Does P3 require internet connection for order taking?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread discusses whether the P3 software requires an internet connection for taking orders during shows. Participants share their experiences and insights regarding using P3 offline and managing various aspects of order taking without internet access.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that P3 can be used without an internet connection during shows, as long as the laptop is updated beforehand.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using P3 offline, noting the importance of having the show details entered in advance to ensure accurate sales tax calculations.
  • Several users discuss the challenges of accessing past host numbers without internet, suggesting alternative methods to estimate if a discount is applicable.
  • One participant expresses their transition from PamperedPartner to P3, highlighting the differences and their learning process.
  • Another participant inquires about storing credit card information in P3, receiving confirmation that it is possible under specific settings.
  • Some participants discuss practical concerns, such as obtaining cash for change during shows, with suggestions for where to find change on a Sunday.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that P3 can function without an internet connection for order taking, though there are differing views on the implications of not having access to certain features, such as looking up past host numbers.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to using P3 in various show settings, emphasizing the importance of preparation and backup strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are new to P3 or considering its use at shows may find the shared experiences and tips relevant to their practices.

D
Denarella
Messages
907
...Does P3 need internet service to work? In other words, I have a party tomorrow and Im taking my laptop to take orders. Will it work without internet capabilites? I have wireless internet at home and that's the only place I've used it so far so I never really thought about it until just now. I was just wondering if I could enter the orders right there and have them total for me instead of using a calculator.

Thanks!
Dena
 
You can take your orders on your laptop at your shows without internet. I would suggest that you load your laptop during the day before your show so that it can update anything just in case automatically. Then back it up before you leave. I do it all the time. Without internet you will NOT be able to look up any past host numbers if the host shows up without her discount number, but other than that you don't need the internet at your show.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Nanisu said:
You can take your orders on your laptop at your shows without internet. I would suggest that you load your laptop during the day before your show so that it can update anything just in case automatically. Then back it up before you leave. I do it all the time. Without internet you will NOT be able to look up any past host numbers if the host shows up without her discount number, but other than that you don't need the internet at your show.
Click to expand...


Im sorry. What do you mean by 'load your laptop'?
 
I use my laptop without Internet connection all the time at shows. Before leaving for the show I start P3 up and make sure the updates load. If I'm unsure if it's updated, I just go to HELP, CHECK FOR UPDATES. I also make sure I have the show added with the host's address because this drives the sales tax info.

For the past host discount, many of the guests don't have their card with them. What I do is ask them when they last had their show so I can get a feel for if it's expired. They will often tell me who their consultant was. I let them know that I'll add their order in with a "dummy" host number so their order calculates with the discount. I also let them know that if it's expired I'll contact them with the updated total. (I haven't had to do this yet, but I'm new and it still could happen...) The dummy past host code I put in some normally "xxxx". This puts a flag on the customer that reminds me to look it up later.

Back at home, I look it up via the internet and update the record. Just yesterday I had to call the consultant because I couldn't find the customer. Turns out it was listed on "Patty" and the customer placed her order with me as "Patricia". FYI: if it's a previous host from one your parties you processed through P3, it will automatically fill in -- YIPPEEE!

I agree with the backing up part because you never know what may happen.

The other thing I read about on this site which I will now add to my laptop are the passwords -- Windows signon password and in P3. We have credit card info stored in the software so we need to make sure we're protecting that information.

The other thing that I do is make sure I have a fully charged laptop battery because sometimes I can't easily plug in at the host's house.
 
THat is great to know. I have just switched to P3 from PamperedPartner & was wondering the same thing. I am still learning P3. It is really different than what I have been using but like it pretty well.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Can you store you credit card info on P3?

I just assigned passwords....GREAT idea. Thank you so much for that and for the "check for updates" suggestion.

The only thing I forgot to do is get cash for change! I'm so mad! Where can I go to get change on a SUNDAY?????:(
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
P.S. Does anyone back up on a flash drive at a show?:confused:
 
Try a gas station or WalMart.
 
You can get change at any grocery store with a debit card purchase.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
There is a Commerce Bank around the corner. Drive up is open on Sundays. But I dont think they will make change if you're not a customer...
 
Denarella said:
Can you store you credit card info on P3?

I just assigned passwords....GREAT idea. Thank you so much for that and for the "check for updates" suggestion.

The only thing I forgot to do is get cash for change! I'm so mad! Where can I go to get change on a SUNDAY?????:(
Click to expand...
Yes, you can store your credit card info in P3. Under TOOLS, PREFERENCES.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does P3 require an internet connection for order taking?

Yes, P3 requires an internet connection for order taking. The system is designed to sync data and process transactions in real-time, which necessitates an active internet connection.

Can I use P3 offline for order taking?

No, P3 does not support offline order taking. You must be connected to the internet to access the features and functionalities of the system, including placing orders.

What happens if my internet connection drops while using P3?

If your internet connection drops while using P3, you will be unable to process orders or access certain features until the connection is restored. It's advisable to ensure a stable internet connection during your sales activities.

Is there a way to prepare orders in P3 without internet access?

While you cannot process orders without an internet connection, you can prepare and collect order details manually. Once you regain internet access, you can input the orders into P3.

Are there any alternatives to P3 for taking orders without internet?

If you need to take orders without an internet connection, consider using traditional methods such as paper order forms. You can later enter these orders into P3 once you have internet access.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

How Does Wireless Internet Work When Traveling?
  • jrstephens
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
7
Views
1K
etteluap70PC
Potential Recruit With No Internet
  • chefmelody
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
10
Views
1K
GourmetGirl
Help Me! Troubleshoot My Pampered Partner Wireless Connection
  • CarlyK
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Online Training & P3 for Dial-Up Users?
  • esavvymom
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
1K
esavvymom
Can P3 be used on multiple computers?
  • missmindym
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
11
Views
2K
Shawnna
New Laptop, No WiFi: Can P3 Function Without Internet?
  • shelly.nurse
    • Products and Tips
Replies
7
Views
1K
shelly.nurse
Does Anyone Use a Laptop for the Show Checkout?
  • ChefKevin
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
27
Views
4K
cwinter474
Troubleshooting Hard Drive Issues: Tips for a Quick Fix | My Experience
  • Intrepid_Chef
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
19
Views
2K
Intrepid_Chef
Maximizing Email Efficiency: Tips for Organizing Contacts in P3 as a Consultant
  • Jennifer E
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
1K
NooraK
Syncing P3 Between Laptop & Desktop: Is It Possible?
  • princessmeshelle
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Back
Top