Flopping Customers: How to Deal with Disloyal Clients in Direct Sales

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores experiences and feelings related to disloyal customers in direct sales, particularly in the context of hosting parties with Pampered Chef. Participants share personal anecdotes about customers choosing to host with other consultants and reflect on the emotional impact of such situations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over a loyal customer who chose to host with another consultant, leading to self-doubt about their own abilities.
  • Another participant suggests that the choice may not be personal and could be influenced by relationships with other consultants, such as friends or relatives.
  • One participant shares their experience of a customer feeling torn between two consultants, indicating a desire to support both without offending anyone.
  • Several users mention that it is common for customers to book with friends or relatives, and this should not be taken personally by the consultant.
  • One participant notes that the booking benefit follows the host, which could allow customers to host with different consultants while still benefiting their friends.
  • Another participant reflects on the emotional sting of losing a booking but emphasizes the importance of moving on and focusing on future opportunities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether the choice of customers to host with other consultants is a reflection of the consultant's performance. Some participants acknowledge that personal relationships often play a significant role in these decisions, while others express concern about their own practices.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences from their own direct sales practices, highlighting the emotional challenges faced when customers choose to host with others. The discussion reflects a range of feelings from frustration to understanding.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar experiences with customer loyalty and hosting decisions may find the shared experiences and perspectives helpful in understanding their own situations.

pampered_rae
Gold Member
Messages
77
I have a pretty loyal (or so I thought) customer that wanted to do a show with me and she keeps "not being" home so I can't give her a host packet, plus she hasn't set a concrete dae with me. So she said she would do a catalog show. I have her stuff ready and waiting for her.
And then I run into her at the store and she says oh I'm sorry I haven't gotten with you but I will!"
Come to find out she is hosting a Party with someone else instead.
I just wanted to vent because I hate it when that happens to me. It's happened before. It really makes me think, maybe I am doing something wrong and I am not good at this whole thing, because clearly people don't want to host with me.
 
It is probably not you. Sometimes people find a consultant that is a relative, or relative of a best friend. And then then think of it as a favor to their friend. Keep your chin up!
 
I'm with ChefMary. It's probably someone who is a close friend or relative. It happens. That said, if you really feel it may be something you're doing, don't be afraid to ask. Sit down and compose a friendly note or email asking why she made the choice to switch. You could say something along the lines of:
I've valued you as a customer. I understand you recently hosted a Pampered Chef party with another consultant. That's just fine. I was curious, though, to know if there's something I've done (or haven't done) to cause you to host with someone else.Again, there are truly no hard feelings. I'm just trying to make sure I'm doing all I can to serve my customers to the best of my ability. Thank you for your input.
You might not get a response back, but it's worth the effort if you're afraid it's something you're doing.
 
I have a lady at work who wants to do a show, but her SIL is my upline. She doesn't want to have a show with her, but she is afraid if she has it with me she is going to step on toes. I told her to just have it with her SIL so she can benefit from all the free stuff that she deserves from all that she purchases from both of us. She feels bad for just ordering from one of us, so she always places 2 orders, one with each of us. I feel bad for her. I keep telling her it's ok, that she doesn't have to order from me, but she continues to.

If it is the case of knowing someone who is related to a PC we just have to take a deep breath and move on. If it's not, well... we could just say her loss! lol
 
Take the high road...tell her as long as her needs are being met. Not really what you want to say, but you know there is always more biz around the corner!
 
Maybe she had a friend that had a show and she felt she needed to book so the friend could get the benefits .

I have been calling a past host to do a show and we decided to hold off until after the 1st of the year, she was getting a new home.
Well I called her and a friend, who wasn't at her last show I did, had a PC show recently with another consultant and asked her to book so she could get the benefits for the following month.

So it may not be you at all.

Kelly V :chef:
 
Just an FYI Kelly--the booking benefit follows the host, so even though your customer booked off her friends show with the other consultant, she could still do the show with you adn her friend/past host would still get the benefit.
 
Thank you Deb! I was not aware of that! Learn something new everyday :D:D

I will give my friend (past host) a call to see what happened, but also will be discrete, I don't want to step on anyones toes!

Kelly V.
 
missyciccolella said:
Take the high road...tell her as long as her needs are being met. Not really what you want to say, but you know there is always more biz around the corner!

For me, I have consentrated more on my team and don't have time to do the shows I used to. If you do grow a team, get used to this because it will happen a lot. It may be no reflection on you what so ever. They just book from a friend or relative and think they have to stay with the consultant that did the party.

There is so much more business out there. And I live in a rural area too.
And P.S. it still stings every time, but the faster I get by it, the better my business is.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common reasons customers become disloyal in direct sales?

Customers may become disloyal for various reasons, including lack of engagement, poor customer service, better offers from competitors, or feeling undervalued. Additionally, if they do not see the value in the products or if their needs change, they may choose to stop purchasing.

How can I identify disloyal customers in my direct sales business?

Disloyal customers can often be identified by tracking purchasing patterns. Look for customers who have not made a purchase in a while, those who frequently cancel orders, or those who have reduced their order frequency. Customer feedback and surveys can also provide insights into their satisfaction levels.

What strategies can I use to re-engage disloyal customers?

To re-engage disloyal customers, consider personalized outreach, such as sending a follow-up email or a handwritten note. Offering exclusive promotions, loyalty rewards, or personalized product recommendations can also entice them to return. Additionally, asking for feedback and addressing any concerns they may have is crucial.

How important is customer service in retaining clients in direct sales?

Customer service is critical in retaining clients in direct sales. Providing timely responses, resolving issues efficiently, and creating a positive buying experience can significantly enhance customer loyalty. Customers are more likely to return if they feel valued and supported throughout their purchasing journey.

What role does product quality play in customer loyalty?

Product quality plays a significant role in customer loyalty. If customers are consistently satisfied with the quality of the products they purchase, they are more likely to remain loyal. Ensuring that products meet or exceed customer expectations can help build trust and encourage repeat business.

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