'll be fine!;)
 
I have done lots of combined shows. The trick is to make it about the host and don't let the other consultant over shadow you. Work it out ahead how the demos will go. For example, I did one with tasefully simple and she made her recipes ahead of time with PC products and then I incorporated one of her mixes in my demo recipe. We both had great sales and bookings.
 
Yes, go!!! I like Wildtree Herbs, but from my experience with hosting their shows, they don't get a lot of sales anyway. I had 11 people at my WH show and barely got $200 in sales!!
 
It sucks that she didn't tell you in advance so you can work out your demo. Like Beth, I've done joint shows with TS that have gone really well because we both tailored our demos--I made Bananas Foster Stir Fry over TS Almond Pound Cake and she used some of my SA things to pass around her things to taste.

Just go and have fun! PC is much more well known, anyway, so I'm sure there are plenty of ladies who can't wait to see what you bring!
 
Kristin,

Go make the best of it and you will succeed! Yes, it would have been nice to know ahead of time about competing with sales but our products should over shadow theirs. I've worked with a TS rep and we were able to do it and I got a $1000 show and she had about $400 in sales. But we knew each other and agreed together to do this for the host when the host booked her show.

I think it should be a courtesy of the host to find out how you feel about sharing the spotlight with someone else.

Do you have a clue of when this other rep will be arriving or phone number so you can work out who goes first,etc?
 
Well, you are probably getting ready to go out the door but... make sure you make friends w/ the Herb Lady... who knows~ maybe you could exchange shows or recruit her!! and there is always a bright side~ like the host not having the nerve to let her be in the same room as you! :0
 
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  • #22
Thanks all for your positive comments. I am leaving in about 15 minutes. I am just going to go. Nothing to loose. I will let you all know how it turns out!
I am doing a Home Show on Sunday so hopefully that will generate more bookings too!
 
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  • #23
Well I just got back from my show and it ended at $330.00 which isn't great but its not bad. I did a quickie demo too. The husbands were all there too. Very strange party.
 
Well, $330 gets you 660 points...not too bad! How did the other consultant do with sales..any idea?? How strange was it? I'm curious..
 
I always arrive 30 minutes ahead of show time and I'm ALWAYS rushing and panicked and late to start the show. I'm really not willing to change it to an hour ahead, but I think you're ok to do it if the time works for you.
 
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  • #26
pcchris said:
Well, $330 gets you 660 points...not too bad! How did the other consultant do with sales..any idea?? How strange was it? I'm curious..
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It would have been really hard to do a regular demo because some of the people were in with the Wildtree lady and everyone was talking. So I just told them a little about why I started went over a few of my favorite products, told them about the business and offered to answer any questions and called it a show. I didn't get into a lot of stuff that I normally would have. They were a talkative group.
 
That stinks that you both had to compete at the same time with the crowd. It would have been so much better if you each had a turn.
 
Well, I don't think it would bother me to share a show, but I would like to have more than one day to plan! It's almost like she was afraid to tell you so she just waited until last min. and just mentioned it. I am glad you did good. I don't know if I would personally feel comfortable having two shows at one b/c I'd feel like I was pressuring my family/friends to buy a lot. I try to space out my home shows for that reason too.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a key product is missing before my Pampered Chef show?

If a key product is missing, first check with your inventory to see if you have a backup or alternative product that can be showcased. If not, contact your Pampered Chef consultant support for guidance on how to handle the situation. You can also inform your guests about the missing item and offer to demonstrate it virtually or provide a special order option after the show.

How can I handle last-minute cancellations from guests?

Last-minute cancellations can be frustrating, but it's important to stay positive. Reach out to the guests who canceled to express your understanding and let them know they will be missed. Consider inviting someone else to fill the spot or adjusting your show format to accommodate a smaller group. Additionally, you can offer a virtual option for those who still want to participate remotely.

What if I experience technical difficulties during a virtual show?

Technical difficulties can happen, so it's best to be prepared. Have a backup plan, such as a second device ready to go or a phone number to call in for audio. If issues arise, communicate with your guests to keep them informed and try to resolve the problem quickly. If the show cannot continue, offer to reschedule or provide a recorded version of the presentation afterward.

How do I manage unexpected low attendance at my show?

If attendance is lower than expected, focus on creating a more intimate experience for those who are present. Engage them with personalized attention and encourage interaction. Use this opportunity to showcase products in more detail and answer questions. You can also follow up with those who couldn't attend to share highlights and offer them a chance to place orders.

What steps can I take if I feel unprepared the day before my show?

If you're feeling unprepared, take a deep breath and make a checklist of what you need to do. Prioritize the most critical tasks, such as gathering products, preparing your presentation, and setting up your space. Consider reaching out to a fellow consultant for support or advice. Remember, it's okay to keep things simple and focus on connecting with your guests rather than perfection.

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