Over $15K in Sales and Feeling Defeated: My Open House Flop

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's experience with a disappointing Open House event, leading to feelings of defeat and contemplation of deactivation from their Pampered Chef business. The discussion includes various personal experiences and suggestions from other participants regarding how to recover from such setbacks.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their disappointment after an Open House that resulted in only two orders totaling about $30, despite having over $15,000 in sales previously.
  • Another participant expresses sympathy and suggests exploring local business opportunities for bookings.
  • Several users mention the idea of sending emails to contacts, offering discounts or promotions to encourage orders.
  • One participant shares their experience of successfully running a sale after moving, which helped them regain sales momentum.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of not giving up and suggests pampering local businesses to boost sales.
  • Some participants discuss the potential loss of recruits and benefits if the original poster deactivates.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to recover from the situation, with no clear consensus on a single effective method. Participants offer a variety of personal experiences and suggestions.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects the challenges faced by consultants, particularly after significant life changes such as moving, and the emotional impact of sales fluctuations on their business confidence.

Who May Find This Useful

This thread may be of interest to consultants experiencing similar challenges in their business, particularly those who have recently relocated or faced disappointing sales events.

hmolah
hmolah
Messages
376
Well, my Open House ended and it was a flop. I have maybe 2 orders (someone needs to get back with us) and it totals about $30. I have been in the biz for almost 4 years and I'm going to deactivate for the first time ever. I don't have a list of people to lean on - I've contacted everyone and all but begged for orders.

I have 1 recruit who is an awesome consistent recruit and I have over $15,000 in sales. I've taken a leave with PC - and this was my first month off of leave, and maybe I should've taken it longer. But, we just moved a couple of months ago and I thought an Open House would save me.

I don't know what to do...I'm so upset and I have nothing to lean on to get orders.

Has anyone had this happen when over $15K in sales and how have you bounced back if so? What about recruits? Do I lose those as well.

Hanging my head in PC shame....:cry:
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...How long of a leave did you take? If you have not taken three months in the past 12 months, you can request another leave.
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...Wow Heather I'm so sorry your open house didn't go better. I don't have much advice for you on moving except for the usual ways to try to find bookings which many people have posted here before.

Is there a business close by you could pamper?

I wish you the best of luck.
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...Can you send out an email to all of your contacts? Maybe offer a One Day Sale and give free shipping or a discount? It will cost you a little bit, but it would probably be worth it not to lose you sales and recruit.
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...Definitely don't give up. You don't want to lose your 2% raise!! Pampering a few local businesses would be a great way to boost that $30 order to at least the $200 you'll need to breath easy till August.

Make at least 3 platters of brownies or other similarly easy treats to make. Prepare packets to give them (catalogs, order forms, copies of specials). Ask one of them to be the "host" see if she wants some FREE products. Then tell her you'll be back by the end of business to collect your platter and any orders.
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...Do it tomorrow!!

If you work full-time, drop by the goodies on your lunch break and see if you can leave 30 minutes early to pick it up.
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...You know it's not just your 2%, you will lose your recruit also... There is still time. Get out there!
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...If you can't request another waiver. BEG for the orders if you have too! Let EVERYONE know how important it is to you and that you only need $200 (give yourself padding). Offer everyone that orders an extra 10% off if they spend xxx amount of $$$. Tell them they get a free knife if they spend $60. Offer FREE shipping if they spend xxx $$$. Then combine the orders. Usually if you offer some sort of deal/discount the customers come out of the woodwork! Do an e-mail, sound desperate if you have to! Do you have a Personal web site? If so, send out an outlet e-mail to direct them to that! Anyone you know owe you a favor? Ask them to pass around a catalog at work. Give them a deal if they collect 5 orders!
YOU CAN DO IT!!! Keep us posted!
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...Have an "I Love My Business" sale. (This sounds less desperate.) Since you recently moved, email your previous contacts and tell them you've recently moved and are rebuilding your business. Let them know that while The Pampered Chef is amazingly supportive, you are at risk of losing some of the incredible benefits you've earned over the years. So, to keep the business you love, you are offerring a one-time sale of $xxxx to the ones that gave you your business in the first place.

I did something similar when I moved twice in two months. I did not prepare well for the second move and had almost no sales. I offered an appreciation sale to all my 2007 hosts as a thank you for helping me earn the trip to London. (It was January, so I offered an additional discount on the stoneware that was on special that month.) I broke even (barely!), but it got me through that month.
 
Re: AAAHHHhhhh....deactivation...So tell us...did you accept defeat or did you try again?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my open house event didn't meet my sales expectations?

It's important to analyze what went wrong during the event. Consider factors such as marketing, timing, and product selection. Gather feedback from attendees to understand their experience and preferences. Use this information to improve future events and adjust your strategies accordingly.

How can I boost my confidence after a disappointing sales event?

Remember that every sales experience is a learning opportunity. Reflect on your achievements, such as reaching over $15K in sales previously, and focus on your strengths. Surround yourself with supportive peers or mentors who can provide encouragement and advice. Setting small, achievable goals can also help rebuild your confidence.

What marketing strategies can I implement for my next open house?

Consider using social media to promote your event, create engaging content that highlights your products, and offer incentives for attendees, such as discounts or giveaways. Collaborate with other local businesses or influencers to expand your reach. Additionally, ensure that your invitations are clear and appealing to attract more guests.

How can I better engage attendees during my open house?

Interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities can create a more engaging experience for attendees. Encourage participation by allowing guests to try products or participate in cooking challenges. Personalize your approach by asking questions and addressing their needs, which can help build rapport and increase sales.

What are some common mistakes to avoid in future open house events?

Avoid overloading your event with too many products, as this can overwhelm guests. Ensure that your venue is welcoming and organized, and consider the timing of your event to maximize attendance. Additionally, don't forget to follow up with attendees after the event to maintain relationships and encourage future sales.

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