Recipe Sharing: Best Practices and Etiquette for Direct Sales Consultants

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various practices and etiquette related to sharing recipes among direct sales consultants during cooking shows. Participants share their personal experiences and strategies for handling recipe requests from guests.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that they do not hand out recipes but offer to prepare them again at future shows if booked.
  • Another participant shares their experience of directing guests to their website for recipes while providing recipe cards at shows that include their contact information.
  • Several users mention the importance of informing guests about which cookbook the recipe is from, noting that this can lead to cookbook sales.
  • One participant states they hand out recipes to alleviate guests' concerns about writing down ingredients, allowing them to focus on the demonstration.
  • Another participant expresses that they provide recipes to guests who request them, highlighting that not everyone has computer access.
  • One consultant shares that they believe people are more likely to keep a recipe than a business card, and they sometimes post additional recipes on their website.
  • Another participant mentions giving the host the recipes made during the show but focuses on product promotion during the demonstration.
  • One participant discusses their practice of buying recipe cards but rarely using them at parties, instead opting to provide them at fairs and craft shows.
  • Another participant states they hand out recipes at the end of the show to encourage product purchases.
  • One consultant shares their method of collecting email addresses by offering to email recipes after the show, providing a sense of customer service.
  • Another participant mentions using recipes from the Season's Best and encouraging guests to purchase the book for the recipe.
  • One participant shares their approach of offering a recipe to guests who complete a survey slip during the show.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding whether to hand out recipes during shows or direct guests to websites or cookbooks. No clear consensus emerges on the best practice for sharing recipes.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a variety of personal experiences and preferences regarding recipe sharing, reflecting their individual approaches to engaging with guests during cooking demonstrations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into different methods of recipe sharing and engagement strategies during cooking shows may find this discussion relevant.

pkd09
Silver Member
Messages
1,891
I recently listened to a training CD and the Executive Director (I believe) stated she does not hand out the receipe she prepared. She tells the individual she would be glad to prepare it again at her show if she books one. I have had requests for recipes I have prepared at a show and was wondering what others do?
 
I direct everyone to my website. I tell them I will post it there. I do make recipe cards and give them out at my shows, they all have my contact info on the back.

I like the booking idea though.
 
always be sure to tell your guests which cookbook your recipe can be found in. I have had many cookbook sales as a result of this.
 
yes i doI hand out copies of the recipes I make, just because it seemed like when I didn't-everyone was so worried about jotting down ingredients that they weren't paying attention to me! Now they know they have the recipe in their folder, so they can watch my demo! I also have my info on the recipes, and let them know which book they're in.
 
I also hand out the recipe if someone asks for it. Not everyone at every show has access to a computer.
 
I like to hand out the recipe to everyone. It has my info on it and I have had people call me 9 months down the road and tell me they remembered my info on the recipe. People are more likely to keep a recipe than a business card. Sometimes what I do is put the 2nd recipe on my website. Then if they want it they have to go there and get it.
 
I give the host the recipes I make at her show.
But during the demo, I don't talk about the recipe at all, it isn't about the recipe, it's about the products, then at the end I let them know which cookbook or which product Use and Care it is from... they sometimes buy the product for the U&C recipe, or the cookbook.
 
I always buy the recipe cards, but I hardly ever hand them out at parties. I always tell them where they can find the recipe at the beginning of the show. Since I am generally doing Celebrations shows that is when I present the SB and say it is my host gift. I also tell them which page to find the recipe on (and please write a host appropriate message, so she remembers who was here at her party).

Every season I buy the cards thinking...this time I'll use them. I do use them for fairs, booths, craft shows. When people ask for a catalog or my information I give them a recipe card. It is also a good attention getter, "Would you like a FREE recipe?"
 
I always hand out my recipes at the end of the show. The reason for this is that if they buy the product or products I use and take one of my recipes to what function they have this will help me because they will want to buy the products so they can make the recipe.:)
 
I tell my guests that if they give me their email address, I will email it to them when the show closes. That way they know when to expect their things and they get the recipe.

If someone does not have email and asks for the recipe, I usually print it out and include it with their receipt.
 
Email the recipes
DebbieJ said:
I tell my guests that if they give me their email address, I will email it to them when the show closes. That way they know when to expect their things and they get the recipe.

If someone does not have email and asks for the recipe, I usually print it out and include it with their receipt.

This is what I have started doing...I find I get more email addresses for my newsletter this way, and it highlights the fact that I provide customer service, and I do what I say! The hardest part is actually doing it, but my customers absolutely love knowing that the "recipe is in the mail!"
 
I have a big stack of recipe cards I've purchased over the last couple years. I purchase them thinking I'll do the recipe and then hand out the card. That has only happened a few times. Either my host doesn't want the recipe or I don't like making it. So now I keep it simple. I use recipes found in the Season's Best, give one to my host as a thank you gift, pass it around and ask everyone to sign the book and tell them that the recipe comes right from the book. If they want the recipe, they will spend the $1. Right now I've been making the Strawberry Amaretto Pastries and folks are going crazy over them. They are messy but delicious. The recipe serves 12 but if you have more coming, you can cut the puff pastry into 15 or even 24.
 
I don't do a drawing so I tell them at the start of the show- if they fill out their survey slip completely and give it to my with their order I will give them that nights recipe. Of course I have all my info on it.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best practices for sharing recipes as a direct sales consultant?

When sharing recipes, it's important to ensure that they are easy to follow and include clear instructions. Use high-quality images to showcase the finished dish, and consider including tips or variations to engage your audience. Always credit the source of the recipe if it’s not your own, and encourage your customers to share their own experiences with the recipe.

How can I effectively use social media for recipe sharing?

Utilize platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to share recipes. Create visually appealing posts with engaging captions. Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility and encourage your followers to tag you when they try the recipes. Consider hosting live cooking demonstrations or recipe challenges to foster community engagement.

Is it appropriate to share recipes from other sources?

Yes, but it’s crucial to give proper credit to the original source. If you’re sharing a recipe from a blog or cookbook, mention the author and provide a link if possible. This not only respects the original creator’s work but also builds trust with your audience.

What etiquette should I follow when sharing recipes with customers?

Always be respectful and considerate. Avoid overwhelming your customers with too many recipes at once. Instead, share recipes that are relevant to their interests or recent purchases. Be open to feedback and questions, and encourage your customers to share their own tips or modifications to the recipes.

How can I encourage my customers to share their own recipes?

Create a community atmosphere by inviting your customers to share their favorite recipes or cooking experiences. You can host contests or challenges where they submit their recipes for a chance to win a prize. Feature customer-submitted recipes on your social media or in newsletters to show appreciation and encourage participation.

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