Hostess Cancellation: Ensuring a Successful Home Party - Tips and Guidelines

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and strategies related to handling hostess cancellations for home parties. Participants share personal anecdotes and approaches to ensure successful rescheduling and managing costs associated with cancellations.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their practice of mailing postcard invitations to hostesses to encourage commitment and reduce cancellations.
  • Another participant mentions their experience of not asking for postage reimbursement after a cancellation but expresses regret for not doing so.
  • One participant seeks advice on how to phrase a request for postage reimbursement without offending the hostess.
  • Another participant suggests being honest and expressing disappointment to encourage the hostess to reimburse for postage.
  • Several users mention the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the hostess while addressing financial concerns.
  • One participant shares a positive outcome after discussing the cancellation, indicating the hostess was apologetic and committed to rescheduling.
  • Another participant notes the practice of requesting host packets back after cancellations, although they rarely receive them.
  • One participant suggests leveraging the guest list for a catalog show to generate sales while rescheduling the cooking show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to ask for postage reimbursement, with some participants supporting the idea while others share mixed experiences. There is no clear consensus on the best approach to take with hostesses after a cancellation.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies based on their individual circumstances and relationships with hostesses. The discussion reflects a variety of approaches to managing cancellations and maintaining business relationships.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on handling hostess cancellations and strategies for rescheduling home parties may find this discussion relevant.

dannyzmom
dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
I mai lout the postcard invitations as a courtesy for my hostesses. It is also a way for me (or so I thought) to guarantee that a show would indeed really happen and not get cancelled. I have the hostess give me her guestlist 3-4 weeks prior and I mail out the invites 2-3 weeks prior.

I pay for the postage.

I include a letter in my initial letter to the hostess explaining that this is my job, my family relies on me and my income...so if they need to cancel to please give ma ample notice...and if they need to cancel at the last minute to please see if a friend could host the show in her place so that I do not end up unemployed for the night.

Well, it's Monday. Saturday's hostess JUST emailed me (didn't even have the courtesy to call) and cancelled saying "I just haven't been able to put any time or effort into this show and none of my friends can make it that day...I would like to reschedule if possible."

I am ticked!
Maybe SHE didn't out the time and effort in...but *I* did...as well as the postage!!! Am I out of line to ask her to refund me the postage I spent? If not, how would I word it?

Do I reschedule her and how then do I make sure she doesn't cancel on em again?
 
I would ask her for the postage. I had only one person do this to me and I just left it be, I called several times to reschedule and she never called me back. If I had it to do over again, I would have just called and asked for the $$ that I was out and not called her again. I know that's probably not the answer you were looking for...hopefully someone else will have some wise advice.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
How do I word it when I call her to ask for the postage so as not to offend her and miss out on the possible reschedule?
 
I think I would be very honest with her and play on her guilt by saying something like "I was so upset when I read your e-mail that you had to cancel, I was looking forward to a great time out with the girls and was hoping to get you all of the free products that you wanted. Times are really tight right now and I can't afford to throw away money. Is there anyway that you can pay for the stamps so that I have the money to pay for the postage for your new invitations?"

HTH...
 
I like what Andrea said! I agree that she should reimburse you for the postage. Also, maybe she could just pay for the new set of postage and her guilt will make her send them???
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Well...she just called (and as I answer I am scrambling to open this website and find the exact wording Andrea offered me for getting the postage reimbursed - LOL). She was REALLY nice and quite apologetic and said "of course" about reimbursing...we selected a mid-August date and talked about gustlist/flyers/etc...I truly feel she is committed to hosting a good show. She said she didn;t want me to waste mt time coming over for a $200 show when she knows she can pull together a much better one (ooooh - I am liking her!!) Soooo....hopefuly our August date will stick :)

Thanks for the feedback you guys - I love this site!
 
Fantastic, sounds like it will work out in the end...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I sure hope so - thanks for the super advice, Andrea!
 
I'm glad it worked out.
 
I always ask for my host packets back when a show cancels, and they always agree, but I hardly ever actually get them back.

Since you have the guest list, you could call the guests to see if they needed anything now, turning it into a small catalog show, then booking the cooking show for August off of it, so then she can get the host special and the booking benefit in August, and you'll get sales now and then.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my hostess cancels the party?

If your hostess cancels the party, first reach out to her to understand the reasons behind the cancellation. Offer to reschedule the party for a later date that works for her. If rescheduling isn't an option, consider discussing alternative ways to engage her guests, such as a virtual party or a catalog party.

How can I support a hostess who is considering canceling?

To support a hostess who is considering canceling, listen to her concerns and provide solutions. Offer assistance with planning, suggest ways to make the party more appealing, or provide incentives for her to keep the party on schedule. Remind her of the benefits of hosting, such as free products and discounts.

What are some tips for minimizing cancellations?

To minimize cancellations, maintain regular communication with your host, provide her with clear information about the party process, and help her promote the event. Encourage her to invite friends personally and share excitement about the products. Setting a positive tone and building anticipation can help keep the party on track.

How can I handle cancellations professionally?

Handling cancellations professionally involves remaining calm and understanding. Thank the hostess for her honesty and express your willingness to assist her in the future. Follow up with her after the cancellation to keep the relationship positive and to explore potential future hosting opportunities.

What should I communicate to guests if a party is canceled?

If a party is canceled, communicate promptly with the guests. Inform them of the cancellation in a friendly manner and express your disappointment. If applicable, provide information about rescheduling or alternative options, such as online shopping or future events. Keeping guests informed helps maintain their interest and engagement.

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