I'm Probably Going to Regret This ....

[Intrepid_Chef]

Last week, I worked at a fair, and gathered several contacts. I started to call several of them this evening.

One lady was really excited and wanted several items ... after much chatter about it, however, it boiled down to the quick stir pitcher and mix and chop. HOWEVER ... she said she had been burned before and paid for items she never got ... so now she wants ME to front the money for her.

I should have said NO but a) I have a party that didn't qualify and needs to be sent in soon and b) this may be a way to gain the trust of a customer.

I made it very clear that I am paying for this out of my own pocket, but I wouldn't do it twice, and I would send it back if I do not get paid for it the day it arrives.

At least it's only $29!

 

[janetupnorth]

Last week, I worked at a fair, and gathered several contacts. I started to call several of them this evening.

One lady was really excited and wanted several items ... after much chatter about it, however, it boiled down to the quick stir pitcher and mix and chop. HOWEVER ... she said she had been burned before and paid for items she never got ... so now she wants ME to front the money for her.

I should have said NO but a) I have a party that didn't qualify and needs to be sent in soon and b) this may be a way to gain the trust of a customer.

I made it very clear that I am paying for this out of my own pocket, but I wouldn't do it twice, and I would send it back if I do not get paid for it the day it arrives.

At least it's only $29!

As long as it is a one-time deal. Otherwise, I'd direct her to place an individual order on your website that ships directly to her.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Diane...

as long as it's getting delivered to you, I don't see a problem with it. Like you said, if she doesn't pay you right away, just call and return it so you get your money (well...minus shipping) back!

 

[KellyTheChef]

Janet's idea is a good one! (sending her to your PWS)

 

[pampered.chris]

I will keep my fingers crossed that this works out for you!!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Yup, it's being delivered to me.

The host of the party I am trying to close did not do well at ALL ... even with this order she's still about $35 short. I sold a tiny bit of my cash and carry so I am going to use that to get an insulated tote and get some other tiny item just so the show can close.

Just kind of tough because this is NOT a good month for me financially at all!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Oh, and she's just not the kind of person who goes online, but I will tell her about it in the future just the same.

 

[Jules711]

At least both of those items are things you can easily sell too. But I can understand in a way. I've known of a couple of consultants lately that take a whole show and spend the money! They intend to get the money back and submit it, but that doesn't always work. Not a good game to play.

 

[Tami_Dannemiller]

I am going to work my first fair next Saturday evening - just wondered is that what you usually do is take the money for orders or do you have everyone's orders shipped directly to them?

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

Welll, nobody ordered at the actual fair. Four said they wanted to have shows (one of whom took a packet for her book show that day) and the others just gave me info in exchange for a catalog. Some were more excited than others.

I often avoid direct shipping because a) it costs the customer extra money and b) it takes the "personal touch" out of it. This host wants to see some items up front, too ...

 

[chefann]

I am going to work my first fair next Saturday evening - just wondered is that what you usually do is take the money for orders or do you have everyone's orders shipped directly to them?

When I get orders at a fair (which isn't at every one), I usually have them direct-shipped, but only charge the customer the show shipping. I cover the difference. Many people are nervous about someone they don't know coming to their home to deliver products, even though they'll give that same person their address on an order. Go figure.

 

[BethCooks4U]

When I get orders at a fair (which isn't at every one), I usually have them direct-shipped, but only charge the customer the show shipping. I cover the difference. Many people are nervous about someone they don't know coming to their home to deliver products, even though they'll give that same person their address on an order. Go figure.

I haven't had that problem. I have most fair orders shipped to me (offer it as a service and savings to them) and then if they live more than 15 minutes from me I tell them we can meet somewhere to give delivery - I tell them it will save both of us on the gas. I never have a problem with that - they are happy to save the $$ and thank me for meeting them. I think they assume they would have had to come to my house otherwise and I saved them that. Whatever, it gives me a chance to connect again with them.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

When I get orders at a fair (which isn't at every one), I usually have them direct-shipped, but only charge the customer the show shipping. I cover the difference. Many people are nervous about someone they don't know coming to their home to deliver products, even though they'll give that same person their address on an order. Go figure.

That is what I do too - but I do it that way because I'm lazy, and don't like running all over the county delivering products! If they live within a few miles of me, I will have it shipped to my house, and then deliver it. Usually, no one is home when I deliver.

 

[chefann]

I haven't had that problem. I have most fair orders shipped to me (offer it as a service and savings to them) and then if they live more than 15 minutes from me I tell them we can meet somewhere to give delivery - I tell them it will save both of us on the gas. I never have a problem with that - they are happy to save the $$ and thank me for meeting them. I think they assume they would have had to come to my house otherwise and I saved them that. Whatever, it gives me a chance to connect again with them.

You're lucky you can do that. Seems like most of the people I meet aren't willing to drive AT ALL to pick up products.