Lap Boards: The Pros, Cons & Alternatives

[PamperedK]

I won't be doing the binder thing. The cheapest Binders I can find (even at Wal-Mart and the 1$ store) are $3.50.I'd rather pay $2 per lap board and have them pre-done.

 

[chefjeanine]

For those of you who make these at home, could you post a pic? I want to see what the end product looks like.

Sorry. . . I don't have a digital camera.

 

[chefjeanine]

I won't be doing the binder thing. The cheapest Binders I can find (even at Wal-Mart and the 1$ store) are $3.50.

I'd rather pay $2 per lap board and have them pre-done.

Most office supply stores sell them cheaper by the box. I think I got a box of twelve. If you do decide to make your own, remember to open the box to check and see where the rings are located.

 

[DizziePixie]

I have homemade ones I really like too, but another option (Carol Radu uses these) is manila folders. She puts her info and "The Pampered Chef" on the tab and tells them to keep the folder with their receipt in their file under "P" for PC or, under their silverware drawer if they like....she also suggests they write any tips/recipes she gives on the folder, too, if they want.

Just another way of doing things....

 

[GourmetGirl]

I bought mine as a box of 12 at Office Max when I started. I made up 12 boards at first and had binders for other office stuff that I needed. I bought 1 off Merrill to see what I think and I may have to invest in them as they look much more professional than the homemade ones and I don't cut myself on the jagged scissored edges! It may have to be a reward for myself one of these months...

I also thought man, I wish that my director used these as a promotion... Maybe like you get a board everytime you have a thousand dollar show. Imagine how hard we would all be working to get a set of those lap boards... Now I just need to recruit 3 more, qualify the 2 that I have and reactivate my 1 inactive so I can put all these fun ideas into practice

 

[chefann]

I also thought man, I wish that my director used these as a promotion... Maybe like you get a board everytime you have a thousand dollar show. Imagine how hard we would all be working to get a set of those lap boards... Now I just need to recruit 3 more, qualify the 2 that I have and reactivate my 1 inactive so I can put all these fun ideas into practice

Ooh-- that's a good idea. My SD is having a promo all year for which we earn $ that we can use at any vendor or PC$. Getting lapboards with it is a good idea.

 

[alotamoose]

There are business card pockets with adhesive compatible for vinyl, fabric and paper. I just ordered these from Office Depot online.

They are Cardinal Hold It! available as top-loading or side-loading. Packs of 10 with our discount for $3.77. OD has free dely with $50 order.

I also found some available on Sam's Club online office supply catalog slightly cheaper but have to pay for shipping.

 

[pcmama910]

I also LOVE the lapboards, I use homemade ones, and I used the i-slice to cut two slits in the pocket to hold my business card in place, I tell everyone to be sure to take the business card with them.

 

[4kids4me]

Does anyone have the link for the lapboards through Merrill? I can't find it. thx!

 

[Tree]

The link for MerrillYou get to them through CC. Promoting your business, Licensed Vendors, Then at the bottom of the page click on Merrill, once there go to other business building tools.

I love my lap boards, but I got mine when we were still with Town & Country. They are black and when I ordered them they came in a set of 12 and with a cloth carring bag.

Theresia Aylward
Independent Consultant
Depoe Bay on the Beautiful Central Oregon Coast

 

[yummy4tummy]

I've made my own from binders but would like to upgrade. I would like to have the spot for my business card and a pen loop.

If you cut 2 small diagonal slits diagonally from each other too) in the half sleeve you can just insert your bus. card there. It holds quite well. (use your b/c as a template to determine where to cut slits. My b/c's have a magnetic back and this works well. People have a tendency to keep a magnet more than a plain business card. As far as the pen loop, I just clip mine to the board (I like Click pens rather than stick pens) That being said, since I tend to lose a few pens at every show, I am thinking of poking a hole somewhere on the board, fastening a decorative string to the board and tying it to the pens so they don't end up walking away as easily.

 

[4kids4me]

When I was a teacher (former life!!!) I used to tape a BIG flower to the end of my pen. They were VERY visible, and never walked away. I kept them in a vase on my desk. That may be easier than attaching them to the board, although I like that idea, too!

 

[Chef Kearns]

I have homemade ones I really like too, but another option (Carol Radu uses these) is manila folders. She puts her info and "The Pampered Chef" on the tab and tells them to keep the folder with their receipt in their file under "P" for PC or, under their silverware drawer if they like....she also suggests they write any tips/recipes she gives on the folder, too, if they want.

Just another way of doing things....

I used to do this for awhile! My customers really liked it because they were able to just slip it in the filing drawer at home. I stopped using them because I ran into alot of repeat hosts/customers. They already had the folders and wouldn't take them. I don't know I guess I just got out of the habit. I did like doing it. On the tab that sticks up I put a little label sticker "The Pampered Chef" then on the top right corner of the folder I put my stamp. I still think this is good idea. Of course now I have invested in the Merrill lapboards. I guess I could hand them out at check-out, especially considering I still have a gi-normous box of the manilla file folders.

 

[chefjeanine]

I used to do this for awhile! My customers really liked it because they were able to just slip it in the filing drawer at home. I stopped using them because I ran into alot of repeat hosts/customers. They already had the folders and wouldn't take them. I don't know I guess I just got out of the habit. I did like doing it. On the tab that sticks up I put a little label sticker "The Pampered Chef" then on the top right corner of the folder I put my stamp. I still think this is good idea. Of course now I have invested in the Merrill lapboards. I guess I could hand them out at check-out, especially considering I still have a gi-normous box of the manilla file folders.

I give out a manila file folder with the receipt. Usually I know if someone has been to my show before and has a folder, or I ask. I think guests find it to be a nice touch.

I have a file folder lable that says The Pampered Chef on the tab and a sticker with my name, phone number and website on another label on the body of the folder.

 

[smarteez2]

LOL I do the flower on the pen trick!!"When I was a teacher (former life!!!) I used to tape a BIG flower to the end of my pen. They were VERY visible, and never walked away. I kept them in a vase on my desk."

And I totally love it, I bought an antique looking small bucket at wally world for like 1.59.
So I have them all in the bucket and will asked the guests to pick the flower they want. Works like a charm and I get them back everytime!! I have not lost a pen since!!

 

[workinitout]

"When I was a teacher (former life!!!) I used to tape a BIG flower to the end of my pen. They were VERY visible, and never walked away. I kept them in a vase on my desk."

And I totally love it, I bought an antique looking small bucket at wally world for like 1.59.
So I have them all in the bucket and will asked the guests to pick the flower they want. Works like a charm and I get them back everytime!! I have not lost a pen since!!

I like this idea but have been thinking that I want to do a kitchen theme. What could we use?? Herbs? Maybe an edible flower?? Any ideas?

 

[4kids4me]

pens

I like this idea but have been thinking that I want to do a kitchen theme. What could we use?? Herbs? Maybe an edible flower?? Any ideas?

What about taping a mini whisk? or a spatula or something? And keep them in a crock? Or maybe spoons or forks???

 

[smarteez2]

ok okAfter reading all these posts, I broke down and bought 18 lapboards from Merrill!! LOL Of course I have never had a party that big but it never hurts to be prepared!! ) I am so excited to get them!!

 

[GourmetGirl]

I love the idea of taping spoons to my pens and keeping them in a crock (won't do the forks... too pointy... i can see me stabbing myself!) My director made me some pen flags that Nancy's used to have, but they still went missing, so I think I may hit up the Goodwill this weekend...

Also, I am so on the verge of splurging at Merrill and getting a dozen lapboards! We'll see how my shows go tonight and Sun and if I hit my $15,000 (I need $700 more!!!) I may have to go ahead and get them!

 

[melindag]

I splurged back in December and got the lapboard from Merrill (Merry Christmas to me! ) I LOVE THEM! I used to use homemade ones, and while that met my need at the time, these just look so nice.

I was a little concerned about the weight of them, as I've been struck down with a back problem the last few months, but I found a plastic storage box that they can all lay flat in (istead of vertical), and this worked out much better for me. When I had them vertical in my show to go bag, they were heavier or more awkward to carry.

I love the ones from Merrill and I just may have to find a reason to splurge on another dozen!

The other thing that I like to do is take our seasonal trifold and cut that down into 3 folders. Since I only have 12 lapboards, I've been using these as back up for shows with larger attendance. I like these because they alway pique interest on the recipes that they show off and those are some of my favorite recipes to do at shows.

Melinda

 

[chefjeanine]

I splurged back in December and got the lapboard from Merrill (Merry Christmas to me! ) I LOVE THEM! I used to use homemade ones, and while that met my need at the time, these just look so nice.

Melinda

Melinda,

I don't think this question was ever answered (or perhaps it came up on a similar thread), do the order forms fit in the lapboards? At one point someone made it seem that neither the write-in or the itemized forms will fit. I use the itemized form so I'm particulary interested in knowing about how it will work.

I have been using the "homemade" ones for well over a year (maybe even two) and I'd love to update to something more attractive with all the bells (pen loop and business card holder) and whistles.

Thanks for the information.

 

[tashayoung]

The write in ones will fit if you take the wish list off the back.

 

[chefjeanine]

The write in ones will fit if you take the wish list off the back.

But what about the itemized?

 

[melindag]

I don't use the itemized forms, so I don't know, but I would think they would need to be folded. When I do use the write in forms, I just fold it and tuck it in the catalog. Mostly I use a home version

Melinda

 

[Chef Kearns]

The itemized forms fit.

 

[chefjeanine]

The itemized forms fit.

Chef Kearns,

Thanks for your detective work! I may get these afterall.

Jeanine

 

[GourmetGirl]

Chef Kearns ~ I too thank you for that info... I was second guessing myself on if I should order these after reading that the order forms may not fit, but I think once I get a commission check, they are mine

 

[gilliandanielle]

I love the idea of taping spoons to my pens and keeping them in a crock (won't do the forks... too pointy... i can see me stabbing myself!) My director made me some pen flags that Nancy's used to have, but they still went missing, so I think I may hit up the Goodwill this weekend...

Also, I am so on the verge of splurging at Merrill and getting a dozen lapboards! We'll see how my shows go tonight and Sun and if I hit my $15,000 (I need $700 more!!!) I may have to go ahead and get them!

They have the pen flags at www.thebooster.com if you want more. I think you can search for Pen Pals and it will pull them up!

 

[GourmetGirl]

Thanks Gillian! Actually, I earned 2 sheets of them at my meeting on Monday... yay having picks from the goodie basket!

 

[gilliandanielle]

Awesome! I just ordered the PC pens from Merrill, so I thought I would flag them too just in case. I just can't decide which "saying" I like best...