The Benefits of Promotional Catalog Totes: Share Your Experiences!

[kaseydee]

great idea Ann!

 

[pamperedharriet]

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.

Now, that's a good idea!!!!!!It's hard sometimes when people catch you off guard and them you try to find something to take down their info on.:thumbup:

 

[jbdowd0798]

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.

We love SF! lol We stay at the Marine Memorial Club when we go. Great rates, right off the trolley line, lots of fun!

I haven't watched the whole video. I keep mini catalogs with me, a pen, drawing slips for their information, and business cards.

 

[jbdowd0798]

Now, that's a good idea!!!!!!It's hard sometimes when people catch you off guard and them you try to find something to take down their info on.:thumbup:

You are soo right! It catches me off guard and I have to dig out my slips and pen. Maybe I'll do that on the minis that I carry since I only carry 2 large with me and one always has to stay in it.

 

[PamperChefCarol]

Just watched the video on CC about Patty McGovern and her catalog tote. Loved the idea of recipe cards and the little plastic thing she carried them in. I stopped at Staples to pick one up and no dice. Didn't have anything liked that. Anyone seen one of these around?????

 

[Chef Bobby]

I don't feel right carrying a tote, but I keep one in my vehicle with all of our information and a few catalogues. I keep all of my paperwork and flyers in a divided cloth covered file pouch that has a zipper.

 

[laurichef]

Try the dollar store for the plastic pouch. Some places call it a coupon organizer. I have always used this to keep my receipts organized. Guess I will have to clear it out for recipes instead. A cosmetic bag may do for the time being -- just something to keep the cards and cattys neat and in one spot. No one has to see where you get these from when you reach inside your bag.

 

[mypamperedbiz]

I learned at one of our cluster meetings to do an "on the go drawing". When someone comments about PC, ask them if they would like to enter a drawing for the month...week...or whatever you want to do, and have them fill out a door prize slip, that way it makes it easier to ask them to fill out the form...also the winner will be more likely to go w/ you if they get something free! Also in the coupon/receipt divider type thing mentioned before... keep mini catalogs, recipe cards, and so on in there so you can give those out to them as well. Everyone loves the recipe cards and they will be less likely to throw those away (unlike a catalog or biz card).

 

[lockhartkitchen]

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!

Exactly! Get their info. Yesterday I got two bookings from it! (Both for January) At work, someone saw the new catalog on it and when I was at the grocery store. "We've been looking for a PC person." Since the cashier was busy, I'm touching base with her again this week, to choose a date for her January show.

To make it easy, I keep my purse (small) inside the catalog tote. That way if I need to go somewhere more formal, I can grab my purse in an instant. I have got so many leads from the grocery store alone. I talk about the recipe I'm picking ingredients up for. It gets the conversation going.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I just got another lead from mine yesterday. I wasn't feeling well but had to go out and get a few things at WalMart. I went to the self checkout because I really didn't want to see anyone but the clerk overseeing those lanes came up to me and asked if I sell PC because she saw my bag. She was SO excited!

So even when I was not looking for business it came to me - always take your tote! You never know.

 

[ughubug]

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.

I just saw Belinda a couple weeks ago in Sacramento...SHE ROCKS! Leadership will be AWESOME!

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Isn't it cool Beth when it comes to us? I have a list for over the next two weeks of the 3 contacts I'm making daily. When I get contacts I hadn't "planned" on, it's even better. 2 unexpected shows for January. Wahoo!

 

[esavvymom]

Does the PC Catalog tote have "The Pampered Chef" logo across the top? I can't tell from the video. I really wish they had pictures of the items in the supply order!! I am new, I don't know what that stuff is.

 

[chefann]

Yes, it does.

 

[BethCooks4U]

Isn't it cool Beth when it comes to us? I have a list for over the next two weeks of the 3 contacts I'm making daily. When I get contacts I hadn't "planned" on, it's even better. 2 unexpected shows for January. Wahoo!

I know! :love: :sing:


To answer esavvymom: Yes the logo is on the front of the bag, just over the window where you slip the catalog. It has both "The Pampered Chef" and "Discover the Chef in You".

 

[BlessedWifeMommy]

Yesterday I couldn't find my keys coming out of the library. I had my 2 kids and was searching my bag outside the library. A lady saw my Catalog tote and asked me if I sold PC.

I guess it was a good thing I couldn't find my keys. Turns out my 2 year old was sitting on them.

 

[espinoll]

How much is the tote? I'm a new consultant.

 

[pamperedharriet]

How much is the tote? I'm a new consultant.

It's $15 and you can order it on your supply order.

 

[merego]

Ok, I am probably not the norm here, but I keep it in my car, but I do not carrry it every where I go. I just feel weird, not sure why just do. I have my PC vest and my yoga set I wear and that sparks conversation, but I have no desire to carry the catalog tote everywhere I go. I think it is because I know a lady we call the PC stalker and she carries her and hands out catalog to everyone she walks by and she is a stalker...... People are very put off by her and I have had people call me because they just can't deal with her pushiness anymore. So.... long story short.. my theory is I am just laid back about, maybe too much so??

 

[chefshawna]

Well, I think there can be a point where you take things too far, like handing a catalog to everyone you meet. But, I do carry mine everywhere and if someone asks a question or comments, I then ask them if they would like one and get their info. I think you can carry it without being pushy. It has really been a help to my business!!

 

[lockhartkitchen]

My tote did it again! Last week I had two bookings. Yesterday I was at the gym and I'm booking another one! The secret is following through and talking about the business. This lady said I love PC, but haven't seen it in awhile." I told her about the great host specials in January (hint: I'm booking Jan.) and the great recipe choices I'm offering. Would you prefer chicken or beef for your power cooking show? I'm assuming they'll book and setting it up in my conversation that way. Buy it if you haven't already. I've been using it before the "big hype" about it and have seen great success with it.

 

[coriatc]

I just got the Catalog Tote in my supply order this month...
I started carrying it yesterday ... today at Kohls the checkout person asked me about it and asked for a catty! I was carrying it less than 24 hours and have a contact from it!

 

[jessicafawn]

I haven't had any luck with it yet... I was using it as my purse since I got it about a month ago but I have found it's a little too deep for using it as a purse. For me anyway... So I carry it along with my purse when I go shopping but other then that I leave it in my car... I plan to buy one for my new recruit. How she decides to use it is up to her.

 

[chefmoseley]

I bought my tote in March and have had some small orders placed from it. Well that all changed today. I was rear-ended on Tuesday and the rear bumper to my 94 Altima cracked. The other person's insurance had me take my car to the shop today and had a rental agency pick me up and help me get a replacement car for the next few days. So the girl from the rental agency shows up and goes to the desk. The clerk points me out and the girl comes over. "hello I'm Stefanie." I said hello and stood up. "Are you doing a show for them or do you sell it?' (me completely out of pc mode) 'for who?' She says 'Pampered Chef, My mom loves PC and her consultant moved and she just lives half hour away. I live away from home this semester and could really use some stuff for my apartment. Can I order some stuff for people for Christmas? Let me call my mom". She excuses herself outside to make the call. I'm all stunned and like 'umm yes i sell pc'. She comes back in and says that her mom wants me to call b/c she needs to have a show before the holiday and that she wants some information about becoming a consultant so they will have someone local as her friends used to have shows every other month or so. The daughter wants to book before Christmas also so that all her friends can get good stuff for their mom's for Christmas. And please send the consultant info to her as well so that she can think about it as it seems like a fun thing to do.

So leads are everywhere especially when you least expect them

 

[get_cooking]

I'm debating on the catalog tote...For one thing, I haven't received any chatter from my logo wear. I'm also concerned about the practicality of carrying something so large as a purse. I like having pockets and what not to keep things organized in my bag.

I think I might just tell myself I only have to carry it for 1 month, if I don't get any leads, I'll go back to my old (perfect and super cute) purse. For $15, it can't hurt, right?

 

[BethCooks4U]

I'm debating on the catalog tote...For one thing, I haven't received any chatter from my logo wear. I'm also concerned about the practicality of carrying something so large as a purse. I like having pockets and what not to keep things organized in my bag.

I think I might just tell myself I only have to carry it for 1 month, if I don't get any leads, I'll go back to my old (perfect and super cute) purse. For $15, it can't hurt, right?

I wear logo things all the time and the tote has gotten my way more attention than the shirts ever have. Try it. It won't work if you leave it in the car though.

 

[pamperedharriet]

I bought my tote in March and have had some small orders placed from it. Well that all changed today. I was rear-ended on Tuesday and the rear bumper to my 94 Altima cracked. The other person's insurance had me take my car to the shop today and had a rental agency pick me up and help me get a replacement car for the next few days. So the girl from the rental agency shows up and goes to the desk. The clerk points me out and the girl comes over. "hello I'm Stefanie." I said hello and stood up. "Are you doing a show for them or do you sell it?' (me completely out of pc mode) 'for who?' She says 'Pampered Chef, My mom loves PC and her consultant moved and she just lives half hour away. I live away from home this semester and could really use some stuff for my apartment. Can I order some stuff for people for Christmas? Let me call my mom". She excuses herself outside to make the call. I'm all stunned and like 'umm yes i sell pc'. She comes back in and says that her mom wants me to call b/c she needs to have a show before the holiday and that she wants some information about becoming a consultant so they will have someone local as her friends used to have shows every other month or so. The daughter wants to book before Christmas also so that all her friends can get good stuff for their mom's for Christmas. And please send the consultant info to her as well so that she can think about it as it seems like a fun thing to do.

So leads are everywhere especially when you least expect them

Sorry about being rear-ended the other day but what a wow to get 2 possible recruits and some parties out of it! I am sure you were blown away today and not thinking of is my catalog tote showing the right way. Isn't it something when someone catches us off guard about selling PC? It's happened to me a couple of times and you feel foolish about not realizing what they are talking about at the time. Good luck with booking those parties and possible recruits! If this all comes through you know have a good story of how the catalog tote is a neccesity when you are out and about!!:chef:

 

[pamperedharriet]

Well, I think there can be a point where you take things too far, like handing a catalog to everyone you meet. But, I do carry mine everywhere and if someone asks a question or comments, I then ask them if they would like one and get their info. I think you can carry it without being pushy. It has really been a help to my business!!

I totally agree.

 

[koima]

For those concerned about organizing the inside, you could get something like the Purseket to keep it organized. I have one of them for my bag now and it's fantastic - easy to switch between bags and keep everything organized together. I know there are a couple of different companies that make them, but I've liked the purseket one that I have.

 

[esavvymom]

I know after reading this thread, I'm buying one! I hope it holds up well. I had purchased the little pink purse from Merrill only a month and a half ago, and the handle is already almost ripped off!!! I was so mad when I saw that. The handle seem was popping along the seam, but then yesterday I noticed it was actually RIPPED and coming off. I could fix the seam but I can't fix the rip. I don't treat it rough or anything, just an ordinary handbag. SO hopefully this catalog tote recoups my cost by helping me get some bookings and orders when I'm out and about.