Is Email the New Preferred Method for Sending Invites?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the preferences of hosts regarding the method of sending invitations for events, particularly focusing on the shift towards email and electronic invites versus traditional physical mail. Participants share their experiences and strategies in dealing with hosts who prefer to manage invitations themselves.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, notes that hosts often prefer to handle invitations themselves, leading to discussions about the effectiveness of email versus physical mail.
  • Another participant shares their experience of insisting on mailing invitations as a service to hosts, emphasizing that it is not optional.
  • Several users mention that some hosts have opted for evites or plain emails, but express concerns about the reliability of these methods, citing instances where guests did not receive invites.
  • One participant describes their approach of providing hosts with tools to create a guest list, while also encouraging them to consider mailing physical invites for better attendance rates.
  • Another participant reflects on the challenges of getting hosts to understand the importance of mailing invites, sharing their intention to emphasize this point in future discussions.
  • Some participants express frustration with hosts who do not utilize the invitations provided, suggesting that more communication and encouragement may be necessary.
  • A few participants discuss the reluctance of guests to share personal information, such as addresses and phone numbers, which complicates the invitation process.
  • One participant mentions the idea of offering incentives for hosts who mail out invitations, drawing from past experiences in other sales contexts.
  • Several users request and offer templates for address labels and guest list forms, indicating a shared interest in practical tools to facilitate the invitation process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the effectiveness of email versus physical invitations, with some advocating for the latter due to concerns about reliability and attendance rates. There is no clear consensus on the best approach, as experiences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences and strategies among Pampered Chef consultants dealing with hosts' preferences for sending invitations. The nature of the experiences shared highlights the evolving landscape of event planning in a digital age.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing host preferences for invitations and those seeking practical strategies for improving event attendance may find this discussion relevant.

BlessedWifeMommy
BlessedWifeMommy
Messages
1,753
I love to send invites, but I have found lately that the hosts I have recently insist on handling invites themselves. I've explained about being willing to mail mini catalogs and invites (etc.)...

What do you say/do to get a guest list?

Do you find people would rather not bother with physical mail (even if they don't have to send it) they would rather do email?
 
Do they want to do the mailing or do evites instead?

I do not say I am "willing" to do it for them. I say as a service to my hosts I prepare and send the invites for them. (it is not an option)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
etteluap70PC said:
Do they want to do the mailing or do evites instead?

I do not say I am "willing" to do it for them. I say as a service to my hosts I prepare and send the invites for them. (it is not an option)
Click to expand...

They insist on the emailing their invites. Some have done evites, and others just plain emails, I had one do invites from my site, but she had people who said they didn't get them (didn't like hearing that!).
 
BlessedWifeMommy said:
I love to send invites, but I have found lately that the hosts I have recently insist on handling invites themselves. I've explained about being willing to mail mini catalogs and invites (etc.)...

What do you say/do to get a guest list?

Do you find people would rather not bother with physical mail (even if they don't have to send it) they would rather do email?
Click to expand...

I don't give them a choice. I just state, "Suzie, I will be mailing out the invitations for your party for you. Here's are a few forms - one is called "50-in-5" and it just acts as a memory jogger to help build a diverse guest list. Attached to that is the guest list form. Just jot down everyone's name, address and phone number. When it's filled out, feel free to make a copy of it to use to track your RSVP'S. If it's easier for you, I also have an address template in which I can email to you. All you have to do is type in all the addresses and email it back to me. Which do you prefer? No email? Great! Take this home and I'd like to call you tomorrow for a quick 3-5 minute chat so I can give you some coaching tips that really help when creating your guest list. Does afternoon or evening work for you for our call? Evening? Great...how about 8:45 pm? "......

That's pretty much my shpeal. I do require to have the completed guest list returned to me within 5 days to secure their date and time...even if they book 3 months out. I go over that info on the next day follow-up call.
 
BlessedWifeMommy said:
They insist on the emailing their invites. Some have done evites, and others just plain emails, I had one do invites from my site, but she had people who said they didn't get them (didn't like hearing that!).
Click to expand...

I have encountered that as well. I basically tell them that I totally understand that we are all in the technical age and everything is so much easier to do online and what not...but I have found MANY people never receive the evite or completely forget about it since we are constantly bombarded with hundreds of emails on a daily basis. It's so easy to forget an email or accidentally delete it. I do tell the host that he/she is perfectly welcome to shoot out an email/evites as well and the invitations I mail out will be the physical reminder PLUS it's "insurance" that they will actually receive the invite. Plus, from experience (and I explain this) that since I have started exclusively sending out the invites for my hosts their success rate has SKYROCKETED in terms of attendance and host benefits. Plus, it makes it easier on the host b/c once the guest list is done...they sit back and relax and I take care of everything else. :)
 
I have been encountering this lately too, where people just want to email their invites or just do word of mouth at work, etc. I'm not dealing with this anymore- I'm going to do my best to get my hosts to understand that we need to mail invites and reminder calls need to be made.
 
I very rarely have people not take me up on the guest list but I just tell them it's another service I offer. They really don't have a choice!
 
My host for a show this month wants to do the same thing- she said she just hands them out or calls them. You'd think that I didn't even GIVE her invitations would have been a big clue, but apparently not. So I said, after telling her I'd gladly do them (I think she doesn't know many contacts details- she works with them, etc)....I said I'd drop some invites in the mail today so she'd have them tomorrow. I labeled/stamped them all with the info, etc. But as we were getting off the phone she says - "I just need about 10." Uh...hello? You'll not have a SHOW with just 10 invites. I sent her 30 and the 50-in-5 document, plus a handwritten note to encourage her to try to invite more. I said that about 1/3 of those you invite will actually make it to the show or order. We shall see. Not holding my breath too much on this one. her daughter's show wasn't too bad- and she only invited 12. She had 6 guests attend plus 2 outside orders.
 
People do not want to give out their friends addresses and phone numbers. Everyone gets tons of junk mail and unwanted calls from people. I don't give mine out unless they tell me its ok. When I used to do Home Interior parties my consultant would give me stamps and if I mailed the invites she gave me $15 in free merchandise. That is kinda what PC does for us anyway, but you might try giving her something free if she actually mails them out.
 
Liquid Sky - Do you happen to have the address template that you send to your hosts? If you wouldn't mind, can you send me a copy. I have had no luck finding anything like that and I don't even know what to put on it to make my own!
 
Renee2009 said:
Liquid Sky - Do you happen to have the address template that you send to your hosts? If you wouldn't mind, can you send me a copy. I have had no luck finding anything like that and I don't even know what to put on it to make my own!
Click to expand...

Email me and I'll forward you the email w/ the label attachments that I give/use for each host. takebackthekitchen (at) hotmail (dot) com
 
Liquid Sky said:
Email me and I'll forward you the email w/ the label attachments that I give/use for each host. takebackthekitchen (at) hotmail (dot) com
Click to expand...

Would it be ok for me to email you for it also?

Thanks either way.
 
Shawnna said:
When I used to do Home Interior parties my consultant would give me stamps and if I mailed the invites she gave me $15 in free merchandise. That is kinda what PC does for us anyway, but you might try giving her something free if she actually mails them out.
Click to expand...

How would she know if you mailed them out? I mean if we did that with a customer.. for all we know they are using the stamps to mail their bills not their invites!

^Shawna not saying you were doing that :) LOL... just wondering how we would know...
 
Geekgirl69 said:
Would it be ok for me to email you for it also?

Thanks either way.
Click to expand...

sure, no problem :)
 
I've run into this as well, but, I like the idea of not giving them a choice. Just say it's another service I offer. I will have to try that. There are many helpful lines to use in this thread! Thanks!
 
Leave out the service or whatnot. If she wants to, she wants to. Help the "want"..."Would you like to know what my top hosts do for raising the show average before anyone ever steps foot in the door?""Would you be interested if I could share with you something my over $800 show hosts do, regarding their guest list?"
 
Very wise, Scott.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is email the new preferred method for sending invites for Pampered Chef parties?

Many consultants find that email is an effective way to send invites because it allows for personalization and can reach a wide audience quickly. However, the preference may vary based on the target demographic.

What are the advantages of using email for sending invites?

Email invites can be easily customized, tracked for open rates, and can include links to RSVP or shop directly. Additionally, they can be sent at any time and are less likely to be lost compared to paper invites.

Are there any disadvantages to using email for invites?

One potential disadvantage is that emails can end up in spam folders or be overlooked in crowded inboxes. Additionally, some individuals may prefer traditional methods like phone calls or physical invitations.

How can I make my email invites more effective?

To enhance the effectiveness of your email invites, use engaging subject lines, include eye-catching visuals, personalize the message, and provide clear calls to action. Following up with a reminder email can also be beneficial.

Should I still consider other methods of sending invites?

Yes, it's a good idea to use a mix of methods. While email is convenient, combining it with social media, text messages, or even phone calls can help ensure your invites reach everyone and cater to different preferences.

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