Save on Expenses: Hosting Packet Tips for Direct Sales

[jesusluvsu2005]

Okay, I just mailed out 3 host packets. It was right at $15. I'd prefer not to have that expense again. I know I should give the packets at the shows but what about people who aren't sure about the date or dates that are more than a month out? Is it rude of me to ask them if they could meet me out somewhere to pick up the host packet (only when the live in the same town)? Maybe meet them for a snack somewhere so we can go over the packet as well? What do you all do? I just don't want to be spending that much to mail things out. Thanks!
God bless,
Amanda

 

[DebbieJ]

Click N Ship online at usps.com in a flat rate envelope is only $4.75 and I don't have to leave my house. I give packets at shows even if they don't set a date because then I don't have to mail it later. Being out 3 catalogs costs me only $1.30 which is much cheaper than $4.75.

 

[IAmChefJ]

I definitely give them to people interested, even if they don't have a firm date booked. Maybe cut back on catalogs. But that way they can look over it all and get excited about all the free goodies they are going to get. On my first host coaching call, I go through it with them.

You're going to spend more than $5 in gas, a snack, and your time with each host if you meet them out somewhere. If it's someone you're going to see at church or school anyway, that's one thing. But I'd mail over an inperson meeting. Just save your receipts and write it off!

 

[lkprescott]

The price for me to send out a packet is about the same as a gallon of gas. I get 35 mpg so if it's going less than 16 or so miles, one way, I send it via mail. I also value my time and 5 minutes at the post office beats almost an hour I travel to and from most my hosts (and most are at least 20 miles out)... Do the math, figure out if it really would be cheaper. My last two host packets were for friends that I'd see at a discussion group we all belong to so I took them with and saved on postage, otherwise I would have mailed them as one is a 40 minute drive, one way and the other, nearly an hour out. Another idea is the 'if you're going that direction' thinking... pack in as many errands, including a host packet drop off... but make a special trip? Do the math, according to your vehicle's mpg and how much you'd spend in gas and time before you think it'd be cheaper to drive it, than mail it.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

I agree that's an expense I do not need. A few things I will do---is have them on me at a show, or offer to drop it off (if I am in the area). Or suggest we meet for a cup of coffee to go over the packet. (Host coaching, and killing two birds with one stone, so to speak!)

 

[pamperedlinda]

What Debbie said! Except for the click and ship part - I live so close to the post office that it isn't out of my way - yet.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Click N Ship online at usps.com in a flat rate envelope is only $4.75 and I don't have to leave my house.

I give packets at shows even if they don't set a date because then I don't have to mail it later. Being out 3 catalogs costs me only $1.30 which is much cheaper than $4.75.

I do this too. I know some don't send a packet til they have the address list - but I don't have too much of a problem getting the list, and it is much cheaper, and also less work, for me to do it this way. Plus, I get in a bit of host coaching right at the show this way too!

 

[crissy11]

I mail bound printed matter and have for years and spend $1.92 for each packet.
I do email them their order form and menu choice list.

 

[raebates]

I give out host kits at the show. If they are waffling between two different months, I'll mail them their OOFs.