Maximizing host cancellations: A smart approach to rescheduling parties

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various strategies for managing host cancellations and rescheduling parties within the Pampered Chef consultant community. Participants share personal experiences and ideas on how to handle these situations effectively while maintaining flexibility and organization in their business practices.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares an approach of rescheduling hosts who cancel by empathizing with their situation and marking their rescheduling status for future reference.
  • Another participant expresses appreciation for the shared idea and mentions a letter that has helped reduce cancellations in their experience.
  • A participant who is new to consulting discusses their frustration with frequent cancellations and expresses intent to implement the shared strategies to better manage their bookings.
  • One participant mentions scheduling hosts on days they typically wouldn’t work to create additional opportunities without losing potential income if the host cancels again.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of being flexible and organized while managing host cancellations and rescheduling, indicating that different strategies can be beneficial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of flexibility and empathy when dealing with cancellations, though specific strategies vary. No clear consensus emerges on a single best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies that reflect their individual approaches to handling cancellations and rescheduling, emphasizing the challenges faced in their roles as consultants.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for different perspectives on managing host cancellations and rescheduling may find the shared experiences and strategies beneficial for their own practices.

PamperedGinger
Messages
707
I got this email from my upline director (Patsy McGovern) who got it from Suzette de Araujo. I thought it was a fabulous idea and thought I'd pass it on.


Hi everyone,
Just wanted to share a thought I had about reschedules/cancellations. I'm sure someone has already thought of this, but it was an "AH-HA" moment in my business.

Since reschedules/cancellations are a fact of our business, many consultants have different ways of handling them, i.e., some will only reschedule once, some twice and after that they won't reschedule the hostess. Some consultants get really upset because it means lost revenue for that night and a lost chance of possibly rebooking that date, etc.

Well, I was thinking that since most times we really have no control over the issue, you know the old saying, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em?"...Why not reschedule on them!!!

What do I mean. Well, here's how I've decided to handle the whole matter...
If a hostess calls to reschedule, I'm not going to get upset, make her feel bad, (which I never did anyway...I've never guilted a host into keeping a date), etc. I'm going to empathize with her plight for that evening (oh, what a shame that your dog threw up on your carpet....don't laugh, it is actually an excuse given to one of my consultants!) and right then and there pick a new date. When I write her name down in my book for the second date, I'm going to place a number 1 next to her name. This will alert me to the fact that this hostess has rescheduled on me once. Should she call back and reschedule again...hey, the dog could have a stomach problem (and we all know there are hostesses out there who do this!), I will simply repeat the process, but this time, put a #2 next to her name.

Now, I know you're thinking, hey, she's taking up dates that I could book a party that WON'T reschedule. And, you're right. But here's the TWIST!!!! If I am able to book a party on a night when I have a hostess who's rescheduled twice (there's a #2 next to her name), I will book the party with the new host and call the rescheduled host #2 and reschedule on her!!!!! If I'm not able to book that night, and I've left reschedule host #2 on that date, there's no income lost anyway and there still exists the possibility that Host Reschedule #2 might actually hold her show date!

What does this do? It allows me to appear flexible while at the same time managing my business by keeping business instead of turning it away due to reschedules. Some hostesses really do have valid reasons when they need to reschedule and it doesn't necessarily mean they don't want to have the party. If I've asked them if they really want to have the party and they say "yes" it is to my advantage to keep them on my calendar. But why shouldn't I have the ability to reschedule them if I need to.

Again, probably not a new idea, but it was for me!
 
Holding datesThat's a great idea from Suzette/Patsy!! I will use it - thanks! Here's a letter that was forwarded to me by my hospitallity consultant from her upline that helps keep dates solid. The author said that she has had very few cancellations since she started using it!
 

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Thanks for the advice and letters ladies. I have only been a consultant since February but have had people cancel on me 5 times already without giving me enough time to pencil in another show date for that day. I try not to get discouraged by it but its hard to at least not be frustrated by it. I don't think people really realize sometimes that PC is our job and our means of income too. I'm going to try using the letter with my future hostesses. If I get another hostess that just keeps canceling and rescheduling a show I'm definately not going to be afraid to reschedule with her if need be. Thanks so much!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Another idea that I sometimes do with hosts that reschedule is toAnother idea that I sometimes do with hosts that reschedule is to schedule them for a day I would not normally work. That way I've got an extra show if it holds, but don't lose anything if they cancel again.
 



Hi there!

Thank you for sharing this idea with us. It's always great to hear different perspectives and strategies for handling reschedules and cancellations. I can see how this approach can be helpful in managing our busy schedules and keeping our business running smoothly. It's important to be understanding and flexible with our hostesses, but also have a system in place to keep our calendar organized and maximize our opportunities for bookings. I will definitely keep this in mind and see if it works for me in my business. Thanks again for passing on this idea!

Best,
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a host cancels their party?

If a host cancels their party, reach out to them promptly to express your understanding and support. Discuss the reasons for the cancellation and suggest rescheduling the party at a more convenient time. Offer flexible options and highlight any upcoming promotions that might entice them to reschedule.

How can I encourage hosts to reschedule their parties?

To encourage hosts to reschedule, emphasize the benefits of hosting, such as earning free products and exclusive discounts. Share success stories from other hosts and remind them of the fun and social aspects of the party. Additionally, consider offering incentives, such as a bonus gift for rescheduling within a specific timeframe.

What are some effective ways to communicate with hosts after a cancellation?

Effective communication after a cancellation can include a personal phone call, a heartfelt email, or a message through social media. Be empathetic and understanding, and ask open-ended questions to gauge their feelings about rescheduling. Ensure your tone is positive and supportive, reinforcing that you are there to help them through the process.

How can I prepare for potential cancellations in advance?

To prepare for potential cancellations, establish a clear cancellation policy and communicate it to your hosts upfront. Encourage hosts to have a backup date in mind when scheduling their party. Additionally, maintain a list of potential hosts who can be contacted for last-minute parties, ensuring you have options available if a cancellation occurs.

What strategies can I use to make rescheduling appealing to hosts?

To make rescheduling appealing, highlight any new products or seasonal promotions that may be available at the time of the new party date. Offer to help with the planning process to make it easier for the host. You can also create a sense of urgency by mentioning limited-time offers or exclusive deals that are only available for a short period.

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