Is It Presumptuous to Recruit Someone Struggling Financially?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the considerations and feelings surrounding the idea of recruiting someone who is currently facing financial difficulties. Participants share their personal experiences and thoughts on whether it is appropriate to approach such individuals about the opportunity to join Pampered Chef.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern about approaching a potential recruit due to their financial struggles but sees the opportunity as beneficial.
  • Another participant shares their experience with direct sales, noting that they found it challenging and suggests gauging the potential recruit's current situation with Avon.
  • Several users mention that it is important to share the opportunity, emphasizing that the potential recruit already has experience in direct sales and likes the products.
  • One participant reflects on their own experience of joining during a financially tough time and highlights the motivation that comes from needing to recoup an investment quickly.
  • Another participant suggests that the potential recruit could hold a show to help cover the kit cost, sharing a personal anecdote about a friend in a similar situation.
  • Some participants agree that not asking would be presumptuous, framing it as offering a chance for meaningful income during a difficult time.
  • One participant mentions the importance of inviting everyone to the opportunity without prejudging their interest or ability to invest.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is not presumptuous to offer the opportunity to someone struggling financially, viewing it as a potential lifeline rather than an imposition. However, there are differing opinions on how to approach the conversation.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of personal experiences with direct sales and the emotional considerations involved in recruiting, particularly in sensitive financial situations.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to consultants considering how to approach potential recruits who are facing financial challenges, as well as those reflecting on their own recruitment strategies.

Intrepid_Chef
Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
Messages
5,144
I met a very nice man and his wife this week while the husband was fixing my computer. The wife has done a lot of direct sales in the past ... once sold Tupperware, is big into Partylite, likes PC and currently sells Avon.

Am I crazy for seeing this lady as a recruit lead? She knows the DS drill ... has a desire to make money and has small kids so she's hooked into the "Mommy market."

Only thing is ... I KNOW she'd balk at the kit cost, even with the rebate ... her DH recently got laid off and they are doing everything they can to make money just for gas ... Wouldn't have met them in the first place if they weren't selling stuff on Craig's List.

Is it presumptuous of me to ask if this is something she'd consider and tell her about the kit rebate? Or should I just take "baby steps" and invite her to my fall kickoff in September?

I'd hate to see her miss the boat on the free kit, however!
 
I'd maybe ask her how Avon does for her out of "curiousity". I know when I sold it, I made ZILCH doing it for 6 months! Way too much leg work involved and having to buy books every 2 weeks and samples etc! Then make that a segway into how great PC can be for extra income!??
 
Definitely share. Say to her what you said to us. "You already know about direct sales, and you like our products. This is the best deal TPC has ever offered."
 
Avon didn't work for me either! Maybe she just feels like she has to do something and she thinks that is the only something. I would offer it to her. See it as an oppertunity to help them make that gas money!
 
Just go for it...wouldn't you be kicking yourself if she WOULD have signed with the kit rebate and found about it later and didn't sign?
 
I also say "just ask", it should be her decision to say yes or no, not yours.
 
Geekgirl69 said:
I also say "just ask", it should be her decision to say yes or no, not yours.
Click to expand...

DITTO!

It doesn't hurt you to ask her. You could save their lives!
 
I would also try to see why she's gone through so many DS companies.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
I think her husband thought she sold some of the things and she didn't ... she is just a big fan of certain product lines. Only ones I know she sold were Tupperware (when he was in the military) and Avon, which she sold before, stopped and went back to.

I need to send her an invite to my fall kickoff and think I'll add a line asking if she's ever thought about the opportunity, that I think she'd be great at it, and that I didn't want her to be mad at me if she found out about the kit program later!

I just don't want her to think I'm "asking for money" but really ... if she comes to the kickoff and spends $50, she could have her own business for $27 more!
 
I agree about asking her. We are very tight, my husband is on disability and we have three small children. The big reason I even joined was for the income. I mean I loved the products already but I was looking for something to make money in addition to my part time job that I could work around my schedule. It might not be easy to come up with that upfront money but if she can she'll not regret it.
God bless,
Amanda
 
Could you suggest that she hold her own show and use part of her free products as a kit credit? Between that and the August rebate, she'd almost have the kit paid for. She could definitely make up the rest in one show.

I have a friend who has had a lot of medical expenses for her dog this month and is looking for a way to pay them down. She asked me about doing PC (I was already going to suggest it before she asked!) and I told her to come to my show this weekend and see what she thinks. If she's interested, this was the route I was going to suggest for her. She's already maxed out her cards taking her dog to the emergency room, so I doubt she'll want to make much of an up-front investment.
 
I started my business when my husband was laid off and we sure didn't have the money but I could see how I would make my investment back right away (talk about motivation - I could NOT afford to not get it back - oh, and I wanted product so I had to make my goals to get the free stuff in the Super Starter program, which was what they did then).

We may think we know what people's situation is but we don't really. I am glad my director didn't want or suggest doing a show for me to buy down the kit - I needed the income so DOING the show was the best for me - I got the host benefits AND the commission.


If she doesn't have the money up front is there someone that she could borrow it from? I know a consultant who didn't have enough money for groceries and gas so she ate at relatives homes for 2 years (they didn't know how dire her situation was). Then she went to a PC party to EAT and her friend suggested she do PC. She asked her brother for a loan to get the kit - he thought she'd be good at it so he loaned her the money. Her first commission check covered the loan and allowed her to go to the grocery store for the first time in 2 years. A year later her mom was at one of her shows and when she told her story mom was shocked. No one knew how bad it was. She is now a top director in my upline.
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
I met a very nice man and his wife this week while the husband was fixing my computer. The wife has done a lot of direct sales in the past ... once sold Tupperware, is big into Partylite, likes PC and currently sells Avon.

Am I crazy for seeing this lady as a recruit lead? She knows the DS drill ... has a desire to make money and has small kids so she's hooked into the "Mommy market."

Only thing is ... I KNOW she'd balk at the kit cost, even with the rebate ... her DH recently got laid off and they are doing everything they can to make money just for gas ... Wouldn't have met them in the first place if they weren't selling stuff on Craig's List.

Is it presumptuous of me to ask if this is something she'd consider and tell her about the kit rebate? Or should I just take "baby steps" and invite her to my fall kickoff in September?

I'd hate to see her miss the boat on the free kit, however!
Click to expand...


By not asking, you are making the decision for her. That would be presumptuous, IMO. You are offering her a way to earn meaningful income at a time that her family needs.
The investment is minimal & we have a quick turn around time for that first paycheck. Faster than most "jobs". Plus, one typically spends $$ for new job - an interview outfit, child care, etc.
I think you are obliged to offer her the PC opportunity.
 
peichef said:
By not asking, you are making the decision for her. That would be presumptuous, IMO. You are offering her a way to earn meaningful income at a time that her family needs.
The investment is minimal & we have a quick turn around time for that first paycheck. Faster than most "jobs". Plus, one typically spends $$ for new job - an interview outfit, child care, etc.
I think you are obliged to offer her the PC opportunity.
Click to expand...

Well said! I am really working to change my mindset that I may be "bugging" people by offering them the opportunity, and instead focus on the fact that I am offering them something that has had so many rewards for me! How can I NOT offer it to them?!
 
ChefBeckyD said:
Well said! I am really working to change my mindset that I may be "bugging" people by offering them the opportunity, and instead focus on the fact that I am offering them something that has had so many rewards for me! How can I NOT offer it to them?!
Click to expand...

Ditto Becky! That's why I have asked 3 people this month (record for me) lol! Will see what they decide at the end of their show closing??
 
Go for it and Ask! Never prejudge, right? ;) You never know! Good luck!
 
I always tell my hosts when creating their guest list for their show that people are never offending by being invited to a party...but they could be offended if they aren't invited.....so invite everyone!

I'm working on that same mindset for offering the opportunity!

I shared the opportunity with someone earlier this week....her DH is laid off, and she just lost a daycare family....she didn't accept - but she did thank me for thinking of her and offering! She wasn't offended, and she wasn't incredulous that I would think to ask her. And she rebooked for Oct.
 
If they really want it, they will find a way to come up with the money.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #19
An update ....

I did ask her. She thanked me, said she had thought about it years ago but a) couldn't afford the start-up costs and b) didn't have people in her life who would support the business. I told her I ALWAYS advise people going into direct sales to first find out if the people in their lives would support it ... a lesson I learned the hard way in my previous product line.

Proud of myself for asking just the same ...
 
Di_Can_Cook said:
Proud of myself for asking just the same ...
Click to expand...
Also proud of you!
 
Last edited:
Well done!

One of my recruits is frequently out of touch w/ me because no minutes are left on her cell phone. She doesn't have a land line or PC, calls in her shows to me from a friend's phone. She's done very well this summer and earned the SAT bamboo bowl, which she really likes. We went in on sample pkg A together.
She is in a neighborhood where nobody had heard of PC and she has the market cornered, I tell ya.
 
Awesome. Good for you for asking.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it presumptuous to recruit someone who is struggling financially?

Recruiting someone who is struggling financially can be seen as presumptuous if it appears that you are taking advantage of their situation. However, if you genuinely believe that the opportunity could help them improve their financial situation, it may be worth discussing in a respectful and supportive manner.

How can I approach someone about joining Pampered Chef if they are financially struggling?

When approaching someone who is financially struggling, it's important to be empathetic and sensitive. Start by having an open conversation about their current situation and listen to their concerns. If it feels appropriate, you can share how Pampered Chef has positively impacted your life and offer it as a potential solution without pressure.

What if they feel offended by the suggestion?

It's possible that some individuals may feel offended or uncomfortable when approached about a business opportunity, especially if they are struggling. It's crucial to respect their feelings and back off if they express disinterest. Always prioritize their comfort and well-being over the recruitment process.

Are there ethical considerations when recruiting someone in financial distress?

Yes, there are ethical considerations to keep in mind. It's essential to ensure that your intentions are genuine and that you are not exploiting their situation for personal gain. Transparency about the challenges of direct sales and the commitment required is vital to maintain ethical standards.

What are the potential benefits for someone struggling financially to join Pampered Chef?

Joining Pampered Chef can provide several potential benefits for someone struggling financially, such as flexible working hours, the ability to earn extra income, and opportunities for personal growth. If approached thoughtfully, it can be a positive step towards improving their financial situation.

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