Is There a Better Way to Calculate Outside Orders?

[kam]

I seem to spend a lot of time on the phone going over with host's how to calculate order totals. Am I the only one?

I use a half-page generic order form that I "borrowed" from here, and I have attached it - I feel it does a sufficient job guiding someone through totaling an order. But, I send the official PC ones (provided for each month) with my catalag shows, and I know that one is even better at guiding someone through an order total. But I find no matter which outside order form I use, I still get questions.

So I have also attached what I created to guide a host through order totalling. I would like to use this in my host packs - for both cooking and catalog shows.

Can I get some feedback? Does it make sense? Any better suggestions on wording. Anything else I should include?

Any help/ideas would be appreciated. THANKS!

 

[wadesgirl]

I cannot look at them at work but I do send a flyer. Some hosts pretend that they don't get it and some guests don't pay attention no matter how many times you tell them something! I actually don't talk about it with my hosts. I figure that the order form is self explanitory if they just look at it. If they have questions, they will ask!

 

[cathyskitchen]

Kathleen - I think your explanation looks good. PA is a tough state (like a lot of others), because PA charges tax on S&H, but no tax on food. I just use the generic OOF for states that charge tax on S&H and find that it does the trick for me. I always calculate the outside orders at the show, so she knows if they're off and needs to collect more money. HTH!

 

[PCJenni]

I take all the hassel out of it and have the hostess or guest email me the item numbers. I input the orders in P3 and then print or email receipts

 

[cathyskitchen]

I take all the hassel out of it and have the hostess or guest email me the item numbers. I input the orders in P3 and then print or email receipts

This definitely helps - even better, have the host promote your website for outside orders - it calculates it for you AND the host! EASY PEASY!

 

[kam]

I felt that the OOF explained it pretty good too - that's why I am surprised at how many hosts need me to go over this on the phone with them.

This is mainly an issue with catalog shows. I ask them to call/email me along the way with the orders and I will total them - but the hosts want to do it.

So what is happening is that I am explaining how to calculate orders over the phone. Or the orders have the wrong amount written on the checks. I was planning on including the flyer in each host pack.

I don't mind calling the host, but for 2 of my recent hosts, we had spent quite a bit of time playing phone tag just so I could explain how to calculate an order.

 

[cathyskitchen]

Sounds like you need to get out of that circle - they're not the strongest with math skills, are they?

 

[kam]

Sounds like you need to get out of that circle - they're not the strongest with math skills, are they?

heehee - I was thinking it was something in the air...

 

[jbachen]

heehee - I was thinking it was something in the air...

You'd better not drink the water, either, just in case!