Ideas From Those That Dont Mail Their Invites

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores various approaches to sending invitations for Pampered Chef shows, particularly focusing on the experiences of participants who do not mail invites directly. Participants share their methods for organizing and distributing invites, as well as the impact of these methods on cancellations and guest engagement.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that they do not mail invites but instead prepare labels for hosts to use, noting that this method has reduced cancellations.
  • Another participant shares their experience of printing show labels and sending them out, emphasizing the efficiency of this process and the personal touch of handwritten addresses.
  • Several users mention purchasing labels during sales to save costs and streamline the invitation process, with one participant stating they have had very few cancellations over several years.
  • One participant describes their method of sending a guest list to hosts along with a letter, allowing them to print invites directly on postcards, avoiding the need for labels.
  • Another participant prefers handwriting addresses for a personal touch, stating they can quickly write out multiple invites.
  • One user discusses using MS Word to print invites and tracking mailing schedules, while also incorporating electronic invites when possible.
  • Another participant mentions organizing guest lists by city and zip code to simplify the process for hosts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best method for addressing invites, with some participants favoring handwritten addresses for personalization, while others prefer printed labels for efficiency. There is no clear consensus on whether mailing invites is more effective than using labels or electronic methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and methods that reflect their individual practices and preferences in managing invites for shows, without implying any official guidance or recommendations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for various strategies to manage invitations for their shows may find the shared experiences and methods helpful in shaping their own approaches.

Messages
592
So far I have never mailed my hosts invites. I have thought about it but I do a lot of shows with people who don't use the computer alot so they would have to hand write everything. Anyway I do make labels and fill out the invites so all they have to do is mail or hand them out. This takes alot of time and the labels add up really fast, but it has cut down on my cancellations and people handing back all the unused invites at the end of a small show.(they may just throw them away now lol) I was just wondering if anyone else does this.

For those that do mail them, how much more time and expense would I be looking at?
 
Well, they'd have to handwrite the invites too, eh plus the show details? So writing out a guest list isn't much different, if you ask me... if not easier for them. I'm all about making it easy for my hosts to host. So far, all my hosts have filled their guest lists with the computer and with only one exception, have emailed them back to me. One host recently, mailed me hers after not being able to attach the doc file. It takes me very little time to print out the show labels with the show info printed on them, I also make up labels to cover up the .com stuff with my .biz info, my PC stamp for return address, postage and I hand write the invite addressee for a personal touch. I did a batch of 19 this morning and it took me less than 20 minutes from beginning to end. It's repetitious however it also gets me familiar with the guest names too... and me sending them out I KNOW they're going out. I got handed back a FULL stack of invites one time from a host.... I no longer have any worries about invites going out in time or not and the postage and labels and ink and all that are tax deductions...
 
I buy them at Sams or office depot when they offer buy 1 get 1 free sales they last a long time and I just type the host info once and it prints to all labels it's very quick
I'm probably going into my 7th year of sending them for the hosts and have very few cancellations maybe 3 a year.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Teresa Lynn said:
I buy them at Sams or office depot when they offer buy 1 get 1 free sales they last a long time and I just type the host info once and it prints to all labels it's very quick
I'm probably going into my 7th year of sending them for the hosts and have very few cancellations maybe 3 a year.

So how do you address the invites, by hand or with another label? Also how do you have the hosts get the guest list to you? How do you organize to keep on top of mailing everything? How many shows do you do a week month? Thanks for the help!
 
I know you didn't ask me but I want to share how I do my invites~ I send the guest list to the host with a letter that tells when it needs to be sent back by. The letter also includes some other general information. Once I get the guest list back I print the invitations (I use the PC postcard invites and actually print right on them so I don't have to buy labels.) I also put the postage on the invites at this time. I do not handwrite anything. I then prepare the host packet and I include 5-10 extra invitations incase the host forgot everyone. I send the host packet and invites out at the same time so the host knows her invites were sent. HTH! :chef:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
heather223 said:
I know you didn't ask me but I want to share how I do my invites~ I send the guest list to the host with a letter that tells when it needs to be sent back by. The letter also includes some other general information. Once I get the guest list back I print the invitations (I use the PC postcard invites and actually print right on them so I don't have to buy labels.) I also put the postage on the invites at this time. I do not handwrite anything. I then prepare the host packet and I include 5-10 extra invitations incase the host forgot everyone. I send the host packet and invites out at the same time so the host knows her invites were sent. HTH! :chef:
What program do you use to print everything together? Also how early do you have them send you the info? How early do they get their host pack? Also how many shows do you do a week/month and how many invites do you usually mail? Thanks!
 
I do what Heather does except I do the addresses by hand. I am not the best typist and I have heard that handwritten makes it more personal. I can hand write 30 invites pretty quick. I know I am more likely to look at something addressed to me if it is hand written.
 
cincychef said:
What program do you use to print everything together? Also how early do you have them send you the info? How early do they get their host pack? Also how many shows do you do a week/month and how many invites do you usually mail? Thanks!

I use MS Word. I ask that the guest list is back to me 3 weeks before the show and they get the host packet no later than 2 weeks before. (If the show isn't booked a month out then I tweak these dates.) I use a Host Information Sheet to track what I have mailed and when things need to be mailed. I also send post cards to the host with reminders about the show. I usually do 6-8 shows a month but am trying to get even more. I have never tracked how much I mail. I also send evites out if the host provides me with a email address. This service is free and I can track who is/ isn't coming and it saves the cost of postage. :chef:
 
I handwrite the guest info with a pretty color ink (I think its more personal)
I print the show info in color
I have them email me the list organized by city and zip then they only need to send the guest name and street address keeps them from typing alot
I send them about 16 days in advance (My rule... it should never intentionally arrive on Wed. when we get our junk mailings.)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to invite guests without mailing physical invites?

There are several effective methods to invite guests without mailing physical invites. You can use social media platforms to create event pages, send personal messages, or share invitations in relevant groups. Additionally, consider using email invitations or creating a digital flyer that can be shared via text or messaging apps.

How can I make my digital invites more engaging?

To make your digital invites more engaging, use eye-catching graphics and colors that align with your theme. Include interactive elements like RSVP buttons or links to your Pampered Chef website. Personalize your messages to make them feel special, and consider adding a fun video or a recipe teaser to pique interest.

What are the benefits of not mailing physical invites?

Not mailing physical invites can save time and money, allowing you to allocate resources to other areas of your business. Digital invites can reach a wider audience quickly and can be easily updated or modified. Additionally, they are more environmentally friendly and can encourage immediate responses from guests.

How can I follow up with guests who received digital invites?

Following up with guests who received digital invites can be done through a friendly reminder message via text, email, or social media. You can also create a countdown to the event or share sneak peeks of what to expect. Personal touches, like asking if they have any questions, can encourage attendance.

What should I include in my digital invite to make it effective?

Your digital invite should include essential details such as the date, time, and location of the event, along with a brief description of what guests can expect. Highlight any special offers or promotions, and include RSVP instructions. Adding a personal touch, such as a welcoming message or a fun theme, can also enhance its effectiveness.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • BlessedWifeMommy
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
16
Views
3K
RMDave
  • ChefJoyJ
  • Pampered Chef Shows
2
Replies
58
Views
5K
lockhartkitchen
  • lesliec
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
5
Views
1K
leslieprichett
  • chefsteph07
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
9
Views
2K
PCMelissa
  • DizziePixie
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
19
Views
2K
pamperedalf
  • ChefJoyJ
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
22
Views
3K
ChefBeckyD
  • wadesgirl
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
10
Views
2K
baychef
  • PamperedbyKaren
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
6
Views
2K
PamperedbyKaren
  • Becca_in_MD
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
27
Views
3K
lmradlein
  • mistym
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
17
Views
2K
dannyzmom
Back
Top