Should I Renew My Pws Subscription?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences and opinions of participants regarding the renewal of their Personal Website Subscription (PWS) as Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their thoughts on the value of having a website for their business and the impact it has on customer engagement and sales.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions having a limited number of orders and questions the worth of renewing their PWS.
  • Another participant expresses a strong preference for maintaining their website, highlighting benefits like online ordering for shows and wedding registries.
  • Several users note that promoting the website through business cards and catalogs can lead to increased traffic and orders over time.
  • One participant shares that the low monthly fee makes it worthwhile, even with infrequent orders.
  • Another participant recounts a negative experience after not renewing, emphasizing the potential missed opportunities for sales and customer engagement.
  • Some participants mention that it may take time for customers to become accustomed to using the website, but they believe it ultimately pays off.
  • One participant shares that they have received unexpected orders through their website, reinforcing its value.
  • Another participant indicates that having a PWS can facilitate online orders from guests who cannot attend shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the necessity of renewing the PWS. While some express strong support for keeping it, others share hesitations based on their personal experiences with online orders.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary widely, with some consultants in rural areas noting challenges in customer engagement due to limited internet access. Others emphasize the importance of promotion and consistent use of the website to maximize its benefits.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to new and existing Pampered Chef consultants considering the value of their PWS and looking for insights from peers on its impact on their business.

Jennifer E
Jennifer E
Messages
109
I have been a consultant for about 5 months now and my PWS is up for renewal next week. I have only had a small handful of people ever order anything from my site and I am wondering if it is worth it to keep it. I was thinking that I could tell people that want to look at items online, to go to the PC website and decide what they want and then email me with their choices and I will get back to with the amount, etc. Thoughts or words of wisdom?
 
I love the benefit of online ordering for shows, online catalog shows, outlet orders, etc. I personally will never go without my website!
 
I also will not go without my website. I have wedding registries just show up and it awesome! I also love that guest's can order through my site if they can not make it to the show.

I love my website!
 
Sometimes it takes a while for people to start using it but if you have it on your business cards, catalogs and email signature you should start seeing results! Add a sticker to your catalogs with info on how to access the outlet too!!
 
The longer you have your website, and the more that you promote it, the better it will be. Over time, your mailing list, and those who use your website will get bigger. If you quit with it now, you'll lose out on all kinds of potential and future business!
 
Go to the Online Training Center and listen to the audio "Improve PWS Results" to get tips on how to drive more traffic to your site.
 
I can't wait to get mine! I've have numerous people ask if they can order from me online. Just wish they gave you that benefit right off the bat. Oh well I'm almost there!!! $250 left to go!
 
sjspchef said:
I can't wait to get mine! I've have numerous people ask if they can order from me online. Just wish they gave you that benefit right off the bat. Oh well I'm almost there!!! $250 left to go!
Click to expand...

You can get your PWS before you qualify. You just need a PC debit/credit card.
 
Jennifer, I'm new too, just over my 90days and also up for renewal. It hasn't generated as much business as I would like at this point, but I love having it as an option for my business. I make sure I have my PWS address listed everywhere I can (within PC policy guidelines) to get maximum exposure. The fee charged is so little in comparison to other types of web services - I am definitely going to renew!
 
BethCooks4U said:
Sometimes it takes a while for people to start using it but if you have it on your business cards, catalogs and email signature you should start seeing results! Add a sticker to your catalogs with info on how to access the outlet too!!
Click to expand...

Very true but once people start using it and see how easy it is to navigate they will come back time and time again! Give it time and promote wherever you can.
 
I think it's hard to truly say how much business you may be getting. You'll get 1 order out of the blue one day that pays for it! $9 a month is what it breaks down to...I think it's worth it. Whether you have that one show, or one order every so often. Also, customers who are invited to a show may go online to browse before going to the show.If you start doing a newsletter, it will give folks something to go to to shop or browse online without contacting you. (I'm one of those folks who prefers to shop online or under "anonymity" and not have to contact a consultant all the time.) Plus- the OUTLET. That's usually where I get my online orders. My regular customers or newsletter-customers will go online every now and then for outlet items.I also put recipes and things of value on my site as often as I can (news section)...give them a reason to go there.It's worth it to me...I don't make tons of money off of it, but I know it's used.
 
Take it from someone who didn't renew...

If the $ won't break you - definitely renew it.

I am winding down my business and decided to not renew my PWS. Big mistake. I never had many online orders, so it didn't seem like a big deal to cancel. Not to mention the hassle of taking my website off EVERY label, catty, order form, etc., etc.

Just the other month I only needed a small amount to stay active and figured I would place an outlet order for myself and my mom (as a customer) so I would get commission and it would count toward my sales. Well, it hit me that I can't get outlet orders without a website! I had completely forgotten about that. Ugh! (to clarify: I can go through CC and order outlet stuff as a consultant, but it does not count as sales for me to stay active).

AND, I had a show the other month and the host wanted people to browse online. While they can browse online, I was very worried they might accidently order online and it would not go toward the show.

So, my advice, if you can afford it at all - KEEP IT!
 
I have a very common name. When I signed up for my PWS I was SHOCKED that I could do website slash dianesmith. Now I can't see myself giving it up ... i did get an order out of the blue and like Kathleen, would worry if guests could not order from it. My last show I got orders from it and recently I had a host with family in Pennslyvania order items from the web!I pay in the spring when I get my tax return so I don't have to worry about this in September.
 
kam said:
Take it from someone who didn't renew...

If the $ won't break you - definitely renew it.

I am winding down my business and decided to not renew my PWS. Big mistake. I never had many online orders, so it didn't seem like a big deal to cancel. Not to mention the hassle of taking my website off EVERY label, catty, order form, etc., etc.

Just the other month I only needed a small amount to stay active and figured I would place an outlet order for myself and my mom (as a customer) so I would get commission and it would count toward my sales. Well, it hit me that I can't get outlet orders without a website! I had completely forgotten about that. Ugh! (to clarify: I can go through CC and order outlet stuff as a consultant, but it does not count as sales for me to stay active).

AND, I had a show the other month and the host wanted people to browse online. While they can browse online, I was very worried they might accidently order online and it would not go toward the show.

So, my advice, if you can afford it at all - KEEP IT!
Click to expand...

Depending on the 6 month or 1 year option it is only $6-7 a month (last time I did the math!). It's so worth it to me.
 
I haven't used it a ton either, but it has been enough to make it worth it. I had a relative out of state host a catalog show online with it, and I usually set it up for shows whether or not hosts request and use it. I usually get at least one order per show through it. I have even had guests call and ask if they can order online (when they aren't able to come and the host didn't use it for invites) and have given instructions on there.
I guess it depends on your usage and promotion of it, but I personally wouldn't drop it.
 
It does take a while for people to get a used to using your website. I live in a rural area, and many of my customers don't have (or don't use) the internet. Still, every year mine more than pays for itself. Like Kathleen said, if it won't break you, renew.
 
babywings76 said:
You can get your PWS before you qualify. You just need a PC debit/credit card.
Click to expand...


Okay so I went and reread.... I thought that I couldn't take orders through my website till I became a "qualified consultant" with $1250 in sales. But if I can take orders for shows then I'll sign up today!! I just can't take personal orders till I reach my $1250 mark (which I'm hoping will be Tuesday)!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
Ok, ok...I will renew!! Actually I already talked myself into renewing befor I even logged on this evening. My hairdresser is getting married in a few months and it sounds like she is really interested in doing the bridal registry. Thanks for the input, ya'll ROCK!
 
Jennifer E said:
Ok, ok...I will renew!! Actually I already talked myself into renewing befor I even logged on this evening. My hairdresser is getting married in a few months and it sounds like she is really interested in doing the bridal registry. Thanks for the input, ya'll ROCK!
Click to expand...

LOL....No pressure! ;)
 
Awesome! I'm glad you talked yourself into it ... I do that A LOT. I meant to say before that if I let my PWS lapse, some other consultant would snap up my name. And I remember somebody else who let hers lapse and then found out it was ILLEGAL. (something like erinyourpclady) Seems that because part of the PWS had "in you" it was not allowed!)I was kind of hoping she'd stop in to tell that story!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PWS subscription and why is it important for my Pampered Chef business?

A PWS (Personal Website) subscription is an online platform provided by Pampered Chef that allows consultants to showcase products, take orders, and manage customer interactions. It is important because it enhances your visibility, provides a professional online presence, and simplifies the ordering process for your customers.

What are the benefits of renewing my PWS subscription?

Renewing your PWS subscription ensures that you maintain your online presence, access to updated tools and resources, and the ability to process orders seamlessly. It also allows you to take advantage of new features and promotions that can help grow your business.

How much does it cost to renew my PWS subscription?

The cost to renew your PWS subscription varies, but it is typically a nominal annual fee. It's important to check the latest pricing on the Pampered Chef website or consult your consultant resources for the most accurate information.

What happens if I choose not to renew my PWS subscription?

If you choose not to renew your PWS subscription, you will lose access to your personal website, which means you won't be able to take online orders or manage customer interactions through that platform. This could potentially limit your sales and customer engagement.

How can I determine if renewing my PWS subscription is worth it for my business?

To determine if renewing your PWS subscription is worth it, consider your sales goals, the importance of online sales in your overall strategy, and how much you rely on your website for customer interactions. If you find that your PWS contributes significantly to your business growth, it is likely worth renewing.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Renew Your PWS Subscription: Solutions for Consultants in a Pinch
  • kristanmary
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Should I Renew My PWS or Let it Expire?
  • NooraK
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
8
Views
2K
pchockeymom
Reviving My Website: Tips for Renewing Your PWS and Maximizing Profit
  • artcd44
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
7
Views
2K
artcd44
Beware of Scams: Connecting via PWS Contact Pages
  • esavvymom
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
6K
Beaglemom49779
Find Your Website Subscription Renewal Receipt | PC Email Search Tips
  • wadesgirl
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
2K
AnaCash
Old Pws Over to New Pws- Question on Migration
  • esavvymom
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
14
Views
5K
babywings76
6 or 12 Month Subscription? Which Would You Do?
  • Intrepid_Chef
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
1K
Intrepid_Chef
Renewing My PWS: What Do I Need to Know?
  • ted122781
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
6
Views
2K
stacywhitlow
Keep or Ditch PWS? Insights from Other Sellers
  • jchriste65
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
6
Views
1K
Jolie_Paradoxe
Pws Premium Tools Ecard Templates
  • kristina16marie
    • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
10
Views
2K
kristina16marie
Back
Top