Discontinued Item Question/No Spoilers

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around how Pampered Chef consultants communicate with customers regarding discontinued items and their pricing. Participants share their personal experiences and strategies for addressing customer inquiries about why discontinued items are not discounted or on sale.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, explains that discontinued items are not discounted because Pampered Chef offers significant host benefits, and discontinued does not imply lower demand.
  • Another participant shares their experience of clarifying to customers that discontinued items are available only while supplies last, using a "last call" analogy to help them understand.
  • Several users mention that customers often expect discontinued items to be on sale and express frustration when they are not, leading to various strategies for addressing these concerns.
  • One participant notes that they inform customers that if they want a discontinued item, they should purchase it now, as it will not be available at a discount later.
  • Another participant discusses the guarantee on discontinued items, explaining that replacements will be provided as long as stock is available, and shares thoughts on the differences between old and new knife models.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle customer expectations regarding discontinued items, with no clear consensus on a single approach. Some participants appreciate the "last call" analogy, while others have different methods for explaining the situation.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and strategies in the context of customer interactions during parties and consultations, reflecting the challenges of managing customer expectations regarding discontinued products.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on handling customer inquiries about discontinued items may find the shared experiences and strategies helpful.

Geekgirl69
Gold Member
Messages
489
What do you say to a customer when they ask why the discontinued items are not "on sale"?
 
Because Pampered Chef has the best host benefits around where they discount items for 10% for past hosts and provide TONS of free and 1/2 price selections, they do not discount discontinued items. Discontinued to Pampered Chef doesn't mean there is less of a demand, it just means a change for them. Often discontinued items sell out at full price.If for some reason, it wasn't a high demand item, you will be able to find it on the outlet on my website Welcome to In the Kitchen with in the future - just watch for the changes at the beginning of each month! However, if it is an item you really want, I would suggest getting it now or hosting a show soon and earning it for free.
 
Ugh...I know...customers think that we just said...close out bargain special instead of discontinued.

I just clarify and tell them that the item is not on sale, it is just being discontinued from out line and is only available while supplies last. (Sort of like last call at the bar. Last call does not mean all drinks are half price!)

It is just a thing they will continue to ask. If I am doing a party and someone starts whining that the item is not on sale...I tell them I will give them 10% off any discontined item. What I do is the following:

Say the item is $10.00 and 10% off of $10.00 is $1.00. I calculate the the order as if I was not discounting a thing. Then at the very end, I minus $1.00 That way, they still being taxed on the full price of the item.

It seems to work and I do not offer it until someone brings it up. And...it is ONLY for those guests who are at the actual party.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
janetupnorth said:
Because Pampered Chef has the best host benefits around where they discount items for 10% for past hosts and provide TONS of free and 1/2 price selections, they do not discount discontinued items. Discontinued to Pampered Chef doesn't mean there is less of a demand, it just means a change for them. Often discontinued items sell out at full price.

If for some reason, it wasn't a high demand item, you will be able to find it on the outlet on my website Welcome to In the Kitchen with in the future - just watch for the changes at the beginning of each month!

However, if it is an item you really want, I would suggest getting it now or hosting a show soon and earning it for free.

That is a great answer.

Thank you both!
 
baychef said:
Ugh...I know...customers think that we just said...close out bargain special instead of discontinued.

I just clarify and tell them that the item is not on sale, it is just being discontinued from out line and is only available while supplies last. (Sort of like last call at the bar. Last call does not mean all drinks are half price!)
It is just a thing they will continue to ask. If I am doing a party and someone starts whining that the item is not on sale...I tell them I will give them 10% off any discontined item. What I do is the following:

Say the item is $10.00 and 10% off of $10.00 is $1.00. I calculate the the order as if I was not discounting a thing. Then at the very end, I minus $1.00 That way, they still being taxed on the full price of the item.

It seems to work and I do not offer it until someone brings it up. And...it is ONLY for those guests who are at the actual party.

I love this analogy... people understand what "last call" means... nice job!
 
I like the "last call" analogy too. I have had people in past years practically throw a tantrum that they can't get discontinued items at a discount. I tell them it is not my call to make, but if they want it bad enough, to buy it now. (not exactly like that of course). But still, it is being discontinued, not put on clearance. I will have to use the "last call". I really like that.
Good job, Ann E!!
 
Great info...thanks!
Gotta gp pick up my lord & master....:rolleyes::rolleyes::cool:
 
I simply explain that because all of these products are under a guarantee, the company must keep enough in stock after the discontinued status just in case something happens to one you purchase, they will have a replacement to send you.

Also, unless there is an insane amount of said products in the warehouse, you generally do not see recently discontinued items on our websites until closer to the guarantee lapse time.

But now I am thinking that Last Call line is pretty darn clever!
 
I do hope someone can help..
Some of the ladies I work with were glad to know the knives w/sharpening stone is being retired, but what happens to the gaurentee on those knives they already have?

Does the lifetime expire or are they able to get replaced with the new knives w/honing case instead?
 
If something happens to their knives they will be replaced with the same product as long as the warehouse has them in stock. When they are all gone they will replace them with the new knives with the honing cases. I am thinking that these are the same knives, just with new cases. Am I correct on this? Anyone know for sure?
 
Shawnna said:
If something happens to their knives they will be replaced with the same product as long as the warehouse has them in stock. When they are all gone they will replace them with the new knives with the honing cases. I am thinking that these are the same knives, just with new cases. Am I correct on this? Anyone know for sure?

They are different. The blade is the same Japanese Steel but the shape is very slightly different and the handle is changed to be more ergonomic.
 
I try to explain that, discontinued is just that... no longer available. I do like the last call idea too. I also tell them that if they like to gamble, they can wait and see if it ever shows up on the outlet at a discount but remind them that there's no guarantees.
 
thanks for your response now I can tell them.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to discontinued items from Pampered Chef?

When an item is discontinued, it is no longer available for purchase through Pampered Chef. However, you may still find these items through independent sellers or on resale platforms.

Can I still get replacement parts for discontinued Pampered Chef items?

Replacement parts for discontinued items may be limited. It's best to contact Pampered Chef customer service to inquire about specific parts or alternatives that may be available.

How can I find out if an item is discontinued?

You can check the Pampered Chef website or contact your consultant for the most current product availability. Discontinued items are often marked as such on the website.

Will discontinued items ever come back?

While it's rare for discontinued items to return, Pampered Chef occasionally brings back popular items for limited-time offers. Keep an eye on their announcements for any special promotions.

Is there a way to know which items are likely to be discontinued?

While there are no official spoilers, items that are not selling well or are being replaced by newer models may be at risk of being discontinued. Following Pampered Chef updates and trends can provide some insight.

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