Navigating the Challenges of a Sell-a-thon: A Personal Story

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences of participants navigating the challenges of a Sell-a-thon, including difficulties in securing sales and managing host expectations. Participants share personal stories about their shows, sales strategies, and the impact of the economy on their business outcomes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, discusses the disappointment of having shows fall through and the struggle to reach sales goals, mentioning specific dollar amounts from their shows.
  • Another participant shares their experience of attempting to boost sales through a Black Friday sale, reflecting on the potential benefits of offering discounts.
  • Several users mention the challenges posed by the economy, with one participant noting that their shows were significantly under last year's averages.
  • One participant expresses frustration over hosts not actively seeking additional orders, impacting their overall sales performance.
  • Another participant highlights the importance of coaching hosts to maximize their show potential, contrasting their success with others who are not taking advantage of promotions.
  • One participant notes that some hosts are not interested in promotional offers, affecting their ability to reach sales targets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the effectiveness of strategies to boost sales and the impact of host engagement on show outcomes. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to navigate these challenges.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from their recent shows, reflecting a range of outcomes and strategies employed during the Sell-a-thon period.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for relatable experiences and insights on managing sales challenges during promotional events may find this discussion relevant.

Intrepid_Chef
Silver Member
Messages
5,144
Well, you know what they say about the best laid plans!

My Sell-A-thon was looking great ... even though two of my shows fell through, I still had 4 live shows planned. I'd hit $1500 for sure!

But even though two of my shows were great (over $400 each) one was only $200, and the other ... well ... it was only $138 when I left there last week. The host wants to reach at least $300 so she can get a roaster for half price.

The problem is ... this is the jewelry show switch. And my stepmother (who has the biggest order) can't afford it until after the holidays. And frankly, I can't afford that kind of investment until then either!

So ... I want to tell her to hold the show off until January, but I don't want to hurt her sales.

Unless she has another $300 in orders up there, I won't hit Level 1 of Sell-a-thon anyway ... so I am thinking of at least suggesting she hold her show off until December so a) she can get the triffle bowl for 60 percent and b) I stand a chance of at least getting a second spring product.

Stinks to sell $1400 and still only earn one product. It better be good!
 
Hey i know the feeling...i think i'm at $1300 right now but i have the big show still opened so i am trying to do a black friday sale to get to the $1500! At this point it woul dbe worth it to spend a few bucks giving people a discount in order to get a lot of new products! Try a black Friday Sale email. I'm already sent an email out about 15% off form 8AM-8PM but i think i might even send out a second one for 20% off any order emailed to by between 4 AM and 8AM
 
I think the economy is killing us all....I had 4 shows ALL way under last years average!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
The problem is that most of my outside orders and regular people are ordering from the $200 show.

I think I WILL send out the Black Friday sale e-mail anyway ... and probably count it toward December sales.
 
I'm in the same boat too!!

What looked like such a promising month...:(

4 Shows and 1 catty show. I thought for sure I would have no problem making $1500.

My catty show host has not called me back in weeks. I leave 2 msgs a week. At what point do I just leave this one alone??

The real kicker is that I only had so many open dates to have shows in Nov. I can't seem to get shows during the week so that leaves weekends. I booked the 7th, 8th, 16th and 22nd. With other (personal) commitments, these were really all I had to give. Well, what is strange is that the 8th and 9th were very popular dates. Since I had the 7th and 8th booked, those were out and since I work FT, there was NO way that I could have done the 9th too. (Fri, Sat, Sun shows).

Well, my host on the 8th, the week of, just decides she doesn't want to have her show! She just doesn't want to deal with it.

I was SO upset since I had others who would have LOVED that date, not to mention that I could have booked the 9th!

So, now I am down to 3 shows and 1 missing catty host! Ugh! I still had a chance if my last Sat show reached $400, but I doubt it now. It is at $165.

I might try a Black Friday Sale. I might offer Free Shipping on all orders over $40 as long as the order is placed anytime between now and Friday. We'll see how far away I am from $1500.

But, I know what you mean...so close!
 
I should have reached $7,000 NO PROBLEM - but I had 3 LAME Shows - one is at $48, one at $78, and one at $118. ALL the Hosts have NO DESIRE to even TRY and get more orders!!!! :grumpy:
 
lisa717 said:
I think the economy is killing us all....I had 4 shows ALL way under last years average!

I have had my best show average ever this month.

I think it is all in what the host's want to do and how they are coached. I coached all of my show's to the $500 show level so they could receive two of the stoneware pieces at 60% off and I wasn't disappointed.

I hope December is better for you.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Well ... 2 of my hosts are not even taking advantage of the stoneware special b/c they don't need it or in the case of 1, can't afford it. Since one of them is a friend, she is letting me get a gift for my sister as part of it.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sell-a-thon and how does it work?

A sell-a-thon is an intensive sales event where consultants aim to boost their sales over a specific period, often with incentives and challenges to motivate participation. Participants typically set personal sales goals, engage with customers, and utilize promotional strategies to maximize their sales during this time.

What challenges might I face during a sell-a-thon?

Challenges during a sell-a-thon can include time management, maintaining motivation, handling customer objections, and dealing with potential burnout. Additionally, competition among consultants can create pressure, making it essential to stay focused on personal goals rather than comparing oneself to others.

How can I stay motivated throughout the sell-a-thon?

Staying motivated can be achieved by setting clear, achievable goals, celebrating small wins, and connecting with fellow consultants for support. Creating a daily routine, using positive affirmations, and reminding yourself of the reasons you joined Pampered Chef can also help maintain enthusiasm during the event.

What strategies can I use to overcome objections from customers?

To overcome customer objections, actively listen to their concerns, empathize with their situation, and provide clear, informative responses. Sharing personal stories about how Pampered Chef products have benefited you or others can also help build trust and address any hesitations they may have.

Can you share a personal story about overcoming challenges during a sell-a-thon?

During my first sell-a-thon, I faced significant challenges with time management and motivation. I created a detailed schedule, breaking down my goals into daily tasks. By sharing my journey with my team and seeking their support, I found encouragement and accountability. Ultimately, I exceeded my sales goals and learned valuable lessons about resilience and teamwork.

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