Is a Service That Sends Real Cards Worth It?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around a service that allows users to send real cards and postcards, with participants sharing their experiences and thoughts on its effectiveness for business communication and personal connections.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their positive experience using a card-sending service, noting it has helped them maintain contact with their downline and customers.
  • Another participant expresses interest in trying the service and mentions the challenges of keeping up with personal communications in their business.
  • Several users mention the convenience of sending cards compared to traditional methods, with one noting difficulties due to slow internet speeds.
  • One participant raises concerns about self-promotion and the appropriateness of sharing links to personal businesses in the forum.
  • Another participant defends the original poster's intentions, suggesting they are simply sharing a helpful service rather than promoting their business.
  • One user expresses a desire to avoid conflict over the topic, suggesting a separate thread for discussing card samples.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the appropriateness of sharing business links and the motivations behind the original post. Some participants support the sharing of the card service, while others express concerns about self-promotion.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a mix of personal experiences and opinions regarding the use of the card service in a business context, highlighting varying perspectives on communication strategies among Pampered Chef consultants.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in exploring new methods for maintaining customer relationships and personal connections may find the shared experiences relevant.

So Laura, I just listened to the whole spiel on the site about the different types of packages, the Entrepeneur one is quite pricey at just under $400. Did you actually pay this and do you feel that it's worth it? I love the concept but that amount of money is totally freaking me out! LoL What did you get for the $10 option, I didn't see that one there?
 
When I first started on CS & saw Laura's postings I wondered why all the rudeness...that was until I noticed her signature & saw she was no longer a consultant. I am not trying to make this worse but from someone who does not know the whole story as to what happend w/her what I get from her posts is that it was not a happy parting. I don't know her but I did get the feeling when I read this post as what is she going to gain since there was nothing for you to go & check it out w/out emailing her. I'm sorry if that offends anyone but it is the truth. There is another person on here that almost only posts items that are for another PC related site trying to make it sound like something else but it is really for you to go to his site & pay for forms & things that are suppose to help you w/your PC business. Here is a thought, when you have an idea like this one maybe email some of the members your friends with & then if they like it they would post about it to everyone. I understand both sides as far as being a member & not being a consultant anymore & posting. Maybe this would help keep the threads a little less "heated".
 
  • Thread starter
  • #33
Darcy, I'm on my way out the door to a show but call me on my cell if you want... (in my email)
I did pay the $400 (one time fee), but there are options that are WAY less than that if you arent sure about it just yet. The $10/mo is the "Retail" customer option. I think. LOL. For me, its a cheap way to advertise my business and get my name in front of a bunch of important people very often.
:)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #34
kaseydee said:
When I first started on Chef Success & saw Laura's postings I wondered why all the rudeness...that was until I noticed her signature & saw she was no longer a consultant. I am not trying to make this worse but from someone who does not know the whole story as to what happend w/her what I get from her posts is that it was not a happy parting. I don't know her but I did get the feeling when I read this post as what is she going to gain since there was nothing for you to go & check it out w/out emailing her. I'm sorry if that offends anyone but it is the truth. There is another person on here that almost only posts items that are for another PC related site trying to make it sound like something else but it is really for you to go to his site & pay for forms & things that are suppose to help you w/your PC business. Here is a thought, when you have an idea like this one maybe email some of the members your friends with & then if they like it they would post about it to everyone. I understand both sides as far as being a member & not being a consultant anymore & posting. Maybe this would help keep the threads a little less "heated".
Click to expand...
Yep, unfortunately there are some folks still left out there who refuse to believe that people can just offer something to be nice. Sure, there is a possibility of self-gain. To glass-half-empty folks, thats what they see. To optimists, they see it as just a simple gesture of kindness. To each their own. :)
 
Why is it always Beth who has stir the pot when Laura posts? I do have to say it makes for an interesting read. I'm off to make some popcorn.
 
SilverCeladon said:
Why is it always Beth who has stir the pot when Laura posts? I do have to say it makes for an interesting read. I'm off to make some popcorn.
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Because Beth has the guts to speak her mind. Nothing wrong with that...

She is also not the only one who has questions about motives of others on this site who seem to get away with promoting themselves in ways that seem "against the rules" or should we say seem to "slide arround the rules"

The way I see it, if she had just said "check out this cool service called Send out cards, it's awesome" this would not have been an issue and I am not the only one who has said this.

Now.... whatever Laura's motives SOC is a cool service.

I wish her luck in her new venture. But I admit I get tired of seing the "check out what I'm doing now" posts.

If I left PC for another company I would not be posting about it here. But that's just me. I know I will probably get slammed for speaking my mind as there are some who have an excuse and come-back for everything.

Ok I'm done..... If you have issues with anything I have said just check out my siggy line and that should pretty much sum it up.
 
SilverCeladon said:
Why is it always Beth who has stir the pot when Laura posts? I do have to say it makes for an interesting read. I'm off to make some popcorn.
Click to expand...


You know how when you feel very strongly that something is not right and you just have to do something about it?? I'm guessing it's something like that... :)

I agree with Kaseydee if you don't know the whole story it may seem that Beth is being harsh or picking on someone. I personally don't know Laura, never met her but a consultant showed me an e-mail that came from her before I was a part of CS last year. The letter was in response to the consultant asking about her new business. To me it sounded like she wanted to recruit her. It put PC down in comparison to the new company and did talk badly about how PC handled things letting her and others go. I didn't know anything about it but remember thinking that was one unhappy consultant. So I am curious as to why if she's was upset (at the time) and not a PC consultant any more she would still post here. If I were her and I did make friends here I would send them personal e-mails to let them know how I'm doing and not entice others to inquire about her new business and thereby self promote with a letter like the one I read. At the same time it's a free country and just as she's free to share we are also free to express how we feel about it. There are always two sides. When you have just a little more information you tend to read posts with a different perspective.
 
SilverCeladon said:
Why is it always Beth who has stir the pot when Laura posts? I do have to say it makes for an interesting read. I'm off to make some popcorn.
Click to expand...

Because Beth has ethics and morals.
 
I think Laura could hand some people a pot of gold and she would get slammed for it. JOM
 
I agree Rennea. Personally I believe that Laura is still a cheffer-friend and she is offering suggestions and tips to us as her friends. I do not feel threatened by her trying to recruit me in any way nor do I view any of her postings as recruiting. How many times have 'members' of this forum promoted themself or a site or a deal that they have found in one way or another (many of them still do) and they don't get called-out. Laura was a very successful PC consultant (many of us would be so lucky to achieve all that she did in the time that she did it) and now she is successful in another venture. I appreciate it when she stops by for a visit and shares with us.
 
Somewhat intentional hi-jack here... :)

Linda - did you see the cake I made for my DD (my attempt with the MM fondant). It's near the bottom of page 11 of the baking today thread... It got a little buried in the middle of some more KG MW comments... Other than the fondant cracking majorly, I was pretty happy at how it turned out :) Just have to share because I'm just a teensy bit proud of myself :) OK, enough of the smilies...
 
Thanks for sharing Laura - I'll check it out. I sure won't have $400 to spend anytime soon though:)!
 
Yes AnnieBee, I did see it and the pictures did not show your flaws! It was adorable. I love brown and pink together. I still have the fondant I made in the fridge - when I get the time and the patience I will experiment with it.
 
Pampered Laura said:
Ya, about the self promoting thing... I can't put a link to my business because people threw a hissy fit. But, there is a Stampin Up consultant that has a link to HER business and it's just fine. I figured I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't, so I chose not to. Didn't want to risk any more flames, ye know? ;)
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If you are talking about me, I removed my link & everything personal about me. Sorry, I can't change my user name. I just wonder why I'm the only person mentioned when there are lost of people who "self-promote". I usually keep my mouth shut but I am about fed up. I'm ready to leave this site & the company.
 
Stampaholic1961 said:
If you are talking about me, I removed my link & everything personal about me. Sorry, I can't change my user name. I just wonder why I'm the only person mentioned when there are lost of people who "self-promote". I usually keep my mouth shut but I am about fed up. I'm ready to leave this site & the company.
Click to expand...

I was going to say earlier (and got distracted) that I thought it was much more acceptable for a PC Consultant to share info about another biz they do than someone who left PC to come back and tempt people with the new biz they are doing.

Yes, I too have heard time and time again how people take the bait and PM Laura to ask about whatever she has posted about and gotten a gentle PC bashing along with a grass is greener over here spiel.

Another reason I didn't post earlier is because I think the more attention she gets the more she will come over asking for it. And the more these threads are kept alive the more people will be tempted to ask her more questions. JMO.
 
pamperedposey said:
I was going to say earlier (and got distracted) that I thought it was much more acceptable for a PC Consultant to share info about another biz they do than someone who left PC to come back and tempt people with the new biz they are doing.

Yes, I too have heard time and time again how people take the bait and PM Laura to ask about whatever she has posted about and gotten a gentle PC bashing along with a grass is greener over here spiel.

Another reason I didn't post earlier is because I think the more attention she gets the more she will come over asking for it. And the more these threads are kept alive the more people will be tempted to ask her more questions. JMO.
Click to expand...

amen, pamperedposey....
 
  • Thread starter
  • #47
I come here because I have friends here. People who have been around who know ME (either meeting me personally or through other conversations off this board) know that I'm not some evil-doer.

Why am I secretive about it? Because at first, I wasnt... and I got flamed. I recently PM'd Greg about my signature line. I asked him how come Bev (no offense, it was simply one that I noticed) could have it in her signature about Stampin Up, but I was asked to remove ANY information alluding to PQ in my signature. He said that members can have it in their signatures no problem (I'm a member, I pay my membership dues) but because "certain people" complained about me, *I* am not allowed to have MY signature. So... that's why I don't include solid information.

I'm not prospecting from the board. If you don't want to know what I'm doing, or what I think about it, or why I left PC, or the details of any of it, don't ask. I don't PM you randomly... so if you know the why's and what's, it's because A) you asked me specifically or B) someone else is talking about me.

As for the PM's and whatnot? ALL of the information I've shared via email or PM has been a direct reply to someone asking about what I do or how it's different.

Most of my "self-initiated" PMs are to folks who are having a hard time, and tell them that I've been there and give them suggestions that might help them with their business.
People from this message board get my phone number somehow and CALL ME at home to ask me if I'll help them in a sticky situation. Folks that are possibly from YOUR downlines that lurk on this board.
Why? I have no idea. Maybe because I'm willing to help? Maybe they see what I did with my time in PC and want to duplicate it?
I PM folks with "words to say" when they can't get someone off a fence or struggle with bookings. I post messages encouraging someone to promote to Director ASAP and to not give up.

Yep. The good "prospector" that I am.. I'm coaching PC Consultants and encouraging them to promote. Oh boy, I can definately see how folks would think I am surely out to recruit from this board... LOL.

If I WERE prospecting, I would be emailing/calling/PM'ing the folks who complain and seem unhappy with PC. C'mon now... think.
 
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Wowsers....thanks for the info Laura! Call me naive, but I think you were just being nice. I will have to check it out because I'm great at 'wanting' to send cards, but actually 'doing' it is another thing.
I've been one to PM Laura to ask how she's doing, because I think she's inspiring. She did wonderful w/PC, & now is doing even more wonderful w/her new company. She's never tried to recruit me. (though I would love to hear your bits of wisdom for those fence-sitters too!)
 
I'm soooo glad that I am out of the loop on just about everything!!! I had NO idea anything was ever going on with anything that has been mentioned in this thread. Shewwwweeee - I am sooooo glad!!! :)
 
Wow, I am new here and sometimes posts amaze me. Laura, thanks for sharing. That is what I love about PC that everyone is so willing to share information to help others. Also, I am happy to have it benefit someone else in any way if I were to join something that also helps out me. Why not?

I too am a generous person, and I think we are often misunderstood by people who are not generous. It is like they think we MUST be up to something, because who would just be nice to be nice.

Anyhow, I will email you. Question though, how are the cards in your handwriting? I guess that is what I do not understand...even after going to the site to look.

Thanks! Melissa :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #52
Thanks Melissa,
I'm encouraged by the numerous PMs and emails that confirm that I'm not evil or crazy. LOL.
Anyway - email me and I'll send you an easier way to see what the different packages are that kind of "simplify" the choices.

You can start the service for $0 up front and $10 a month (that includes cards each month), or you can sign up for one of the packages.
For business people like us, I recommend the $99 package because it includes the picture plus. The handwriting font can be added to that, too for extra. :)

My package includes the handwriting font... when you sign up for the package that includes the "handwriting font", you'll get a form to fill to fill out. You print out the form, fill in the boxes with your handwriting & signatures... You USPS mail it to the company. They scan it in, and then you can use YOUR handwriting and YOUR signature for the writing inside the cards. :)

I just recently upgraded mine, so the cards coming to you guys this week don't have my handwriting, but the ones I have going out in a few days will.
It's SOOO cool to see your handwriting and actual signature on these cards. :D

Hope that helps. :)
 
lacychef said:
Wowsers....thanks for the info Laura! Call me naive, but I think you were just being nice. I will have to check it out because I'm great at 'wanting' to send cards, but actually 'doing' it is another thing.
I've been one to PM Laura to ask how she's doing, because I think she's inspiring. She did wonderful w/PC, & now is doing even more wonderful w/her new company. She's never tried to recruit me. (though I would love to hear your bits of wisdom for those fence-sitters too!)
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I totally Agree with you Lacey! Thanks Laura, I can't wait to check this service out!:)
 
I think this whole thing was completely blown out of proportion. I personally have never felt like Laura was trying to recruit. She's been very generous with her advice. So what if she's in direct sales with a different company, what's wrong with sharing ideas? We might actually learn something new and vice versa. I don't think she's trying to self promote or bait us. If she is, who cares?! I'm not leaving PC anytime soon, so this is not a threat to me. It shouldn't be a threat to anyone else if they aren't leaving PC either.
 
By the way, thank you Laura-the service looks really neat.
 
I do not know about others who have questioned Laura's motives.

I am not trying to be hatefull or negative I just tell it like I see it. If others have no issues then that is fine with me.

We all have different opinions about things. Just because we dissagree on this issue does not mean I do not enjoy sharing ideas and chatting with may of you.

I am done with this thread... Moving on to finish my taxes so I can go play with my new laptop!
 
I am done with this thread... Moving on to finish my taxes so I can go play with my new laptop!
Click to expand...

I'm so jealous! I'm getting a new laptop next month! I can't wait.
 
thanks laura...I am sending you an email.
 
Just so you all know.....this is another network marketing opportunity and Laura benefits monetarily (not just through free cards or credits for the service) when you sign under her. This is self promotion and therefore against the rules of CS. And, if you are a director and sign up for this under Laura, you will be in violation of your Director Agreement.

Just wanted to get it out in the open.
 
PCMelissa said:
I too am a generous person, and I think we are often misunderstood by people who are not generous. It is like they think we MUST be up to something, because who would just be nice to be nice.
Click to expand...

Hmm...it's not looking quite so generous anymore is it? More like self promoting huh?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using a service that sends real cards?

A service that sends real cards offers a personal touch that digital communication often lacks. It allows you to connect with friends, family, or clients in a meaningful way, making them feel valued and appreciated. Additionally, receiving a physical card can create a lasting impression and enhance your relationships.

How does a card-sending service work?

Typically, you choose a card design, personalize your message, and provide the recipient's address. The service then prints, stamps, and mails the card on your behalf. Many services also offer scheduling options, allowing you to plan ahead for special occasions.

Is it cost-effective to use a card-sending service?

While there may be a monthly fee or per-card cost associated with these services, they can save you time and effort compared to buying cards, writing messages, and mailing them yourself. For those who send cards frequently, the convenience and time savings can outweigh the costs.

Can a card-sending service help with my direct sales business?

Yes, using a card-sending service can enhance your direct sales business by allowing you to send personalized thank-you notes, birthday cards, or promotional messages to clients. This personal touch can help build customer loyalty and encourage repeat business.

Are there any drawbacks to using a card-sending service?

One potential drawback is the lack of complete control over the card's design and delivery process. Additionally, some people may prefer to send cards themselves for a more personal touch. It's important to weigh these factors against the convenience and benefits the service provides.

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