March Disappointments: Why My Best Month Turned into a Booking Struggle

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and challenges regarding bookings and sales during March, following what many described as successful months in February. Several users express frustration over cancellations and difficulties in securing shows, while others share strategies and successes in their efforts to maintain or increase bookings.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, noted a significant drop in bookings for March after a successful February, with only one show scheduled.
  • Another participant shared their experience of having a successful Open House, generating substantial sales and bookings, despite facing challenges in securing shows.
  • Several users mentioned the impact of cancellations on their morale and sales, with one expressing discouragement over a high cancellation rate for events.
  • One participant highlighted the importance of reaching out to past customers to generate interest in new products as a potential strategy for bookings.
  • Another participant reported a mix of success and disappointment, with some shows booked for April while struggling with March bookings.
  • One user shared their proactive approach by sending out fundraiser packages and planning future events to boost sales.
  • Several participants expressed a sense of camaraderie, encouraging each other to keep trying despite setbacks.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the effectiveness of various strategies for securing bookings, and no clear consensus emerges on the best approach to overcome the challenges faced in March.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared personal experiences related to their individual sales and booking efforts, reflecting a range of outcomes and emotional responses to their current situations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants experiencing similar challenges in bookings and sales may find the shared experiences and strategies discussed in this thread relevant to their own situations.

ChefJWarren
ChefJWarren
Gold Member
Messages
705
February was my best month ever! However, my March is falling apart. :cry: Now I only have one catty show and one cooking show. I've been making calls for bookings, but most people want to book for April or "are checking their calendars"!
 
Anyone who bought something from you in the fall catalog, (such as a collipsable bowl) that you can call and tell them about the new catalog and the awesome new products? What about a expo or bridal show?
 
Jessica, you and I both girl! I had a kick butt Feb (best ever, just like you) and I only have FOUR shows for March..I hope I get the $1250 for the HWC prods. And I currently have NOTHING for April, but I have 2 of my shows this weekend, so I am taking all the bamboo I own and hoping to get something on my calendar! Hang in there! I know I am!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I just booked a Power Cooking Show for the 21st! Still calling....
 
Good for you! Keep calling!
 
I did an Open House on the 1st. Ended up with $680 is sales and sold $300 in Cash 'N Carry. Food Cost was $75. Did most of the invitations by email and called a lot of people to tell them about it. I gave away the Host Benefits. I attached a printable invite to my email so they could print it out to remind them about the date or to pass on to a friend. I have attached it here!
 

Attachments

yes my march is techncially icky - 2 tables and 1 show

however, at that first table (on the first) i sold over $300, and got a booking and a recruit lead who practically jumped into my arms. she's graduating from culinary school in 2 weeks.

i have 6 shows booked for april and will keep calling for april and may.

as long as you are sure you can pull in $150/$200, let march go
 
My feb stunk... 100% cancellation rate! I have an open house tomorrow and all but 1 RSVP has cancelled.... I am getting really discouraged. I have never had this happen. I feel like the economy is making people depressed
 
Jayne said:
I did an Open House on the 1st. Ended up with $680 is sales and sold $300 in Cash 'N Carry. Food Cost was $75. Did most of the invitations by email and called a lot of people to tell them about it. I gave away the Host Benefits. I attached a printable invite to my email so they could print it out to remind them about the date or to pass on to a friend. I have attached it here!
Click to expand...

I am having one tomorrow. I hope to do as well but would rather have 20 future bookings! Can I dream big, or what?
 
I had scheduled aSpring Preview show for tonight. Sent invites (a total of 60) a month ago with a Mystery Host incentive to collect outside orders. Only 1 taker on the mystery host orders. I started out today with 10 guests- now 2 hours to show time I have 3. What a bust!!!! I also had 5 cooking shows and 2 catalog show booked. This week, 1 catalog show backed out and 2 shows are post-poned until April. Better luck next time. I'm really disappointed- I wanted all of the HWC products.
 
I am already at $860 for March! I had a $1600 February so did well there. I am going to be on the phone tomorrow to get my March up. I have about 10 people who have said they are interested in having a Show so I'll see. I am doing a KITK birthday party on the 14th and will hopefully get enough orders from that for a Show. I have 2 Catalog Shows already for April scheduled. That will be my next push. I can do this! I sent out 5 fundraiser packages this week so hopefully some of those will come through for April! GO CHEFFERS! We can do it!
 
Jayne - what items do you get for cash and carry? Is that adventageous for you? Do you think if you didn't have those specific items - that people would place orders (thus buying more??) just wondering out loud here... THANKS for your advice!
 
I've been having problems with my shows early in the month for Feb and March - the hosts disappear or they reschedule. Arggg! My Mid-month deposit is going to suck, again!!

I MUST do better host coaching!!!
 
I am right there with you. My April and May are filling up but my March I only have 2 shows and suppose to have a catalog show but have not been able to get in touch with the host to close it. I talked with her early last week and she didn't have any orders so we extended it so I am thinking she doesn't have anything but is just afraid to let me know. Hopefully I will be able to get a couple more shows this month.
 
Don't forget to send out an outlet email once in awhile. I was able to get $425 in sales in the last one that I sent out at the end of February. It really helped out in a month that I was really having trouble with bookings.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common reasons for a booking struggle in March for Pampered Chef consultants?

Several factors can contribute to booking struggles in March, including seasonal shifts in customer priorities, post-holiday budget constraints, and increased competition from other direct sales events. Additionally, the transition from winter to spring may lead customers to focus on outdoor activities rather than home cooking and entertaining.

How can I overcome the booking struggle I experienced in March?

To overcome booking struggles, consider diversifying your outreach methods. Engage with your customer base through social media, host virtual cooking classes, or offer special promotions that align with spring themes. Additionally, reaching out to past hosts for referrals or feedback can help rekindle interest.

What strategies can I implement to boost my bookings in the upcoming months?

Implementing themed events or seasonal promotions can attract more interest. Consider creating a spring cooking series or offering exclusive discounts on popular items. Building partnerships with local businesses for cross-promotions can also expand your reach and attract new customers.

How important is follow-up in improving my booking rates?

Follow-up is crucial in direct sales. Many potential hosts may need reminders or additional information before committing. Regularly checking in with past customers and leads can help maintain relationships and encourage bookings. Personalizing your follow-up messages can significantly increase your chances of securing a booking.

What role does mindset play in overcoming booking challenges?

Your mindset can significantly impact your approach to booking challenges. Staying positive and resilient can help you navigate setbacks more effectively. Embracing a growth mindset allows you to view challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement, ultimately leading to better outcomes in your direct sales efforts.

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