Navigating an Awkward Host Request: What Now?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by consultants when dealing with a host who expresses concerns about pricing and expectations during a show. Participants share their experiences and strategies for navigating awkward situations with hosts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a host who expected special pricing, expressing confusion over the host's request to be "fair" in pricing.
  • Another participant mentions that hosts should be aware of the benefits they receive, including free and discounted products, and questions the host's expectations.
  • Several users recount experiences where hosts had unrealistic expectations about their earnings and the consultant's pricing flexibility.
  • One participant shares a strategy of explaining the company's pricing structure to the host to clarify misunderstandings.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of maintaining boundaries and not feeling obligated to meet unreasonable demands from hosts.
  • Some participants discuss the necessity of ensuring payment clears before submitting orders, sharing various methods to handle checks from hosts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding how to handle hosts with unrealistic expectations. While some suggest clear communication about pricing and benefits, others emphasize the importance of setting firm boundaries.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences that highlight the complexities of managing host relationships in direct sales, particularly when expectations do not align with company policies.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar challenges with hosts may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own situations.

T
TheFreddiesCook
Messages
237
How do you handle a host who tells me the story of how she works 3 jobs, and hopes "I'll be fair in the pricing because she did the show to help me out" ..??????? What??? :confused::confused::confused::eek:

If worse comes to worse I think I'll end up telling her I can't submit her order and I don't know how to handle the way I know she will react... HELP! What do you do in cases like this?:yuck:
 
She's the HOST of a show and she said that?? Doesn't she think FREE and 50%/60% off is fair enough??Tell her what the Host benefits are..and don't give her anything else. PC is EXTREMELY generous to their hosts.Have you already finished her show and know the sales and what she's going get? What is she expecting? All of it free? She can certainly select ONLY enough that would be in the Free Product. :) she doesn't have to get more than that.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
She told me she knew how to throw a party when I tried to coach her about her guest list... She ended up not inviting a lot of people. There were 3 people at her show. And a few small outside orders... It was very weird, though... I... am not sure what she was expecting.

We discussed her benefits and she saw on my computer what she had earned and selected her items. Her family placed 3 orders in one so they would only had to pay one shipping, and to that she added a friends order so she (the friend) wouldn't have to pay shipping. I explained her shipping was free, so she knows she is not paying for shipping. So I guess she'll only be able to get the free stuff. I hope she doesn't ask me to pay the tax or anything else with the excuse that she was doing the show to help me out... Weird...:eek:
 
even if she DOES...tell her you can't afford to do that. She probably thinks you make some ridiculous amount. If she has direct-sales experience with other consultants...she may incorrectly think you get 50% commission or something (like some do- BUT she doesn't realize why..).Stick to your guns. She obviously didn't do you any favors. And if she gets snotty, just tell her honestly! If it was only a $200 commissionable sales on the show for example, tell her... "I only am making about $40 on this show, before my expenses of catalogs, gas, etc" Who cares! She obviously isn't really the type of host you are going to want to foster a long-term relationship with anyway. I wouldn't give her anything else. If any of those customers have issues with products- it's going to be an even bigger headache for you since they were so ethical and combined their shipping. (I'd actually print duplicates of the receipts- so everyone has a copy. They'll need it for warranties.)I'm sorry this happened to you, but you don't owe her a thing. *Sorry...do I sound cranky? :D* I'm not- but it annoys me when people are so rude and try to take advantage of us just because we, in THEIR eyes, don't have a real job.
 
TheFreddiesCook said:
"I'll be fair in the pricing because she did the show to help me out"
Click to expand...

This makes it sound to me like she thinks you determine the prices. Since a lot of DS companies work differently in that the consultant gets the payment from the customer and then only pays her cost to the company, pocketing the difference, many people believe we have more flexibility with the prices.

I have to say, if someone tried to pull the guilt trip card on me, saying they did the show to help me out, I'd be tempted to respond "Oh, thanks! I do appreciate my hosts very much, but I don't have to twist arms and break legs to get shows" with a sweet smile.
 
Just let her know that PC sets the price. There are no markups on your end, so you can not adjust pricing. Let her know what she's earned free, and that her shipping is free too.

If it makes a difference in her levels, let her know that by placing her friend's order on her host order, she's losing guest sales and hence reducing her overall rewards.

Tell her you appreciate her hosting a show and helping you expand your biz. That you love that PC rewards its hosts so well. Should she want to pick up more orders to take advantage of the host rewards, you'll give her til Thursday. :D
 
LOL - ya'll are too nice.
(My barks worse than my bite- at least tonight.)
 
LOL Bobbi....I'm not always mistaken for nice. For guests/hosts, I like to kill em with kindness....I make it an amusing game to keep me from having a =X kind of moment.

I tend to bite without barking. But it takes a while to get me there. ;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
She called last night, and agreed to pay the amount. She is stopping by today to pay with a check... But I don't want to do any other business with her. And I want to close the show today... I won't give her any more days. It's done. The whole thing was a weird experience, from the time she booked, the show, and then yesterday...:yuck:
 
TheFreddiesCook said:
She called last night, and agreed to pay the amount. She is stopping by today to pay with a check... But I don't want to do any other business with her. And I want to close the show today... I won't give her any more days. It's done. The whole thing was a weird experience, from the time she booked, the show, and then yesterday...:yuck:
Click to expand...

I'd make sure that check clears the bank (or cash it at her bank) before you submit the order.
 
I'm with Linda on this one - clear the check before you submit the show! Fastest way to do that is to take it to her bank (or a branch of it) to cash it, then deposit the cash in your account.
 
I am with Ann and Linda with that one. It too was the first thing I thought of. She sounds like a real winner and I would not put anything past her. I know it would be tempting to just go a head and submit without it clearing even if it is a small check, but if it does not, it will cost a lot more than the time it takes to wait for it.
 
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  • #13
My husband took her check to deposit it, but forgot.. So I went ahead and sent the show, but I am having everything shipped to me, instead of to her. So I will not deliver anything until the check clears.
 
Smart move. :) That's the other great alternative if you aren't sure if a check is going to clear.
 
babywings76 said:
Smart move. :) That's the other great alternative if you aren't sure if a check is going to clear.
Click to expand...

I'm with Amanda too. Smart move on your part.
 
Looks like you took everyone's advice and added your own good spin to it. I hope the check clears so you can put this experience behind you.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a host requests a specific product that is out of stock?

If a host requests a specific product that is currently out of stock, it's important to communicate this clearly and promptly. You can suggest alternative products that are similar or offer to notify them when the item becomes available again. Additionally, you can discuss the possibility of selecting a different product that fits their needs.

How can I handle a host who wants to change the date of their party last minute?

If a host wants to change the date of their party at the last minute, approach the situation with understanding and flexibility. Ask them for their preferred new date and check your availability. If the new date works, confirm it with enthusiasm. If not, discuss alternative dates and reassure them that you want to make their party a success.

What if a host is uncomfortable with the party format I suggested?

If a host expresses discomfort with the party format you've suggested, listen to their concerns and ask what they would prefer instead. It's important to collaborate and find a format that makes them feel comfortable, whether it's a virtual party, in-home gathering, or a different style. Adapting to their preferences can lead to a more successful event.

How do I respond if a host wants to invite people who are not interested in Pampered Chef products?

If a host wants to invite people who may not be interested in Pampered Chef products, gently remind them that the party is most successful when attendees are genuinely interested. Encourage them to invite friends who enjoy cooking or kitchen tools. However, if they still wish to invite those individuals, support their decision and focus on creating an engaging experience for everyone.

What steps should I take if a host is hesitant about promoting their party?

If a host is hesitant about promoting their party, reassure them that it's normal to feel nervous. Offer to provide them with promotional materials, tips, and strategies to help them feel more confident. Encourage them to share their excitement about the products and the party with their friends and family, and remind them that you are there to support them throughout the process.

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