Host Frustrations: How to Close Shows with Difficult Hosts | PC Business Tips

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges faced by a Pampered Chef consultant in closing shows with a particularly difficult host. Participants share their experiences and frustrations regarding the host's delays and the impact on their business.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over a long-time host's delays in closing shows, noting that despite her importance to their business, she is hard to reach and resistant to closing promptly.
  • Another participant mentions the time constraint of needing to close the show by the 15th to take advantage of a special offer.
  • Several users suggest creative solutions, such as gifting outlet items to the host, although one participant notes the impracticality of this idea due to the host's preferences for higher-priced items.
  • One participant shares their own experience with excess professional cookware and considers selling it, while also empathizing with the original poster's situation.
  • Another participant comments on the host's history of delays, indicating that this has been a consistent pattern over multiple shows.
  • One participant reflects on the changing dynamic between the consultant and the host, suggesting that the host may be accustomed to a more available consultant in the past.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle the situation with the host, with no clear consensus on the best approach to take.

Contextual Notes

The discussion centers on personal experiences with host management and the unique challenges that arise in maintaining relationships with hosts who are difficult to reach or slow to finalize orders.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants facing similar challenges with host management may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant to their own situations.

C
ChefBeckyD
Gold Member
Messages
20,320
I love her...I really do. This host has had a show for me every year in November since I started w/ PC - she was one of my first "outside my circle" hosts, and I can trace so much business from her parties...

However! Getting her to close her shows is always like pulling teeth. I have tried every trick in the book over the years, and she is resistant to all of them.
This year, her show was on NOVEMBER 5th! And she FINALLY emailed me her order this morning (and no, I wouldn't just order for her, she's brought me too much business to be that way with her) and it has several OUTLET items on it!!! GRRRR.....this means she will probably have to start all over figuring out what she wants to order, and I'll have to keep waiting...

She has an extremely busy job - when I call her work, I just leave messages with her secretary, and she's almost impossible to get a hold of outside of work too....*sigh*.
 
Well the only good news is she can't go past the 15th now in order to get the Nov. special, but I do know what you mean:)!
 
Grr. You've tried all of the tricks so you've probably already tried having her close her show the night of it.

Since she's been such a good source of biz, have you thought about getting her the outlet items as a gift? I know it doesn't help with finalizing her host order unless she is using the host discount and then it wouldn't matter to take off the outlet items. But I bet that's not the case.

Sorry
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Becca_in_MD said:
Grr. You've tried all of the tricks so you've probably already tried having her close her show the night of it.

Since she's been such a good source of biz, have you thought about getting her the outlet items as a gift? I know it doesn't help with finalizing her host order unless she is using the host discount and then it wouldn't matter to take off the outlet items. But I bet that's not the case.

Sorry
Click to expand...


LOL - I don't think I can get her the outlet items she wants...because she wants professional cookware and she wanted to use them as her half-price items. A little more than I would spend on a gift! That's why I'm waiting now - because I need to see what she wants for her half price items...
 
Sorry, was hoping she wanted a bar board and knife. Hey, I have some professional cookware - 6 pc. set, Lg Covered Skillet, Family Skillet - I'm staring at the boxes. Won them in the HO shopping spree along with all of the Exec. Would love to get them out of my house. I need to look into the marketplace on here to try to get rid of them. Otherwise whenever my niece gets her own place she will become the proud owner of Prof. cookware.

At least you have 12 more days until the 15th to get her show closed ;) I guess all of her guests are used to waiting a long time to get their orders.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Becca_in_MD said:
Sorry, was hoping she wanted a bar board and knife. Hey, I have some professional cookware - 6 pc. set, Lg Covered Skillet, Family Skillet - I'm staring at the boxes. Won them in the HO shopping spree along with all of the Exec. Would love to get them out of my house. I need to look into the marketplace on here to try to get rid of them. Otherwise whenever my niece gets her own place she will become the proud owner of Prof. cookware.

At least you have 12 more days until the 15th to get her show closed ;) I guess all of her guests are used to waiting a long time to get their orders.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I think they probably just know her. She has had 7 shows, and every one has been like this to close. Oh - and I just got an email from her telling me she'll call me tonight with her order and CC #.....except that I'm getting ready to leave for a party, and no one else will be home tonight either. :(
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Yeah, I think they probably just know her. She has had 7 shows, and every one has been like this to close. Oh - and I just got an email from her telling me she'll call me tonight with her order and CC #.....except that I'm getting ready to leave for a party, and no one else will be home tonight either. :(
Click to expand...

She's used to the old you who had time to be at her beck and call, not the new you who's rockin' it!! At this point, what's another day or two?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common frustrations hosts experience during a Pampered Chef show?

Common frustrations for hosts may include technical issues with virtual platforms, difficulty in gathering guest participation, and feeling overwhelmed by the planning process. Additionally, hosts might struggle with promoting the show effectively or managing their time to ensure everything runs smoothly.

How can I help a difficult host feel more comfortable during their show?

To help a difficult host feel more comfortable, maintain open communication and provide clear guidance throughout the process. Offer to assist with invitations and reminders, and reassure them that you are there to support them. Encourage them to share their concerns and address any issues promptly.

What strategies can I use to engage guests when a host is not actively participating?

If a host is not actively participating, you can take the lead by engaging guests directly. Ask open-ended questions, encourage participation through fun games or polls, and share interesting product demonstrations. Additionally, highlight the benefits of the products and create a lively atmosphere to keep guests interested.

How can I motivate a host who seems unenthusiastic about their show?

To motivate an unenthusiastic host, remind them of the benefits of hosting, such as earning free products and discounts. Share success stories from previous hosts to inspire them, and offer incentives or rewards for reaching certain goals. Personalize your approach by understanding their interests and tailoring the show to their preferences.

What should I do if a host is resistant to following my suggestions?

If a host is resistant to your suggestions, listen to their concerns and try to understand their perspective. Offer alternative solutions that align with their preferences, and be flexible in your approach. Building a rapport and trust with the host can help them feel more comfortable in accepting your guidance.

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