Is it normal to have a higher number of cancellations for PC parties?

[Shannen]

Hello Ladies,
I have what feels like an unusual amount of cancellations and wondering what is normal? I've been doing the host coaching calls as outlined, with the script; working with the host to be calm yet excited about her party and what feels like everything else people suggest on keeping a show on the calendar. Yet, I've had three cancellations so far out of 11 parties on the calendar. Is this normal?

When I worked as a supervisor/manager and was responsible for hiring, I always hired 3 people when I needed 2, expecting one to not work out. I would hope it wouldn't be the same ratio normally with PC parties.

 

[Sheila]

I had more cancels in December than I normally have in one month. So if you are referring to December, try not to panic. January may be better for you.Cancellations do happen. Life sometimes gets in the way for our hosts. But you shouldn't have a huge amount every month. If you do, then you might need to take a step back & see where the problem lies. Do they not feel prepared? Did they feel pressured into booking a show when they really didn't want to have one? etc.

 

[chefjeanine]

Mail the invitations for them.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Mail the invitations for them.

Ditto. When I started mailing the invites, my cancellations went way down...and last minute cancellations became practically non-existent.

 

[Shannen]

Thanks, Ladies. I'll make sure to start with that because I've done everything I can to prepare them and make sure their party is pretty stress-free. One cancellation told me "I haven't even gone to the grocery store yet" and I was supposed to be there in 2 hours. I offered to run there for her, but couldn't get the party to stick. That party is now on its 4th schedule date, so I'm getting to the end of my rope with it, but hoping it goes through in the end. Most aren't that extreme, but WOW, is all I can think. :yuck:

 

[Becca_in_MD]

I agree with the others about sending the invites for them. I have never tracked my number of cancellations but since I started sending the invites in Sept. I don't think I've had any cancellations. My thanks to the folks on here, esp. BeckyD, for their help with the docs and processes for doing the invites. There are some old threads that will be helpful. I know I had one going in Aug or Sept, prob. under host coaching. I also tell them and e-mail them that I want them to be comfortable inviting people up until the day of the show. I'm hoping my Jan. shows stick even though I haven't gotten an invite list for the 9th yet (gotta go give her a reminder call again). My director was just saying this week that in past years she would let Jan. hosts reschedule if they hadn't gotten invites out, but this year she's not going to do that. She's going to use Tammy Stanley's "invite up until the day of the party" mentality to get those shows to stick. She was saying this in part b/c she did not get her Jan. host coaching letters out.

I also do the ingredient shopping for the host and have them chip in $12-15. For the one who has rescheduled 4 times, it probably really wasn't the fact that she hadn't gone to the store yet (not sure if she was getting ingredients for you). Just another excuse. Don't make her a priority for you.