Hosting Headaches: A Frustrating Experience with an Uncooperative Host

[pampcheflisa]

I can't wait to hear how this turns out...

I was thinking the same thing!
You'll definitely have to keep us updated.
This makes me feel so much better about the past host/potential recruit (that I did not really recruit) situation I have on my hands at the moment.

 

[gingertannery]

So when is this cooking show?? This strand has been on it seems like weeks. Please update after the "Event" I'm sure I am not the only one who must hear the ending. LOL I am exhausted for you!! Maybe since she has done DS before.. this happened to her so she is seeking revenge... She KNOWS better than this. You are a trooper!! I agree.. you need to spell it out with an e-mail to cover your behind.

 

[pcChuckie]

How about asking her to explain the host benefits back to you and also say out loud to you what she thinks her responsibilities are for the show (buying food, getting 15 orders, yada, yada). Tell her you want to make sure you were communicating to the best of your ability and see what comes out of her mouth. Then you'll know what is truly inside that head.

 

[Chefstover2]

Thankfully, this show is tomorrow...I'll post on how it turns out.

 

[pampered1224]

OK First and foremost - never, ever, ever insult doorknobs again! At least they have a purpose in life! The splinters in the windmills of her mind - more like the wind blowing in one ear and out the other! Man oh man, oh man Kristen! I too would have baled on this one. So here is what I think you should do. Call her tonight. Tell her you need to know what products she wants from her party so you know about how much she needs to get them at a discount. After you hang up with her, figure out the cost. Then tell her just before the party starts how much her party needs to be to get any thing discounted. If you give it to her in dollars and cents - because God only knows she has no sense - maybe she will understand it better when you tell her how much everything she wants will cost of no one buys anything. While you have her on the phone, tell her EXACTLY which recipes YOU are doing. Then simply ask her to make sure the other stuff she was planning on serving is done before you get there as you have a lot to set up and will need full access to the kitchen to set up those recipes. Talk to her like she is three. HTH. KISS - Keep it simple sister!

 

[Chefstover2]

Re: Obtuse Host --UPDATEI know everyone's on pins and needles so I just walked in the door from the show. She actually had 15 people there!! Of course only 5 ordered (so far...several said they'd call before the show closes on Tuesday --we'll see).

The place was one of the smaller homes I've ever done a show in, so I'm actually glad there weren't more. About 1/2 came up to "play" with me on the recipe...the other 1/2 sat and visited with each other. The recipe came together quickly enough...her microwave was too small for the DCB, so we baked the breasts in the oven (good thing she didn't buy a whole chicken...I'd still be there!).

Sales are at $295, 1 November booking and 1 HOT recruit lead! So, all in all, it wasn't the worst show I've ever done (I had one where only the host's mother came and she didn't speak English--fun!).

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts, suggestions, offers of knee-cap kicking, prayers. It's sure nice to have a place to let off the steam and know there are people who can relate.

I'm going to eat dinner now...dh made pork chops and home made mac & cheese! This is why I love him. :love:

 

[janetupnorth]

Glad it turned out good in the end!I HOPE you DIDN'T rebook the host on this one!

 

[pcchefjane]

Amen to that! I think I wouldn't mention you could do that! You ought to casually mention that with only 5 people ordering, it was almost $300 and just think how big it would have been if she let the other 10 order!!!

 

[Chefstover2]

For those of you who followed this whole saga before I have more to share on this one.

I'm holding my Host Appreciation event this Saturday for all my 2008 hosts. I e-mailed this beautiful invitation with all the details and directions. This lady RSVPs that she's coming but has a toastmasters thing a bit earlier and may be late. No problem.

Last night she e-mails me: The location of her toastmasters has changed and could I tell her how to find me from there. I get her to the nearest common denominator and then tell her to proceed with the directions I'd already provided.

Response: Not sure when I'll get out of public speaking workshop Saturday morning. If I've got time to find your place and not too much time to kill in Asheville so I don't show up three hours early... I'll call you for rest of directions on way there.

I replied to pleas NOT call on the way there since I'd either be frantically preparing or entertaining those who had already arrived and then RE-supplied directions.

Sometimes I'm just so surprised when people can't think for themselves! As my husband says...if she can send an e-mail why can't she Mapquest???

Thanks for letting me re-vent! TTFN!

 

[sk8rgrrl99]

Oh goodness, she sounds like a real gem!

 

[Chefstover2]

You have NO idea!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

For those of you who followed this whole saga before I have more to share on this one.

I'm holding my Host Appreciation event this Saturday for all my 2008 hosts. I e-mailed this beautiful invitation with all the details and directions. This lady RSVPs that she's coming but has a toastmasters thing a bit earlier and may be late. No problem.

Last night she e-mails me: The location of her toastmasters has changed and could I tell her how to find me from there. I get her to the nearest common denominator and then tell her to proceed with the directions I'd already provided.

Response: Not sure when I'll get out of public speaking workshop Saturday morning. If I've got time to find your place and not too much time to kill in Asheville so I don't show up three hours early... I'll call you for rest of directions on way there.

I replied to pleas NOT call on the way there since I'd either be frantically preparing or entertaining those who had already arrived and then RE-supplied directions.

Sometimes I'm just so surprised when people can't think for themselves! As my husband says...if she can send an e-mail why can't she Mapquest???

Thanks for letting me re-vent! TTFN!

LOL - apparently she thinks she was your only host in 2008, and that you will just be sitting at home waiting for her to arrive!

 

[PampChefJoy]

Just set up your address in Mapquest and then send her the link -- there is a place for her to plug in whatever address she's coming from to get the directions.... and don't answer your phone on the day of the party!!

 

[pcchefjane]

She needs a GPS badly! Did she ever show up?? What did her show end up closing at? Did the potential recruit sign??

 

[Chefstover2]

Her show closed out at $362 and no, she hasn't signed yet (is it terrible of me to be grateful for this? I already have one on my team that is challenging my patience...not sure I could handle another one)

Host Appreciation is tomorrow. I'm making Gingertinis & Pineapple Salsa (so I can sell the Girls Night Out show), Steamed Wonton Purses (cause they sounded good), Mexican Lasanga and California Club Pizza, Double Chocolate Mousse Cups and Tropical Torte. All I can say is thank goodness Pampered chef is making the recipes easier and quicker than ever or I'd have had to start cooking on Monday! I can't wait to see what they pick as their favorite.

 

[amy07]

I missed this thread the first time around.
You are a better person than me to invite her into your home.

 

[Flamingo]

I so agree with above post.... I might not have invited her to the Host app but I also would have thought she wouldnt come to something. But she is probley only comming to get the free food.....

 

[esavvymom]

I'd email her the mapquest directions and tell her to print it and stick it in her car. Then I wouldn't answer the phone if her number shows on the Caller ID (hopefully you have that). If she doesn't come....oh well! Good luck!

 

[cheryl929]

Best of luck!!! You are going to need all of your patience with her. Please post how it goes.

 

[Chefstover2]

I missed this thread the first time around.
You are a better person than me to invite her into your home.

I know, I know...but it's my policy to invite everyone (though I was definitely hoping she wouldn't be able to come)...as we coach our hosts, it's only for a couple of hours :chef:.

 

[Chefstover2]

OK...update: She didn't show up! After all that. BUT I did have 5 people that did come (2 more were supposed to come but ended up down with the flu). The hands-down favorite dish was the Mexican Lasagna. And they were really surprised that it was done in the microwave.

One booking for April, too!