Is Using Supplies From Ebay a Good Idea for New Consultants on a Budget?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread explores the use of supplies from eBay for new consultants on a budget, with participants sharing their experiences and opinions on the pros and cons of purchasing materials from this platform versus official sources. Various suggestions for essential supplies and kits are also discussed.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, inquires about the viability of using eBay for supplies like order forms and invites to save money.
  • Another participant suggests that the Booster Kit is a better investment than eBay supplies, noting it provides essential materials for new consultants.
  • Several users mention that items on eBay may be outdated or come from other consultants, which could lead to issues with branding and quality.
  • One participant shares their experience of ordering from eBay but expresses concern about the legitimacy of the items received.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of organization and suggests using notes during shows to manage anxiety about professionalism.
  • Some participants discuss alternative sources for supplies, including checking the marketplace within the community or borrowing from directors.
  • One participant mentions that they have had positive experiences with official vendors like Vista Print for business cards.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the use of eBay for supplies, with some participants strongly advising against it due to potential issues, while others express a willingness to explore it for cost savings. There is general agreement on the value of the Booster Kit as a reliable option for new consultants.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the experiences of new consultants navigating the initial stages of their business, focusing on budget constraints and the need for essential supplies.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants looking for cost-effective solutions for supplies and those interested in shared experiences regarding the use of eBay and official vendors.

  • Thread starter
  • #181
OopsFrom Office Depot that is....
 
uh-oh. What did you buy, missy?
 
I just got back from office Max!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #184
Lol!!!!
BethCooks4U said:
I just got back from office Max!
Click to expand...

Ut oh.....:eek:
 
And the daily meeting of Chef Success office supply anonymous begins now.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #186
I spent $82
chefann said:
uh-oh. What did you buy, missy?
Click to expand...

My most prized possession is a wireless keypad for my laptop. Cha Ching!

A nice 3 ring binder with faux leather cover that allows you to slide something into the binder cover and then the non glare sheets to go inside to put the specials and such

Two pocket folders

Pens - red and blue

Name tags

Fall Stationary for my September Open House Thingy

An awesome $2 big A** fabric trapper keeper binder thingy with lots of pockets for pens, ids, and paper. I figure my paperwork to take to shows.

Shipping size labels

Ordered my vista business cards and posts

Ordered my super fast name/Ind Con/phone number stickers for FREE, THANK YOU!:D :D :D
 
Well, that's not too bad. At least they're all useful items. :)

I love using a wireless keyboard with my notebook! Although I should double check that mine will work with my new laptop, since I switched OSes.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #188
Ahhhhh...good point...do you take your laptop to shows, Ann?
 
I do. Usually. I recently had several shows in a circle of people who were, um... financially strapped. I didn't take it to those shows because I didn't want to look like I was gloating that I had a laptop and they didn't; and there were few enough orders that it was not a big deal to compute them with my handy calculator.
(If you search on "potty", you'll find the continuing saga of these shows. The first one was June 18...)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #190
You've peaked my interest, Woman!
chefann said:
I do. Usually. I recently had several shows in a circle of people who were, um... financially strapped. I didn't take it to those shows because I didn't want to look like I was gloating that I had a laptop and they didn't; and there were few enough orders that it was not a big deal to compute them with my handy calculator.
(If you search on "potty", you'll find the continuing saga of these shows. The first one was June 18...)
Click to expand...

This oughta be good reading....
 
Funny thing is for me... it seems that I worse I think I've done at a show, the better my sales are.
 
Don't be eating lunch while you're reading. Just a warning...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #193
Really....
Dawn4 said:
Funny thing is for me... it seems that I worse I think I've done at a show, the better my sales are.
Click to expand...


Just because you're being hard on yourself?

The consultant last night used the salad chopper to make the chicken braid...let me tell you. I think we ALL bought them!
 
Dawn4 said:
Funny thing is for me... it seems that I worse I think I've done at a show, the better my sales are.
Click to expand...
I think that happens because when you goof up, you're more relatable to the crowd. Think about the slick used-car salesperson. They've got their patter down, and are ready with a quick answer to anything. And you're not likely to want to buy anything from them. But by showing that you're just like the customers at a show, they can relate, and they feel good about buying from you.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #195
Off to lunch!I'll be back, My Peeps! :D :cool:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #196
Havent left yet......but I remembered what I wanted to ask the seasoned group

I noticed on here that people prepare Outlet flyers or flyers with things that are being discontinued. To be honest, I have NEVER EVER received one of these all the years I've been going to these shows. What is your opinion on these? Do you hand them out at the VERY end of a show AFTER they've kind of made up their mind or not at all?

I have mixed feelings on this. The great thing is maybe a customer would order even MORE product because its being discontinued or it seems to be such a bargin. The bad thing, I would think, would be people would be discouraged from buying full priced items and would expect that flyer to be at every show.

What's the dill-ee-o, Ladies? What do you suggest?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #197
Another question........do you have to sell so much before you can have your "own" website? Or is it available off the get go?

Do you know what bag I reallllllyyyyy loved that the consultant had last night? The black PC bag for the Trifle Bowl or the Utensil Holder. Awesome!
 
I think the last month of a season it makes sense to share the list of discontinued products, I'm not sure I'd have the products being restyled on it or not. I think it is a great way to add to sales for a show. The outlet information I email to past guests/hosts occasionally to remind them to check out the outlet regularly.
 
Denarella said:
....do you have to sell so much before you can have your "own" website? Or is it available off the get go?
Click to expand...

You can get a PWS (personal website) as soon as you get your Pampered Chef debit card number (or they might have changed things and let new consultants use their personal credit card, I'm not sure).

Until you qualify (4 shows or $1250 in sales) your website will only work for getting orders for shows. After you qualify people will be able to place individual orders and bridal registries.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #200
A wealth of Knowledge.......you are! Thank you!

I knew I read SOMETHING about not being able to use the website until you got your quota I just wasnt sure what it wasn't you weren't able to do.


Does everyone pass around some binder thingy with stuff in it? If so, what are you putting in it? Im guessing hostess specials, new consultant stuff and maybe a paystub but as a beginner, being poor and all, what do I put in it? Visuals are always good, Im assuming!
 
Sometimes I do that. The upcoming specials are good, flyers about the wedding registry, recruiting brochure... Some people put in flyers for theme shows they offer. Those get guests thinking beyond the usual show, and they're more likely to book.
 
I tell people about the outlet at checkout and if they want a discontinued item and in my newsletter. I don't talk about it at the shows because outlet purchases don't count toward a show and have to be direct shipped from the website.

A lot of people pass a binder around at shows. I haven't done this. It's a choice we make.

Pick and choose the ideas you hear to fit your style. You can't and don't want to do everything all the time...
 
Denarella -

Ask your recruiter if she has a cooking show live CD you can borrow. Rather than worrying so much about paperwork and things, the content of your show should be the most important (coming from someone who always worries about paperwork).

If you can get a good routine and get the recruiting hints woven into your show from DAY 1, you will be leaps and bounds ahead! My first few months I was more worried about building a customer base than recruiting, because of course I was a hobbyist/part time, but I realized fast, I missed some GREAT opportunities right under my nose.

I have my flip binder available to look at, but what you say will be just as important.

See what samples, etc. you can get from Cooking Show Live CDs on the show, recruiting and cross-selling products!
 
Denarella said:
....do you have to sell so much before you can have your "own" website? Or is it available off the get go?

Do you know what bag I reallllllyyyyy loved that the consultant had last night? The black PC bag for the Trifle Bowl or the Utensil Holder. Awesome!
Click to expand...

You should be able to get it on the supply form...I think - will have to look. Otherwise, I have an older style one to sell (I now have 3 and only use 2).
 
The TTA (tool turn about) tote is on supply order. It's $15. You'll be able to order one after you get your contract in.
 
The TTA tote is VERY handy! It keeps me from getting my new consultant tote too full and heavy.
 
janetupnorth said:
The TTA tote is VERY handy! It keeps me from getting my new consultant tote too full and heavy.
Click to expand...
...and corralls (spelled wrong I know) all those small tools. It's also a great place to carry your food chopper.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #208
You should've seen my face whenI saw that bag! She was packing up and she threw it over her shoulder and I stared at her in disbelief. She looked at me and said "Whats the matter!?" I said "What does that hold? I LOVE it"

And its not even an office supply!
 
tlennhoff said:
You can get a PWS (personal website) as soon as you get your Pampered Chef debit card number (or they might have changed things and let new consultants use their personal credit card, I'm not sure).

Until you qualify (4 shows or $1250 in sales) your website will only work for getting orders for shows. After you qualify people will be able to place individual orders and bridal registries.
Click to expand...
You still need the PC debit card for the PWS.

My advice? As soon as you get your Consultant number, sign up for the debit card and direct deposit (if applicable). After a few days, you can call and get your debit card number and sign up for your PWS (that's what I did).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #210
Wow......I need to start keeping a notebook on this site! I've been cutting and pasting everything into Word... My brain is going to explode...

Thanks so much for that tip!

D
 
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