I Am Having a Problem With Hostesses Who Aren't Calling to Invite

[mary64]

I am having a problem with Hostesses who aren't calling to invite guests. I send the invitations for them but tell them it is only a reminder and they need to call and invite. At my last show, the hostess complained because a guest didn't get the invitation so didn't come. I assured her I sent to everyone on her list and it may have gotten lost. I sent out 39 invites and 4 people came!Anyone else have this problem? I told her more than once to call and remind but I don't think she even knew half the people she invited.

 

[cathyskitchen]

This is why I let the host send the invites - then it's on her if no one shows up, not on me. I tell them they need to contact their guests 3 times before the show - first, they need to call or speak to them in person and personally invite them; second, they need to send the invitation as a physical reminder (either the postcard or the email invitation through my website); third, they need to call and remind all of the guests who have RSVP'd "Yes" or who wanted to place an order within 3 days of the show.

The hosts who do this get the most attendance, so I really stress this with them during the first call (or, if I book them at a show, I explain this when I give them the host packet). This has worked well for me so far. I also tell them that 10-15 guests is what is common for a good show, and that to get there, they need to invite 30 - 40 people. I usually have one $1000 show per month, and it's usually from the hosts who follow all of these instructions. HTH!

 

[pchefkristin]

I use the Postcalls.com system. I get their guests phone #s and type it into the system. Then I record a 60 second message reminding about hosts show, and what we will be making as well as any incentives along with my website addy.
I have a referral letter if you want me to send it to you. I think it was $35 for 500 calls to start through the referral system.
Since using it, I have had much higher attendance at my shows, and nobody can say they didnt get an invite or phone call.

It also lets you track the call to see who was a live connect, answering machine, or intercept.

 

[jrny2001]

Would you mind posting the postcall info?
thanks.

 

[tlennhoff]

Here us a thread where we discuss it http://chefsuccess.com/showthread.php?t=19225&highlight=postcalls

 

[finley1991]

I do flyers in enveloped and put my host's return address on them for 2 reasons: 1. if it gets returned because of a bad address, she gets it and can see and 2. guests are more likely to open something from someone they know.

If a host isn't going to make the reminder calls, there really isn't much you can do. Hopefully your next host will be better!!!!

 

[pchefkristin]

Sent a PM to you....

 

[pamperedgirl3]

I do flyers in enveloped and put my host's return address on them for 2 reasons: 1. if it gets returned because of a bad address, she gets it and can see and 2. guests are more likely to open something from someone they know.

If a host isn't going to make the reminder calls, there really isn't much you can do. Hopefully your next host will be better!!!!

I'm thinking of using the invitations in envelopes starting in the fall to see if attendance is better. Thanks for the idea to put the host's return address on there!

 

[finley1991]

I'm adding one more thing... I am still going to do my flyer in the envelope and include the new product brochure. I'm going to try it for Sept and see how I like the results.

 

[abrahamlaur]

what new product brochure?

 

[chefann]

It's the mini catalog - available on supply order. It's sized to fit in a standard envelope, and has pics/descriptions of all the new products for the season.

A lot of people have great success using them as invites because it gets a catalog (albeit a miniature one) into guests' hands.

 

[buzz26]

Has anyone had their host use "Evite". My host this week is using it. So far I am able to see who is coming and who is not. Plus when I responded I put a plug in that said, "I can't wait to meet everyone and if you're interested in your own show, call me". Anybody else had success or not success using Evite?

 

[BethCooks4U]

Has anyone had their host use "Evite". My host this week is using it. So far I am able to see who is coming and who is not. Plus when I responded I put a plug in that said, "I can't wait to meet everyone and if you're interested in your own show, call me".

Anybody else had success or not success using Evite?

Are you talking about the web invites through our website? I always urge them to use it (or give me the emails and I will do it) but the majority do not. Of those that do use it most guests do not respond via the site but call the host (or wait for the host to call them). I have gotten out of town orders or not coming to the show orders from it many times though so I still think it's worth it - just don't think most people utilize this option to it's capabilities.

 

[buzz26]

No, I'm talking about "EVite.com".

 

[cathyskitchen]

I have used "evite.com" when I have parties with other DS companies and they don't have the websites like we do (which is basically none of them that I've run across so far!). I had a Silpada party in April, and I invited over 40 people, and had 12 in attendance. I only mailed out 5 postcard invitations to people who don't use their email - everyone else was sent an "evite". My consultant liked it b/c she could see who was coming, and I liked it b/c it makes it easy to invite others, but I prefer our website's functions. Most of my hosts who use my website love that they can do their wish list on there, invite people, people can see the catalog and order directly from there, and so on. If you don't have a PWS, then evite.com is a good alternative, but overall, I think our websites are the best! JMO!

 

[dannyzmom]

I don't see the need for Evite when we have the same service only better on our own PWSs?

 

[pamperedlinda]

I don't see the need for Evite when we have the same service only better on our own PWSs?

Yeah, and when they decline they are taken directly to the catalog