The Benefits of Promotional Catalog Totes: Share Your Experiences!

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores participants' experiences with promotional catalog totes used by Pampered Chef consultants. Many share how they utilize the totes in their daily lives and the impact it has on their business interactions.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions using the catalog tote everywhere and having received leads from it, particularly at a dance class.
  • Another participant shares their experience of carrying a current catalog in the tote and receiving attention from others, leading to inquiries about selling Pampered Chef products.
  • Several users express love for the tote, noting it serves as both a purse and a marketing tool, with some reporting leads and bookings from casual conversations initiated by the tote.
  • One participant mentions using the tote as an everyday purse but has not received inquiries about it, despite always having catalogs on hand.
  • Another participant finds the tote awkward to use as a purse, citing its depth and weight as challenges, and has not received leads from it.
  • Some participants discuss strategies for using the tote effectively, such as carrying mini catalogs instead of full-sized ones to reduce weight and increase ease of use.
  • One participant highlights the importance of following up with potential leads after distributing mini catalogs to maximize effectiveness.
  • Another participant expresses frustration about the tote not being available in their area, while others share excitement about their own experiences with it.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of the catalog tote as a marketing tool, with some participants reporting success in generating leads and bookings, while others have not experienced similar outcomes. No clear consensus emerges regarding its overall utility.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of personal experiences with the catalog tote, reflecting varying levels of success and satisfaction. The discussion includes practical tips and individual anecdotes rather than formal guidance.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into the practical use of promotional materials and personal experiences related to marketing strategies within the Pampered Chef community may find this discussion relevant.

A
AnnaPChef
Messages
77
Ok. Question for everyone! Who has the catalog tote? If you have it, do you use it all the time? Have you gotten leads from it? I'm trying to think of new ways to promote my business, and have seen other consultants with them at my cluster meetings. Do you always keep a current catalog in them? Or do you sometimes you last seasons catalog? Any and all opinions on these potentially wonderful marketing materials please!!!! (Not sure if I put this in the right place)
 
Love the catalog tote. It goes with me everywhere. I don't always carry it outside of my car but I keep my calendar, bank bag, catalogs, host packets etc in it. I carried it with me right after I got it last year and got a catalog show (literally) at my neice's dance class. I haven't had much luck from it since.
 
I carry it everywhere with a current catalog in it.
However, at Leadership, I saw a bunch of new ideas for that tote.
Some people had brightly colored paper they had printed out "Ask me about the Pamepred Chef" on it with a recipe card near the bottom. Other's had older catalogs, recruiting info....I guess you could put anything in there that gets attention. People mention mine all the time and ask if I sell Pampered Chef. I love mine!
 
I have one too and I love it!! I have gotten some leads from it and continue to use it daily.
 
Awesome little comeback when someone asks you about PC when you're out and about (because I usually stammer around looking like an idiot). Learned this at Leadership. Really if you've never been GO!

"Oh, you do Pampered Chef?" says stranger.

"Yes, I do. How can I help you?" says the consultant.

I thought that "How can I help you" was BRILLANT!! It totally puts the ball in their court and whatever you say next is totally appropriate because you now know what they need/want/are excited about.
 
I use one as my everyday purse, but honestly I've never had one person ask me about it (I've had it for about 3 mos).

I got it with some PC$ so I figured it was worth it even if I never get asked about it. I always have catalogs on hand and I try to keep an outside order form in there at all times.

It's really large inside so it can hold tons of stuff!
 
I love it. I also use it as my everyday purse. I have only had a couple people ask about it, but I always have catalogs and my calander in it.
 
Ok I am so jealous lol, we cant get them here and I want one so bad! :(:(
 
graciec1977 said:
Ok I am so jealous lol, we cant get them here and I want one so bad! :(:(
Click to expand...

Email HO about it and don't let up until they do the same for you! It's not fair that they cannot make it available to everyone.
 
I carried mine into my daughters preschool class and the pre-k teachers went crazy! They are putting together a catalog show! How great would an entire elementary school full of customers be!?!?
 
That would be awesome!

I am SO SAD I didn't have mine tossed in with my last supply order!
 
I use mine as my regular purse. I didn't get leads from it right away, but I do get them now and then. I always keep some minis inside to hand out and comment cards to take down their information. Usually, they have a question about something that broke or want to place an order for one particular item. I have booked only one show from my leads, but I carry it for pride as well as advertising.
 
I used mine until the clear plastic had holes worn in it (I'm hard on purses!) but I received several shows that began with this conversation starter. "Do you sell Pampered Chef?" "I do, and I love it. I'm currently booking shows for _______ - would you be interested in earning free products?" Now, I have the big green tote with The Pampered Chef blazened on it. I just have to be careful not to knock anyone in the head with it as I walk through a crowded room.
 
I just won one at a meeting raffle and I was so excited to get it. I use it as an everyday purse/diaperbag. If nothing else, it reminds me to keep catalogs with me at all times. I had a postal worker at the post office ask me if I had a catalog and of course I did, because I had my tote with me.
 
LOVE it!I purchased mine in November & carry it as my purse unless going somewhere that a smaller purse in appropriate. I always carry a current catalog in the front pocket and 6-8 in a folder to keep them nice inside. I also always have order forms, a cooking show host packet, a catalog host packet and my calendar. Just yesterday I handed out the 6-8 in my bag throughout the day and lucky that I had the one in the front b/c someone asked for that one too! I have gotten 2 bookings and 2 lead from the bag (dentist office, Walmart, Dollar Store, work). I wouldn't trade mine for anything!:sing:
 
I may be in the minority here, but I find mine a bit ackward (sp?). It's really deep so I find it hard to use as a purse, I constantly loose stuff in it. It also can hold a lot (normally a good thing) but it gets heavy, especially when you add catalogs to it. I also haven't gotten any leads from it. It might just be my area, and to be honest, with a 3yo and 20 month old, I try to do all I can from home or in the car. So, I am definitely not the best judge.
 
I have the Merrill Ribbon tote that I was carrying, until the lining started ripping. I got a few leads from it. (I carried for about 3 weeks!) I also have this and never thought to carry it! Looks like I will be changing purses this weekend!! :chef:
 
sfdavis918 said:
I may be in the minority here, but I find mine a bit ackward (sp?). It's really deep so I find it hard to use as a purse, I constantly loose stuff in it. It also can hold a lot (normally a good thing) but it gets heavy, especially when you add catalogs to it. I also haven't gotten any leads from it. It might just be my area, and to be honest, with a 3yo and 20 month old, I try to do all I can from home or in the car. So, I am definitely not the best judge.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't carry full-sized catalogs. I only carry the mini-cats then let them know they can see the whole catalog online at my website. Our catalogs are darn heavy now. You could throw your back out trying to use this as your purse bogged down with catalogs. Keep it simple. Also, for as much as our catalogs cost us, that's an expensive business card.
 
You can also keep ONE current catty in there (so it shows through the plastic) and then keep mini cattys behind to give out.

When you give out the mini catty, be SURE to get their info and follow up with them. Otherwise, you are throwing your money away, since 99.9% of the folks you give a catty or mini catty to will not call YOU.

I also give out the mini catties now...since the full size ones are so darned expensive now. If they call me or place an order when I call them, THEN I will send them a full sized one!
 
I have a pampered Chef pin/button on my purse ( I love my brighton and can't give it up)-maybe I ordered the pin from Nancy's but people often ask me about PC because of it :)
 
I love mine! I've gotten stopped so many times- beer distributor, shoe store, playcenter I take my son to... I actually booked a show the week after I got mine! I don't carry it all the time, but several times a week. It works as a great diaper bag for me!
 
I asked my AD to order one for me when I sold her my extra cattys ... when it comes it will be my purse. There will be 1-3 cattys and maybe special flyers. Most stuff will go in the zipper pocket. I also plan to find my wallet and use it so I don't lose everything.

I miss having my product so visible! I USED to sell jewelry ... then when someone saw it, they would say, "What a nice necklace" and I'd say, "Wanna know how you can get it for free?"
 
I have just gotten my Catalog Tote and have kept it simple. 1-2 full catalogs and about 5 Holiday Mini's with a about 3 recruiting brochures and drawing slips to get the persons info. I have my wallet, kids' stuff and personal things on the inside! Works great! Still no leads from it but I know they will come. Have when I wear my logo wear!
 
I haven't purchased the new one yet because I received one in my mystery box from conference. My only issue with it is the pocket where you put the catalog had a white piece of paper with the PC logo on it which caused the black ink to go onto the plastic. Maybe I can use some rubbing alcohol to remove it.
 
That's the conference tote from 2004. It's not as nice as the catalog tote that's on supply order, but it works in a pinch.
 
After reading the recent posts about the catalog tote I decided to switch from my PC purse to the tote. Last night I was placing an order at the counter & a womans husband made a comment I didn't hear completly. They were at the next register placing their order. I looked at him w/a question look on my face & he said do you sell PC & then the light bulb went off. lol I said YES! He said give his wife a catalog & she'll buy tons from me. She then came over & I told her I had a catalog & she said her family is always stealing her PC tools & she needs replacements & gifts! Yea, I'm excited to see how much more I get from people out & about w/the tote instead of the purse.
 
Kasey, that's awesome! I'll be getting mine to in my next supply order. :)
 
Don't forget to get that person's information. That way you can call or email in a week or so to remind them they have a catalog, see if they have any questions, want to book a show, place an order. Oh I write on the top of my slip where I met the person and maybe a comment or two that was said (short).
 
Becky, that's a good idea. I liked the little kit that Peggy had in the video on the official website - recipe cards, mini catalogs, and a notepad with a pen, very organized.

We love Monterey! I'm in the South Bay/Peninsula and we go down a few times a year to visit the aquarium. :)
 
I went to a Belinda Ellsworth seminar today and she shared a GREAT tip for handing out catalogs when you're out. Put a sticky note on the cover of the book. Then, when you hand the catalog to someone, ask them to write down their info. You take the sticky note with the info, and they keep the book.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are promotional catalog totes and how can they benefit my direct sales business?

Promotional catalog totes are branded bags designed to carry product catalogs, samples, and marketing materials. They benefit your direct sales business by providing a professional way to present your offerings, making it easier for potential customers to browse your products while also promoting your brand through eye-catching designs.

How can I effectively use promotional catalog totes during events or parties?

During events or parties, you can use promotional catalog totes to organize your materials and keep everything easily accessible. Hand them out to guests as they arrive, filled with catalogs and samples, or use them as a way to collect orders and feedback. This not only enhances your professionalism but also encourages guests to engage with your products.

Are promotional catalog totes cost-effective for my business?

Yes, promotional catalog totes can be a cost-effective marketing tool. While there is an initial investment, the visibility and brand recognition they provide can lead to increased sales and customer loyalty. Additionally, they can be reused multiple times, maximizing your return on investment.

What types of promotional catalog totes work best for Pampered Chef products?

For Pampered Chef products, look for totes that are durable, spacious, and have compartments for organizing catalogs, samples, and utensils. Totes with a professional appearance and your branding will resonate well with customers, making them more likely to remember your business and products.

Can I customize promotional catalog totes to reflect my personal brand?

Absolutely! Many suppliers offer customization options for promotional catalog totes. You can add your logo, choose colors that match your branding, and even include motivational quotes or taglines. This personalization helps create a stronger connection with your customers and reinforces your brand identity.

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