Doesn't Have the Money for the Kit

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses challenges faced by potential Pampered Chef consultants who are unable to afford the initial kit due to financial constraints. Participants share various personal experiences and suggestions on how to support these individuals in overcoming the financial barrier to joining the business.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based, Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions having recruit leads who want to sign but lack the funds for the kit, seeking suggestions for assistance.
  • Another participant suggests hosting a show to use kit credit and mentions alternatives like garage sales or fundraisers.
  • Several users share ideas such as booking shows in advance, using credit cards, or offering a small credit after a qualifying period.
  • One participant recounts a negative experience of lending money for a kit, resulting in a loss when the recruit did not follow through.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of potential consultants being serious about their commitment, suggesting that financial investment can influence this.
  • Some participants discuss the effectiveness of visual aids to demonstrate potential earnings and encourage recruits to book shows before signing.
  • One participant shares a personal story of a successful consultant who overcame financial barriers through creative means, such as cleaning houses for money.
  • Another participant reflects on their experience of offering a kit at half-price, noting the unpredictability of recruits' commitment despite financial assistance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to assist potential consultants financially, with no clear consensus on whether lending money or offering alternative solutions is more effective.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of personal experiences and strategies, reflecting the diverse circumstances and motivations of potential consultants in the community.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to current Pampered Chef consultants looking for insights on supporting potential recruits facing financial challenges.

L
ltkacz
I have 2 recruit leads that really want to sign, yet don't have the money for the kit due to being on "hard times". Any suggestions on how to help them??
 
You could have them host a show, and use the Kit credit to help ease the cost, whatever you do.. do not offer to buy the kit for them. If that doesn't work maybe a garage sale, or rummage sale, or some sort of fund raiser might help them.... the garage sale is probably the better idea next to the kit credit.
 
This can be tough. You don't want to appear condescending, nor should you pay for the kits with an expectation of repayment.

Some of the best ideas I've seen have included:
* Get several shows booked in close, including a couple of catalog shows that can be closed as soon as the recruit gets the kit. Order the kit on a credit card. They will get commission soon enough to pay it off without penalties.

* Have a garage sale.

* Offer them a $20 credit if they qualify in 30 days. You'll pay them that amount, but by then they'll have gotten off to a good start. You'll make the money back in overrides (if you're an FD or above).
 
If they really want it, they will be open to suggestions. Ask them if you can offer a few before you go into what they should do. Offer a yard sale, borrow from family, sell stuff on Ebay, use a CC (they will pay back their kit after using kit credit with their first 4 shows - it is mathematically impossible not to do so) and anything else you can think of.
 
lend them a kit so they can do shows prior to signing and submit them close to a cut off so they get paid quick.
beg borrow or steal (kidding) the money. i agree if they want it bad enough they will find a way to get the money
there is those awful pay day loan places if they have no other option
 
The one time I caved in and felt bad for someone who didn't have the money, and put it on my CC - she ended up being a Kit-napper, and I never heard from her again - or got my money back!

At least it was the old kit, and only $50, since she had used a $40 kit credit.
 
heather9892 said:
lend them a kit so they can do shows prior to signing and submit them close to a cut off so they get paid quick.
beg borrow or steal (kidding) the money. i agree if they want it bad enough they will find a way to get the money
there is those awful pay day loan places if they have no other option

Having them do catalog shows before signing would work.... but doing a Cooking Show could pose a problem prior to actually signing an agreement, as we pay for insurance as a consultant. Tricky ground, there, IMO...

Borrowing the money for the kit or holding a yard sale are probably the best options. That's what I would do...
 
This was addressed several years ago at Conference by Doris herself in that some other DS companies give kits away free to consultants. She feels that if there is a monetary investment, people will take it more seriously.

There are several ways to get the $$$... plus, if the potential consultant has her first shows booked and ready to go, she can put it on her cc and get paid before the billing cycle completes.
 
finley1991 said:
This was addressed several years ago at Conference by Doris herself in that some other DS companies give kits away free to consultants. She feels that if there is a monetary investment, people will take it more seriously.
I heard that as one of the reasons they went ahead with the new, more expensive kit, too. Under $100, people don't take it seriously.
 
apprently they still do not take it seriously..... my loan recruit will not do anything at all ... I am a little more than frustrated about it.
 
We just did a "Cook and Look" and money was also an issue with 2 people. Show them on paper that if they have a party and earn $40 kit credit and do 4 shows with JUST $150 each, their commission check will be $120 and they will have earned 100 PC dollars that they can use towards products. Between the value of the kit, the kit credit, the commission and the 100 PC dollars, they are hundreds of dollars ahead.

I used paper $50 bills printed from a play money website. The dollars look real, but are smaller in size and printed in black and white. When you start flipping them out...it is a powerful visual. I showed them what my newest recruit earned...he hit 4 shows and $1250 in sales in his first month. The $200 in play bills really hit home for them.

Just make sure they have 4 to 6 parties on their calendars before they sign. DON'T lend them the money. Borrowing money from someone else or putting on a credit card is best. (They will be able to pay off the sign up fee by the next billing cycle). I do agree with the rest...if they REALLY want it, they will find a way.
 
One of the Senior Directors in our upline cleaned a house to make the money she needed years ago. Boy, did that pay off for her!

Lisa
 
What GREAT ideas! I agree with loaning the $$$... I have never done this but I did offer one consultant a kit at half-price. She really didn't have any $$ and I decided to gamble on it. She is one of my best consultants. 2 kids under 3, in grad school full time and works full time as a school teacher. She is one of my highest sellers each month. So you never know... but again, I only gave her $45 (old kit) so she did make some investment in PC. Not sure I would do that again though. We had talked for about 4 months before I made her the offer. And now that I write this, I remember that I made the same offer to another lead at the same time and never heard back from her. Sometimes it's not th $$$... they just use that as an easy way to tell us "no."
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I can't afford the Pampered Chef starter kit?

If you're unable to afford the starter kit, consider looking into flexible payment options or promotions that may be available. Pampered Chef occasionally offers discounts or payment plans to help new consultants get started. Additionally, you might explore saving up for the kit or asking friends and family for support.

Are there any alternatives to purchasing the starter kit?

Can I start selling Pampered Chef without the starter kit?

While it's technically possible to begin selling Pampered Chef products without the starter kit, it is highly recommended to invest in it. The kit provides essential tools, products, and resources that will help you succeed in your business. Without it, you may find it challenging to effectively demonstrate products and attract customers.

What are the benefits of investing in the starter kit?

Investing in the starter kit provides you with a variety of Pampered Chef products, marketing materials, and training resources. This initial investment can help you build your business more effectively, as you'll have the tools necessary to showcase products and engage with customers. Additionally, having the kit can boost your confidence as you start your journey.

Is there a way to earn money before buying the starter kit?

Yes, you can host Pampered Chef parties as a guest before officially becoming a consultant. By doing this, you can earn free products and commission that can be put towards purchasing your starter kit. This approach allows you to get a feel for the business while also generating income to help cover the kit cost.

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