Honestly, What Are We Going to Do About Bookings?

[chefmeg]

LOVE this idea Stacy~THANKS!

 

[stacywhitlow]

I can't take all the credit. I got the idea from here somewhere (I think).

 

[merego]

It's midnight here in Japan, so I'm headed to bed. I'll check back in a few hours to see how you did.

Ok, so I did a few calls and I was happy and cheerful and the 3 people I talked to all sounded like I was bothering them and said not interested. They were chipper until I said this is Meredith with the Pampered Chef I met you at Susans party, tone quickly changed to oh crap, why did I answer the phone.
So, I am back to being discouraged

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Meredith, that's OK ... they bought from you once so you weren't a pest. You never know ... there might have been World War III going on there.I think I'm going to pamper a police station next ...

 

[merego]

Meredith, that's OK ... they bought from you once so you weren't a pest. You never know ... there might have been World War III going on there.

I think I'm going to pamper a police station next ...

Thanks, I know I am being way too hard on myself and I can not take it personally, but it is just so darn hard sometimes. Maybe I will get a booking or 2 tomorrow night from my party love the police station idea, we have 4 firehouses in our area and I am going to hit those.

 

[JAE]

Ok, so I did a few calls and I was happy and cheerful and the 3 people I talked to all sounded like I was bothering them and said not interested. They were chipper until I said this is Meredith with the Pampered Chef I met you at Susans party, tone quickly changed to oh crap, why did I answer the phone.
So, I am back to being discouraged

Yes, don't be so hard on yourself. Don't read into the tone of a person's voice. Sometimes, I'm waiting for someone to call, and when it isn't who I thought it was going to be, my voice changes if I'm not careful. Don't take it personal. They aren't saying "no" to you in a personal way, they are saying "not now" to having a show or whatever you're offering. Stay cheerful because you're actually speaking to a human instead of an answering machine. You get to count it as a contact.

 

[Sheila]

Thanks, I know I am being way too hard on myself and I can not take it personally, but it is just so darn hard sometimes. Maybe I will get a booking or 2 tomorrow night from my party love the police station idea, we have 4 firehouses in our area and I am going to hit those.

I'm so sorry it didn't work for you.

I would love to hear more about Pampereing the Police & Fire Departments.

 

[merego]

I'm so sorry it didn't work for you.

I would love to hear more about Pampereing the Police & Fire Departments.

I am not sure how I am going to handle the fire station yet, I am waiting to hear back from my friend whose DH is a fireman to make sure no other wives sell it.
I pampered my salon this week. Have you had a chance to check out the other threads on Pampering a Business? I would be happy to tell you more

 

[stefani2]

I think because there are SO many strikes against us getting the bookings (like it was said earlier -- weather, sports, vacations, etc.) - I think we have to offer incentives and be creative.

I like the idea of Dollar Days and FREE cooking Shows.

Or we could just really promote OUTDOOR theme Shows (BarBQ Show or Patio Party) with COOL recipes (ice cream sandwich torte - yum).

What about extra incentives for bringing friends to a Show?

Or REALLY promoting our PWS BECAUSE people are so busy! - it is SO convenient!!!

At our last Cluster Meeting - a few of the top sellers said they pretty much ONLY do catty shows during the summer - it is easy for everyone - and they make sure to put ALL summer shows online.

I was thinking of offering (or suggesting) shows during the day - like 11:00 Come for Brunch Show (works great for SAHM and doesn't interefer with nap time)

If people STILL aren't 'biting', then why not just promote a Mystery Host Show (especially for HWC or during the slower summer months)

 

[redneckgleasonx4]

I understand how you feel Stephanie. This is my only job too and my family needs the money to pay our bills. It can be very stressful just thinking about what's at stake. However, given the alternative I plan to continue working this job as long as I can. I figure I've sold products to thousands of people over the last 6 years and if I have to I will call every one of them. Keep your chin up things will get better!

Kathy

 

[merego]

I love the dollar days idea and have tried out and gotten NOTHING
I have offered free cooking shows and pick a date, pick a gift ( pc item~ I put a picture of a mini-whisk or slice n serve). NOTHING
I did a flyer wih several different summer themes~ NOTHING.
Yet, I had a party last night and sold over $800 in product. I have no problem getting the sales, it is the bookings. I sold 9 salad choppers, promoted the June special ( the salad chopper for $10) said they could do a catlog or internet show~ NOTHING~ AGH...... My lowest party has been $600, so I can sell the product ( or maybe I am lucky~ ha ha) I just need more bookings. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.

 

[pampered2007]

Honestly, I think people are just afraid of commitment and they don't want to take the time to gather people together no matter how many things they can get for free or discounted. People will go to their friends shows, but not hold one of their own. I have offered so many incentives to encourage bookings and NOTHING! I am really getting discouraged. I am beginning to wonder if it's just me.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I love the dollar days idea and have tried out and gotten NOTHING
I have offered free cooking shows and pick a date, pick a gift ( pc item~ I put a picture of a mini-whisk or slice n serve). NOTHING
I did a flyer wih several different summer themes~ NOTHING.
Yet, I had a party last night and sold over $800 in product. I have no problem getting the sales, it is the bookings. I sold 9 salad choppers, promoted the June special ( the salad chopper for $10) said they could do a catlog or internet show~ NOTHING~ AGH...... My lowest party has been $600, so I can sell the product ( or maybe I am lucky~ ha ha) I just need more bookings. I can't figure out what I am doing wrong.

I've said this before on other booking threads, but here it is again, for what it's worth:I used to offer all kinds of extras to get people to book, and I never had good results from it. Plus, then I had to remember from one show to the next what kind of extra incentives I had to give that host. It was too much work, and I was spending too much money.I actually started getting more bookings when I stopped giving extra incentives (I think they may have made me look desperate) and started focusing on the great benefits PC offers. I use the following coupons with my host at every show, and I start by saying that because there are always some who aren't aware of the great host plan we offer, I like to show them what they can count on when they host a show. At every show, I hear many "WOW's", and "I didn't know that's" - even from the host who I've host coached about it before the show. There is something about the visual that helps!I also make sure and ask everyone at checkout if they would like to host. It is incredible the # of people who say yes, but who had checked no on their slip!

 

[lacychef]

Thanks for posting those Becky--those are great!

 

[dannyzmom]

I've said this before on other booking threads, but here it is again, for what it's worth:


I used to offer all kinds of extras to get people to book, and I never had good results from it. Plus, then I had to remember from one show to the next what kind of extra incentives I had to give that host. It was too much work, and I was spending too much money.

I actually started getting more bookings when I stopped giving extra incentives (I think they may have made me look desperate) and started focusing on the great benefits PC offers. I use the following coupons with my host at every show, and I start by saying that because there are always some who aren't aware of the great host plan we offer, I like to show them what they can count on when they host a show. At every show, I hear many "WOW's", and "I didn't know that's" - even from the host who I've host coached about it before the show. There is something about the visual that helps!

I also make sure and ask everyone at checkout if they would like to host. It is incredible the # of people who say yes, but who had checked no on their slip!

Becky - you (or someone else?) posted these a while back and I started using thme - and WOW - they REALLY make an impact!!

 

[merego]

I do ask everyone and they still say no. I was surprised how many people bought the salad chpper for $25 and didn't want to host a party or catalog show to get it for $10.00.
I will try these booking coupons, thanks

 

[cewcooks]

chefbeckyd would you recommened putting those booking coupons in chinese take out boxes for display at a fair that I have in 2 weeks!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Becky - you (or someone else?) posted these a while back and I started using thme - and WOW - they REALLY make an impact!!

I found them on here over a year ago, someone had posted them - but I can't remember who! I've said thank you several times in posts to this unknown person - and I have reposted them several times, just because of the impact they have made at my shows! My bookings have doubled (at least) since I started using them, and if I don't have them with me, I almost feel lost!
Good to hear that they are working well for you too Carolyn!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

chefbeckyd would you recommened putting those booking coupons in chinese take out boxes for display at a fair that I have in 2 weeks!

I'm not sure - I've never used them that way. I've always used them as a visual prop to my spoken bookings spiel. It can't hurt to try though!

 

[merego]

Exactly how does this work? Katie D. had explained it to me 2 months ago and I totally forgot.
Thanks

 

[StephsKitchen]

Please explain to us how you use them exactly... so we can hopefully get the same results as you have. What do you say, when do you say it, how do you have them displayed, etc??

Thanks!

Stephanie

ps. I had thought about doing something like this a few months back, but never to around to it! I can't wait to hear from you!!! So excited!:chef:

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Please explain to us how you use them exactly... so we can hopefully get the same results as you have. What do you say, when do you say it, how do you have them displayed, etc??

Thanks!

Stephanie

ps. I had thought about doing something like this a few months back, but never to around to it! I can't wait to hear from you!!! So excited!:chef:

At the beginning of the show, I think my host for hosting, and give her a SB, and then I say something like this:

Now, I am giving Susie this small token of my appreciation, but this is only the beginning of the gifts that Susie will be receiving this evening. I have found that often, guests, especially first timers, aren't quite sure why people like to host PC shows over and over. So, I'm going to show you some of the great things you receive for hosting a PC party!
I have the host stand next to me, and I start handing her the coupons one by one, as I describe them.
First, at an avg. show, my hosts receive $90 in free product. Now, we all know that Susie is way above average, so I'm sure it will be more for her. Then, after she chooses what she would like for free, she can then choose any 2 items in the catalog for 50% off...... and I go through all of the coupons, ending with the Kit Credit coupon.

 

[StephsKitchen]

That is wonderful! Thank you!! I think I might use that towards the end, when the recipe is done. Talk about the bookings in the beginning of the show, etc... still trying to get the 1 recipe and guest involvement thing down. But... I thank you for your words and for listing the coupons. I want to find one of those picture holder things to display at my booth coming up, but I guess I could even use that at a show, then take them off and do what you do and hand them to the host and talk about it.

Stephanie

 

[merego]

At the beginning of the show, I think my host for hosting, and give her a SB, and then I say something like this:

Now, I am giving Susie this small token of my appreciation, but this is only the beginning of the gifts that Susie will be receiving this evening. I have found that often, guests, especially first timers, aren't quite sure why people like to host PC shows over and over. So, I'm going to show you some of the great things you receive for hosting a PC party!
I have the host stand next to me, and I start handing her the coupons one by one, as I describe them.
First, at an avg. show, my hosts receive $90 in free product. Now, we all know that Susie is way above average, so I'm sure it will be more for her. Then, after she chooses what she would like for free, she can then choose any 2 items in the catalog for 50% off...... and I go through all of the coupons, ending with the Kit Credit coupon.

seriously, I must be dense because I don't get it

 

[ChefBeckyD]

seriously, I must be dense because I don't get it

What don't you get?

 

[merego]

Ha, I am a dipwad aren't I??
How many coupons do I give her?
I saw some booking bucks from another post that the host had to have another party booked prior to her show. It looks like there are different ways to do it.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Ha, I am a dipwad aren't I??
How many coupons do I give her?
I saw some booking bucks from another post that the host had to have another party booked prior to her show. It looks like there are different ways to do it.

Yes, these are different than the ones to give prior to the show. I posted the attachment with them in post #43.

I use these just as a visual prop to give to my host at her show. Mine are laminated, and I use the same set at every show. It's just a way to explain to guests about the host program, and what they can get for hosting a show.

The other coupons you are referring to are for the host to use to get bookings for you before her show.

 

[hollye44]

Becky, thank you so much for the booking coupon idea. I am going to use it at my next show. It's an awesome visual that will help guests "make the connection" as to why they should book their own show!!

 

[merego]

I get it now, thanks so much

 

[cookin to the top]

Have you tried pampering a business?