Not Trying to Start a Fight, But... Re: Facebook

[ChefBeckyD]

I'm still not getting what the issue is with having your website posted?

It's against PC's policy. Bottom Line - we aren't allowed to have a direct link to our website any place other than our email signature in our email programs.

 

[NooraK]

I'm still not getting what the issue is with having your website posted?

The issue is that it is agains Pampered Chef's rules.

 

[mandy412]

It's against PC's policy. Bottom Line - we aren't allowed to have a direct link to our website any place other than our email signature in our email programs.

No, I get that it's against the rules, I guess I just don't understand why it's against the rules.

 

[BethCooks4U]

No, I get that it's against the rules, I guess I just don't understand why it's against the rules.

Because it's in the rules. HO determines the guidelines and when we sign our agreement we agree to follow them.

 

[mandy412]

Okay I feel like we're going in a circle. I understand that it is against the rules and we have to follow the rules in the agreement. What I do not understand is why it is against the rules. What is the harm in posting your website? Is it that they are afraid it will start unfair competition?

 

[NooraK]

I don't know if HO has ever officially stated their reasons, but there are several that I can think of:

1. It keeps the playing field level. Everyone has the same ability to advertise their PWS, and those who have more means and/or knowledge to advertise through Google and such don't overrun those who do not.
2. The basis of our busines is and always will be personal contact. We don't want to dilute that with impersonal web presence through searches.
3. One of the appeals of PC is that the products are exclusively available through consultants. It loses some of its magic when it becomes that easily available online.

Just my thoughts.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Okay I feel like we're going in a circle. I understand that it is against the rules and we have to follow the rules in the agreement. What I do not understand is why it is against the rules. What is the harm in posting your website? Is it that they are afraid it will start unfair competition?

There is a very good explanation of why the policy is in place in post #27 of this thread.

 

[DebbieJ]

I'm still not getting what the issue is with having your website posted?

It's against the Policies and Procedures that you agreed to when you became a consultant. They are on CC. Great reading material.

 

[beckyjsmith]

It's against the Policies and Procedures that you agreed to when you became a consultant. They are on CC. Great reading material.

I took that comment more as to mean, "Why is it in the policies and procedures?" more than what the issue is. Although, I am wrong often.

 

[Jean DeVries]

It is unfortunate, because I think they're missing out on a completely untapped market...people who like to/want to buy online.

As an example, I recently was at a scrapbooking weekend with my cousin's sister in-law from Texas. I was passing the book around and she said, "OOh! Pampered Chef! There's a bunch of stuff I want, but I didn't want to contact anyone in my area because I didn't want them bugging me to have a show."

I sold a crapload of stuff to her, and told her she could contact me anytime. I wouldn't contact her (although I usually see her once a year or so).

I suspect there are a lot of people out there just looking to buy stuff but don't want the 'personal contact'. I know they can do it from the PC website, but why can't we get a piece of the pie? I'm still her contact if she has a question, needs a return, or wants more stuff. HO can't provide her with that kind of hands off service

 

[BethCooks4U]

It is unfortunate, because I think they're missing out on a completely untapped market...people who like to/want to buy online.

As an example, I recently was at a scrapbooking weekend with my cousin's sister in-law from Texas. I was passing the book around and she said, "OOh! Pampered Chef! There's a bunch of stuff I want, but I didn't want to contact anyone in my area because I didn't want them bugging me to have a show."

I sold a crapload of stuff to her, and told her she could contact me anytime. I wouldn't contact her (although I usually see her once a year or so).

I suspect there are a lot of people out there just looking to buy stuff but don't want the 'personal contact'. I know they can do it from the PC website, but why can't we get a piece of the pie? I'm still her contact if she has a question, needs a return, or wants more stuff. HO can't provide her with that kind of hands off service

Actually that is exactly why it is set up the way it is. Online shoppers can go to the HO website if they don't have a consultant and buy anything they want. The customer is given an option as to whether they want to be contacted by a consultant or not and they are given the info of the person they buy from.

I have customers in several parts of the country that consider me their consultant and I am allowed that because we have no territories but if we could advertize on the web the most internet savvey people would get the lion's share of the online shoppers. That wouldn't be fair and besides Pampered Chef wants us to be mostly about home parties. By having the lead system Pampered Chef is serving the online people and connecting them with a local consultant if they want it.

 

[cookingwithlove]

It is unfortunate, because I think they're missing out on a completely untapped market...people who like to/want to buy online.

I have heard this before about this huge market that the Pampered Chef can capitalize on. Have you seen our facility in Addison? Did you know that Doris paid CASH for it? I think the Pampered Chef is doing quite well financially. Just because you can do something does not always mean that you should. We are a company based on personal relationships and contacts. This is key to Doris's belief in this company. The Pampered Chef could do away with all of its consultants and be come a cataolg company, like LL Bean, The Company Store, etc. They would probably do quite well and maybe even make more money only paying order processing personel minimum wage. They could do this, but is it the right thing to do? There are many things that The Pampered Chef could do to make more money, but I'd think they chose the right thing first. Core to the foundation of this business is the business you create through personal contacts.

Read the mission statement (pg 54 F/W) particularly the end: "We're dedicated to enhancing the quality of family life by providing quality kitchen products, supported by service and information for our Consultants and customer."

When I think if service, I do not think of an internet purchase. I think of someone coming to my house and fixing something for me.

 

[mandy412]

I took that comment more as to mean, "Why is it in the policies and procedures?" more than what the issue is. Although, I am wrong often.

Yes, that's what I was getting at!

 

[PampChefDeb]

I am sooooo glad I got onto chefsuccess tonight! You gals and guys probably saved my butt!! I completely forgot about all those rules about fb and had just put some stuff on there that was not allowed. I have removed it all now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!

 

[etteluap70PC]

No, I get that it's against the rules, I guess I just don't understand why it's against the rules.

I get frustrated that there always needs to be a "why" for the rules...

That's what HO has decided. End of story...

 

[Rosebud]

I get frustrated that there always needs to be a "why" for the rules...

That's what HO has decided. End of story...

I'm not really one for challenging authority myself but I do believe that even companies that have been around for decades have room for growing and if you never question things then how can there ever be change? Just because you don't question the rules doesn't mean that other people don't have the right to ask why.

 

[esavvymom]

I'm not really one for challenging authority myself but I do believe that even companies that have been around for decades have room for growing and if you never question things then how can there ever be change? Just because you don't question the rules doesn't mean that other people don't have the right to ask why.

And sometimes understanding a little bit of the reason why, helps people accept it instead of fight it.

When I tell my kids "don't play in the street"...and that's all I tell them, what do you think they want to do?? Play in the street because it's off-limits. But if I tell them WHY, they aren't as curious. I think human nature (as sad as it may be) is to do that which we are not allowed to. I think it would be a little nice to be given a courtesy of the "why"- even if just a tid-bit.

But, I'm not going to put my toe in the street to find out why I can't do it...I'll abide by what I agreed to.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Sometimes it is good to ask why but some people keep asking if they don't like the answer. Many DS companies have these rules. They are trying to keep it a business of relationships. Why should someone who has a bit of computer knowledge get tons of sales over someone out there doing shows and working to grow a great business.Oh and the time to ask why is when a new consultant is reading the contract BEFORE they sign. If they do not understand then they should hold off signing something they don't understand or question.

 

[Rosebud]

Thank you Bobbi well put!

 

[esavvymom]

I have guessed why or at least some of why they do it this way (relationships, etc, unfair advantage, etc etc). I know a live cooking show is better than a catalog show, and my PWS is even lower than the shows...so web advertising isn't high on my priority list. But there are a few areas they could adjust given the new times. Like local newspapers....I can advertise in my local paper, but if they have an online version as well - which many now do, then I can't include my PWS, or the Local Chamber of Commerce directory..stuff like that which is local to me.I'm not complaining at all. Just trying to explain how I feel and view it. I think it's a waste of my time to worry too much about it. I deal with it as I can and move on to what I CAN do.But it would still be nice if they gave some insight.

Oh- and I had to pull out a Consultant Agreement and see what it DOES say on the back- and it's the first paragraph on the back. Odd thing is, I did read it before I signed- and I don't remember it- probably because it didn't make much sense to me and I didn't really comprehend what it meant....until much later. Still wouldn't have made me change my mind.

 

[PampChefJoy]

Well, I did say I was trying to avoid a fight, but it looks like I started a debate anyway, and since it looks like it's coming full circle, I will add my 2 cents.I fully believe in the PC mission, and I stand behind it's original marketing method. I have not seen a better way to build your business than through the old-fashioned get-up-in-front-of-people kitchen shows and picking up the phone and making the calls. I was not referring to FB as a way to solicit internet orders from people you don't know. I mentioned it because FB is a HUGE part of marketing to the public these days and I hope we don't miss out. I have friends who say "just Facebook me" when they want me to get them info. People are so plugged into their iPhones and such that they are dialed into the internet for all sources of information, FB being a big part of their information input for the day.Does this mean we abandon our traditional kitchen show methodology? NO, of course not. That's what this company was built on and how it will continue to succeed - we are, after all, social creatures who crave the company of others, and when good food is added, it's a win-win situation! However, I do hope the company is investigating and developing a good, compliant method for consultants to use social media like FB and Twitter to continue forth with those relationships already established. We are already fanned and twittered to our favorite sites and people... why wouldn't we want our customers to do the same for us as their *lifelong consultant*? I was hoping that there would be a good dialogue on how to do it legally, maybe via vague references and cleverly worded excitement. I don't think it's necessary to outright state PC at all, if you are truly only reaching out to those who already know you are a consultant (your "friends"). I think stating PC in your status update does cross the line.

 

[Rosebud]

Sometimes it is good to ask why but some people keep asking if they don't like the answer. Many DS companies have these rules. They are trying to keep it a business of relationships. Why should someone who has a bit of computer knowledge get tons of sales over someone out there doing shows and working to grow a great business.


Oh and the time to ask why is when a new consultant is reading the contract BEFORE they sign. If they do not understand then they should hold off signing something they don't understand or question.

How can you not like an answer when you don't know what the answer is?

As far as someone getting tons of sales due to computer knowledge, it would be the same as someone getting tons of sales because they have lots of sales experience and know how to market themselves.

I read the contract before signing and so did my husband and we understand "what" the rules are and are willing to abide by them, we just wonder "why" the rule is in place. I don't think anyone who has asked why has ever implied that they wont abide by the rules they just wonder why and there is nothing wrong for that curiosity. It's not an attack on HO it's just a general curiosity. Nothing less nothing more.

 

[Rosebud]

Joy that was exactly what I have been trying to say but you truly have a way with words. Thank you for putting that so eloquently.

 

[beckyjsmith]

Joy - that was very well said and I believe probably echoes the beliefs of many consultants, who, even though they signed the rules and abide by them see the room for growth and change.
Rosebud- I agree with your remark about marketing experience. The "unfair advantage" comment that keeps popping up is kind of silly to me. Everyone has a strength that could be deemed an unfair advantage. I know a LOT of people in my area. So is it unfair because someone else doesn't?
And the answers of "because those are the rules" still don't explain *why* they are the rules, they just sound snarky. Thank you to Carolyn and esavvy ( I think) who took the time to explain the reasoning. That is far more helpful to a new consultant than the "because I said so" attitude. Really?

 

[LilChefBeth]

I may be wrong, but I thought that one of the reasons why you can't advertise your personal website on other websites is because all selling of Pampered Chef products is done through consultants and as consultants when you get to a certain level, you are able to get HO leads when someone searches for a consultant on the website. Wouldn't that take that incentive of building a team away? I'm new at this but I seem to remember someone saying that somewhere along the way to me...

 

[mandy412]

I get frustrated that there always needs to be a "why" for the rules...

That's what HO has decided. End of story...

Lady, you are making it real hard for me to be polite. I'm not sure why YOU get frustrated when others ask questions. Last time I checked, you weren't in charge so it has no bearing on you and your life if I ask questions. As others have said, just because you want to know the reasons why doesn't mean you won't abide by HO's rules.

 

[dannyzmom]

Well, I did say I was trying to avoid a fight, but it looks like I started a debate anyway, and since it looks like it's coming full circle, I will add my 2 cents.

I fully believe in the PC mission, and I stand behind it's original marketing method. I have not seen a better way to build your business than through the old-fashioned get-up-in-front-of-people kitchen shows and picking up the phone and making the calls. I was not referring to FB as a way to solicit internet orders from people you don't know.

I mentioned it because FB is a HUGE part of marketing to the public these days and I hope we don't miss out. I have friends who say "just Facebook me" when they want me to get them info. People are so plugged into their iPhones and such that they are dialed into the internet for all sources of information, FB being a big part of their information input for the day.

Does this mean we abandon our traditional kitchen show methodology? NO, of course not. That's what this company was built on and how it will continue to succeed - we are, after all, social creatures who crave the company of others, and when good food is added, it's a win-win situation! However, I do hope the company is investigating and developing a good, compliant method for consultants to use social media like FB and Twitter to continue forth with those relationships already established. We are already fanned and twittered to our favorite sites and people... why wouldn't we want our customers to do the same for us as their *lifelong consultant*?

I was hoping that there would be a good dialogue on how to do it legally, maybe via vague references and cleverly worded excitement. I don't think it's necessary to outright state PC at all, if you are truly only reaching out to those who already know you are a consultant (your "friends"). I think stating PC in your status update does cross the line.

I need a "like" button for this post

 

[dannyzmom]

Lady, you are making it real hard for me to be polite. I'm not sure why YOU get frustrated when others ask questions. Last time I checked, you weren't in charge so it has no bearing on you and your life if I ask questions. As others have said, just because you want to know the reasons why doesn't mean you won't abide by HO's rules.

Wow - this is exactly what Joy was trying to AVOID in this thread.
Welcome to this forum, Mandy, I see you just joined 2 weeks ago. We really try not to speak to each other like this, though. I think you'll find that you'll get a lot more useful information and build strong business relationships here if you avoid attacking other forum members. You catch more bees with honey than with vinegar. Just a thought. Again, welcome to our forum.

 

[mandy412]

Wow - this is exactly what Joy was trying to AVOID in this thread.
Welcome to this forum, Mandy, I see you just joined 2 weeks ago. We really try not to speak to each other like this, though. I think you'll find that you'll get a lot more useful information and build strong business relationships here if you avoid attacking other forum members. You catch more bees with honey than with vinegar. Just a thought. Again, welcome to our forum.

hi there, thanks for the welcome. I'm definitely not starting a fight...I didn't see a need for that person's response to my question though. Everyone else was very gracious in shedding light on what the thought process might be against FB advertising.

 

[NooraK]

I don't see how Paulette's response was any different than many of the other responses here that refer back to the rules. She was just stating her opinion that it frustrates her, just like you stat your opinion.

I can see how it can get frustrating: there are now five pages to this thread with several posts offering reasoning for the rules, yet the same "why" keeps getting asked. Just as if you have a child who keeps asking for something even though you've repeatedly said no. It just gets frustrating. It's a personal feeling, not an affront to anyone else, and certainly not something that deserves such a harsh response.