Does Anyone Take There Pampered Chef to Shows?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences of Pampered Chef consultants regarding the use of laptops at shows. Participants share their thoughts on the practicality, benefits, and potential drawbacks of bringing a laptop to events for managing orders and enhancing customer interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions using a laptop to input orders during shows to provide immediate sales totals to hosts.
  • Another participant shares their experience of purchasing a laptop specifically to avoid mistakes in calculations, noting it allows them to focus more on customer interactions.
  • Several users express that having a laptop saves time and reduces errors compared to manual tallying, with one participant stating it allows for better engagement with guests.
  • One consultant highlights the importance of still having guests fill out order forms, even when using a laptop, to ensure proper documentation.
  • Another participant notes that while a laptop is helpful, it may create the impression that it is necessary for the job, which could deter potential recruits.
  • One participant shares a positive experience using their laptop as a digital recipe book during a show, enhancing the cooking demonstration.
  • Some participants discuss the technical aspects of laptops, including preferences for brands and features, indicating a desire for advice on purchasing decisions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of using a laptop at shows, with some participants advocating for its benefits while others caution against the impression it may create regarding the requirements of the role. No clear consensus emerges on whether it is essential for all consultants.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding technology use in their consulting practices, reflecting a range of comfort levels with math and technology.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants considering the integration of technology into their shows, as well as those seeking insights on managing customer interactions and order processing.

Dell does offer a discount to consultants if anyone needs one. I've only used my laptop at a home show and it worked out great. I had my grown daughter entering orders as I was talking to guest before they left.
 
laptops shows...
pamperedbecky said:
I got a laptop around Christmas and have done all my January shows with it. I LOVE it! It saves a lot of time. Plus, I have wireless at home so I can go back and enter addresses and other information while I'm in front of the tv. I do explain to people that it's not necessary to do this business.

I have a laptop with wireless card built in, but to make it even better I purchased a Sony Erickson Data card from T-Mobile (my family plan, cheaper and better than Sprint!!) and thought about taking it to shows, but people down here for the most part *where I've done most shows* can't afford much so haven't taken it to do shows with. It sure would make things much easier now though too, especially with the new PP3.

liz:cool:
 
I have been using a laptop at my shows for over 3 years. I love it! I do not connect to the internet. I have all the specials downloaded though so I can reference them if I need it. I get alot of compliments and all my friends who are cons. for other companies are soooo jealous of our awesome software!

I tell guests that a laptop is not requered but it works for me. I love my job so much and I get so excited while doing my shows that by the time I am done I need all the help in the math department I can get!
 
I use one. I always tell them that I bought it with a commission check!
 
Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell, Dell!!!!
 
I haven't downloaded PP3 yet, but I"m wondering will we still be able to enter in orders at shows without being connected to the internet? yes, I agree DELL!
 
lkspeir said:
I haven't downloaded PP3 yet, but I"m wondering will we still be able to enter in orders at shows without being connected to the internet?

yes, I agree DELL!
Yes... it just updates things automatically.

BTW: I have a Toshiba!
 
Toshiba for me too! Absolutely LOVE it! I did lots of research, and will be buying another one in the next year...
 
Once my powercord is fixed, I'm going to do this as well. At least once at every show, I have a math error that I have to pay for! Last show I added up a guest's order, and she was $6 away from the special, so she ordered another cook's corer...turns out, I entered $6.50 into my calculator instead of $16.50 for a product, and had to eat the extra $10.I think taking my laptop will be very beneficial for me. And once I start having a more full schedule and making some real money, I will buy a new one!
 
The_Kitchen_Guy said:
Two, the PamperedPartner is an incredible memory hog and I find it to be relatively slow. I hate waiting for all those windows to pop up and disappear again. The most annoying "feature" of PP is having to use the *&^%$#! mouse to make every part number entry and not being able to use the tab key to move through the order form. I'm a computer jockey by trade but at a show, I can go faster with an order form, a calculator, and a pen. Yes, I have to enter everything at home into my desktop, but my customer also has a hard copy receipt when they go home, which they don't get at a show unless you drag a printer along.

I use my laptop at shows and use the write in receipts. I fill out the math part after first entering the order into PP as the customer tells me what they want. Then the program does the math for me, I write it in, and they get a receipt. Everything is done at once! I love it!
 
DebbieJ said:
I use my laptop at shows and use the write in receipts. I fill out the math part after first entering the order into PP as the customer tells me what they want. Then the program does the math for me, I write it in, and they get a receipt. Everything is done at once! I love it!


Exactly what I do.... My customers really seem to like it!
 
DebbieJ said:
I use my laptop at shows and use the write in receipts. I fill out the math part after first entering the order into PP as the customer tells me what they want. Then the program does the math for me, I write it in, and they get a receipt. Everything is done at once! I love it!

That's a good idea - and probably what I would do as well. i'll have to practice it a few times to make sure I'm being as efficient as possible, but I think customers would like seeing that you are adding everything correctly and that they are getting what they asked for.
 
Absolutely bring a laptop to your show!! It is an extra item you need to have!! I mean youre lugging everything else! What's one more vital item?

I have never done it the pen and paper way. My director is a firm believer in bringing her laptop and that is what inspired me to do the same.

Good luck
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does anyone take their Pampered Chef products to shows?

Yes, many Pampered Chef consultants bring their products to shows. This allows them to demonstrate how the products work and showcase their features, making it easier for potential customers to see the value of the items.

What types of Pampered Chef products are typically taken to shows?

Consultants often bring a variety of products, including cookware, kitchen tools, and food items. Popular items include the stoneware, food choppers, and various gadgets that can be demonstrated during cooking presentations.

How do consultants decide which products to take to shows?

Consultants usually select products based on the theme of the show, the audience's interests, and seasonal trends. They may also consider which items are currently popular or on sale to maximize interest and sales.

Can I use my own Pampered Chef products for demonstrations?

Yes, consultants often use their own Pampered Chef products for demonstrations. This personal touch can enhance the authenticity of the presentation and allow the consultant to share their own experiences with the products.

Are there any restrictions on what can be taken to shows?

While there are no strict restrictions, consultants should ensure they comply with Pampered Chef's guidelines. It's important to focus on products that are currently available for sale and to avoid bringing items that are discontinued or not part of the current catalog.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Replies
16
Views
3K
DebPC
  • amgreen66
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
7
Views
4K
BethCooks4U
Replies
12
Views
2K
JAE
  • esavvymom
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
13
Views
8K
JD Gray
  • Liz Bradshaw
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
Liz Bradshaw
  • PCCHeather0506
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
12
Views
2K
Sheila
  • Humble Beginnings
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
Wildfire
Replies
21
Views
3K
emaaht
  • sprout18
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
Wildfire
  • Akamsthang
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Back
Top