Help a Single Mom Recover: Stolen Goods & Business Ideas

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience with a car break-in that resulted in the theft of personal and business-related items. The participant shares their feelings of loss and explores potential ways to recover from the incident, including creating flyers to reach out to their community for support.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, recounts the details of the break-in and the items stolen, expressing feelings of depression over the losses.
  • Another participant shares their personal experience of a similar incident, highlighting the fear associated with such events.
  • Several users mention the importance of ensuring that sensitive information, such as show paperwork, is secure and discuss the implications if it had been taken.
  • One participant expresses support for the flyer idea as a way to engage the community and potentially recover from the loss.
  • Another participant emphasizes the relief that the show information was not taken, noting the potential consequences if it had been compromised.
  • Some participants express sympathy and support for the original poster, acknowledging the emotional toll of the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is a general agreement on the emotional impact of the break-in and the importance of community support. However, views differ on the effectiveness of the proposed flyer strategy, with some participants expressing enthusiasm while others remain uncertain.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of consultants navigating personal challenges while managing their business, highlighting the intersection of personal and professional lives.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who may face similar challenges or are interested in community engagement strategies could find this discussion relevant.

chef_kimmo
chef_kimmo
Gold Member
Messages
2,969
To start I want to say I am aware of what happened previously so please don't start down that road but here is my situation....

I had a show last Saturday and went to pick up my son who was being watched by some neighbors. By the time we left the neighbor's house and got home, it was around 11:00 pm. I thought it is late and I am tired, I will unload tomorrow. I had left all my PC stuff in my car, my son's DVD player, computer, back pack from school, small portable radio, etc was all left in the car. I went in the house and didn't go to sleep for a while. In fact, I was dog sitting for both neighbors so I had a total of 4 dogs in the house (2 of my own and 1 from each neighbors house) NOT a peep from the dogs. I spent the day cleaning and doing other things and then was going to head to a subburb south from my house late afternoon on Sunday to pick up and deliver some PC products and have dinner with friends.

I went out to the car and someone had been in the car. Stuff was pulled from the compartments in the front and strewn around the front seat. (this had happened before but nothing was missing previously so I thought that was it). After I left the house and stopped for gas I realized the DVD player & DVDs were missing since I was going to set my son up to watch it. I got to League City & when I picked up the products I put them in the back seat and that is when I realized "OH NO, THEY TOOK MY SHOW TO GO CART FILLED WITH PRODUCTS TOO!!" My other bag & crate with a few odds and ends was still there so that is why I thought none of that was gone.

Ok, sorry for the very long story but and I am working with insurance to see if I can get anything recouped. It is very depressing as every time I turn around I realize something else that is missing out of the car.

This is where I would like some thoughts....
I am trying to approach this with the attitude of "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade" I am considering making a one page flyer and making say 1,000 or so copies and put on as many houses as I can in the subdivision. I am thinking I will put a description of what happened and ask that if anyone knows anything please contact me. Give them the truth that I am a single mom of a special needs child and this is my 2nd job. If they don't know anything, maybe they might be interested in helping me to recover from this. I would appreciate anyone who might place an order and would love anyone who might be willing to book a show. Possible put some incentives for purchases and bookings...

So for a very very long post - what do you all think. Dumb idea? Corny? A couple reams of paper worth giving a try? I don't know. I could even schedule an Open House after I return from conference.

Any other thoughts?
 
I'm sorry about your loss, Kim. My car was once broken into just outside my bedroom window and I never heard a thing. I remember how frightening that was to consider.

My first thought is for your show paperwork. Had you taken all of that in the house? That could include peoples' checks and credit card info.

I think the flyer idea is a good one. Insurance should cover your losses - after your deductible, of course.

Keep us posted on how this all turns out.

Hugs,
 
Good point on the show information Sandy - if it was in the car, the police and the guests should be notified so they can file reports too...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
The show info actually was in the car but for some reason they didn't take that (thank goodness!). There was some other checks I had taken with me to deposit and those weren't take either (again thank goodness!)

I am in progress of working with the insurance company. Home owners is sounding like they will cover a lot of things. Not the DVD player, which is weird but it sounds like the PC stuff may be covered.
 
chef_kimmo said:
The show info actually was in the car but for some reason they didn't take that (thank goodness!). There was some other checks I had taken with me to deposit and those weren't take either (again thank goodness!)

I am in progress of working with the insurance company. Home owners is sounding like they will cover a lot of things. Not the DVD player, which is weird but it sounds like the PC stuff may be covered.
Click to expand...

They were probably out for things they can quickly resell or use...paperwork probably might have seemed like junk to them.

I'd make sure to call HO Monday a.m., let them know what happened and find out what you can do when you go to re-purchase...

Who knows? Maybe they'll let you purchase at KE prices????
 
Kim,
I'm so sorry that this happened to you! What an awful experience. I hope HO will help you out. It's probably good that they didn't take the paperwork...can you imagine having to call the guests that ordered and tell them that their personal info was taken?!?!?! UGH! Hopefully everything will work out for you! I do like your idea about the flyers...let us know how everything turns out!!
 
OMG what a nightmare - I am SO sorry!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I did call HO but only thought to ask about what our insurance covers. I never thought about them helping me to replace the products. I guess I should call them back again but I am not sure who to call...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
pcchris said:
Kim,
I'm so sorry that this happened to you! What an awful experience. I hope HO will help you out. It's probably good that they didn't take the paperwork...can you imagine having to call the guests that ordered and tell them that their personal info was taken?!?!?! UGH! Hopefully everything will work out for you! I do like your idea about the flyers...let us know how everything turns out!!
Click to expand...

I was so thankful that they didn't take any of the orders and show info. I had this twist in my gut like - OH NO!!! I was so happy when I saw they were still there.

I need to work on the flyer for the neighborhood - I may post it for suggestions.
 
chef_kimmo said:
The show info actually was in the car but for some reason they didn't take that (thank goodness!). There was some other checks I had taken with me to deposit and those weren't take either (again thank goodness!)

I am in progress of working with the insurance company. Home owners is sounding like they will cover a lot of things. Not the DVD player, which is weird but it sounds like the PC stuff may be covered.
Click to expand...

The show info portion is a hard one. Even though the show info wasn't taken... did it appear to be disturbed? While the theif(s) would probably ignore it because it was just paperwork, but if they realized it was checks/CC#s, they could have copied that info down. Not likely, but if they paperwork appeared to be disturbed, you might want to contact people... just in case. If I was one of those people, I would want to know... just to keep a close eye on my accounts for a bit.
 
Oh it is so horrible when something like this happens. I've been lucky (knock on wood) that it has never happened to me. I hope that you get all your stolen items replaced.
 
I have no advice, only sympathy. Please keep us informed. I hate to say it, but it could happen to any one of us. Knowing how you handle things could help one of us one day.
 
I am so sorry to hear that! I hope you can get your stuff replaced!
 
Wow this stinks!

And to think I logged on todat to basicly "whine" about something trivial.

My thoughts are with you that it all gets resolved quickly!
 
raebates said:
I have no advice, only sympathy. Please keep us informed. I hate to say it, but it could happen to any one of us. Knowing how you handle things could help one of us one day.
Click to expand...

Rae - your sympathy just isn't the same with Llama Mama staring you in the face with a big grin...it made me chuckle! :D ;)

Having a neighbor who kept llamas it's pretty funny (unless they spit on you!)...happened to a friend watching them and she was so mad at the llama, all she could do was spit back!

OK, end of funny story/distraction...


Hang in there, and if you need any creative PC recipes to make with what tools you have left pending getting replacements, come see this group...we always add our 2 cents! (Sometimes you get the whole quarter!)
 
janetupnorth said:
Rae - your sympathy just isn't the same with Llama Mama staring you in the face with a big grin...it made me chuckle! :D ;)
Click to expand...

I believe that part of my purpose on this earth is to make people laugh.
 
I second the idea of letting your customers know that their information may have been compromised. I'd let them know that it appears nothing in my briefcase was disturbed, but wanted to let them know to be on the safe side, so they could keep an eye on things.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
Thank you all for the advice. I need to finish up the pricing to everything that was stolen. I had contacted the home owners insurance company to see if anything would be covered. Another questionable if it would be covered. I am living in a house my mom owns & was concerned they wouldn't cover for some reason. So far it sounds like some things will be covered, mainly the PC products. (YAY!!)

I have not reported it on my car insurance and maybe I should but had a feeling it won't be covered there. I hope the home owners will cover the majority. Thank goodness the home owners insurance isn't terribly high.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #19
How Would you....When I am reporting what is mising how would you report these....
I had a 2 of the bowls from the colored small bowl set and I had 2 of the mini square plates from the Entertaining set. Since I can't buy just the colors that are missing, would you list full replacement price?

Thanks,
Kim
 
chef_kimmo said:
When I am reporting what is mising how would you report these....
I had a 2 of the bowls from the colored small bowl set and I had 2 of the mini square plates from the Entertaining set. Since I can't buy just the colors that are missing, would you list full replacement price?

Thanks,
Kim
Click to expand...

I would think YES - because in order to replace them, you would have to spend the full price again....right?
 
I would think along the same lines as Becky...in order to make yourself whole (get back what you lost) you would have to purchase all 4.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a single mom do if her business goods are stolen?

If a single mom's business goods are stolen, she should first report the theft to the local authorities to file a police report. This documentation can be crucial for insurance claims. Next, she should contact her insurance provider to understand her coverage options and initiate a claim for the stolen items. Additionally, she can reach out to her community for support, whether through social media or local groups, to seek help in recovering her goods or raising funds for replacements.

What business ideas are suitable for single moms recovering from theft?

Single moms recovering from theft might consider starting a home-based business that requires minimal startup costs. Ideas include offering virtual services such as freelance writing, graphic design, or social media management. Selling handmade crafts or baked goods online can also be a great option. Additionally, direct sales companies like Pampered Chef offer flexible opportunities that allow moms to work from home while engaging with their community.

How can direct sales help a single mom rebuild her business?

Direct sales can provide a single mom with a flexible income opportunity that allows her to work around her schedule. Companies like Pampered Chef offer training, support, and a community of fellow consultants, which can be invaluable for someone rebuilding after a setback. Additionally, direct sales often have lower startup costs compared to traditional businesses, making it easier for her to get back on her feet.

What resources are available for single moms facing financial hardship?

Single moms facing financial hardship can access various resources, including local charities, food banks, and government assistance programs. Online platforms often provide information about grants and loans specifically for women entrepreneurs. Networking groups and community organizations can also offer support, mentorship, and potential business opportunities to help them regain financial stability.

How can a single mom market her business after experiencing theft?

After experiencing theft, a single mom can effectively market her business by leveraging social media platforms to share her story and connect with potential customers. Creating engaging content that showcases her products and services can help build a loyal customer base. Additionally, she can participate in local events, craft fairs, or online marketplaces to increase visibility and attract new clients. Collaborating with other local businesses for cross-promotions can also enhance her reach.

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