Let the Hostess Do the Work for You..

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various ideas and experiences related to using incentives for booking parties, particularly focusing on a creative approach involving a hostess wearing an envelope until she secures bookings. Participants share their thoughts on the effectiveness and appeal of such strategies, as well as their personal experiences with similar concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares a creative idea where a hostess wears a decorated envelope until she secures three bookings, revealing a prize inside once achieved.
  • Another participant expresses enthusiasm for the idea and considers trying it at an upcoming event.
  • Some participants question the practicality of the idea, with one noting that a host at a party they attended did not achieve the desired bookings despite wearing multiple items as incentives.
  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses skepticism about hosts agreeing to such a strategy, emphasizing that securing bookings is primarily the consultant's responsibility.
  • Several users mention their experiences with similar concepts, including using packages or gifts as incentives for bookings, with mixed results regarding effectiveness.
  • Some participants express discomfort with the idea of pressure or manipulation in securing bookings, indicating that it could deter potential hosts.
  • One participant notes that they stopped using incentives due to the complexity of tracking bookings and found success without them.
  • Another participant mentions using a Mini Serving Spatula as an incentive for sending invitations but finds it challenging to keep track of such incentives.
  • Several users agree that extra incentives can be cumbersome and unnecessary, preferring to rely on the existing benefits provided by the company.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and appropriateness of using incentives for bookings. Some participants support the idea, while others express skepticism or discomfort with the approach. No clear consensus emerges regarding its overall success.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and opinions based on their roles as consultants or hosts, reflecting a variety of perspectives on the use of incentives in booking parties.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants exploring different strategies for securing bookings and those considering the use of incentives in their business practices.

pchefinski
pchefinski
Messages
663
I found this online.. a good idea :)

Decorate an envelope. Any type of envelope.
Inside you will place a piece of paper with a special gift written on it.
Seal the envelope.
Punch a hole in the top 2 corners of the envelope and put some yarn or string through the holes. Make sure that the yarn is long enough so it can be worn around someone's neck.
When you get to the hostesses home, tell them they must wear this until she gets 3 bookings. She then will be able to open it to find out what she has won!
It becomes very funny and people have a lot of fun with it. So you'll see people asking the hostess why she is wearing this thing around her neck and she will tell them that she can't take it off till she gets 3 bookings and that she'll find out what she's won. You would be very surprised as to how quickly those booking will happen. And the best part....you didn't really have to ask everyone. The hostess did the work for you!!!
 
That is an awesome idea!!!
 
thats too cute! Maybe I'll try that tomorrow night! What kind of gift should we offer?
 
Has anyone actually done this? And was it successful? And did the host agree to do it?
 
I've seen it done at parties I've attended as a guest. And at one of those, the host had to wear 4 items: 3 small ones that were for the people who booked, and 1 slightly larger one that was for her if she got 3 bookings. I don't think that host got 3 bookings.
 
I'm just asking because I really can't see any of my hosts going for it. Plus, I know if I were hosting a show of some sort, I'm not sure I would be into doing that.

I guess I just see this differently... I feel as the consulant that it's my job to secure the bookings... it's the host's job to have a great time with her friends. I do elicit her help, but only to promote how great the program is.

My only other thought on this is if it does turn someone off who was actually thinking about booking, she won't because she might be afraid that the consultant will make her do it at her show!
 
I've seen this in place at two different shows that I've attended. One time was at a passions party where the host had leis around her neck. The other time was at a lia sophia party where the host had dollar amounts around her neck. Neither time did those necklaces get taken or have people ask about them.
 
At my very first PC show I ever went to, the consultant did something similar. One booking the host got to hold a package. At the 2nd booking she got to open the package. When she got the 3rd booking she got to keep the gift inside the package. Or the consultant would order it for her.
 
Yes, Sarah, I've heard of people in my cluster doing that as well.
 
For myself - I do not like to feel like I am being pressured or manipulated into doing something, so if I were at a show (and I was - Discovery Toys show) where something like this was done, I would be very determined NOT to book a show!
 
I agree with Colleen, I wouldn't be all that thrilled about wearing the envelopes either. But I really like the concept. I think the package idea is cute. Especially when after the 2nd booking, the host knows what she is getting and would be more invested in getting someone to book that 3rd show. I'm thinking I would use something off of the host's wish list to MAKE SURE it is something she wants. Or maybe a gift certificate.
 
So what do you do if the friends just book so the host gets the prize and then they later cancel?
 
I've heard of some people doing this & giving the gift at the 3rd hosts show. That way you eliminate friends doing that.
 
I'm sure some people could keep track of it... but that would be WAAAAAY too much work (and thought process) for me.
 
katie0128 said:
I'm sure some people could keep track of it... but that would be WAAAAAY too much work (and thought process) for me.
Click to expand...

LOL! This is one of the main reasons that I stopped doing incentives for booking! It was just too much work, remembering who booked because of an incentive, and who didn't.....and what they got for booking, and if they kept the original date they booked........my mind couldn't keep it all straight - and I found that the majority of the host couldn't keep it straight either.

No extra incentives this year, and I have the BEST Oct, Nov, and Dec bookings I've EVER had! Tonight I booked 2 more Oct Catalog Shows (because I have no
more open dates) and a January show. I have 7 Cooking Shows and 4 Cat. shows now for Nov., and 2 Cooking and a Catalog show for Dec.......and still 6 more shows to go in October! I think quitting all of the extra incentives was the best thing I've done for my business this Fall!
 
I agree that extra incentives are not necessary and too hard to keep track of. I do offer a Mini Serving Spatula for 40 contacts to send invitations. I can't hardly remember that either. Tonight I forgot the host gift (F/W SB) and the "bring a friend gift" (citrus peeler). Two people brought friends. I also received bookings by using and showing the November and December host specials. PC gives great incentives. I don't need to add more.
 
I do the tic tac toe game. Sometimes the host plays and it get her really motivated and others don't care about it at all. There is a box they can check off if they get a booking. Other than that, I don't offer anything.
 
JAE said:
I agree that extra incentives are not necessary and too hard to keep track of. I do offer a Mini Serving Spatula for 40 contacts to send invitations. I can't hardly remember that either. Tonight I forgot the host gift (F/W SB) and the "bring a friend gift" (citrus peeler). Two people brought friends. I also received bookings by using and showing the November and December host specials. PC gives great incentives. I don't need to add more.
Click to expand...

I don't give the host anything extra either. Most are really happy with the free stuff they get from the benefits. And, as far as door prizes and incentives...whew! it's so hard to keep up with. i've got to try to simplify.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Let the Hostess Do the Work for You" mean in direct sales?

"Let the Hostess Do the Work for You" refers to the strategy where the hostess of a party or event takes on the responsibility of organizing and promoting the gathering. This allows the consultant to focus on presenting products and closing sales, while the hostess engages their friends and family to create a fun and inviting atmosphere.

How can a hostess help increase sales at a Pampered Chef party?

A hostess can help increase sales by inviting their network, promoting the event on social media, and creating excitement around the products. They can also share personal experiences with the products, which can encourage guests to make purchases based on their recommendations.

What are the benefits for the hostess in this arrangement?

The hostess benefits from hosting a Pampered Chef party by earning free products, discounts, and exclusive offers based on the total sales generated during the event. Additionally, they get to enjoy a fun gathering with friends while learning new cooking tips and recipes.

How does the consultant support the hostess in this process?

The consultant supports the hostess by providing tools and resources, such as invitations, product information, and tips for engaging guests. They also guide the hostess on how to promote the event effectively and may offer incentives for bringing in more guests or achieving higher sales.

Can the hostess still participate in the party while doing the work?

Yes, the hostess can still participate in the party while doing the work. They can engage with guests, share their experiences, and enjoy the event while also managing the logistics. The consultant will handle the presentation and sales aspect, allowing the hostess to enjoy the social experience without feeling overwhelmed.

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