Help! My Calendar is Dead: Struggling with Cancellations and Need Bookings

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience with cancellations and struggles to secure bookings for Pampered Chef shows. The conversation includes personal anecdotes about managing business while dealing with pregnancy fatigue and suggestions for generating interest in hosting shows.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience of having two hosts cancel shows simultaneously after a year of consistent bookings.
  • Another participant mentions the importance of reaching out to potential hosts and suggests considering local fairs as a way to generate bookings.
  • Several users note the challenges of managing business during pregnancy, with one participant expressing fatigue and difficulty maintaining their usual work routine.
  • One participant, new to the community, suggests contacting past hosts and offering incentives to encourage bookings.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of calling customers to discuss current host specials as a way to secure bookings.
  • One participant shares their experience of offering free shipping as an incentive for guests who bring friends, while also suggesting a more positive phrasing for the offer.
  • Another participant proposes hosting a Thank You Show for past hosts as a potential strategy for generating interest.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best strategies for securing bookings, with no clear consensus emerging on a single effective approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and strategies shared by participants, particularly in the context of balancing business with personal challenges such as pregnancy.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing similar challenges with cancellations and seeking creative ways to secure bookings may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant.

J
jenniann
Messages
53
I just had two hosts almost simotaneously ( I know that's not spelled right but spell check won't work!!) cancle their shows! I have been at this a year now and have NEVER had a cancellation. I do 4 live shows a month on averags and submit at least $2500 a month, and suddenly my calendar has died!! I have one possible fundraiser in April and a Bridal shower in May... Other than that I HAVE NOTHING!!

Not to make up excuses but I am 13 weeks pregnant and am just starting to get my energy back on nights I didn't have a show I just went home and slept cause that's all I could do... I was planning to quit my 9-5 job come october and make PC my full time job and be a stay at home mom but now I'm scared to death. I know my only option is getting on the phone but I need to turn all those calls into bookings. Can anyone help me? :(
 
Good luck in getting the bookings have you tried calling any of your maybe's?
When I was in a slump I did a fair you could also check and see if there are any in your area at this current time to help you get some bookings. Also congrats on your pregnancy is this your 1st?? I remember being very tired my housedidnt even get cleaned like it should have during my first 2 months.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
This is my first pregnancy and I think that has alot to do with my slump. I haven't been working outside of shows at all for the last 3 months! But wow I never had any idea being PG could take so much out of you. I come home from my 9-5 and I physically could not do anything, getting up to go to the bathroom was a chore!!
 
I'm a newbie, but I would think it would be a great time to contact past hosts, family and friends to see if you can get any interest. Offer them some additional incentive to host within 30 days (a free product maybe). I also offered free shipping to guests who bring an uninvited guests who orders. I put a label on my postcard invitations advertising this in hopes this will help with sales. Looking forward to my 2nd cooking show Saturday and closing my first catalog show in this week. Have you had catalog shows and maybe you could contact those buying guests to ask about hosting? I hope this helps you. Good luck!
 
Pick up the phone. Call ALL your customers, ask how they are enjoying their tools, tell them about the current host specials, and ask if they would like to take advantage of them. I bet you get some bookings.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Thanks for the pointers ladies, I have my list made and am making phone calls tonight, is there anything out of the ordinary I should offer to get the bookings? Any tried and true incentives????
 
pcjeanie said:
I also offered free shipping to guests who bring an uninvited guests who orders. I put a label on my postcard invitations advertising this in hopes this will help with sales.
Click to expand...

Be careful calling them "uninvited."

Bring a friend, get a gift works for me. I give them a pan scraper, citrus peeler, QK knife, etc.

Being "uninvited" has negative overtones.
 
How about hosting a Thank You Show for your past hosts? You could make it a Mystery Host show or you could do that wonderful book to look box that I saw on another thread.
Good luck with your business and Congrats on your new baby in the making. :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have multiple cancellations in a row?

First, assess the reasons behind the cancellations. Reach out to your customers to gather feedback and understand their concerns. This can help you address any issues and improve future bookings. Additionally, consider offering flexible scheduling options or incentives to encourage rescheduling.

How can I prevent cancellations from happening?

To minimize cancellations, ensure that your customers feel valued and engaged. Communicate regularly, send reminders as the event approaches, and provide clear information about what to expect. Building a strong relationship with your clients can increase their commitment to attending.

What are some effective ways to generate new bookings?

Try hosting a fun and interactive online or in-person event to showcase your products. Utilize social media to promote your events and share success stories. Additionally, consider offering special promotions or discounts for referrals to encourage your current customers to invite friends and family.

How can I re-engage customers who have previously canceled?

Reach out to customers who have canceled by sending a personalized message expressing your understanding and inviting them to try again. Offer a special incentive, such as a discount or a free product, to encourage them to book another party. Highlight any new products or changes that might excite them.

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed by the lack of bookings?

Take a step back and evaluate your approach. Consider seeking support from fellow Pampered Chef consultants or joining a community group for motivation and ideas. Focus on setting small, achievable goals for bookings and celebrate each success to build momentum. Remember, persistence is key in direct sales!

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