Send Invites for the Host or Not?

[Cape_PC]

Can I get some input from some veteran people regarding sending invites for the host as opposed to having the host mail them? What works best?

 

[gothim0802]

I always send all mailed invites. I just pay the shipping and deduct it on my taxes. I just feel better knowing when they got sent and in a timely manner. Jenny

 

[tlag1986]

My director sent me this in an email:

Want Better Results from your Catalog Shows?

Get an invitation list from your Catalog Show Hosts - guests can be invited from anywhere in the U.S.

Set up a Show on your web site for your Host.

Send Fall or Holiday Mini Catalogs (needs first-class stamp). Enclose an insert "Inviting" the Guest to Participate in the Show with directions how to get to the web-site to see the full catalog, or simply shop from the Mini! Also include info about the guest bonus.

Consultants who have tried this have seen fewer "no-show" catalog shows and those shows are averaging $500-600!!

I thought this could be used by all of us in CS.

40 invites for a cooking show is $10.80 if you use the postcard invitations.
40 invited for a cooking show is $16.80 if you use the mini catalogs as your invites.
The difference is $6 plus the cost of the mini catalogs, but if you are able to get more people to order who cannot attend it could be worth it.

 

[esavvymom]

I'm new- and have not had the opportunity to offer this service yet with no shows booked- but this is my take on the idea:In today's day and age of "I don't have Time." or "I don't want to spend the money on postage" excuses, offering this 'service' eliminates that problem. And it gives you more direct contact with the person you are inviting- so even if they don't come to the party, they may have your contact information in hand for the future.

 

[KristinS]

I think I'm going to do this starting with my November shows... one question. Do you then give the host more mini-cats or just postcard invites to hand deliver to people?Plus, don't forget to add the cost of the mini-cats (approx $5 for 40)

 

[pampered2007]

I too send the invites for my hosts. They always seem to be a bit relieved by me doing it for them. Plus I also offer to make reminder phone calls for them. I like to know when the invites go out along with how many. It's piece of mind to me. I also offer "free cooking shows" quite a bit too where I purchase the ingredients. By doing that I can do any prep work at home and then take it to the show with me. I enjoy going the "extra mile" for my hosts, but it what works better for you.

 

[tlag1986]

I always send the invites. I have everyone in P3 that way and when they order I can bring them up easily and just add a phone number.

You can claim the stamps on taxes at the end of the year.

 

[wadesgirl]

I started in March and I love it. I just require them to get me their guest list before I send their host packet. I'm going to start getting stricter on a deadline for the guest list. The biggest thing is that I almost always know when I don't have a show because I never got a guest list! Usually you finally get a hold of the host a day or two before the party when she tells you that she never sent the invites. Plus I know when they went out and how many went out. I am going to start doing the mini catalogs for the holiday season and see how that goes. I did hear about sending invites for a catalog show, I really like that and will start doing that too.

 

[jrstephens]

I do not send them out, my host do. A lot of my host hand theirs out personally.

 

[pamperedcheermom]

I started mailing the invitations for my hosts when I had a host tell me she mailed them a week before the show, only to find out she never mailed anything and no one was coming. I found this out the night before the show. Ever since then, I mail them myself. I ask them for a guest list and I have a template I use for that and then I mail the invitations 10 days before the show. I don't send them a hostess packet until I receive the guest list. I've lost too many catalogs, OOF, flyers, etc. by giving the host a packet when she books a show. I figure that once the invitations go out that she'll more than likely hold the show and not cancel knowing she has people coming to her house.

 

[pamperedcheermom]

I started mailing the invitations for my hosts when I had a host tell me she mailed them a week before the show, only to find out she never mailed anything and no one was coming. I found this out the night before the show. Ever since then, I mail them myself. I ask them for a guest list and I have a template I use for that and then I mail the invitations 10 days before the show. I don't send them a hostess packet until I receive the guest list. I've lost too many catalogs, OOF, flyers, etc. by giving the host a packet when she books a show. I figure that once the invitations go out that she'll more than likely hold the show and not cancel knowing she has people coming to her house.

AND, I've started calling the guests myself with the reminder calls. I've had too many hosts tell me they didn't have time or they forgot, etc.

 

[chefsteph07]

I started in March and I love it. I just require them to get me their guest list before I send their host packet. I'm going to start getting stricter on a deadline for the guest list. The biggest thing is that I almost always know when I don't have a show because I never got a guest list! Usually you finally get a hold of the host a day or two before the party when she tells you that she never sent the invites. Plus I know when they went out and how many went out. I am going to start doing the mini catalogs for the holiday season and see how that goes. I did hear about sending invites for a catalog show, I really like that and will start doing that too.

I usually do give a deadline on the guest list, within about 9 days at the LATEST. Now, my problem at the moment is I have a show scheduled for next Sat and I have NOT gotten the guest list yet, what should I do???
Offer to do a catalog show? I have a feeling she will say she got too busy and she will just "tell everyone" about the party, but this show is an hour away and I DO NOT want to get stuck! Advice please!

 

[stefani2]

I DON"T send out the Hosts Invitations to Guests. If I was more organized I probably would.

 

[wadesgirl]

I do not send them out, my host do. A lot of my host hand theirs out personally.

I send 5-10 invites in their host packet so they can hand them out also. I tell all my hosts to carry the invites with them at all times so they can hand one if they see someone they forgot. Or if they remembered an address after sending me their list they can do it themselves.

I usually do give a deadline on the guest list, within about 9 days at the LATEST. Now, my problem at the moment is I have a show scheduled for next Sat and I have NOT gotten the guest list yet, what should I do???
Offer to do a catalog show? I have a feeling she will say she got too busy and she will just "tell everyone" about the party, but this show is an hour away and I DO NOT want to get stuck! Advice please!

I usually call them and say "Your party is this Saturday and I have not received your guest list yet. If you have personally invited your guests, then the show will still be on. If you need to reschedule or change to a catalog show, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can plan accordingly." If I still do not hear from them, I assume the show is not on. If they do not respect me enough to return my phone call, my time is more important to me!

 

[chefsteph07]

OMG, I am so mad right now I could spit nails! What would you all do in this situation and with this email??? The first one is from my host that I just wrote about...I have not gotten her list after telling her from DAY ONE that I mail out the invites! I feel like I am totally being bullied!!!
I need advice asap as to how to approach this woman! Oh man!!!


Stephanie:
We need to operate a little differently for this party and demo. I'd like to send pass out the invitations so please send them to me with a few catalogs. There were two apple dishes and a chicken recipe that I have considered. Do you have a limit to the dishes that you prepare?

Thank you!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 15:42:30 -0700


Hi Barb, how are you coming along w/ your guest list? I would very much like to send them out at the latest by Wednesday so I can get them out in a timely manner. I hope you are telling your friends and family about the party...Have you made a decision on what you would like me to demo? I would like to send out your catalogs, but I don't do that until I have a guest list verification from you. Thank you! Stephanie

Stephanie Scavnicky Independent Consultant/The Pampered Chef

I send 5-10 invites in their host packet so they can hand them out also. I tell all my hosts to carry the invites with them at all times so they can hand one if they see someone they forgot. Or if they remembered an address after sending me their list they can do it themselves.


I usually call them and say "Your party is this Saturday and I have not received your guest list yet. If you have personally invited your guests, then the show will still be on. If you need to reschedule or change to a catalog show, please let me know as soon as possible so that I can plan accordingly." If I still do not hear from them, I assume the show is not on. If they do not respect me enough to return my phone call, my time is more important to me!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

OMG, I am so mad right now I could spit nails! What would you all do in this situation and with this email??? The first one is from my host that I just wrote about...I have not gotten her list after telling her from DAY ONE that I mail out the invites! I feel like I am totally being bullied!!!
I need advice asap as to how to approach this woman! Oh man!!!


Stephanie:
We need to operate a little differently for this party and demo. I'd like to send pass out the invitations so please send them to me with a few catalogs. There were two apple dishes and a chicken recipe that I have considered. Do you have a limit to the dishes that you prepare?

Thank you!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 15:42:30 -0700


Hi Barb, how are you coming along w/ your guest list? I would very much like to send them out at the latest by Wednesday so I can get them out in a timely manner. I hope you are telling your friends and family about the party...Have you made a decision on what you would like me to demo? I would like to send out your catalogs, but I don't do that until I have a guest list verification from you. Thank you! Stephanie

Stephanie Scavnicky Independent Consultant/The Pampered Chef

I wouldn't be angry...if she says she wants to hand them out personally, then let her hand them out personally. I offer to mail the invites for my hosts, but I don't require it. I just had a host do this - she handed out the 10 that were in her packet, and then asked for 20 more, plus a couple more catalogs (I don't require a guest list before I give the host packet). She had 10 people at her show, and I got 3 bookings.

I try to work with my host to handle the show the way SHE wants to do it. I would say about 75% of the time I mail out the invites, but occasionally, I get a host who wants to hand out/mail them herself. I usually know this because when I call to ask for the guest list, they will ask for more invitations. So I say let her do what she wants to do. It's not being bullied, it's working with your host.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Some people are just control freaks. You basically have two choices here - do it her way and hope you have a great turn-out or risk ticking her off and cancelling the show. Maybe email her back that you do this for your hosts because they really appreciate the fact that they are not using their prescious time filling out all the postcards and paying for the postage. I'd send her as many invites as she asks for and tell her to keep track of her RSVPs. Have you offered your PWS for evites? I have several hosts who prefer evites and it works out pretty good.

Good luck.....and keep your fingers crossed!

 

[chefsteph07]

I guess I just dont like the tone of the first line..I tell her how I do things and she tells me "we need to operate a little differently for this..."...I mean, come on...

 

[pamperedlinda]

I guess I just dont like the tone of the first line..I tell her how I do things and she tells me "we need to operate a little differently for this..."...I mean, come on...

I wouldn't have liked it either. Make her happy and hopefully she will have a great show for you.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I guess I just dont like the tone of the first line..I tell her how I do things and she tells me "we need to operate a little differently for this..."...I mean, come on...

Don't judge tone by an email - you don't really know...and you don't know why she wants to operate differently, either. Maybe you should call and talk to her?

hee hee - she might think you are being a control freak too.....actually, I might feel that way if I wasn't even allowed to have catalogs......


Remember - she is your host, and has given you the honor of booking and asking you into her home - that can be a scary prospect for some people, and she may feel she needs to have a little control over how people are invited.

 

[chefsteph07]

Ok, you guys are right...I'll do things the way SHE wants to do it and I hope it is worth it! Ugh! I AM a control freak!

 

[DandyG03]

I've been sending them out for my hosts too and it works great for me b/c I know they've been sent out. I cannot wait to promote doing online catlog shows and sending out the mini catty's to out of state'ers. I just need my website now lol.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Ok, you guys are right...I'll do things the way SHE wants to do it and I hope it is worth it! Ugh! I AM a control freak!

Me too a little bit....and I was a very reluctant host when I hosted a PC show - I didn't want to and only did it to help out a friend who had become a consultant....I try not to forget the fear I had about hosting a show-I think it helps me relate better to my hosts!

 

[melaniepc]

she probably just wants to do things her way and she is the hostess so I can understand her points.. its hard to tell what kind of tone they have from online though

 

[chefsteph07]

That's fine, I caved and told her whatever she wanted to do was fine..
I just hope it doesn't come back to bite me in the butt like it has in the past!

 

[chefmeg]

I have been sending the invites for my hosts for years and have very, very few cancelations. I do not give them a host packet until I recieve their guest list. At the show they book from, they get a SASE and the guest list. I tell them I must have the list filled in its entirty by ______ date (usually within 5 days of the show we are at). This reserves their date for them and gets them their host packet (which I intend to start giving in person) with the catalogs, order forms, and about 10 invitations. I have had no complaints all these years and have many repeat hosts.
Yes, it is their show, but it is your business and you get to choose how to run it. There will be a learning curve at first because so many people are used to having to send the invites themselves, but it will turn around and soon, no one will even remember they used to do that!
I also use postcalls to make the reminder calls for my hosts and that has increased attendance at all of my shows since I started using it September 1!

 

[etteluap70PC]

Date: Mon, 6 Oct 2008 15:42:30 -0700


Hi Barb, how are you coming along w/ your guest list? I would very much like to send them out at the latest by Wednesday so I can get them out in a timely manner. I hope you are telling your friends and family about the party...Have you made a decision on what you would like me to demo? I would like to send out your catalogs, but I don't do that until I have a guest list verification from you. Thank you! Stephanie

Stephanie Scavnicky Independent Consultant/The Pampered Chef

Email is a funny thing... it is so hard to read emotion, and we need to try not to. Honestly (and I do not mean to attack or sound harsh) but If I received the email you sent this host it would have ticked me off the way it was worded. BUT that is just how I I read it. It to me comes accross pushy and demanding. I totally understand being frustrated beyond all reason with some of these hosts. That is when I am extra careful with my wording in am email. Many times (especially if I am frustrated with someone) I will have DH read over a msg. before I send it out. He lets me know If I am on thrack or not.

I hope this helps and that this show works out great for you. I enjoy your posts and views on many topics. I in no way mean to offend!

 

[etteluap70PC]

I have been sending the invites for my hosts for years and have very, very few cancelations. I do not give them a host packet until I recieve their guest list. At the show they book from, they get a SASE and the guest list. I tell them I must have the list filled in its entirty by ______ date (usually within 5 days of the show we are at). This reserves their date for them and gets them their host packet (which I intend to start giving in person) with the catalogs, order forms, and about 10 invitations. I have had no complaints all these years and have many repeat hosts.
Yes, it is their show, but it is your business and you get to choose how to run it. There will be a learning curve at first because so many people are used to having to send the invites themselves, but it will turn around and soon, no one will even remember they used to do that!
I also use postcalls to make the reminder calls for my hosts and that has increased attendance at all of my shows since I started using it September 1!

I do this too.

I want to start doing the calls thing but am having a hard time getting the PH#'s from the host. Any tips on this?

 

[redsoxgirl]

I send out a mini catalog with the printable invite from CC. I ask them to bring the mini catalog back and if they do they get extra tickets in the drawing at the show.

 

[babywings76]

I send out a mini catalog with the printable invite from CC. I ask them to bring the mini catalog back and if they do they get extra tickets in the drawing at the show.

Gosh, I love this idea, but doesn't it cost a bunch?! And do you print out at home or at a copy center?