Should PC Offer a Regular Host Bonus for Shows Under $500?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the idea of whether Pampered Chef should offer a regular host bonus for shows that do not reach the $500 threshold. Participants share their thoughts on the implications of such a bonus for hosts and their experiences with shows that fall below this sales level.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, suggests that a regular host bonus (60% off) should be available for hosts whose shows do not reach $500, noting that some hosts may not achieve this goal despite efforts.
  • Another participant shares their experience of hosting small gatherings with friends, where shows average around $300, expressing concern about the lack of eligibility for bonuses.
  • Several users mention that past hosts still receive a host special, but clarify that the discussion is focused on current hosts who do not reach the $500 mark.
  • One participant expresses a willingness to offer their own incentive for hosts who do not reach $500, while still encouraging them to aim high.
  • Another participant notes that stoneware is available at a discount for everyone, which could provide some benefit to hosts even if they do not reach the $500 level.
  • Some participants argue that the existing host program is generous enough and that additional bonuses may not be necessary, emphasizing the enjoyment of hosting as a key factor.
  • One participant recounts a training session where it was emphasized that the host bonus is meant to be an additional incentive, not a requirement.
  • Others express concern that not offering a bonus could discourage hosts from booking shows, particularly if they feel they cannot reach the $500 threshold.
  • Some participants reflect on their experiences with shows that were booked primarily for bonuses, suggesting that this approach may lead to less successful events.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether a regular host bonus should be implemented for shows under $500. Some participants support the idea, while others believe the current host program is sufficient without additional incentives.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of personal experiences and perspectives regarding host bonuses and the dynamics of hosting shows within the Pampered Chef community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who are navigating the challenges of hosting shows and considering the implications of host bonuses may find this discussion relevant.

And yes our benefits do sound real good

But what do you do for the host that works real hard and can't get the sales and our flyer says that she will get up to 60% off - no minimum required other than $150 / $200. That doesn't sound fair to me.

And yes, you will have some host that don't care but very few

But whoever came up with this special didn't really think it through.

One more thing (this might not sound very nice) but if everyone would submit all shows over $500 that will mean that the national average would go up - is this what they are going for. To bring the average up would made the company look better.

Sorry if this sound bad on me.

~
~
 
Now ladies, lets not get snippy....The thing of it is, a lot of hostesses book based on what the monthly incentive is. A lot have hosted before, and are drawn in by the extra 60% specials. Many of my hostesses have even commented about how incredible it is to get those high price items at such a deal. I dont think anyone was knocking the regular hostess benefits at all- we offer a great package, better then most I would say. But that monthly incentive is a big draw. I think its just a bit harsh to those hostesses who work their booties off and just cant reach $500. I would think many of those hostesses would prefer to host in a month where they DID get the extra incentive item at 60% off. They will ALWAYS get the standard benefits, no matter what month. I think the discussion here is about the MONTHLY bonus item, and how lack thereof for those with under $500 shows will hurt a lot of us. I know my guests at my show last night werent impressed by it, and i had one who specifically told me she would "just hold out til february". So take into account that a lot of us arent directors with years and years of experience and huge reliable customer bases. We are working to build up our businesses and this host special just doesnt draw in a lot of folks who wouldnt have large parties. Myself, I prefer to have several smaller parties. My show last night had 6 ladies, it was a blast. More personal, more fun. I booked 3 out of those 6 girls. And the show will close around $400. And I cant tell you how excited Lisa was to get her Appy caddy at 60% off. Just my two cents...I just would hate to see this turned into an argument
 
I think they're doing their best to help everyone have as successul a month as possible. I doubt it's to make PC themselves look good and raise their show average.

In all the time I've been with PC, they've NEVER done anything that wasn't in the consultant's best interests.

You did the right thing Teresa... whenever anyone is unhappy with anything HO does, PLEASE tell them! They do listen!
 
JTNT8704 said:
Now ladies, lets not get snippy....

The thing of it is, a lot of hostesses book based on what the monthly incentive is. A lot have hosted before, and are drawn in by the extra 60% specials. Many of my hostesses have even commented about how incredible it is to get those high price items at such a deal. I dont think anyone was knocking the regular hostess benefits at all- we offer a great package, better then most I would say. But that monthly incentive is a big draw. I think its just a bit harsh to those hostesses who work their booties off and just cant reach $500. I would think many of those hostesses would prefer to host in a month where they DID get the extra incentive item at 60% off. They will ALWAYS get the standard benefits, no matter what month. I think the discussion here is about the MONTHLY bonus item, and how lack thereof for those with under $500 shows will hurt a lot of us. I know my guests at my show last night werent impressed by it, and i had one who specifically told me she would "just hold out til february".

So take into account that a lot of us arent directors with years and years of experience and huge reliable customer bases. We are working to build up our businesses and this host special just doesnt draw in a lot of folks who wouldnt have large parties. Myself, I prefer to have several smaller parties. My show last night had 6 ladies, it was a blast. More personal, more fun. I booked 3 out of those 6 girls. And the show will close around $400. And I cant tell you how excited Lisa was to get her Appy caddy at 60% off.

Just my two cents...

I just would hate to see this turned into an argument
Click to expand...

I believe all this is true...the original post was about the MONTHLY HOST BENEFIT, and yes, there are customers who do book based on the regular benefits, but honestly, MOST of my customers, new and seasoned, will email/call and ask what the special is for a particular month and if they dont like it, THEY WILL NOT BOOK. My show average is around $350-400 (guessing) and I don't think it's fair to the customers at all to have a show in a month where $$ is tight anyway and they get punished for not having a $500 show. What if they try for that extra $50 and only reach $475 and have exhausted ALL their resources? To keep them happy, I would PROBABLY feel obligated to make up the diff so they could get their bonus.
 
Don't forget, there is a past host bonus. If they don't make it, suggest they book another show and get a piece of stoneware at 60% off. Work on the booking bonuses for the next 6 months, too!!!
 
I am going to email HO too. I am very unsatisfied with this $500 show thing. THey could have at leat did it for $400 to cover the show average. And as I have said time and time again that my host book BECAUSE of the host special. They wait until a month they like the special to do their show.

I am thinking of taking the 12 days of Christmas Flyer on here and doing some kind of New Year Sale or something with it to boost January and to try to get the 1 show in for the extra free constulant item at the beginning of the month.
 
I don't think the monthy host special matters. I don't even let them know unless they are undecided on a month. I have them with me at my shows but making calls I don't let them know unless they ask.

Not every host will want the special not matter which month. The host may or may not use every effort to increase her sales during any month. Money may not be tight for all in January, they might have gotten some $ as gifts to spend.

Of course, if you think it is bad so will your potential hosts & you won't get any bookings. Just turn it around...if you (the host) do the extra work you will get an extra bonus.
 
Partylite is running a promo right now that if the host pays $9.99 they get an add'l $50 products for free. I think that would have been a much more fair offer for PC to do something like that.
 
chefsteph07 said:
Partylite is running a promo right now that if the host pays $9.99 they get an add'l $50 products for free. I think that would have been a much more fair offer for PC to do something like that.
Click to expand...


:yuck: stinky partylite candles. always making me sneeze :yuck:
 
stacywhitlow said:
I don't think the monthy host special matters. I don't even let them know unless they are undecided on a month. I have them with me at my shows but making calls I don't let them know unless they ask.

Not every host will want the special not matter which month. The host may or may not use every effort to increase her sales during any month. Money may not be tight for all in January, they might have gotten some $ as gifts to spend.

Of course, if you think it is bad so will your potential hosts & you won't get any bookings. Just turn it around...if you (the host) do the extra work you will get an extra bonus.
Click to expand...

Stacy - I think that is a good point! Every month I have hosts who have no interest in the host special. I mentioned that one of my Jan bookings was for stoneware, but I also have another host who booked for January because she wants cookware for 1/2 off. She didn't even ask what the host special was.
I'm still coaching her towards a $1000 show though!:D
 
stacywhitlow said:
Not every host will want the special not matter which month.
Click to expand...

I realize this may not be the case for everyon but for some of us it is. These complaints are from those of us that it will affect when they book their show. As most of us have said time and time again.
 
JTNT8704 said:
:yuck: stinky partylite candles. always making me sneeze :yuck:
Click to expand...

Talking about the special! LOL NOT the candles! ha ha
 
I think I may offer them either a freebie from my excess stock or an additional % OFF of stoneware if they don't reach the $500 mark, just so they dont' feel jipped for not reaching that level or higher.
 
I feel behind. I haven't even started booking for January yet.
 
Don't feel too behind. I haven't book a thing for Jan yet because my December isn't where I want it to be. And actually, I've never booked anything in Jan before Thanksgiving and it's always turned out to be one of my best months!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #46
jan host bonusWOW!!! I guess I really stirred up a discussion here when I first posted this...I'm sooo proud of myself..ha ha just kidding...
I think it could be as simple as....keep the $500 host bonus going on like they have it, but maybe offer a 60% host bonus to those shows who reach under $500.00...wouldn't that make sense? The host with over $500 wouldn't be eligilbe for the 60% off bonus because they're receiving the extra FREE!
Just a thought...
keep the ideas rolling!!!
 
I agree they need to offer something for hosts that don't reach the $500 mark. This average may be easier in some parts of the country, but my average is not $500. My average in Oct. was $450 and that was one of my best months. The economy here stinks and the gas prices are not helping.

I'm just hoping this isn't going to be the trend for the entire year (that a host has to get $500 in sales to get the special). I do think it has been very easy for people to come up w/$150 in sales to get the specials and sometimes the host may not care to work any harder once she/he reaches that goal.

I do have some Jan. bookings so we will see how it goes.
 
karlene said:
WOW!!! I guess I really stirred up a discussion here when I first posted this...I'm sooo proud of myself..ha ha just kidding...
I think it could be as simple as....keep the $500 host bonus going on like they have it, but maybe offer a 60% host bonus to those shows who reach under $500.00...wouldn't that make sense? The host with over $500 wouldn't be eligilbe for the 60% off bonus because they're receiving the extra FREE!
Just a thought...
keep the ideas rolling!!!
Click to expand...
I think if they offered something for hosts with less than $500 in sales it would discourage them from trying to get to higher sales.

It's all in how we present it. If we are negative about things people won't book. Look at the positive, promote that, and be excited. We have the best host program out there without the bonus. And that is what it is - a BONUS.

Tell them the host benefits (the regular ones) and don't forget that they get the guest specials STARTING at the guest price so hosts pay at least 15% less and then say "and as a BONUS if your show is $500 or more in guest sales you get $50-$100 extra free in January".

It's all good!



...now stop complaining and get booking!
 
My last comment and "complaining"

PC has a wonderful host program

on the host flyer it does say that they will be something

I don't think it is right to punish the host if she is trying to help the past host out by booking a show so that she can get the special. They shouldn't give the past host anything if the current host (who now is doing all the work) can't get to $500. Some people don't live in an area that is big - my town that I live in is less than 19,000 people, the only major store we have is Wal-Mart, we have a few big factories, but they are small.

Whoever thought of this promotion at PC wasn't thinking of the little guy, just increasing the company's national average

Sorry and last word

~
 
I had 3 potential hosts that wanted cookware. Guess what? They did not choose Sept. to have their show. They will still be able to get it at 50% off so it is still a great deal! I have plenty of hosts that don't care or ask or purchase the special anyway (of course, some do). I think that our host program is awesome & the monthly special is just an added bonus. I really don't see why there is so much complaint about needing $500 in guest sales. I think it is a great deal. If the host wants the extra free products, she will work for it (ie. guest list, attendance, outside orders, etc.) All of that is her "job" anyway. It is my job to host coach her to do that & then get the sales at her show. No one is being "punished". Every host gets rewards for her effort regardless of sales. If she wants it, she will put forth more effort to get it.
 
I love the idea of extra free product for a $500 show, but I'm a newbie around here, and from what I've seen from other consultants in the area who've been at it for years, the average show is $400. I think that those hosts are entitled to a montly host benefit as well. If past hosts get stoneware at 60% off, shouldn't that be an option for January hosts as well? I say, offer both, either 60% off stoneware, or extra free product on $500 shows or more...they've offered either/or in the past (multiple choices of SA this month for example) why not January too. Hosts around here can work just as hard as somewhere else and just not be able to make that $500 mark, so why should they not get a benefit that another host gets for working just as hard....some are being left out of a great special in the month they are hosting, by no fault of their own, and that is unfortunate. I will market this as a wonderful host special without lying because it is a wonderful special, and I guess I just pray that my hosts have outstanding shows! I don't entirely like it, but I will try and get those show totals up as much as I can.
 
jenne said:
I love the idea of extra free product for a $500 show, but I'm a newbie around here, and from what I've seen from other consultants in the area who've been at it for years, the average show is $400. I think that those hosts are entitled to a montly host benefit as well. If past hosts get stoneware at 60% off, shouldn't that be an option for January hosts as well? I say, offer both, either 60% off stoneware, or extra free product on $500 shows or more...they've offered either/or in the past (multiple choices of SA this month for example) why not January too. Hosts around here can work just as hard as somewhere else and just not be able to make that $500 mark, so why should they not get a benefit that another host gets for working just as hard....some are being left out of a great special in the month they are hosting, by no fault of their own, and that is unfortunate. I will market this as a wonderful host special without lying because it is a wonderful special, and I guess I just pray that my hosts have outstanding shows! I don't entirely like it, but I will try and get those show totals up as much as I can.
Click to expand...


I totally agree w/you.
 
I think this is one of those topics we will have to agree to disagree on b/c those of us that do not like it will not like it unless the host below $500 ends up getting something (which I don't see HO changing but you never know) and those of you that do like the way it is will continue to like it.

I have no intention of making this sound as dumb as I think it is to my host and will talk, talk it up but I still know my average and know that my host already exhaust all their means to get more sales b/c they want all they can get including the Host bonus.

AND everyone keeps saying it is a Host BONUS well the flyer says January 2008 Host SPECIAL not Bonus. And it is not much of a Host Special if all my host cannot get it. Just a little play on words. :)
 
Last edited:
Jennifer, that is so true about it stating it a host special...not a bonus! I would like everyone to report at the end of Jan what their average was and if there was any negativity from the hosts about not being able to get the "special" if they didnt make the $500
 
chefsteph07 said:
Jennifer, that is so true about it stating it a host special...not a bonus! I would like everyone to report at the end of Jan what their average was and if there was any negativity from the hosts about not being able to get the "special" if they didnt make the $500
Click to expand...
ITA, then report it back to HO if it does not go over well with hosts!?
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a host bonus in Pampered Chef?

A host bonus in Pampered Chef is an additional incentive offered to hosts who hold cooking shows. It typically rewards hosts with extra products or discounts based on the sales generated from their show, encouraging them to invite more guests and increase sales.

Why should Pampered Chef consider offering a regular host bonus for shows under $500?

Offering a regular host bonus for shows under $500 could incentivize more hosts to participate, as it provides them with a tangible reward even for smaller sales. This could help increase engagement and encourage hosts to promote their shows more actively, ultimately benefiting both the hosts and the company.

How would a host bonus for shows under $500 impact sales?

A host bonus for shows under $500 could lead to an increase in overall sales by motivating hosts to strive for higher attendance and sales. Even if the show doesn't reach the $500 mark, the potential for a bonus may encourage hosts to put in more effort, leading to better results in future shows.

What types of bonuses could be offered for shows under $500?

Potential bonuses for shows under $500 could include discounts on future purchases, free or discounted products, or exclusive access to new items. These incentives can help maintain host enthusiasm and loyalty, even when sales are lower.

Are there any potential downsides to offering a host bonus for lower sales?

One potential downside could be the financial impact on the company if the bonuses are not carefully structured. Additionally, it may lead to hosts focusing on quantity over quality, potentially resulting in less engaging shows. Balancing the bonus structure to encourage both participation and meaningful sales is crucial.

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