Did They Change Something That Sold Well?:Grumpy: I've Had Several

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores participants' experiences and opinions regarding changes to Pampered Chef knives and shears, particularly the transition from self-sharpening knives to honing tools. Participants express varying sentiments about the new products and their features, as well as customer reactions to these changes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions losing a sale due to customer confusion about the new honing tools compared to the old self-sharpening knives.
  • Another participant shares their experience explaining that honing maintains the knife's edge without removing metal, which some customers do not understand.
  • Several users mention that customers perceive the new knives as looking "cheaper" compared to the sturdier old models.
  • One participant notes that they prefer the old shears, while another states they now favor the new ones, indicating a shift in personal preference.
  • Another participant expresses dissatisfaction with the new shears' performance, particularly in cutting through plastic bags.
  • One participant recounts a customer's experience where the old sharpener deformed the blades, emphasizing the benefits of honing for blade longevity.
  • Some participants express a desire for a combination of the old sturdier knives with the new honing cases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants regarding the quality and effectiveness of the new knives and shears compared to the old versions. There is no clear consensus on which product is preferred.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and customer feedback, reflecting a range of opinions on product changes without implying any official stance from Pampered Chef.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants seeking insights into customer perceptions and experiences related to the company's knife and shear products.

heat123
Silver Member
Messages
6,922
Did they change something that sold well?:grumpy: I've had several customers ask about the old self sharpening knives. Why change them to "honing tools"instead? I just lost a whole sale of the set because I was honest and told them it was not a sharpener anymore!:(
 
Re: Why!?!Sharpening a knife frequently isn't necessary. Most people don't know what honing is, so they assume the knife won't be sharp when they use it. Here's what I say, "Honing is better for a knife. Every time you use it the blade loses its straight edge. A honer makes the knife work better by straightening the edge. It will seem sharper without losing any of its metal."
 
Re: Why!?!Rae is correct. Plus tell them to try it out and they have 30 days to return it with free shipping. Also talk about the safety with the lock, the old ones didn't have a lock on them
 
Re: Why!?!
wadesgirl said:
Rae is correct. Plus tell them to try it out and they have 30 days to return it with free shipping. Also talk about the safety with the lock, the old ones didn't have a lock on them

Those are words I love to hear. :p
 
Re: Why!?!
raebates said:
Those are words I love to hear. :p

I figured that after I typed it!
 
Re: Why!?!I also say that honing is like having a chiropractor for your knife....helps it work better.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Re: Why!?!I tried explaining that it helps maintain and keep the blade aligned but they wanted the sharpener! :(
 
Re: Why!?!You're not alone, my customers tell me these look "cheaper" that the other knives were sturdier." People also seem to love our old scissors too, quite a few customers that got the new ones because of the look say they use their old ones because they are sharper!
 
Re: Why!?!
Addie4TLC said:
You're not alone, my customers tell me these look "cheaper" that the other knives were sturdier." People also seem to love our old scissors too, quite a few customers that got the new ones because of the look say they use their old ones because they are sharper!

I prefer the old shears to the new ones.
 
Re: Why!?!
wadesgirl said:
I prefer the old shears to the new ones.

So did I at first. Now I prefer the new ones - I have both in my kitchen and both are used daily but I grab the black ones first. DH still looks for the white ones but then he's about what he already knows about.
 
Re: Why!?!I think everyone likes the old shears better than the new ones.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Re: Why!?!The ONLY feature I like about the new shears if the herbing device.
 
Re: Why!?!love the old shears....but I carry the new ones in my kit
 
Re: Why!?!I didn't care for the old knives, so I haven't even opened my new ones for fear they'd be quickly and embarrasingly dulled like the others. Now the forged cutlery, on the other hand... :)
 
Re: Why!?!One of my customers has the old knives and the sharpener actually deformed her blades. This is because it is a sharpener and putting a new edge on each time you use it. A honer is the better way to go to maintain the longeviety of the blade. It just fine tunes the edge. This is why we went to a honer for our forged cutlery instead of a sharpener. Personally, I really like the new ones. I think they look nicer and seem less cheap than the old ones. I hate the new kitchen shears. I have hard time cutting through plastic bags, like cereal bags).
 
Re: Why!?!
cookingwithlove said:
One of my customers has the old knives and the sharpener actually deformed her blades. This is because it is a sharpener and putting a new edge on each time you use it. A honer is the better way to go to maintain the longeviety of the blade. It just fine tunes the edge. This is why we went to a honer for our forged cutlery instead of a sharpener. Personally, I really like the new ones. I think they look nicer and seem less cheap than the old ones. I hate the new kitchen shears. I have hard time cutting through plastic bags, like cereal bags).

You're right the honing case looks nicer, but the knives themselves look cheap. Can we have the old sturdier knives with the new honing cases? :)

The new sheers will not cut through my chicken as well as the old ones and I used to love to say at my shows that they could do that and cut out all the fat as well.
 
Re: Why!?!The "sharpening case" was actually a honing case. Honing realigns the blade. Sharpening takes metal off the blade. They shouldn't have seen metal shavings coming out of their old case. Personally, I like the new ones better because they lock in and they are easier to pull out when unlocked. I don't worry about slipping and cutting myself.
 
Re: Why!?!
Nanisu said:
I think everyone likes the old shears better than the new ones.


Umm, No I don't! I love the new shears.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Pampered Chef change a product that was selling well?

Yes, Pampered Chef occasionally updates or reformulates products based on customer feedback, market trends, or to improve functionality. This can sometimes lead to changes in popular items.

Why do companies change products that are already successful?

Companies like Pampered Chef may change successful products to enhance quality, incorporate new technology, address safety concerns, or respond to customer preferences. Continuous improvement is key in maintaining customer satisfaction and market relevance.

How can I find out if a product has been changed?

You can check the Pampered Chef website for product updates, read customer reviews, or reach out to your consultant for the latest information. They often provide insights into any changes made to popular items.

What should I do if I prefer the old version of a product?

If you prefer the previous version of a product, consider reaching out to Pampered Chef customer service to express your feedback. They value customer opinions and may take them into account for future product decisions.

Are there any alternatives if my favorite product has changed?

If your favorite Pampered Chef product has changed and you’re not satisfied with the new version, you can explore similar products within their range or look for other brands that offer comparable items. Your consultant can also help you find suitable alternatives.

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