Should family loyalty trump supporting a friend's business?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the dynamics of loyalty in purchasing decisions, particularly when it comes to supporting friends versus family members who are consultants for Pampered Chef. Participants share personal experiences and opinions regarding the expectations of loyalty in these situations.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a situation where step-daughters refuse to buy from their step-mother's catalog show due to loyalty to a friend who sells Pampered Chef, expressing frustration at their decision.
  • Another participant shares that they have customers who feel guilty for purchasing from other consultants, indicating a sense of loyalty to their own consultant.
  • Several users mention that they understand the loyalty to a "PC Lady" but find it rude not to support friends or family members in their business endeavors.
  • One participant recounts their experience of always making a purchase at parties even when their friend is not the consultant, emphasizing the importance of supporting friends.
  • Another participant humorously suggests that the step-daughters could host their own show to get products for free, questioning their loyalty to their father.
  • One participant expresses that they do not mind if loyal customers purchase from others but draw the line at booking shows with different consultants.
  • Another participant reflects on the challenges of discussing Pampered Chef with family members who have strong opinions, suggesting that it can be frustrating.
  • One participant agrees that supporting a friend at a show is acceptable and does not see it as a betrayal of loyalty.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the appropriateness of prioritizing loyalty to friends over family members in business contexts. Some participants express understanding of loyalty, while others find it inconsiderate not to support family.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and experiences related to loyalty in purchasing decisions, highlighting the complexities of relationships within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar situations with family and friends may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant to their own challenges.

yummy4tummy
yummy4tummy
Messages
656
(what would you do or say)
Here is the scenario: DH's cousin's second wife (I hope I haven't lost you yet)
is having a catalog show for me. She sent e-invites to 2 grown step-daughters but they told her that they would not buy anything because they have a friend that sells and has sold PC for a long time (the girls do know me too as I have been in the family since they were small). However, when their father was making an order from me a few months ago, they were more than happy to give him a laundry list of things that he could buy from me to GIVE to them. Money is not an issue for either of them, there are no ill feelings with wife #2 (been married to their father for over 13 yrs) or me (that I know of) and she has done so much for them. Although I admire their loyaly to their friend, I just find it amazing that just because their friend sells PC that they can't help their step-mom to reach her goal (which she is having some trouble getting orders). Does that mean that if their friend works at one car dealership that they can't buy a different make car? Or if friends work at one store, they can't shop elsewhere?
I won't lose any sleep over it as it is really trivial (venting is good) but I just found it a little selfish. Am I wrong?
Valky
 
Coming from the other side - I have customers and hosts who won't purchase from anyone but me, because I am their "PC Lady", and they have a sense of loyalty to me. I know that I really appreciate that!
 
I have run into several situations like that. If you were the one that sold to them usually you would be upset if they bought from another consultant-right? I understand what you mean though. Some people are just funny that way.
 
I can understand being loyal to "your PC lady". But I also think it's kind of rude to not make a purchase from your friend or family member just because they are using someone else. It doesn't have to be a large purchase.

Before I became a counsultant I would be invited to parties where my friend (who is also my director) was not the consultant. I always made a purchase. People need to remember that in circumstances such as this, you are not supporting the consultant so much as you are supporting your friend. Also remember that you may want to invite your friend to another party some day where you are trying to earn free products....they may not buy from you because you didn't buy from them.

So sorry that this is happening to you and your cousin. I think it's kind of petty of them. Just brush it off, and hopefully your cousin will have a spectacular show in spite of them.
 
I'd say to ask the step-daughters to have their own show and get the laundry list for free. Pretend you don't know about the "good friend" and see what happens. It could be they are still hanging onto Daddy's coattails...or they gave him their Christmas list.
 
I also have loyal customers. It is funny because they will call me the day after they go to a party with a different consultant. "Oh Sandra, I feel so guilty. I didn't buy very much." I always tell them that it's okay. You are helping your friends and I'm sure she appreciated the order. But I always laugh. I'm glad they like me, but I don't want them to feel like they can't help their friends at their parties. You know?!

I do wonder how come their friend didn't use me as the consultant though?!!!
 
You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your relatives. If you let the stupid things your relatives do bother you, you'll end up in an asylum. With the exception of two cousins, I never talk TPC with family members. My own sister-in-law is a complete PITA when it comes to kitchen gear, so I just gave up even trying to talk about it with her. She's overly opinionated about everything from politics to spices to cookbooks to tools and as long as she believes the crap she buys is better than TPC tools, I can't discuss it with her without ending up needing a whole bottle of Maalox.Who needs relatives?
 
I don't have a problem with loyal PC customers purchasing from another consultant if they are invited to a show, I just tell them that it doesn't hurt my feelings if they make a purchase at a show but DON'T book a show with someone else!!

I don't have a problem with someone making a small token purchase to help a friend. I DO have a problem with them booking a show with someone else!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
You can pick your friends, but you can't pick your relatives. If you let the stupid things your relatives do bother you, you'll end up in an asylum.
Click to expand...

AMEN TO THAT!

I know it wasn't a Christmas list as the previous order was made in June (trust me, they do not plan that far ahead)

Maybe I am just not that territorial...I don't feel I have the market cornered on PC. I too am a vey loyal person but sometimes one needs to weigh where their loyalty lies. Actually I don't think it is even a loyalty issue...just the nice thing to do. JMO
 
Chef Kearns said:
"Oh Sandra, I feel so guilty. I didn't buy very much." I always tell them that it's okay.
Click to expand...
I just had a customer tell me that! It's sweet.:)
 
I agree with Linda. I don't think there is anything wrong with supporting a friend having a show!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I prioritize family loyalty over supporting a friend's business?

It's a personal decision that depends on your values and relationships. Family loyalty can be important, but supporting a friend's business can also strengthen your friendship and help them succeed. Consider the impact of your choice on both relationships.

What if my family member's business is struggling?

If your family member's business is struggling, it might be beneficial to support them, especially if they rely on your help. However, if your friend's business offers better products or services, you can still support your family member in other ways, such as promoting their business or offering advice.

Can I support both my family and my friend's business?

Absolutely! You can support both by purchasing from your family member occasionally while also buying from your friend's business. This way, you maintain loyalty to your family while also helping your friend succeed.

How can I balance family loyalty and friendship in business?

Open communication is key. Discuss your intentions with both parties to ensure they understand your position. You can also set boundaries, such as only purchasing from one business for specific occasions, to maintain harmony in both relationships.

What if my family disapproves of my support for my friend's business?

It's important to listen to your family's concerns, but ultimately, you should make choices that align with your values. Explain your reasons for supporting your friend's business and emphasize the importance of friendship and community support.

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