Is Charging $30 for Hosting Shows Worth Losing Customers? Find Out Here!

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the practice of charging fees for hosting cooking shows, specifically a $30 fee mentioned by some consultants. Participants share their thoughts on the implications of such charges, personal experiences, and alternative approaches to hosting shows.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses skepticism about customers agreeing to pay a $30 hosting fee, questioning the viability of such a practice.
  • Another participant shares their experience of knowing a consultant who attempted to charge for shows but ultimately reverted to traditional methods after poor results.
  • Several users mention that charging for ingredients is more acceptable, with one participant noting they charge $10 for ingredients, which is well-received in their rural area.
  • Another participant reflects on their past experience of charging for cooking classes, emphasizing the importance of providing value and building relationships rather than focusing solely on profit.
  • Some participants express confusion about the rationale behind charging a host fee, with one noting that it seems contrary to the expectations of Pampered Chef shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the appropriateness of charging fees for hosting shows, with some participants strongly opposing the idea while others see potential in charging for classes or ingredients.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of personal experiences and opinions regarding the business practices of Pampered Chef consultants, particularly in relation to customer expectations and the nature of hosting cooking shows.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants exploring different hosting strategies or considering the implications of charging fees for their services may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant.

Sheila
Sheila
Gold Member
Messages
5,350
Okay, so I've heard that some Consultants charge booking deposits (if you cancel at the last minute it's non-refundable) ... but have you ever heard of anyone charging $30 for hosting? One of the consultants on my team is hearing from customers that another consultant (not on my team) is doing that. Not refundable. Supposed to be some sort of "fee" for her using her own tools.

My question: WHO would book a show with her & agree to that???

My advice was to just be patient, she probably won't be in business long and the one on my team can reap the rewards of all the other consultant's lost customers. ;)
 
Sheila said:
Okay, so I've heard that some Consultants charge booking deposits (if you cancel at the last minute it's non-refundable) ... but have you ever heard of anyone charging $30 for hosting? One of the consultants on my team is hearing from customers that another consultant (not on my team) is doing that. Not refundable. Supposed to be some sort of "fee" for her using her own tools.

My question: WHO would book a show with her & agree to that???

My advice was to just be patient, she probably won't be in business long and the one on my team can reap the rewards of all the other consultant's lost customers. ;)
Click to expand...

Hmmm...is she possibly bringing ingredients and charging for that? I can't imagine anyone paying to have her come to do a show...most people are too direct party savvy and know that's not how it works.
 
Chefbeckyd said:
Hmmm...is she possibly bringing ingredients and charging for that? I can't imagine anyone paying to have her come to do a show...most people are too direct party savvy and know that's not how it works.
Click to expand...

That's the only thing I can think of. I know of a few consultants who do it this way. I'd love to know if that's the case with this one.
 
I had a consultant who was trying to do that. I explained to her that it's NOT PC's policy to charge for shows and that it has never been done and guests and hosts do NOT expect that. The problem with this particular consultants is that she has a VERY low show average. She won't let me attend a show with her so I don't know what she is doing wrong. But I suspect it's something she's saying because no one is buying. (Well, I do know she tells everyone just to come and that they don't have to buy! That could be most of the problem! LOL!)Anyway, I explained that if she wants to charge, she can. It's her business. But PC doesn't charge for cooking shows so she'd have to call it something else and present it differently because that's NOT what we're about.She seemed to get it. She tried her own *cooking class* thing and of course it bombed. Now she's back to doing cooking shows the proper way.I think promoting the $30 as a fee for using her tools is b.s. (personally). My consultant was charging $25-$30 PER PERSON to attend.Why can't some people just keep it simple and follow the plan that PC has put forth? Sheesh!(Stepping down from my soapbox now... ;) )
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
From what the customers are relaying, it's just a flat fee for coming to their home & bringing her tools. Who knows, maybe her show sales stink & that's the only way she's guaranteed a paycheck? Just sounded weird to me. I've never heard of anyone doing that! IF the guests are right, hopefully she'll get smart to revamp her policy before the consultants doing shows the regular way run her out of business.
 
I do bring the ingredients and have my host reimburse me $10 towards them. We are very rural and my hosts think this is a big convenience, I never have anyone who says anything about paying the $10.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I can understand the ingredients, after all they are getting the $15 extra in FPV to offset the cost of the groceries. And even though I've never done it, I can understand the theory behind the cancellation deposits. But I'm not really grasping the theory of the host fee. LOL
vogel.gif
 
Sheila said:
vogel.gif
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:veryfunny:Love it! And I can not imagine someone charging to do a party especially if they don't help a host get a good party.
 
I agree. It's just wrong to charge a fee. That's not what PC does and I wonder if it's really even allowed... There are a lot of gourmet stores and such that charge for cooking classes and I think that it's possible she has some qualifications or qualities that she feels she can justify charging for. She's probably implying that she's bringing the PC show up a notch and who knows maybe she is. I did do some cooking classes several years ago. I charged $15 for the class. I used PC products but I made it more about the tips and techniques than the demo then I gave everyone a $10 GC for PC that they could choose to redeem (the other $5 helped cover the cost of food). It they held a party they could double the coupon. Some did, some just redeemed it and a few didn't. One participant joined my team and is still selling. It was a fun series. I really should do that again...
 
awesome idea Beth... can you share more about how you did that. I want to share that with my team
 
pcjenni said:
awesome idea Beth... can you share more about how you did that. I want to share that with my team
Click to expand...

I did themes for the classes. One was on candy making, one on pies, another on cookies, another on appetizers... I did a couple of recipes and everyone got to taste and take some home. If they wanted to they could help but it was really more of a class. I gave lots of tips and techniques. When I introduced myself I told them I was a Pampered Chef consultant and would be using Pampered Chef tools but that this was not a PC party. When I gave them the GC I did tell them they were not obligated to use them but they did say "redeemable only with (me)". As I said most did redeem but those that didn't said that they felt they got their money's worth.

Doing it this way I didn't make any money off the class but I did get some new customers and more important, new friends.
 
Beth, If you have the info handy would you mind sharing what recipes you used for the classes? Thanks!
 
Beth - thank you so much for your post! I have been toying with the idea of offering Gluten Free/Sugar Free/Grain Free Cooking Classes, and wondering how to do it along with my PC business. Now you have my wheels spinning even faster!
 
cincychef said:
Beth, If you have the info handy would you mind sharing what recipes you used for the classes? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Sorry. It was several years ago. It was in the fall so I know the candy and cookie classes were holiday orientated. I know we made apple pie with scratch crusts. Otherwise, I'm not sure of the recipes but I know they were simple but with a wow factor and lots of garnishing ideas thrown in. Like PC recipes, easy but impressive. If I do find notes I'll come back and post them. :chef:
 
how did you invite people to attend? and who did you invite?
 
pcjenni said:
how did you invite people to attend? and who did you invite?
Click to expand...

I put an ad in the local paper and a blurb in my PC newsletter.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is charging $30 for hosting shows a common practice in direct sales?

Yes, charging a fee for hosting shows can be a common practice in some direct sales companies, including Pampered Chef. This fee can help cover costs associated with hosting, such as product samples, promotional materials, and other expenses. However, it's essential to weigh the potential benefits against the risk of deterring potential hosts.

Will charging a hosting fee lead to losing potential customers?

Charging a hosting fee may deter some potential hosts, particularly those who are new to direct sales or unsure about the benefits of hosting a show. However, it can also attract more committed hosts who are serious about the opportunity and willing to invest. It's crucial to communicate the value they will receive in return for the fee.

What are the benefits of charging a hosting fee?

Charging a hosting fee can provide several benefits, including increased commitment from hosts, better quality shows, and a more serious approach to the business. It can also help cover costs associated with hosting and ensure that hosts are invested in promoting the event effectively.

How can I justify the $30 hosting fee to potential hosts?

To justify the $30 hosting fee, clearly outline the benefits that hosts will receive, such as exclusive discounts, free products, and personalized support. Emphasize the value of the products they will showcase, the potential earnings they can achieve, and the overall experience of hosting a fun and engaging event.

What strategies can I use to mitigate the risk of losing customers due to the hosting fee?

To mitigate the risk of losing customers, consider offering incentives for hosting, such as discounts on future purchases or additional free products based on sales generated during the show. Communicate openly about the fee and the value it brings, and provide excellent support to ensure hosts feel appreciated and motivated to participate.

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