Rant Over: Pampered Chef Consultant's Struggle to Make a Profit

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a Pampered Chef consultant's experience with customer loyalty and competition among consultants. Participants share their thoughts on the expectations of providing free products and the challenges of making a profit in the business.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal, Opinion-based, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over a friend's comments regarding her service compared to another consultant, highlighting the misconception that she does not provide free products.
  • Another participant agrees, noting that they also stick to smaller items for door prizes, acknowledging the benefits offered by Pampered Chef.
  • Several users mention feelings of being undercut by other consultants and the pressure to give away products to maintain customer interest.
  • One participant suggests that perhaps the other consultant's approach is simply different and not necessarily aimed at undermining the original poster's business.
  • Another participant questions the need to give away items to encourage purchases, reflecting a shared sentiment of confusion over customer expectations.
  • One participant comments on the importance of professionalism in interactions among consultants and the need to maintain a positive atmosphere within the community.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the necessity of providing free products, with some participants feeling it is essential for customer retention, while others believe it should not be expected. No clear consensus emerges on how to navigate these expectations.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and observations regarding competition and customer service within the Pampered Chef consultant community, reflecting on their individual business practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar challenges in customer loyalty and competition may find the shared experiences and perspectives relevant to their own situations.

P
patty42240
Messages
190
I was in such a great mood today as I went about town collecting money so I can close this show I had September 26...even had one guest increase her order by buying a medium bar pan. I left there and went to see my best friend who owed $45 on her order. Well she told me that the other day she ran into another friend of hers who is also a consultant and this lady asked her why she had not ordered anything from her in almost a year. Carol told her because she orders from me and is in my Christmas Club. So this lady starts questioning her about MY service and asked her if I give free gifts like she does and my friend Carol said no I did not give away free products. I was stunned! I said Carol I do give away free products when I can and also PC gives away free products for orders over $60 not to mention host specials and the 10% discount Carol gets for past host.

Ok so what upset me is that Carol really really really wanted the DCB and kitchen spritzer and so I told her if she ordered it I would make her the loaded baked potato chowder and I provided all of the ingredients. So you can imagine how this upset me when she told this other lady that I did not give away free stuff. She told me this lady "gives away good products like the spritzers, twixits, paring knives," etc.

I reminded her about the chowder I made for her not 2 weeks ago and the free kids cookbook I gave her 2 months ago and how I had given her free shipping on 2 of her orders. Then I said you know, it amazes me how people think that because I sell PC I should give everyone free products. I said when people go to Wal-Mart and buy kitchen tools they don't tell the cashier they want free products...so why should I lose money when I am trying to make commission to help feed my family.

She did apologize to me but it just struck me wrong. I have only been a consultant for 6 months and I have yet to turn over a profit in this business. I am happy with what I have gotten, what I have earned, etc. but I am not going to go broke providing free products.

Thanks for letting me Rant! I feel better now LOL
 
I totally agree with you! I stick to the little items for door prizes. PC gives great benefits to both the host and the guests.
 
I'm glad you feel better and am sorry that the other PC consultant was trying to undercut you.
 
I am sorry that happened to you! Plust the twix it clips and knives are good products, but it is just the door prize products we can order on a supply order! Maybe since your friend doesn't seem to think that free shipping is free product, instead of offering that again give her something for free. I usually offer a spice for free instead S/H since I make my commission back. Just an idea it sounds like you are already doing plenty for free.
 
You did the right thing by pointing out 1) PC ALREADY gives away lots of free product, so, by hosting a show she's getting plenty, and 2) you not only do give things free, but better, usually, than this other consultant.

Here's another way to look at it, though. Maybe the other consultant wasn't trying to undercut you, but was simply considering a change in how she operates her business. Perhaps her thought process was "hmm, Patty doesn't give away so much stuff, yet Carol is more loyal to her. Maybe I don't need to take on that extra expense."
 
Why do we feel like we have to give away stuff for people to want to buy? I don't get it!
 
You're doing the right thing, and it sounds like you handled this very well. Now, as we often say here, bless and release.
 
rather rude of the other consultant to try to compare her customer service to yours... if her customer service was that wonderful, your friend would have been purchasing through her (if she's been a consultant for longer than you...)

i have seen a lot of downtalking recently... we need to remember to act professionally; I'm NOT saying I see it here, but a lot has been happening the last couple of months that i've noticed... very sad
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Blessed and released! Thank you for that.. I really needed to do that!Trish, I was thinking the same thing about customer service. This other lady has been a consultant for a long time but it took her almost a year to ask Carol about ordering from her. I guess we are all guilty of that with some of our customers. Thanks everyone for the comments and reassurance. Hope you all have a blessed weekend!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main challenges faced by Pampered Chef consultants in making a profit?

Pampered Chef consultants often face challenges such as high startup costs, ongoing expenses for inventory and supplies, and the need to constantly recruit new customers and team members. Additionally, competition from other direct sales companies and the difficulty in maintaining consistent sales can hinder profitability.

How can Pampered Chef consultants improve their sales performance?

Consultants can improve their sales performance by focusing on building strong relationships with customers, utilizing social media for marketing, hosting engaging cooking demonstrations, and offering promotions or incentives. Continuous education about the products and sales techniques can also enhance their effectiveness.

What are some common misconceptions about being a Pampered Chef consultant?

One common misconception is that consultants can easily make a significant income without much effort. In reality, success in direct sales requires hard work, dedication, and a strategic approach to marketing and sales. Another misconception is that the products sell themselves, whereas effective selling often involves personal connections and active promotion.

Is it possible to make a full-time income as a Pampered Chef consultant?

While some consultants do achieve full-time income through Pampered Chef, it typically requires a substantial investment of time, effort, and skill in sales and marketing. Success varies widely among consultants, and many may only earn supplemental income rather than a full-time wage.

What resources are available for Pampered Chef consultants struggling to make a profit?

Consultants can access various resources such as training programs offered by Pampered Chef, online communities for support and sharing strategies, and mentorship from more experienced consultants. Additionally, attending workshops and conferences can provide valuable insights and networking opportunities to help improve their business.

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