Idea About Catalogs, What Do You Think?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various approaches to managing Pampered Chef catalogs, particularly the idea of using page protectors and binders to preserve them. Participants share their personal experiences, discussing the practicality, benefits, and challenges of this method.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests using hard binders with sheet protectors to save catalogs and keep them in good condition.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using plastic folders instead of binders, noting it helps reduce the number of catalogs used and keeps extras on hand.
  • One participant mentions that using page protectors resulted in catalogs still being written on and ultimately looking worn, leading to more catalogs needing to be carried to shows.
  • Another participant expresses that the method requires a lot of work and may not be worth the effort.
  • Several users mention using page protectors for personal copies to avoid wear and tear, while also noting the challenge of carrying heavier binders.
  • One participant highlights that their customers appreciated the organized catalogs, but the preparation took a significant amount of time.
  • Another participant notes that they prefer to keep catalogs available for customers to write on and take home, suggesting this enhances customer interaction.
  • One participant shares that they have used page protectors for fairs, providing attendees with something to browse without handing out current catalogs.
  • Another participant mentions trying this method in previous seasons but found it cumbersome and time-consuming, opting to simplify their approach instead.
  • One participant shares that a consultant in their cluster successfully uses this method, indicating it can be effective for those with a high volume of shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and practicality of using page protectors and binders for catalogs. Some participants find it beneficial, while others express concerns about the effort involved and the need for customers to take home catalogs.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences and preferences regarding catalog management, reflecting diverse approaches within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas on catalog management and preservation may find the shared experiences and methods relevant to their practices.

J
jesusluvsu2005
Messages
386
Okay, I'd love some opinions here. I'm thinking of taking about 15 or 20 of the catalogs that I get in my changeover kit and putting them into hard binders and each page in a sheet protector. I am thinking this would help save me from buying as many catalogs and it would help the ones I use more than once not look so worn. I would have a few catalogs on hand in case anyone wanted to take one home. What do you all think? Anyone else done this? Pros and cons? Anyone know where to buy about 500-600 sheet protectors at a good price if I do this? Thanks!
God bless,
Amanda
 
Amanday, I do this!! I don't put them in hard covers but I put them in plastic folders. I put the monthly hostess specials in the front pocket and I put the order form, your life your way, wedding registry and door prize slip in the back. I have Pampered Chef stickers and other stickers from the Booster that I have decorated the folders with.
This is such a life saver b/c you don't go through so many catalogs per season as everyone isn't taking one and you have extras onhand if they need/want one.
I don't but them in the binders b/c they are heavy and they will take up more space.
I hope this helps!!
 
I tried doing it this season, although mine weren't in page protectors because it would have tripled the space they took up. I found that people still wrote on the catalogs and the show copies ended up looking like trash. And everyone still asked for one to take home. I saved no catalogs, and actually had more to carry to shows because I had to take the show copies and the ones for people to keep.Also, as a customer, seeing a catalog in page protectors always made me wonder how well the consultant was doing, if she had to guard her catalogs like they were gold. It wasn't a good recruiting message to send.
 
The first thought is that is a LOT of work!
 
I do this for events, with ONE catalog for people to leaf thru. I give them old cattys to take. It works well for the events for people who want to order, and I am not losing anything by giving them an old catty.

HTH!
 
I put my catalog in page protectors and put them in folders. Looks much nicer, less worn and are not thrown away. If someone asks for a catalog I give it to them. However less catalogs end up in the trash which is good for me!
 
I did this last fall and it was a pain in my back....literally! They are heavy and I found that people would still ask to take a catalog home.....I changed back to just carrying plain ole catalogs in the Spring!
 
I put 1 catalog in page protectors each season for my personal use, so I don't keep paging through my piles of "new" ones. I bought page protectors at Office Max and then found them WAY cheaper at Costco...
 
GourmetGirl said:
I put 1 catalog in page protectors each season for my personal use, so I don't keep paging through my piles of "new" ones. I bought page protectors at Office Max and then found them WAY cheaper at Costco...
Click to expand...

I do this at home for when I'm on the phone. Otherwise, I my first though would be like Di's - a lot of work. We need to make our jobs look easy! I found project binders at Dollar Tree 6 for $1. They just have a clear plastic cover with a slip on binder. This helps to keep my catalog looking nice from being in my bag all the time.

You could also try these:
C-line® Polypropylene Antimicrobial Magazine Cover, 25 Covers per Box CLI56147
 
I did this last fall...my customer's loved it. I didn't have a problem with folks still wanting a catalog to take with them (I referred them to my website). That said, it took HOURS to do this...and I mean HOURS (not two, not three, not four).

I honestly haven't decided if I want to do this again. I do love the idea of at least putting MY copy in document protectors.
 
I am going to do this for my own copy. My S/S one is pretty sad looking from my flipping through it so much. I tossed around the same idea of doing this for shows, but decided it would be a pain to do, cost $ and the time, and then I'd have to update it seasonally. I think customers like to be able to write on and circle things also, and then take home the copy that they made notes in as well. :)
 
I do have 3 copies in page protectors for fairs. Since I don't hand out current catalogs at fairs, they give attendees something to look through if they're placing an order.
 
I tried this with the last two seasons. I am not doing it in the future.

I had to carry one extra bag with me each time. It takes a tremendous amount of time to prepare the folders each season. I'm not really sure that there was a benefit to having this them in folders with sheet protectors was ???

I have also tried the lapboards.

I am trying to simplify my business -- do more with less.

All catalogs and order forms are name stamped regardless of what method I use. Now I am trying catalog, order form, pen. Host specials are in a sheet protector or plastic stand.
 
There is a D in my extended cluster somewhere that does this and she LOVES it! She does PC full-time (12-16 shows a month) and said she only goes through 200 hundred or so catalogs a season with this method. If you want more specific info about how she does it, I can look through my notes and find it... or I can give you her email.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using catalogs in direct sales?

Catalogs provide a tangible way for customers to browse products at their leisure. They can showcase the full range of offerings, highlight special promotions, and serve as a visual aid during parties or events. Additionally, catalogs can help create a professional image for your business and can be shared easily with potential customers.

How often should I update my Pampered Chef catalog?

It's recommended to update your catalog at least twice a year to reflect new products, seasonal items, and any discontinued products. Keeping your catalog current ensures that customers are aware of the latest offerings and helps maintain their interest in your business.

Can I create a digital version of my catalog?

Yes, creating a digital version of your catalog can be an effective way to reach a wider audience. You can share it via email, social media, or your website. Digital catalogs are also easily updated and can include interactive elements, such as links to product videos or online ordering.

What should I include in my Pampered Chef catalog?

Your catalog should include high-quality images of products, detailed descriptions, pricing, and any special promotions or bundles. Including customer testimonials or recipe ideas can also enhance the catalog's appeal and provide additional value to your customers.

How can I effectively distribute my catalogs?

Distributing catalogs can be done through various methods, such as handing them out at parties, mailing them to customers, or leaving them in local businesses. You can also consider digital distribution through email campaigns or social media platforms to reach a broader audience.

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