How to Kill the Multi-Vendor Host Idea

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges and considerations surrounding multi-vendor parties, particularly in the context of Pampered Chef events. Participants share their personal experiences and strategies for addressing host inquiries about including additional vendors at parties.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared their experience of advising a host against including a friend selling purses at a Pampered Chef party, emphasizing the potential discomfort for guests.
  • Another participant expressed appreciation for the wording used by the first participant, noting they had faced similar inquiries from hosts.
  • Several users mentioned the importance of focusing on the benefits for the host and guests when discussing multi-vendor situations.
  • One participant recounted a similar experience at a bridal shower, where they successfully communicated the drawbacks of splitting benefits with another vendor.
  • Another participant noted their preference for smaller parties, highlighting the challenge of personal engagement in larger gatherings.
  • Some participants reflected on their past experiences with multi-vendor shows, sharing a sense of frustration or humor about the situation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

While several participants agree on the potential drawbacks of multi-vendor parties, there is no clear consensus on the best approach to handle such situations, as experiences and preferences vary.

Contextual Notes

Participants are primarily Pampered Chef consultants sharing personal anecdotes and insights related to hosting parties and managing guest experiences.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants seeking to navigate multi-vendor party scenarios or looking for ways to communicate effectively with hosts may find the shared experiences and strategies beneficial.

Kitchen2u
Kitchen2u
Messages
1,590
I did it this morning! My host for this Friday called me to talk about the recipe demo. At the end of the conversation, she asked, "off the subject, I told my friend I would ask you first. It's okay if you're not okay with this. She makes these cute purses and she asked if she could bring them and put them in a bedroom to sell."

What I told was this: "It's not me that I woud be concerned about but YOUR GUESTS. You've invited them to a PC party, when they get there they find out THEY'VE got to "split" their money or make a choice. I would be concerned how THEY would feel."

She decided I was right, it's not fair to them plus it would take away sale from her PC party ~ so she's telling her friend no. I suggested she have a separate party for that. I gave her words to use with her friend too. "wouldn't you rather have a party just for purses on another date where ALL the sales are for you?"

She told me she had a confirmed 32 people and $300 in outside orders so far and she still needs to call some she hadn't heard from. Plus I asked her to give me a firm count of people bringing another adult (she didn't invite) because I need to bring gifts for them...she said "oh what a GREAT reason to call everyone again!"
 
What a great host! And great words to use, too. Thanks Ginny!
 
I like the way you worded this, Ginny! I have had two hosts in the past month ask me this and I have firmly, but gently told them no, but I like the way you said it better!
 
I'm really glad you shared your wording on this. I'm a new consultant so I can use all the great ideas I can get. Thank you!
 
Good job - and good thing your host asked you.People don't need surprises!
 
This is an awesome way to say it! Something else you could add (especially if the host didn't "get it" with what you said) is ask the host how much "fun money" they have each month. Then point out that others have the same situation with a specific amount each month they can spend at parties like this. By adding another vendor, the guests won't be able to get what they want and the host benefits would be less on both parties!
 
Or at least for me, I have a limited amount of fun money, but I would consider a PC purchase a "household" expense since it is something I will use every day in my home to feed my family. It gets budgeted in a different category and therefore I'd have more to spend, too. :D
 
I had to do this with a bridal shower. The host had been to a TS/PC party and wanted to do one that way for the bride. I politely told her what you mentioned above but used the bride. Why would you want to split up the bride's benefits?
 
Debbie - good point!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Whenever you're talking to host, a potential recruit, etc...ALWAYS put the focus on THEM...how will THEY benefit...why THEY should/shouldn't do it ~ it works like a charm!
 
That is great Ginny---thanks for sharing!
 
Wonderful way to handle that. I'll tuck that info in the back of my wee, little brain in case I need it one day.
 
Kitchen2u said:
I did it this morning! My host for this Friday called me to talk about the recipe demo. At the end of the conversation, she asked, "off the subject, I told my friend I would ask you first. It's okay if you're not okay with this. She makes these cute purses and she asked if she could bring them and put them in a bedroom to sell."

What I told was this: "It's not me that I woud be concerned about but YOUR GUESTS. You've invited them to a PC party, when they get there they find out THEY'VE got to "split" their money or make a choice. I would be concerned how THEY would feel."

She decided I was right, it's not fair to them plus it would take away sale from her PC party ~ so she's telling her friend no. I suggested she have a separate party for that. I gave her words to use with her friend too. "wouldn't you rather have a party just for purses on another date where ALL the sales are for you?"

She told me she had a confirmed 32 people and $300 in outside orders so far and she still needs to call some she hadn't heard from. Plus I asked her to give me a firm count of people bringing another adult (she didn't invite) because I need to bring gifts for them...she said "oh what a GREAT reason to call everyone again!"
Click to expand...
WOW! 32 guests! and $300 in orders already! It's no wonder the purse lady wants to set up! You need to recruit that host or at least get her to do a couple shows a year with you! :) Let us know how well it turns out! Very excited to hear if 32 show up and what sales you will have with that crowd!
 
I just read the title of this thread as "How to kill the multi-vendor host". Maybe I'm still a bit bitter about our show last week!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
smspamperedchef said:
WOW! 32 guests! and $300 in orders already! It's no wonder the purse lady wants to set up! You need to recruit that host or at least get her to do a couple shows a year with you! :) Let us know how well it turns out! Very excited to hear if 32 show up and what sales you will have with that crowd!
Click to expand...

I just got off the phone with her Sharon...the count is up to 35-40! Personally, I don't like these large parties...hard to get "personal" with everyone ~ instead just taking orders while they are piling up on me.:yuck: Commission-wise they are great, but I like to get on a perconal level with EAC guest...that doesn't happen with crowds like this.
 
pamperedthorpe said:
I just read the title of this thread as "How to kill the multi-vendor host". Maybe I'm still a bit bitter about our show last week!
Click to expand...

that provided the laugh I so desperately needed!! Thanks :)
 
pamperedthorpe said:
I just read the title of this thread as "How to kill the multi-vendor host". Maybe I'm still a bit bitter about our show last week!
Click to expand...

I read it the same way, and my last multi-vendor "show" was back in October of 2007....now who's bitter? LOL
 
Ginny that was a wonderful way to salvage your show, and make the host feel important as well! Great wording and wonderful idea! :) Way to go, and enjoy the order-taking...I know it isn't as personal but the commissions and booking possibilities are endless! :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #19
Kitchen Diva said:
Ginny that was a wonderful way to salvage your show, and make the host feel important as well! Great wording and wonderful idea! :) Way to go, and enjoy the order-taking...I know it isn't as personal but the commissions and booking possibilities are endless! :)
Click to expand...

Thanks Kacey ~ I know, and I AM grateful:D I just like to give SUPERIOR customer service at ALL of my parties and I feel they aren't getting that when I'm feeling RUSHED to crank out the orders.

I have the MOST fun at the less attended ones...like last night...only 3 ladies, $663 commissionable sales later...only 2 outside orders totalling $75!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #20
pamperedthorpe said:
I just read the title of this thread as "How to kill the multi-vendor host". Maybe I'm still a bit bitter about our show last week!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I thought the title was going to hit a chord with some of you...sorry, but I laughed as I was typing the title :yuck: ~ gotcha didn't I? Got your attention at least! :D :D :D
 
Kitchen2u said:
I just got off the phone with her Sharon...the count is up to 35-40! Personally, I don't like these large parties...hard to get "personal" with everyone ~ instead just taking orders while they are piling up on me.:yuck: Commission-wise they are great, but I like to get on a perconal level with EAC guest...that doesn't happen with crowds like this.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I know how that can be. Can you get a member from your downline or a family member or clustermate to help you? They (maybe even a couple of them) can help with orders while you work with each one individually, etc. If it's a fellow cluster member, etc. reward them with maybe a % of your commission or a booking or maybe take her/him out to dinner your treat. Family-tell them it's their obligation! LOL Treat them to something special, etc.!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #22
smspamperedchef said:
Yeah, I know how that can be. Can you get a member from your downline or a family member or clustermate to help you? They (maybe even a couple of them) can help with orders while you work with each one individually, etc. If it's a fellow cluster member, etc. reward them with maybe a % of your commission or a booking or maybe take her/him out to dinner your treat. Family-tell them it's their obligation! LOL Treat them to something special, etc.!
Click to expand...

Robyn's (DD, my baby who turned 17 last Saturday) going with me. She re-checks all my inputing from parties...so she knows what she's doing.

You're RIGHT is is their obligation ~ they don't get to go on the vacations with me unless they've helped out during the year!
 
Kitchen2u said:
Robyn's (DD, my baby who turned 17 last Saturday) going with me.
Click to expand...

She is 17?!?!? How did that happen?? Say hello to her for me. :)
 
Kitchen2u said:
Thanks Kacey ~ I know, and I AM grateful:D I just like to give SUPERIOR customer service at ALL of my parties and I feel they aren't getting that when I'm feeling RUSHED to crank out the orders.

I have the MOST fun at the less attended ones...like last night...only 3 ladies, $663 commissionable sales later...only 2 outside orders totalling $75!
Click to expand...

What did the 3 guests buy that totalled that much in sales??? Wow, way to go!
 
Thanks that is a great way to handle that type of situation!! This is very valuable information!:thumbup:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #26
DebbieJ said:
She is 17?!?!? How did that happen?? Say hello to her for me. :)
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I will ~ I'm getting old Deb! Time flies....I got tears when a flier in the mail came for her senior portraits...this is it! Empty nest...What the hell are we (Robert and I) going to do w/o the kids here...:yuck:

I've decided to stay on at the Youth Director at my church...gives me SOMETHING to do...plus kick up my PC biz!

Hey, we're in the same 1st class at conference!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #27
chefsteph07 said:
What did the 3 guests buy that totalled that much in sales??? Wow, way to go!
Click to expand...

Yep...two of them bought cookware sets. One decided to get it, then the other said, "well if you're getting that, I have to have it too. I only did the ice cube demo on the cookware.

We made the Chicken Clubhouse Squares...she made the Mandarin Pasta Salad...had LOTS of time to talk about LOTS of tools...they had to have it all ~ YESSSSSSSS, I tried to recruit them...I told them they could all learn together and get it for free...not interested ~ only interested in being loyal customers ~ yeah!
 
Kitchen2u said:
Hey, we're in the same 1st class at conference!
Click to expand...

YAY! And how is Robert doing?
 
pamperedthorpe said:
I just read the title of this thread as "How to kill the multi-vendor host". Maybe I'm still a bit bitter about our show last week!
Click to expand...

:eek: That's funny!
 
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  • #30
DebbieJ said:
YAY! And how is Robert doing?
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He's doing AWESOME! 175 pounds lighter! He's lost more than what I weigh!!! So the joke is "he's lost Ginny and more!!!" Then sometime I say..."he's lost so much, I can't find him!" His goal is 45 more pounds. He's determinded, so I'm SURE he'll get that off too! Thanks for asking Deb ~ I LOVE to BRAG about him!!!

BTW ~ Robyn said HI DEB!!! And KRISTI!!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the multi-vendor host idea in direct sales?

The multi-vendor host idea refers to a strategy where a host organizes an event featuring multiple direct sales representatives from different companies. This allows attendees to shop a variety of products in one location, but it can dilute the focus and sales potential for individual vendors.

Why is the multi-vendor host idea detrimental to my Pampered Chef business?

Hosting a multi-vendor event can lead to lower sales for individual vendors, including Pampered Chef consultants. When customers are presented with too many options, they may feel overwhelmed and less likely to make a purchase. Additionally, the shared attention can reduce the personal connection and engagement that is crucial for selling Pampered Chef products.

How can I effectively communicate the downsides of multi-vendor events to potential hosts?

When discussing the downsides of multi-vendor events with potential hosts, emphasize the benefits of focusing solely on Pampered Chef. Highlight that a dedicated Pampered Chef party allows for a more personalized experience, better product demonstrations, and a stronger opportunity for guests to engage with the brand and make purchases.

What alternatives can I suggest to potential hosts instead of multi-vendor events?

Instead of multi-vendor events, suggest hosting exclusive Pampered Chef parties, either in-person or virtual. You can also propose themed cooking classes or recipe demonstrations that showcase the versatility of Pampered Chef products. These alternatives create a focused environment that encourages sales and enhances the guest experience.

How can I support my hosts in promoting their Pampered Chef parties without the distraction of other vendors?

Support your hosts by providing them with promotional materials, such as invitations and social media graphics, specifically for their Pampered Chef party. Offer to help them create a guest list and provide tips on how to engage their friends and family. By equipping them with the right tools, you can ensure they feel confident in promoting a successful, focused event.

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