Maximizing Invitations for APO/FPO Events: Tips from Consultants

[angmillar]

Do you send out invites? Since overseas base communities are usually relatively small, most of my hosts invite in person, so I've never really thought about sending out the invitations. It seems most hosts invite neighbors, co-workers, friends that they see on a very regular basis.

Plus, I know I'd use postage (since we can't MPS for our businesses). But, the invitations would literally just go from one box in the post office to another box (for the most part).

BTW, I did have one host mail her invites, and they were never, ever received!!

I've really been encouraging email invites...

Just curious as to what other APO/FPO consultants do.

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

SOFA and APO regs actually restrict us from mailing them AT ALL. Since the MPS has to handle them, paying postage is irrelevant. There is NO WAY around that rule, legally. No one here (Germany) sends ANY invitations. Too big a risk.

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

I should mention, I do give my hosts about 20 postcard invitations to hand out. I've also been experimenting with having them give me all the email addresses and I send the E-Invitations for them.

 

[legacypc46]

We (and our hosts) aren't allowed to mail invitations whether we put postage on them or not. It has to do with using military/DOD personnel (which the mail handlers are) in support of a business. Chances are the invites your host mailed were chucked at the Post Office.

There are different interpretations out there regarding the 'rules'...best to just let it be. We're blessed, at least, that TPC has direct shipping, otherwise we wouldnt be able to operate at all. (The DS companies that only ship to the host can't operate overseas since that entails APO box holders receiving and distributing products to others.) Hope that made sense...it's bedtime here...brain is fuddled. PM me if you'd like more info...though I wont be able to reply until tomorrow.

 

[legacypc46]

oops, debbi beat me to it...always one step ahead!

 

[PamperedChefDebi]

oops, debbi beat me to it...always one step ahead!

Not always!! :indif:

 

[angmillar]

Ooooh, thanks for telling me this info ladies!! I thought it was okay to mail them "if" I used postage. I'm SO GLAD you told me different!

And, after reading your messages, it all makes perfect sense.

Wow, I will definitely not be mailing anything. It's definitely NOT worth it!

 

[angmillar]

YES! I am very blessed with Pampered Chef that they work with us military consultants.

Pampered Chef is just WONDERFUL for that, and it's one of the reasons I became a consultant!