Has anyone faced opposition from their spouse when starting with Pampered Chef?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores experiences of participants facing opposition from spouses or family members when considering or starting a business with Pampered Chef. Various personal stories highlight the challenges and dynamics involved in gaining support from loved ones.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a newbie, shares that her husband is opposed to her starting with Pampered Chef, expressing concerns about financial viability and her sales abilities.
  • Another participant suggests involving the husband in a meeting with a recruiter or director to address his concerns directly.
  • Several users mention the idea of sharing paycheck samples with the spouse to demonstrate potential earnings, noting the importance of spousal support, especially for those with children.
  • One participant recounts her husband's initial wariness but notes that his attitude changed after she achieved early success, highlighting the positive impact on their family dynamics.
  • Another participant encourages reading a book about Pampered Chef to help spouses understand the business better, sharing her own positive financial experience.
  • One participant discusses her determination to succeed despite her husband's lack of support, emphasizing the personal fulfillment and relationship benefits that arose from her business.
  • Another participant shares her experience of facing opposition from her mother rather than a spouse, emphasizing the importance of pursuing personal goals despite family concerns.
  • Some participants suggest that having some level of support or at least indifference from a spouse is beneficial for pursuing the business.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the level of support needed from spouses, with some emphasizing its importance while others share experiences of succeeding despite initial opposition. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to gain support.

Contextual Notes

Participants share varied personal experiences, reflecting different family dynamics and individual motivations for pursuing a business with Pampered Chef. The discussions highlight the emotional and relational aspects of starting a business in a family context.

Who May Find This Useful

New or prospective Pampered Chef consultants who are navigating family dynamics and seeking insights from others who have faced similar challenges may find this discussion relevant.

Been Through ItCarrie -

I've been relatively blessed with a supportive spouse. At one point, he even went to the shows with me. However, my director has a totally unsupportive spouse; he won't even help her carry her stuff to and from the car! I'm sure she'd be a great person to talk to. Here's her email - tell her Susan suggested you get in touch! Good luck!:)

[email protected]
 
4 MoniqueHi Everyone,
I can soooo relate to all of you. I have great support from my parents, & sister. But my hubby is convinced that it's a pyramid skeme....

He is little to No support! He complains about watching my 3 & 6 yr. old MAYBE 3 x a month....

I have decided I have no place for his negativity. I have had a great SS 1-3! I had a small dry spell about 2 months, but have just recouped w/ over 100 new leads from expo's! I have given up on everything I have started in my life... except my marrage & my kids...

So, I've decided that I am sticking w/ PC! I love the company, the products & getting out of the house a few time; on my schedule; and having fun doing it! Compared w/ the other "direct sales" companies; PC RULES!

So, for everyone here & out there who doesn't have any support or needs a kind of boost~ I (WE) ARE HERE FOR YOU!

Good luck! If you need to comizerate ~ email me. :rolleyes:
 
Different PerspectiveMy husband is a bery supportive person, however he is not completely on board with the idea that you can have it all with Pampered Chef. He is in agreement that in order to become financially independent you need to start your own business. However, his idea of starting your own business is the more traditional that involves practically killing yourself to get it started and functioning.

One of the things that I love about Pampered Chef is that for the price of a kit you have a business already in place for yourself. You have all of the advantages of working for yourself, setting your own schedule and deciding your own income but none of the responsibility of a traditional start up business. There is no need for inventory, office space, employees and all that comes with it like payroll, insurance and taxes. You can still build a team but not have to take financial responsibility for maintaining an office or making payroll. Pampered Chef provides all of the marketing and paperwork that we need for a very reasonable cost and there is no need to spend 12 hours a day every day trying to make it work! Also, people recognize the name of the company and they know that it is a quality product with a great reputation. We are truly in business for ourselves but not by ourselves.

I have talked about this with my husband many times and although he is not completely on board, I think that this has helped to give a bit more perspective on what it is I am trying to do and where I believe it can take me.
 
No Support from HubbyI had the same problem. My husband scowled when I had a show or when I had to close a show and was not home to cook for him.
I one point I put it to him that if it hadnt been for Pampered Chef, there would have been NO Christmas. That is when I got my Christmas money.
I also told him that I needed to make more money, and that if I went out and got a part time job, ( I already work FT) that I would be gone 3- 4 nights a week, this way I am only gone one night a week. I told him to have his choice! He too didnt think I would make any money, but now that he gets to try new receipes, he and my son are my guinea pigs, he is enjoying it.
Tell your husband how much this means to you, that you need this to go out and meet people and make new friends, as well as make extra money.
And that you really want his support and backing.
 
When I signed up with PC the first time, dh and I had some major issues. Our marriage was in a rocky place. He didn't want me out of the house while he babysat the kids. He was very sneaky in the way he would start an argument just as I was leaving to do a show. What a yucky situation to be in.

A couple years and lots of healing later, dh and I are doing much better and he is totally supportive now.

I hope things work out and I agree...don't argue with your husband. Gentleness wins over much better than harshness.
 
First, I must say that I have an incredibly supportive husband, thank God! And I just quit a very unheathly job that was causing me stress and migraines. I am now 100% in business for myself.

Can I just say that if your husband feels that he is "babysitting" his own children, that there is more to be addressed than just your going out to work one or two nights a week. If my husband ever called his parenting of our children "babysitting" I think I may just have to kick him.
 
Why is it that a mother stays home or is at home with her children, but a father "baby-sits"...?

I do not understand this.

Regardless, it is probably not advisable to enter any venture that might have a negative effect on your home life. Shalom Bayit...(peace in the home)...is the most important thing in my life.
 
jwpamp said:
Can I just say that if your husband feels that he is "babysitting" his own children, that there is more to be addressed than just your going out to work one or two nights a week. If my husband ever called his parenting of our children "babysitting" I think I may just have to kick him.
Click to expand...

Janice - thanks for saying that - I was going to say the same thing - In fact I say it to people all the time when they ask me if my husband minds "babysitting" while I am doing a show. I just politely reply "Oh he isn't babysitting - he's being a daddy" :)

Becky Deemter
[email protected]
/cookinwithbecky
 
Me Too!!!!Okay, we just got married in June, 2nd marriage, we've been together for 6 years, known each other all our lives....I have a 16 year old son from my 1st mistake, I mean marriage....:p

I am a realtor and last year made really great money:D But this year, I had made a company change, it is slower, and the market is getting really slow here, so we are on his income only, which isn't shabby...BUT he has this hobby of snowmobiling during the winter, now his job affords him the schedule to be gone about 4 days a week and off he goes, 5 hours away with his buddy.....BUT he barks at me to save money on the GROCERIES....:eek: Yeah okay so we don't eat so he can go snowmobiling....:rolleyes: NOT....

So when I came home after signing up for PC, I was sooooo excited....and I had done this to network for my real estate as well as start a new career....he was FURIOUS.....AND oh yes, I have spent MUCH more than I should have at this point in "start up";) costs....and there was silence for about 3 days, and I got my starter kit....we went up north for feb. vacation, snowmobiling and skiing and I brought up the whole starter kit and cookbooks....we usually go out to eat, breakfast, lunch and dinner when we're up there....well, not this time, I made some GREAT treats and dinners and breakfast every day for them.....since we've been home and I received 4 more shipments of goodies, which he has NO idea about....:o They have been LOVING dinner time....even my 16 year old is home for dinner....LOL....

So sometimes ya just gotta do what is right for you and hey, they WILL get over it.....AND it's a tax write off....:D

If this is what you would like to do, and trust me, my hubby and I don't communicate as much as I'd like us to and it is a problem area, and they will get over it...eventually.....but yeah, if you have to do a show and he is cranky when you leave THAT stinks and again, trust me, when I'm going out on Real Estate business OR PC business, there is always SOMETHING that he is pissed at or him and the teen are fighting about something and for a long time I use to be off my game because of it....now? :D I don't let it bother me.....I get in my car and turn on my favorite country CD, sing my brains out until it all disappears and it's just me again.....:o

So....don't feel alone, I think we have all been there....but here we are....;)

Good luck and WELCOME...you'll LOVE this board...there is another one out there, but it is not 1/4 as good as this place.....lots of good advice, support and really cool people.....

Kelley
 
I hear you Kelley- My Hubby (2nd) fishes non stop and has no problem spending money doing his extra curricular activity- Once in a while he will say how much money I spend on groceries or ETC. All I do is ask how much he spent in gas$$$ to get to his fishing hole this week. Shuts him up. Like I said before- If it makes you happy DO IT. They do!
 
I think the best and simplest logic you can share with your husband is this:
You will never know if you don't try. For the small investment and your excitement to give it a shot, it's worth it! If it doesn't work out the way either of you want it too, you do your 4 shows and stop. Let him know that you have that trial period to make sure it will work for both of you. Worst case scenario is you walk away with a lot of free product and a few paychecks. Best case scenario, you have a new business, supplemental income and love your job.

Oh, btw, the first time I was referred to as a "sales person" more than 6 months into the business, I was actually shocked. LOL I just don't think of myself that way b/c it does sell itself. You can also share with your husband that my husband and I actually work the business together. We do the shows as a team and it works out great. We BOTH love it!
 
My boyfriend would never come right out and say he thinks I have a bad idea or can't do something, but he did have a rather tepid reaction to me starting with Pampered Chef. It's possible he was afraid of me getting disappointed because I have rather high hopes. :) He is pretty wonderful.

In any case, while I have yet to do my first real cooking show, we did have an open house yesterday for my birthday, our housewarming and a little to kick off my business and I just sort of demonstrated all day long as people came and went. Well, my sales weren't huge but it did qualify as a show and I gave his grandma the host benefits. Afterward, he told me he was really impressed by me. I think he realized then that I'm better suited for this than maybe my personality (a tad sarcastic/skeptical) would indicate.

The point of all this is that maybe those of you who have unsupportive SOs should show off your skills and that may ease some of their skepticism.

But really, when it comes down to it, if PC is something that makes you happy, he/she should support you whether you're making hundreds of dollars, $20 a month, or even losing a little money.
 
I have to admit I never even asked my DH about joining PC. I am one of the lucky ones concerning that. But I do have to admit if I'm not using my product he is. I started this 7 months ago, and he didnt say it then but he thought I wouldnt do too well. My highest show has only been $539 but he see how much I enjoy doing the shows. He has turned around big time and even asked if he coould sighn up under me. Alas, no he cant!! lol
 
Recruiting Dilemna for same reasonShe says her husband thinks its a scam. I called my director b/c I'm in my first SS month. So I wanted her input on what to say. She told me to ask her to come out and meet us. My recruit says shes far away to meet us but wants to talk to her DH tonight. I emailed her at home (Never spoke to this girl but thru email) and I sent her things like how much the kit costs, how she can get it for less.. how much the products are really worth, what kind of company we are.. asked if he'd prefer to see my or my directors paycheck. I think I did a good job.

I think she'd really like this job alot. She made fun of me for being so excited and here I really didnt even have to ask her to join, she asked me! So lets cross our fingers that those husbands out there that are skeptical realize that this business is great! :D

Tina
 
I'm thinking of becoming a PC consultant (in addition to my full time office job) but I'm in the same boat as many of these ladies. My husband is wary of the whole thing and thinks we will get audited. He also heard from someone that if we ever sell our house in the future, we'll get taxed for capital gains? I'm not a tax wiz so I'm lost about that. However, I'm taking my time and doing research.
 
Pampered Lady said:
He has issues with watching OUR daughter when I do shows etc. but I have learned to put his negetivity behind me and keep my head up about my career... :)

Monique
Independent Consultant
[email protected]
Click to expand...

I have been doing PC for 5 years now and I have to say I don't think my hubby has ever been excited about my business. But I can also say I have never treated it as a business until this year - it was more a 'hobby.' We have two children and when I was pregnant with OUR second the company I worked for FT dissolved 5 months into my pregnancy - I haven't worked a FT job since - HIS idea! I now work out of the home PT (in addition to PC a couple of shows a month) to help ends meet, and he knows that I need 'MY TIME' away after being home with the 2 year old all day! I know he is still not thrilled about PC - unfortunately it doesn't help that I have way too much accumulated 'extra' product in my basement that he looks at and rolls his eyes. This year I am trying to promote PC more and get out of my 'hobby' comfort zone and make it a real business - then maybe I can quit the other PT job and focus on PC!!!

Good Luck,
Leea:cool:
 
I too have opositionWhen I started this business, my partner of 14 years almost had a corinary. Only because he knew of my track record. I told him this would be different. Well, it was the same for a while then business kept getting better and better. After 3 years of hobbiest, I decided to really give it a go. Well, I hit $30,000 in sales in 2005. I got the two day hotel voucher in January. Now he seemed a little more excited. And when I got sick in December and was off my feet for almost 4 months, I was released by my doctors on April 7 to start doing shows but didn't do one "real" one until May, he finally admitted to me that he realised that I had actually been contributing to the bills each month and so on an so forth. When the money wasn't there, he knew it!
It took some major time but I finally think he realises that it is no joke of a part time job. Once they see the proof, it makes a BIG difference.
 
My husband was thrilled because he saw how excited I was. The money helps, too. This was actually the first year we got a tax refund. We always owed.

I would suggest a timeframe to give it a try and then decide.

John, I hope it wasn't anything too serious! I just look too forward to your posts!
 
My husband dreaded me starting. He just knew that this was going to be a money losing proposition for him. Then I came home from my first show with $750 in commisionable sales. I told him I had already paid for my starter kit with money to spare.

Now that I've earned a SS bonus he is more excited. He now sees this as a money saving venture and a money making venture. I've made $400 and I'm still in SS1 and I've earned $200 in free products.

Sometimes our husbands just want to try and save us from getting our hopes up and then having them dashed.

Julie
 
My husband was actually the one that talked me into doing this !!!! I could not decide, and he sort of pushed me into it. I am so glad that he did.
 
shano said:
I have to admit I never even asked my DH about joining PC. I am one of the lucky ones concerning that. But I do have to admit if I'm not using my product he is. I started this 7 months ago, and he didnt say it then but he thought I wouldnt do too well. My highest show has only been $539 but he see how much I enjoy doing the shows. He has turned around big time and even asked if he coould sighn up under me. Alas, no he cant!! lol
Click to expand...

You can sign up your sister, cousin, or friend who can then turn around and sign up your hubby. If your sister quits, you'll be assigned your hubby! However, working together under your name only will be much easier to earn incentives and trips!
 
Taxed for Capital Gains
Miguel said:
I'm thinking of becoming a PC consultant (in addition to my full time office job) but I'm in the same boat as many of these ladies. My husband is wary of the whole thing and thinks we will get audited. He also heard from someone that if we ever sell our house in the future, we'll get taxed for capital gains? I'm not a tax wiz so I'm lost about that. However, I'm taking my time and doing research.
Click to expand...

Miguel - I think that only applies if you claim a deduction for a percentage of your house as a home office. If you do not take the home office deduction capital gains would apply. Or at least that is what I have been told.
 
Last edited:
Carrie Ann - So what happen? Did you join?
 
While my ex would say that he always supported me, the only thing he actually did was to say, "Have a good show" as I left. He'd be in the garage and watch me, 9 months pregnant, heaving my giant showcase into the back of the car. Lazy! He also always told everyone that PC costs HIM money. Well, he hasn't contributed a dime to our family (three kids) in 1 1/2 years, so I guess PC didn't really cost him money, it must really make money.

The best idea I've heard to get them on board is to earn a trip to take them on. After the first trip, they'll be asking why you DON"T have a show every night! Also, be sure to celebrate small successes with them. If you get on the phone, be sure to let him know by shouting, "Got another booking!!" everytime you get a booking!
 
Harrle said:
I have to say I don't think my hubby has ever been excited about my business. But I can also say I have never treated it as a business until this year - it was more a 'hobby.'
Click to expand...

I agree with Paige....once you take your husbands or partners on ANY of the incentive trips, they will most likely change their tune! I am one of the lucky ones and has a husband who is very supportive (he also gave me the final push to try this business b/c he said there's nothing to lose in giving it a try. I just hit $100,000 in sales in 3 years 3 months in the business!). He is now pushing me out the door to do shows because he was VERY impressed with how PC pampers us on those trips!!! I'm on track for Atlantis and he's hoping we get that!

Not only do they get to see what a HUGE accomplishment earning a trip is, but they see how well rewarded we are for our hard work. Sometimes that's what it takes for some husbands to see that this IS a serious business. Good luck to all of you and keep on plugging along!!!:D
 
I don't have time to read everyone's post, but I do have one comment. You're correct Pampered Chef does sell itself at shows - mostly because a lot of people there will recommend items to their friends and family. What you have to be able to sell is having a show and host coaching to get people in the room. I made the mistake at first of not knowing how to get bookings. Please read some of the advice on this website on getting bookings. You will want to work on that from day one. It's so much easier to get the bookings at shows then to go looking for them.

Best of luck!

Rhonda B.
Wave 3! Can't wait!!!!!! My first conference!!!!!
 
mrssyvo said:
My husband was actually the one that talked me into doing this !!!! I could not decide, and he sort of pushed me into it. I am so glad that he did.
Click to expand...

This reminded me of something funny. Before Ihosted my show my recruiter and I talked a little about the opportunity and I told her that it sounded good, but I just wanted to talk to my husband. When I hosted my show, my now director cautiously asked, "Did you get to talk to Dave about what we discussed?" My husband jumps in and says, "Oh, yeah, she's totally gonna do it." LOL
 
I'm in my 4th month with PC doing it as PT and working another FT job which I don't plan to change (family business). I love working PC! I think the best way to convince a husband that it's a great job is to tell him you can make back your $90 with your first show. If you do that, you have nothing to lose, so go ahead and try it. Why not? Tell him that if you try it for 4 shows and aren't satisfied, you will quit and keep that wonderful start kit.

Of course, the hardest part of this business is not to spend everything you make on products. It's so tempting, but you have to set yourself limits, if it is important for you to have the income. We earn so many free products that it's a little ridiculous to buy so much for yourself anyway. I'm working right now on saving my commission to repaint and carpet my den. When I say I made the money with PC to do this, I'm going to be so proud! So I would say just jump in there and buy the starter kit and give it a sincere effort.

Jeanie
 
You should really start sharing that at your shows Jeanie! I really want to go to midwife school, but it costs $5000. My sales didn't really increase once I started telling people what I was actually going to do with my commission, but it does make people feel a little closer to you which connects you to them on another level. Just share even a tiny piece of info non-PC realted and it helps guests see you as a person just like them, not a skeezy sales person.

As for not having spousal support, my husband has never been too thrilled with PC and says that same thing about how I spend more money on PC than I make, which isn't true. WORST CASE SCENARIO we are about even, but even with that I am getting out of my house, staying home with my 1 and 2 year olds and bringing any money in. I will be frustrated about something and he says just quit. He is totally not realizing what PC does for me. All I can do I try and show him that I care about PC and keep working away. Good luck and I hope you can see that while spouse support helps immensly, it isn't imperative to running a good business.
 
I hadn't thought about sharing this at my shows - Thanks! I haven't even told my family I'm going to buy new paint and carpet. I wanted to surprise them that I did it with my PC money. I guess you are right - people will help out more if you tell them your goals.

Jeanie
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Has anyone faced opposition from their spouse when starting with Pampered Chef?

Yes, some individuals have experienced opposition from their spouses when starting with Pampered Chef. Concerns often stem from the initial investment, time commitment, or skepticism about the business model.

What are common reasons spouses may oppose joining Pampered Chef?

Common reasons include financial concerns, doubts about the viability of direct sales, worries about time management, and the impact on family dynamics. Open communication can help address these issues.

How can I address my spouse's concerns about joining Pampered Chef?

To address concerns, have an open and honest discussion about your goals, the potential benefits, and the support you will need. Sharing success stories and outlining a clear plan can also help alleviate worries.

What if my spouse is still not supportive after discussing it?

If your spouse remains unsupportive, it may be helpful to seek a compromise or find ways to involve them in the process. Consider starting small and demonstrating your commitment and success over time.

Are there resources available to help navigate spouse opposition in direct sales?

Yes, many direct sales companies, including Pampered Chef, offer resources such as training, support groups, and forums where you can find advice and share experiences with others facing similar challenges.

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