No Surprise Boxes This Year? Any Updates?

[KaryCam]

Someone said a couple months back that there would be no surprise boxes this year. Has anyone heard anything else??
Just asking because clustermates who are not going want some sent to them.
Thanks for any info.

 

[scottcooks]

We'll know when we get there - perhaps that is one of the anticipated go-zillion giveaways?!Many have posted "NO", not sure how they know this.

 

[Chefcouts]

My AD said that there will be no surprise boxes, I think she got that from a conference call. I'm hoping for lots of giveaways too!

 

[Sk8Mom209]

I also heard there are no more surprise boxes at conference. It's too bad, it was alway fun opening them and then swapping items with the person next to you!

 

[nene960]

doesn't look like there are any surprise boxes here

 

[SonyaVerrillo]

I'm at NC and went to the First-Timer's Orientation. HO confirmed that they have NO surprise boxes this year. They told us to request it on the evaluation forms and they might reconsider it for the future. BTW--NC is awesome and it hasn't even officially started! We got a slightly bigger version of the catalog tote to use and the colored lanyards (by title) and pins (for years of service, online training, HWC/RUFTH, career sales, various achievements, etc.) are pretty cool. So, instead of having ribbons that get tossed or stay with our nametags, we can transfer the pins to our aprons, totes, etc.

 

[pampcheflisa]

I'm at NC and went to the First-Timer's Orientation. HO confirmed that they have NO surprise boxes this year. They told us to request it on the evaluation forms and they might reconsider it for the future. BTW--NC is awesome and it hasn't even officially started! We got a slightly bigger version of the catalog tote to use and the colored lanyards (by title) and pins (for years of service, online training, HWC/RUFTH, career sales, various achievements, etc.) are pretty cool. So, instead of having ribbons that get tossed or stay with our nametags, we can transfer the pins to our aprons, totes, etc.

That is very COOL!!!!

 

[scottcooks]

Very eager to get there... I fly a redeye tonight and will arrive as Workshop 1 is underway. See everyone at Gen.Session!!

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

I hope surprise boxes are heavily requested in feedback. I LOVED them and would have been very upset had I got to conference and not had them available. Things like red scrapers, vintage bamboo and the like are big sellers at fairs.I also wish they were available for purchase on the outlet.That tote looks interesting ... would like to see it in person from somebody who went b/c I'm sure someone will be selling them. I need a new cat tote BADLY.

 

[Kitchen Couture]

What were surprise boxes? This is my first year as a consultant so I'm new to this.

 

[NooraK]

What were surprise boxes? This is my first year as a consultant so I'm new to this.

In the past, HO has sold boxes of retired products at conference, priced ranging from $15 - $50. Purchasers didn't know what they would get, thus the surprise.

It was HO's way of getting rid of excess stock of retired items, but since we now have the outlet, it's unknown if they'll do surprise boxes anymore.

 

[chefheidi2003]

In the past, HO has sold boxes of retired products at conference, priced ranging from $15 - $50. Purchasers didn't know what they would get, thus the surprise.

It was HO's way of getting rid of excess stock of retired items, but since we now have the outlet, it's unknown if they'll do surprise boxes anymore.

But the best part was opening them there and swapping your stuff with other people..I got some great stuff that way.

 

[sarahsellcm]

I asked the reason they didn't have the surprise boxes and they said they would not have them for a few years because everyone was always getting the same stuff. This would give some time for different things to be available. Not sure I believe this but it is the excuse I got from one of the people at the info desk

 

[chefsteph07]

I didn't really miss them. In terms of extra cost, this weas the cheapest conference I have been to. Not spending money on surprise boxes or Merrilll was very good to my wallet.

 

[esavvymom]

I asked the reason they didn't have the surprise boxes and they said they would not have them for a few years because everyone was always getting the same stuff. This would give some time for different things to be available. Not sure I believe this but it is the excuse I got from one of the people at the info desk

That would really make some sense though. Since the Surprise Boxes had alot of Outlet items. Look at how long some of our outlet items have been on the outlet?! Some have been there since I started I think- and that was 2 yrs ago!

I got sucked into it last year, and I didn't miss them this year. Can't say they saved me any money- since I spent more money out and about in town (Chicago) with the free time, etc...but I did enjoy THAT alot more than the surprise boxes.

 

[leftymac]

That would really make some sense though. Since the Surprise Boxes had alot of Outlet items. Look at how long some of our outlet items have been on the outlet?! Some have been there since I started I think- and that was 2 yrs ago!

I got sucked into it last year, and I didn't miss them this year. Can't say they saved me any money- since I spent more money out and about in town (Chicago) with the free time, etc...but I did enjoy THAT alot more than the surprise boxes.

I'd have to agree with you Bobbi. The whole experience was fun (swapping and what not) but then when I saw how much it cost to have them shipped back (an additional $55!), I wanted to cry.