Navigating Unpaid Customers and Host Specials: Tips for Direct Sales Success

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around experiences and strategies related to handling unpaid customer orders and host specials in direct sales. Participants share their personal approaches to managing payments and discuss the implications for host benefits.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, emphasizes that they do not front money for customers and require payment in advance to avoid losses.
  • Another participant shares their experience of occasionally submitting unpaid orders for trusted customers, but only for small amounts.
  • Several users mention that they prefer to deal directly with the host regarding payments, suggesting that the host should collect payments from guests.
  • One participant notes that the monthly host special applies per show total, not per individual, clarifying how benefits are allocated based on sales.
  • Another participant recounts a specific situation where they made an exception to their usual payment policy due to extenuating circumstances.
  • One participant succinctly states that no payment means no order, reinforcing a strict policy on payment collection.
  • Another participant suggests that hosts can pay with their credit card initially, allowing guests to reimburse them later, as a way to secure sales.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the community's feedback after successfully collecting payment for a significant show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of securing payment before placing orders, with some differing on the flexibility of their approaches based on customer relationships or specific circumstances.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and practices regarding payment collection, reflecting a variety of strategies and outcomes in direct sales scenarios.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to Pampered Chef consultants navigating similar challenges with customer payments and host specials.

R
regina_graham
Messages
12
I have a question. Do any of you have customers that don't pay up front?

At my show last night I had 2 guests that I told at least 3 times to pay, still did not pay. I sent them e-mails last night just to remind them that I can't place an order that has not been paid for. Between the two of them they are responsible for $500 of the show's sales.

I normally would go ahead and order the stuff since some peopl just insist on paying when they receive their order. I've had to travel 6 hours to do this show and I just don't trust that I'll see payment. I've been burned before only to have to resale the items.

Another question: My show had cohosts. They wanted to use the November Host Special for the 60% off 2 Simple Additions. Can they order 2 pieces each? The show total so far is $1200, so they qualify for two. Is it two each or two total?
 
I do NOT, under any circumstance, front the money for my customers. They pay in advance or they do not get added to the order. If you tell the host that you are removing them from the show because they've not yet paid, your host will (more than likely) give them a call as well. ;)The monthly host special is 1 or 2, depending on the show sales, period. It's not per person, it's per show. If they each had $600 & wanted to split the show to two separate ones, then they would get the host benefit on each show. If one submits their show & has the other book off the first show, then submit the 2nd show in a few days when the host # is issued ... then they could technically get a past host benefit too.
 
I agree- do NOT submit orders that haven't been paid for. Especially if they're that large! Occasionally, I'll submit unpaid orders for customers with whom I have a good history, but never for more than $25 or so. And since the host's benefits will be affected by those orders, she has every right to know that those orders may be cancelled. I'd let the guests know that unless you have CLEARED payment (check cleared at your bank, or a credit/debit card number) by XX date, the orders will be cancelled. Then give the host a call and just give her some basic information (she doesn't need to know the specific amount for each order) - let her know that her show total will go down by $500 if these 2 guests don't pay for their items and that you need payment for them by XX date.
 
I personally do not take my time to track down payments for the show. I deal with the host. I either have the host collect payment from them afterwards or they don't place their order. The host can get a check wrote out to her after the show or give me a credit card or debit card number from the guest.
 
wadesgirl said:
I personally do not take my time to track down payments for the show. I deal with the host. I either have the host collect payment from them afterwards or they don't place their order. The host can get a check wrote out to her after the show or give me a credit card or debit card number from the guest.
Click to expand...

Good point! I generally follow that practice too. I did have one military host who was sent off the island at the last minute by the military. We were under the deadline to close by the 15th. She sent the past host to get the folder with the outside orders at her house, then the past host came to me & via e-mail & cell we closed the show for the host! We did end up having to call 3 of the guests for payments or addresses. That's the only time that I've ever done the work like that for the host. I don't mind bending my rules for extenuating circumstances like that. ;)
 
No money=no order. Period.
 
If you are having trouble getting payment but dont want to "lose" such a big sale, ask the host to pay with her credit card and let the customers pay the host back. Trust me, the host wont be handing the customers anything until she gets paid back.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thank you guys for the quick response. Everything was handled and the guests did remit payment. It's my biggest show at $1300 and I'm thrilled!

Thanks so much for the feedback!
 
WooHoo! Congrats on getting the payment and your biggest show!!! :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a customer hasn't paid for their order?

If a customer hasn't paid for their order, it's important to follow up with them politely. Send a friendly reminder via email or message, including the order details and payment options. Sometimes, customers may forget or encounter issues with their payment method. Be understanding and offer assistance if needed.

How can I encourage customers to pay on time?

To encourage timely payments, set clear expectations upfront regarding payment deadlines when taking orders. You can also offer incentives for early payments, such as a small discount or entry into a raffle. Regular communication and reminders can also help keep payment on their radar.

What are some effective strategies for handling unpaid orders?

Effective strategies for handling unpaid orders include establishing a clear payment policy, following up promptly with reminders, and maintaining open communication with the customer. If necessary, consider offering flexible payment options or installment plans to make it easier for customers to complete their purchase.

How can I leverage host specials to boost sales?

Leverage host specials by promoting them during your sales presentations and social media posts. Highlight the value and savings that hosts receive when they gather orders from friends and family. Encourage your hosts to share their excitement about the specials, which can create a sense of urgency and motivate others to place orders.

What should I do if a host doesn't follow through with their party?

If a host doesn't follow through with their party, reach out to them to understand their situation. Offer support and assistance to help them get back on track. If they are unable to host, consider rescheduling or finding another host who may be interested. Always maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to keep the relationship strong.

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