Important Update: Changes to Deep Covered Baker Availability - The Pampered Chef

[Chefgirl2]

Carolyn is right. We can dwell on the negative or find the positive in the Stop Sell. I'm choosing to be proactive and tell why the company did this. They don't want people getting agitated that they don't have their DCB's after 4 months. Personally, I wish they all were on Stop Sell by the 15th. I know they can't do this since many late June shows already have DCB sales.

I'm coaching with caution because I want my guests to know that it could take months to get their DCB if they order it late in June.

So, now I'm finally going to do a show without the DCB (first in years). I love the Cool and Serve and I'm determined to learn how to sell that 12" Stainless Skillet. Anyone have any tips?

 

[chefsteph07]

Hahahah!! Need to fix that - I am back down to Director - LOL
But hey - you don't become an Elite Seller and hit TPC/Excellence Awards EVERY YEAR in personal sales by whining and complaining - believe me!

LOL Glad I could bring that to your attention! I'm sure you will get your title back in no time girl!
You are my hero!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

What would you like to see HO do that they're not already doing?
They're getting their manufacturers to make more of them, they're avoiding indefinite backorders,I'm not sure how they could have handled it any better.

Along with what Carolyn said....

Seriously - do you think that HO isn't aware of the impact the DCB has on our shows and our demos? This is affecting their bottom line too. They aren't just doing this on a whim, or because they don't like that we're all selling so many DCB's! I am completely confident that they are doing everything that they can to make sure that the DCB is back for regular ordering as soon as possible. Forming a "Bring Back the DCB" campaign is (IMO) redundant. They've already said that's what they are working to do.

I think we should be thankful that we can at least offer it as a host only option. We still have an opportunity to show it, sell it, book because of it, and reach a ton of new people because of it!

 

[RMDave]

you don't become an Elite Seller and hit TPC/Excellence Awards EVERY YEAR in personal sales by whining and complaining - believe me!

Hell no you don't. You have to do it like Carolyn did - clawing your way to the top by forcing homeless shelters and orphanages to open their doors to her cookingshows.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I apologize, Beth, for using a phrase you dislike...unfortunately I really did mean "get over it." Sorry LOL

Hey, it's okay! We all have a right to say what we want to. No one says we have to like everything we hear. I just read past it and don't let it bother me. It's when I read a tone that it bothers me. Your phrase is actually a much lighter way to say get over it - less tone.

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

The 12 inch stainless? I recommend the Asian Pork Skillet. I think it's REALLY made for stainless, though I've always used the family skillet b/c it's 12 inch. And then was puzzled because of the part of "loosening brown bits." Um, nothin' sticks to the Fam Skillet!

 

[DebinIA]

It is important to remember that retooling the line that manufactures our stoneware takes MONTHS and costs THOUSANDS of dollars. I remember a time when we had a stop sell on the Cranberry Deep Covered Baker right after it came out because our supply was depleted much more quickly than HO anticipated and our stoneware manufacturer was in the middle of a French Vanilla stoneware run. They couldn't simply stop making the French Vanilla pieces and start making the Cranberry...they had to finish making all of the FV and then completely disassemble the line, clean everything and then reassemble to begin making Cranberry pieces. It is a much, much more involved process than most of us would imagine.

Think about this....and keep in mind that these are my opinions/ideas - not facts provided by HO. The economy has been difficult at best and manufacturing, across the board, has been drastically effected by the economic slow down. Many, many factories have cut workers and been operating on a skeleton crew, barely surviving. Jump forward a few months to now...the economy is starting to pick up - my husband runs a trucking company and the call for trucks has DRAMATICALLY increased over the past few months. It's that old idea, supply and demand, hard at work. So I am speculating that our stoneware manufacturer cut workers/production, the economy started to recover and they got caught off guard by the increased demand. Add in the possiblity that they were in the middle of either a cranberry run or a white run and you can see how, based on the amount of time it takes to retool, they could be telling HO that they won't be able to catch up for a very, very long time. Remember that all of our stoneware is hand finished....it's not like they can whip out 1000/day. It takes time to make anything that is clay based.

I have full faith that we will be able to sell the DCB to everyone again and predict that this will be a distant memory in 2011. But I am not holding my breath that the situation will be resolved by fall - I'm hoping, but not placing any bets.

Remember, everything I said is speculation - please don't lambast me. These are my opinions. You are entitled to yours just the same.

D

 

[RMDave]

I said is speculation - please don't lambast me. These are my opinions. You are entitled to yours just the same.D

Deb, you forget that lambasting and flaming are parts of the charm of ChefSuccess

 

[blavin]

What would you like to see HO do that they're not already doing?
They're getting their manufacturers to make more of them, they're avoiding indefinite backorders,I'm not sure how they could have handled it any better.

I have not found anything in HO's email that suggests that this isn't permanent. I am optimistic that it isn't, but that optimism is based solely on the responses in this thread. Where did you read that this is a catch-up maneuver by HO to restock supply in an effort to permanently resolve the back order problem that the product continually faces? I have not found that information explicitly in any HO communications.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I have not found anything in HO's email that suggests that this isn't permanent. I am optimistic that it isn't, but that optimism is based solely on the responses in this thread. Where did you read that this is a catch-up maneuver by HO to restock supply in an effort to permanently resolve the back order problem that the product continually faces? I have not found that information explicitly in any HO communications.

This is from an email that was sent by my SED:

I was on a call this morning with Executive Directors and above with Marla and Jean from the home office.

You are absolutely right, this is a VERY popular item. PC has every intention of making this available to our entire customer base asap. However, right now, and our choices were to either totally discontinue the product or make it a host only product until our current and additional suppliers can get our supplies up to meet demand. Approximately, 50% of DCB sales are at full retail, the other 50% is to hosts. By discontinuing the white bakers, our stoneware manufacturers can focus production on our more popular cranberry DCB. And, by decreasing demand by 50%, that gives us time to "stock pile" DCB to catch up with their huge demand.

 

[cheflorraine]

Thanks for posting that (above), Beth!
Fascinating discussion - I think one thing this shows is how passionate we all about our business and the products! That, in itself, is already a good thing!
I'm looking forward to seeing how this will positively impact our business - perhaps by next week we'll have some success stories to share of some extra June sales of DCBs, more bookings...
There is definitely much truth in restricted supply causing increased demand... I'm hoping we'll see that in our own businesses!
Thanks so much to everyone who's shared words that we can use to make this as positive as possible for customers - I appreciate this site so much for all that brainstorming and sharing that we can do!

 

[Teresa Lynn]

I was disappointed when I heard the news I also sell several at each show.... Then I put it all in perspective. In the grand scheme of life does it really matter?I could gripe about it or go back to focusing on other products to generate higher sales like the cookware again. so waht it is on stop sell many of you probably dont remember the MONTHS stoneware was on stop sell. At least PC is still strong and not like other friends DS businesses that are merging, taking bankruptcy etc. They took away a product not my business.My kids favorite saying is "build a bridge and get over it"
It was a "darn in" moment for a fleeting second then I thought about ......
a friend's 17 year old daughter fighting for her life right now after a horrible car wreck and she remains positive Hilary will survive.My divorce is getting nastier by the hour and my kids are in shambles but God is pulling us through.3 little kids in our town will celebrate their first Father's Day without their daddy he was only 33 and lost his fight to cancer.It is a "only" a product, I would much prefer it be available in limited supply than not at all.

 

[PCMomto4]

Has anyone made up a flyer for this? Not sure if Joy has done one yet, if she did can you help me with locating because I didn't see it!!!

Thanks.

 

[RMDave]

Has anyone made up a flyer for this? Not sure if Joy has done one yet, if she did can you help me with locating because I didn't see it!!!

Thanks.

Yes, interestingly enough they're the content of a post from Joy just this moring, the post is called DCB Flyers

Here they are, again. Thank you again, Joy.

NOTE: Joy is updating this FLYER. New Flyers will be added when available.

 

[bridedream]

My initial reaction was "Oh, crap! What am I going to demo now?" Seriously, I just bought a bunch of groceries to demo the DCB.

My day job is in retail. Products are on backorder or discontinued all the time. I'm just going to deal with it like I would at work - get the customer interested in different products! If they are really interested in the DCB, hopefully, they will book a show. Otherwise, I will keep them informed when it is again available.

As a new consultant, I was caught off guard by this announcement. I am new to direct sales and PC. Honestly, I didn't see this coming and am sure many of my fellow newbies did not either. It's understandable if you've never been through this that it might take longer to process it and come up with a game plan. It's ok if you need to vent. Just like it's ok if you're over it and want to wear big girl panties. I think that's a great thing about the board - we can all have a different take on things, but in the end, we are here to support each other!

As for me, I'm over it, but going commando!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I was disappointed when I heard the news I also sell several at each show.... Then I put it all in perspective. In the grand scheme of life does it really matter?

I could gripe about it or go back to focusing on other products to generate higher sales like the cookware again. so waht it is on stop sell many of you probably dont remember the MONTHS stoneware was on stop sell. At least PC is still strong and not like other friends DS businesses that are merging, taking bankruptcy etc. They took away a product not my business.

My kids favorite saying is "build a bridge and get over it"
It was a "darn in" moment for a fleeting second then I thought about ......
a friend's 17 year old daughter fighting for her life right now after a horrible car wreck and she remains positive Hilary will survive.

My divorce is getting nastier by the hour and my kids are in shambles but God is pulling us through.

3 little kids in our town will celebrate their first Father's Day without their daddy he was only 33 and lost his fight to cancer.

It is a "only" a product, I would much prefer it be available in limited supply than not at all.

Thank you Teresa for really putting it into perspective for us.


and {{{{HUGS}}}} to you! You are an amazing, strong woman with an equally strong faith.

 

[BlueMoon]

This reminds me of ---light beer commercials--"wait! you're both right"I am a firm believer that what we focus on is what we get, that , as racers say "where your eyes go, the car goes," so I don't like to focus on the problems.But, as may of us have acknowledged, our initial reaction was not usually, what a great booking tool! Most of us were upset, sad, scared. The thing about conversations, especially in threads, is that some people come into it later, still feeling their first reaction.If this is you, be sure to read some of the old threads, and you will see that a lot of us had similar reactions. But we've thought and talked and posted and listened about it enough to be able to move on. If you are one who is starting to look at solutions and ways out, look back at your first reaction. For many of us, it was similar to some of the new posts we are seeing. I think we each need our own little melt down, and then we will be able to figure out what to do next. Thank goodness I have found this positive forum, one where we have compassion for fear and hurt feelings, where people feel so much concern for PC that they want to improve it, and where we can learn from the experience of others and (gently) help each other find solutions and move on from our first shocked reactions.And we will move on. We will continue to do great in this business. (And yes, I had just bought a second DCB so I could make more dishes in them at the same time, LOL.)Marghi

 

[dannyzmom]

As for me, I'm over it, but going commando!

Spoken like a true Philly girl!

 

[RMDave]

This reminds me of ---light beer commercials--"wait! you're both right"

Oh Lord am I dating myself. I remember that when the commercial went:

"Certs is a breath mint."

"Certs is a candy mint."

"Certs is a breath mint."

"Certs is a candy mint."

"Wait! You're both right!"

 

[dannyzmom]

Oh Lord am I dating myself. I remember that when the commercial went:

"Certs is a breath mint."

"Certs is a candy mint."

"Certs is a breath mint."

"Certs is a candy mint."

"Wait! You're both right!"

Damn, you're old!!!!!
::::ducking::::

 

[RMDave]

Damn, you're old!!!!!
::::ducking::::

Yes but I'm not an Elite Seller er something like that! Who wants to sell elites anyhow?

 

[dannyzmom]

Yes but I'm not an Elite Seller er something like that! Who wants to sell elites anyhow?

Hey now Mr 15k...every kitchen needs an E-Lite

 

[mailgirl1978]

My initial reaction was "Oh, crap! What am I going to demo now?" Seriously, I just bought a bunch of groceries to demo the DCB.

My day job is in retail. Products are on backorder or discontinued all the time. I'm just going to deal with it like I would at work - get the customer interested in different products! If they are really interested in the DCB, hopefully, they will book a show. Otherwise, I will keep them informed when it is again available.

As a new consultant, I was caught off guard by this announcement. I am new to direct sales and PC. Honestly, I didn't see this coming and am sure many of my fellow newbies did not either. It's understandable if you've never been through this that it might take longer to process it and come up with a game plan. It's ok if you need to vent. Just like it's ok if you're over it and want to wear big girl panties. I think that's a great thing about the board - we can all have a different take on things, but in the end, we are here to support each other!

As for me, I'm over it, but going commando!

Thank you!

 

[blavin]

This is from an email that was sent by my SED:

Great info. Thanks Beth!

 

[pampered1224]

We had our monthly meeting last night and I have to say this, there were about a dozen of us and not one of us was worried about it. Our feelings are this, we had business before the DCB, we certainly will after. Carolyn is absolutely right and Harriet, I think your post is awesome. I mean really, why change the message? All HO did was change this to a very special product that only hosts can get. And how did so many of you think that the DCB in cranberry is only available until June 15th? If you look, it is any June party that must be submitted by July 15th. I have a party on June 21st and am still going to sell DCBS! My only change will be to say that this will be the last time you ALL can get one as a guest. If they want one but can not do it that night, they will HAVE TO host a party. It is that simple. I certainly am NOT going to loose any sleep about people hosting parties to get one! I am just gonna change the words I use and offer up the other 393 products we have to offer.

 

[baychef]

John, I love your post. My ED was asking how my team was reacting and to be honest, I am sure there is disappointment, but no one is really at a loss with my team. I trained my consultants on it but never emphazied that the DCB should be shown at every party. (I am more concerned that they are asking everyone about the opportunity and booking parties).

She e-mailed back that PC is not one product, one party or one of anything. She had her meeting last night and said that after 60 seconds of allowing people to vent...they moved on and focused on moving forward.

In the 10 years I have been with PC, there was only one time there was a real issue with back ordered items and once there was a product in the catalog that everyone wanted but the quality was not there and PC never sold one. I had one person ticked off, but I would rather have one person ticked than have 100's not happy with a product. PC is in business to keep us in business and they are just as frustrated as we are. Things will get better!

 

[pampered1224]

What I think is funny too about this thread is that well, like you said, it sounds as if a lot of consultants forgot about all the other things PC offers! We all know products come and go. Even the REALLY GREAT ONES! Look at the Chillzanne line for example. So no, you can NOT base your business on one product.

 

[baychef]

You have come along way, Baby!!! I am getting people excited about grilling, camping, etc. Love the DCB, but for the summer it will not be my main focus. And with it becoming a host only, I can see where it might help bookings at a time of year that normally is a bit more difficult to book parties. That will lead us into a strong fall!

 

[esavvymom]

I was out of town when I got the email. I just chuckled thinking about how folks were reacting on here to the news, knowing it would cause the "Debbie Downer" in us to come out. But I liked what yesterday's PC Newswire said from Robin House- about how she's handling it, as well as what was posted here in this thread earlier (I got this email too, and loved it. Made me rethink how I'd present the situation.)

 

[schel]

OK ... how's this:

Friends,

I know I just sent you my newsletter, however, I have some urgent news about our most popular summer cooking tool.

The Deep Covered Baker is by far the most commonly used piece of stoneware in my kitchen. It can bake a chicken in 30 minutes flat, a Mexican "lasagna" recipe that is to die for, a delicious chocolate cake and a one pot pasta, just to name a few, all in your microwave! So it doesn't heat up your kitchen!

Starting in July, this item will become a host-only item due to its overwhelming popularity. Of course, hosts have always been able to get this item at a discount. But because this may be the last opportunity to get this item during the summer cooking season without hosting a party, I am offering a special.

Place an order with me for the Deep Covered Baker no later than Monday, June 14 and you'll get 10 percent off. Place an order for the baker ANY TIME in the month of June and get $4.25 off your shipping (that's free shipping if it's being sent to my house and included with a show.)

Call me or email so I can give you the best discount!

Like this, may I steal??
LOL!
Schel