How long should I keep past order forms?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses how long participants keep past order forms related to their Pampered Chef business. Various personal experiences and practices regarding the retention and disposal of these documents are shared, reflecting different approaches to organization and record-keeping.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions they used to keep everything but now only retains paperwork from the past year, shredding the rest.
  • Another participant shares their experience of keeping all receipts since 2006 but considers reducing this to just show total pages.
  • Several users mention they keep order forms for six months or shred them monthly due to space constraints.
  • One participant notes they throw away forms immediately after submitting shows, finding it easy to retrieve information when needed.
  • Another participant expresses having seven years' worth of forms but is contemplating a reduction in their collection.
  • One participant discusses the challenge of shredding due to personal attachment to the documents.
  • Another participant mentions using P3 for tracking contacts and expresses a desire for its availability in Canada.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly on how long to keep order forms, with no clear consensus emerging on a specific timeframe or method of organization.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their experiences in the context of preparing for personal changes, such as nesting for a new baby, and varying levels of comfort with digital tracking systems.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into how others manage their order forms and organizational practices may find this discussion relevant.

LBurke
Messages
243
How long do you all keep past order forms? I'm getting ready to 'nest' out my files during my slower months before the baby gets here.
 
Up until last year I kept everything. Now I only keep the past year's worth of paperwork. I shred the rest.
 
I started in September of 2006 and still have all of mine. I know I could probably get rid of 2006 receipts. Maybe just keep show total pages. I just can't seem to make that step!! :rolleyes:
 
I have receipts from April til now.Time for more shredding. :D
 
I need to pull out the shredder also. I have since I started in Nov 2006. Not for any particular reason, just haven't had time to "purge" them. I will keep only the current year.
 
I keep them for six months.
 
I don't have the space to keep them for too long. My 1st year I did keep them for a year, but now every month I shred them.

Ahh nesting I am doing the same, but the office is being turned into a nursery on one side of the room. At least until we move back to the States and can get a bigger place.
 
So, for those shredding them within 6 months/monthly, do you use PP to track your contacts and make CCCs? I like working from the show forms, that's why I can't get to shredding my order forms. I don't like PP for tracking contacts. I wish we would get P3 in Canada. Sounds like people who have it really like it. Not sure how it's better, but I'd like to see it!
 
My director has all of hers since she started I think like 5 years worth!!

I am going to just start to keep 6 months worth. I don't like to be a pack rat---plus I live with one. LOL
 
6 months and I shred 'em. I did think about scanning and storing the orders on a disk. Then decided to shred.
 
vwpamperedchef said:
My director has all of hers since she started I think like 5 years worth!!

I have seven years worth. :blushing:

I'm not a pack rat, just never got rid of them. That may be something I do soon.
 
I throw mine away as soon as I submit the show. It is too easy now for them to call ho for a reference number or for me to print out a receipt when needed. I have done this for 5 years or longer and may have printed a dozen receipts since then. I just don't need the extra clutter.
 
I still have all of mine. I'm having seperation anxiety...
 
I kept all of mine until a several montsh ago. And when AT&T messed my webmail address book up, I was so glad b/c I had to reenter all of my email addressed. I then printer the address book off as soon as I finished. I did get rid of those from the beginning after that though, most of them are in other shows now. I will keep them for a few months now. I have decided to make sure I enter all the info in P3 and then I have all their contact info and do not have to keep them as long. Plus, taking my laptop to shows there are a bunch of times it is only on my computer b/c they will just tell me their order.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I keep past order forms for my records?

It is generally recommended to keep past order forms for at least three years. This allows you to track customer preferences, manage inventory, and handle any potential returns or inquiries effectively.

Are there any specific legal requirements for keeping order forms?

While there may not be specific legal requirements for direct sales, it's a good practice to retain records for tax purposes. The IRS suggests keeping records for at least three years, but you may want to keep them longer for your own reference.

What should I do with order forms after the retention period?

After the retention period, you can safely dispose of the order forms. Consider shredding them to protect customer information and maintain privacy.

Can I keep digital copies of order forms instead of physical ones?

Yes, keeping digital copies is a great way to save space and still maintain access to past orders. Just ensure that your digital storage is secure and backed up regularly.

How can I organize my past order forms for easy access?

Organize your past order forms by date, customer name, or product type. Using a filing system or digital folders can help you quickly locate specific orders when needed.

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