Pros and Cons of Paper Napkins - Debate Weighed In On!

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the opinions and experiences of participants regarding the use and pricing of paper napkins sold by Pampered Chef. Participants express a range of feelings about the quality, cost, and practicality of these napkins in various settings.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, appreciates the aesthetic of cloth napkins but finds paper napkins useful for demonstrations and casual dining, wishing they were cheaper.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using paper napkins at home but expresses frustration over the high price compared to alternatives available at discount stores.
  • Several users mention that they would not pay the suggested retail price for the napkins, questioning the value and quality.
  • One participant notes that the packaging of the napkins upon arrival was unsatisfactory, with wrinkled napkins and damaged packaging.
  • Another participant highlights the cost of shipping and its impact on the overall value of the napkins.
  • Some participants express skepticism about the marketability of the napkins at the current price point, suggesting they would not sell well.
  • One participant mentions that they prefer to buy matching napkins from party stores at lower prices, indicating a preference for affordability.
  • Another participant shares a positive experience, stating that they plan to use the napkins for entertaining, appreciating their design and quality.
  • Several participants express a general discontent with the pricing strategy and the perceived lack of value in the product.
  • One participant reports a friend’s interest in purchasing multiple packs, countering the prevailing sentiment that the napkins would not sell.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ significantly among participants regarding the value and desirability of the paper napkins. While some express strong disapproval of the pricing, others indicate a willingness to purchase them under certain circumstances.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences related to the use of paper napkins in various settings, including casual dining and entertaining. The discussion reflects a mix of practical considerations and personal tastes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in understanding varying perspectives on product pricing and customer preferences within the community may find this discussion relevant.

rennea
rennea
Gold Member
Messages
3,662
Alright everyone seems upset/unhappy about the paper napkins and I'd like to weigh in on this one. Yes I think cloth napkins are much, much nicer;) But I think the paper napkins are good for our demo's I wish that we were able to get them at a much lower price. It would be nice to be able to give them to customers with there appy's. When we do casual dinning in my home I often use paper napkins........tea/coffee with cookies etc.(my husband always jokes that when he gets a paper napkin and not paper towel it's fancy) We have friends over at least every other weekend and I always serve after dinner sweets with a nice "paper" napkin. Anyways I'm rambling, I just would like them to be less expensive for us they would be great to add to shows keeping with our "theme" this season:)
 
I personally hate the fact that we are selling paper napkins. I dont mind them. I use paper napkins at home all the time. But the price is a little up there. My husband remarked that we could go to the dollar store and get colors that match or close for much less. I am really surprised that as a consultant we cant get them really cheap so we can demo them.
 
I just wish they put them on the supply list so we can order them cheaper...
 
I would never pay $4 or $6 for paper napkins - not for a 20 count. What were they thinking?? I don't think we'll sell any - not for that price.
 
My family is so busy that we eat out most of the time or use paper cups, plates, and napkins at home to save time...we are eating on the run anyway....kind of against what PC is all about, but that is the way it is right now. But, I would never pay that much for napkins....even for a fancy party. Are they superior quality? Even a party store doesn't charge that much for napkins.
 
lkspeir said:
I would never pay $4 or $6 for paper napkins - not for a 20 count. What were they thinking?? I don't think we'll sell any - not for that price.
Click to expand...

OMG you only get 20 napkins for that price?! I guess I didn't notice. Ouch! Gosh that is about a day's worth of napkins around our house!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
lkspeir said:
I would never pay $4 or $6 for paper napkins - not for a 20 count. What were they thinking?? I don't think we'll sell any - not for that price.
Click to expand...

I'm with you on that........again if only they were cheaper:(
 
Mine arrived on Friday - I am not impressed with them.
 
dannyzmom said:
Mine arrived on Friday - I am not impressed with them.
Click to expand...
Carolyn,
Did you get both sets? Mine arrived Friday also in a padded envelope that looked like it was reused more than once. The flap was even torn. Only the large napkins were in the package and they are very wrinkled like the package was manhandled.

I called PC and they said that they'll send me the ****tail napkins but I doubt any will sell and I don't intend to buy any.
 
BethCooks4U said:
Carolyn,
Did you get both sets? Mine arrived Friday also in a padded envelope that looked like it was reused more than once. The flap was even torn. Only the large napkins were in the package and they are very wrinkled like the package was manhandled.

I called PC and they said that they'll send me the ****tail napkins but I doubt any will sell and I don't intend to buy any.
Click to expand...

Mine came similarly packaged. I got one pack of dinner sized and one pack of ****tail sized. I am supposed to receive 2 of each - one from teh Director's Benefit pack and one I earned witht eh sellathon
 
BethCooks4U said:
Carolyn,
Did you get both sets? Mine arrived Friday also in a padded envelope that looked like it was reused more than once. The flap was even torn. Only the large napkins were in the package and they are very wrinkled like the package was manhandled.
Click to expand...


I got mine Friday, too. Had both sizes and they were in good condition. I couldn't figure out what the UPS man was dropping off. Then I started thinking of the cost of sending all of these napkins (which most people aren't excited about) via UPS. EEEEK! Not the best use of finances.
 
Maybe that's why chicken wire was used at conference to display the napkins...you know 'cause the napkins are so darned expensive they had to find something really cheap to display them in!!
 
soonerchef said:
Maybe that's why chicken wire was used at conference to display the napkins...you know 'cause the napkins are so darned expensive they had to find something really cheap to display them in!!
Click to expand...
...hadn't thought of that! You are too funny! I thought that chickenwire thing was just SO cheesy! Who would spend that kind of money for napkins just to put them in chicken wire?? It's wasn't even cute. IMHO.
 
If you've ever tried to plan a party and buy "matching" napkins to go with your theme, you would see that our napkins are about the same price as what you would buy at a party store.

For my every-day napkins, I would not pay this much... but when I host parties in my home, I like to use something a little "nicer". I think these are actually a great item for people who are excited about the Simple Additions pieces. This will allow me to entertain at home and be able to match the napkins with the dishes! I LOVE IT!!!
 
They were 3-ply and a lot cuter than I thought they would be, but I wouldn't buy them. I am going to use mine up, then call it good. I think it was the same person that designed the cake stencils that thought these up!
 
I bought cups, plates and plastic forks for my Open House in very pretty Burgandy & Eggplant colors - at a 1/2 Off Party Store - I didn't buy the napkins, because I thought I would use the Tiles Paper Napkins. I could have purchased very pretty napkins that would have matched everything perfectly for $1.29 for a 24 count package....I live in a Dutch Community (if you know anything about Dutch people - they are very frugal - Frugalness is next to Godliness for them!) and I KNOW for a fact that NO-ONE will purchase $6.00 napkins! I love matching paper products myself - but I have never spent that amount for napkins! In fact, for my B-day, my hubby had a Surprise Luau Party, and had adorable Luau plates, cups and napkins and he spent $2.99 for my super cute Luau napkins!!! (so cute -they looked like a Hawaiian Shirt with a lei around the neck!)
The kicker is - I got mine UPS last week, and they aren't even that pretty! The colors aren't vibrant at all, and the design is just a small border - I can't imagine anyone thinking "Oh - I just have to have these!"
 
I am getting them with the Sample Pack I ordered.
NO DESIRE to ever buy them again!!
I signed up to pay off bills, and my money can go towards something I can reuse again. Save your money and get your paper supplies at the dollar store!
Although...
If a guest loves them and just has to have them,...
I will not have my thoughts be known to a paying customer!!!
Schel
 
I really am not crazy about paper napkins! Epecially at that cost and I will not promote or buy them at all. That is one item that will not last! I can almost guarantee that! almost as bad as a single layer cake mix for $9.00!!!:eek: :rolleyes:
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE PC! I just think some idea's are out there in left field. Like, about 3-4 years ago they brought out the Super Salad Summer, (mid season stuff) but at the beginning of the spring season they discontinued the salad tongs?:confused: :eek: I don't get it! Anywho, anyone who sells these paper napkins and likes them, keep us posted on how you do!
 
I cannot imagine paying that for napkins. I get mine at the Dollar Tree for $1. It about kills me to pay $2.50/$2.99 when I have to buy them somewhere else, I would die of a heat attack I reckon if I bought these! :p I think anyone would be crazy to buy them, but of course, I will be willing to take their money.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #20
Your not going to believe thisWell I gave a sneak peak to my friend and she wants to order 4packs of each size. For all of you who thought nobody would buy them I guess my friend is "crazy";) My aunt loves the idea of having them as well and said she wants to buy them to!!!
 
:D I just got mine today!!:D
 
rennea said:
Well I gave a sneak peak to my friend and she wants to order 4packs of each size. For all of you who thought nobody would buy them I guess my friend is "crazy";) My aunt loves the idea of having them as well and said she wants to buy them to!!!
Click to expand...

I also have a few people that want to buy them.:D :D :D
 
See? It just goes to prove that we should not pre-judge :) There will be a few customers who LOVE these napkins and will likely want to stock up on them (I will be one of those customers! I'm weird that way! lol I'm a self-proclaimed Pampered Chef addict ;))
 
I hope I did not offend anyone with my "crazy" comment. It was all meant in good taste, not remotely intended to sound rude. :D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main advantages of using paper napkins?

Paper napkins are convenient and disposable, making cleanup after meals quick and easy. They are also available in a variety of designs and colors, allowing for customization for different occasions. Additionally, paper napkins can be more hygienic than cloth napkins, as they are used once and then discarded, reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

What are the disadvantages of using paper napkins?

One of the main disadvantages of paper napkins is their environmental impact, as they contribute to waste and are often not recyclable. They can also be less absorbent and durable compared to cloth napkins, leading to a higher consumption rate. Furthermore, using paper napkins can be more expensive over time compared to investing in reusable cloth alternatives.

Are there eco-friendly options for paper napkins?

Yes, there are eco-friendly paper napkins made from recycled materials or sourced from sustainable forests. These options are designed to minimize environmental impact while still providing the convenience of disposable napkins. Additionally, some brands offer biodegradable napkins that break down more easily in landfills.

How do paper napkins compare to cloth napkins in terms of cost?

While paper napkins may seem cheaper upfront, their cost can add up over time, especially for frequent use. Cloth napkins, although initially more expensive, can be washed and reused many times, making them more cost-effective in the long run. The choice between the two often depends on personal preferences and usage frequency.

What occasions are best suited for paper napkins?

Paper napkins are ideal for casual gatherings, picnics, parties, and events where convenience is a priority. They are also great for children's meals and outdoor activities where washing cloth napkins may not be practical. For formal occasions, however, cloth napkins are typically preferred for their elegance and durability.

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