Save on Shipping Costs for Long Distance Catalog Shows

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various approaches to managing shipping costs and logistics for long-distance catalog shows among Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their experiences and suggestions regarding postage reimbursement and alternative methods for collecting orders.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, questions whether to reimburse a host for postage when sending orders back after a long-distance catalog show.
  • Another participant suggests using online banking for fund transfers and offers to input orders over the phone for convenience.
  • Some participants mention that they do not typically reimburse hosts for postage, noting that mailing orders is generally not very costly.
  • One participant shares an experience of adding a small item or cookbook to a host's order as a gesture instead of reimbursing postage.
  • Several users mention the idea of preparing for future shows by providing prepaid postage for envelopes to streamline the process.
  • Another participant expresses a preference for collecting orders via email, highlighting the benefits of direct communication.
  • One participant recounts their experience of taking orders over the phone, emphasizing the verification of details and potential for increased sales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to reimburse hosts for postage, with some participants indicating they do not typically do so, while others consider it based on the situation. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to handling shipping costs.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences related to long-distance catalog shows, focusing on logistical challenges and solutions without implying any official guidance from Pampered Chef.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants involved in long-distance catalog shows may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant as they navigate similar situations.

kam
kam
Staff member
Messages
3,655
Never thought about this one....

I have a host doing a long distance catalog show. I mailed her a host packet and she has gotten all her orders together.

She is now ready to mail the show (orders and checks) to me. Should I reimburse her for the postage she is spending to send me the show?

Thanks!
 
why not get her to do an online transfer of funds (easy if she does online banking)??
As for orders, call her & input them over the phone. You can print off receipts & send them to her.
 
kam said:
Never thought about this one....

I have a host doing a long distance catalog show. I mailed her a host packet and she has gotten all her orders together.

She is now ready to mail the show (orders and checks) to me. Should I reimburse her for the postage she is spending to send me the show?

Thanks!
Click to expand...


I wouldn't. It doesn't cost that much to mail you orders....I have hosts mail orders to me all the time, and I've never reimbursed for that.
 
Did she make a wish list on your website? If so, maybe find a cheaper item on their and purchase it for her. Or add a cookbook to her order. I've done that before.
 
maybe not pay for postage this time, but next time you can put stamps on the envelope she is sending it in so its all set. I do that with guest list envelopes, its SASE. No excuse for the host not to get it to me.
 
Personally I would have her email all the orders. Then again I'm an email junkie!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
jbdowd0798 said:
maybe not pay for postage this time, but next time you can put stamps on the envelope she is sending it in so its all set. I do that with guest list envelopes, its SASE. No excuse for the host not to get it to me.
Click to expand...

That is a good idea for future reference. This is my first out of town catalog show and I just wasn't sure if others pay for psotage in this situation.

Did she make a wish list on your website? If so, maybe find a cheaper item on their and purchase it for her. Or add a cookbook to her order. I've done that before.
Click to expand...

Nope. No wishlist on the website.

Since she hasn't paid for her order yet, I was just going to deduct what she spent on postage from her total due...

But I'll wait and see how much she spent.

Thanks for the ideas!
 
I just had this and I took orders over the phone. It's nice b/c I can verify everything, plus it may make the host's list longer :) since you don't necessarily get to talk about all of the products you love. The host paid for everything with a credit card, but sending a check (you don't NEED the order forms) would be just 41 cents. Everyone can pay the host and they can send you one check. I just ask the host to let me know if anyone gave more info (email, etc).
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some strategies to save on shipping costs for long distance catalog shows?

To save on shipping costs for long distance catalog shows, consider consolidating orders to minimize the number of shipments. You can also encourage guests to place larger orders to qualify for free shipping promotions. Additionally, using flat-rate shipping options can help reduce costs, and planning your shows during promotional periods can take advantage of discounted shipping rates.

Can I offer local pickup options to reduce shipping costs?

Yes, offering local pickup options can significantly reduce shipping costs for your guests. You can arrange a central location where guests can collect their orders, which eliminates the need for individual shipping fees. This is especially effective if you have a strong local customer base.

Are there specific shipping carriers that are more cost-effective for catalog shows?

Different shipping carriers have varying rates and services, so it's beneficial to compare options. Generally, USPS offers competitive rates for smaller packages, while UPS and FedEx may provide better rates for larger orders. Using a shipping calculator can help you determine the most cost-effective option for your catalog show shipments.

How can I communicate shipping costs to my customers effectively?

Clear communication about shipping costs is essential. Include shipping fees in your catalog or provide a separate shipping policy document. Make sure to inform customers about any potential savings, such as free shipping thresholds or group order discounts, to encourage larger purchases and reduce individual shipping costs.

What should I do if a customer is unhappy with shipping costs?

If a customer is unhappy with shipping costs, listen to their concerns and provide options to alleviate their worries. You can explain the reasons behind the shipping fees and offer alternatives, such as local pickup or group ordering. Additionally, consider running promotions that temporarily reduce shipping costs to enhance customer satisfaction.

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