Struggling to Balance Life & Pampered Chef - What Would You Do?

[renee.see]

I'm going to fall inactive this month - I've already accepted that. I was ready to fall inactive and end my "career" with Pampered Chef. Now, I'm not so sure that's what I want to do. I need the extra money and I really want to do this, but I can't get bookings. I've already told everyone I'm going inactive.

I'm getting married in September, so I'm already REALLY busy. Between that and my full-time job, I barely have time for myself, my house and my relationship. Our bank account is strugling and I'm sick of the past due bills. I could really use the extra income.

Any suggestions? I've tried it all and then some. What would you do? Should I just stay inactive?

 

[janetupnorth]

I would pick up the phone and call! Start with friends...

The finances drain more of your motivation and energy than anything...I know from experience. We never know what $ is coming in for my husband because he is a missionary at a camp and I work to pay the bills. When something breaks and the bills get piling, I admit I often stress...even when I know all I have to do is trust God and He takes care of it.

Start doing some customer care calls with your past customers...don't tell them you're going inactive. Tell them that you are getting a fresh start on your business and life. You are getting married soon and time is crunched but you'd love to take a few hours out some night and do a show. (Just pick 1 night every two weeks if 1 night a week is too much, etc.)

Throw together your own open house or catalog show.

...just some thoughts...

If you love PC, love the products and need the money, I wouldn't "just stay inactive".

 

[BethCooks4U]

Janet has good points. I would add to that if you do go inactive you can start back up anytime within 12 months with just $200 in sales.

Some people will give you cash for your wedding. You could use some of that to purchase PC products you want to add to your kitchen (I bet you could find $200 worth) - order it in their name - THEY gave you the gift!

People will need to do Christmas shopping - have a "Shop from your Seat" open house in Oct or Nov (there must be at least one day out of the 62 that are available in that time). Invite all your friends, relatives, hosts, guests...

 

[tlennhoff]

I thought I was going to go inactive this month. I sent out a "i'm desperate email" and also looked at all the birthdays I have coming up and it looks like I might end up with 2 shows so not only am I remaining active but it looks like I might get the pan also. I have a few people to call but I've at least got enough in orders for the single show with 2 people promising to order this week, one who usually orders enough for a show so I may make her a host and let her get the freebies this time around.

 

[etteluap70PC]

I learned asomething at conf. To help potential recruits that I think will help you. If you are truly serious about wanting to work your business you should sit down with your hubby to be and look at your calendar. See when you are able to work. Not only to do shows but to have some office time as well. Once you have that worked out you can look at your business realistically. Also write down what you (and your fiance') want from PC.

HTH!

 

[amy07]

this may be a really dumb question, but did you set up your own registry so that those sales count?

 

[chefkristin]

this may be a really dumb question, but did you set up your own registry so that those sales count?

You took the words right out of my mouth.

 

[BethCooks4U]

The products in your registery would be purchased by others so they would be commissionable. It would be just like if you did your own cooking or catalog show. At least I think that's how it would work - have never looked into that kind of detail with a registry - hasn't come up with anyone I know...

 

[chrpangel]

Just an FYI...when you go inactive you lose your career sales and any consultants under you. I stupidly went inactive by mistake in June. I got confused (not too hard) between the June 30 date to stay active and the July 5th date to submit June shows. I lost over $8k in career sales. I talked with pc and they had me do a retro waver (cost of $25 out of my commission) but I got everything back. I didn't realize that I would lose everything when I went inactive. I just want to make sure that others know what happens when you go inactive.Good luck and God Bless you!
Gina