Tips for Newbies: Mail vs. Hosted Postcards, Show Ingredients & Email Invites

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various practices among Pampered Chef consultants regarding the mailing of invitations, purchasing show ingredients, and sending email invites. Participants share their personal experiences and preferences, particularly focusing on the roles of hosts and consultants in these processes.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that they prefer to send out invitations themselves to ensure timely delivery.
  • Another participant shares their experience of having hosts send out invitations, with most opting to hand them out personally.
  • Several users mention that they typically have hosts purchase the ingredients for the show, although some do buy them to ensure the right items are available.
  • One participant describes a situation where they bought groceries for a host who couldn't afford them, noting it as a business expense.
  • Another participant states they have started sending invitations since the introduction of guest labels, finding it beneficial for timely communication.
  • One consultant shares that they have seen a decrease in cancellations and an increase in sales since they began mailing invitations for their hosts.
  • Another participant discusses the idea of providing a "party in a bag" to simplify the process for hosts.
  • One participant mentions using incentives for hosts who successfully gather a large guest list.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether consultants or hosts should send invitations, as well as who should purchase ingredients. No clear consensus emerges on these practices.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and practices, reflecting a variety of approaches to managing show logistics within the Pampered Chef community.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants or those looking to refine their approach to managing invitations and show preparations may find the shared experiences relevant.

L
leannvv
Messages
134
Not sure where to put this!
Do you: mail your own postcards or have the host do it? If they do it, do you do fill in info or address?
Buy the ingredients for your shows? If so, to all, or is a special deal?
Have an email invite?

My director mails her stuff, and offers a "party in a bag" if you sign up with a date at a party to host in the next month. When she does this she provides the goods.

Do you have a special email to send your host about their shopping list?

Enough from me! :o My 1st show is in about 3 weeks and I have 39 people on her invite list. I volunteered to send them out this time since she is my 1st and am just wondering if it is common practice?

THANKS, Ladies!
 
Question for a newbieI always have my host send out her invitations. Sometimes they mail them and 90 percent hand them out. I :p do provide the invitations.
I always have my host buy the ingredients. Unless its something that I make at home to bring to make for the party that needs to be done ahead of time.
What I did one time is there was a women who wanted a party but she wouldn't have one do that fact she couldn't afford any of the groceries no matter how inexpensive the recipe was. So I bought the groceries and she had a wonderful party. Just wrote the groceries under business expense.:p :p
 
I offer to send out the invitations. If they really want to do their own, I let them. Some people like to, which is fine. I used the invitation's we're provided. I just started to bring my own ingredients and I have to say it saves me a headache, worrying if they bought the right thing.
 
Hi Leeann!

1st Congratulations on joining PC!!! :D I too just started!

I was with another party plan years ago, and I ALWAYS sent out the invites. This way I knew it got done and in a timely manner. Now my director has them send her their guest list with the postage for sending them out. If they have a $500 show then she reimburses them the money for the stamps. I haven't decided if I want to do this or not yet (asking them for the postage that is). I might be afraid they only have $4 and invite 10 people! But it does make them strive for that $500 show.

I have also toyed with providing the things for the recipe or not. This way you know that everything is there.

I guess you just have decide what you can shell out for costs and with gas and office supplies both or one of the above things will probably have to go.

Good Luck with your business!!

Kelly
 
I send out the invitations for my hosts now, but I just started doing that when the guest labels came out in March. I like knowing that the invitations were sent out on time. I just write off the postage as a business expense. I also buy the ingredients for the show and have them reimburse me when we close their show. Many of my hosts really like this-they just have to get the drinks and paper products ahead of time. I have offered "party in a bag" before with the paper products in there. I like knowing that the right ingredients will be there.
 
I send out the invitations and write off the postage I've been doing that for nearly a year. As pamperedgirl3 said, I like knowing the invitations went out on time (or even actually sent at all).

Usually I have my Host buy the ingredients though I may purchase something that I think they may not use again (like gingerroot) but that I will use at an upcoming show (I try to do the same recipe all month). Sometimes I bring all of the ingredients and have them reimburse me when I get to their house.
 
I mail out the invites for my hosts and pay the postage cost. Now since I have started this I have seen a dramatic decrease in cancelled or rescheduled shows. I have also seen an increase in sales, because I reward my hosts for having 40 guests on their invite lists, and if they have it back to me by a certain date.
 
Hi Amanda!

Do you mind me asking what kind of incentives you use?

Thanks -
Kelly
 
My hosts usually just hand them out to their friends. I saw a cute idea on here about calling the host two days or the day before the show and saying "I forgot to tell you to have your guests bring their ugliest scraper/whatever tool and they can win a new one!" That way they have to call everyone on their list and remind them about the show! Just don't forget to "forget"!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of using mail postcards for inviting guests to a Pampered Chef show?

Mail postcards can create a personal touch that digital invitations often lack. They stand out in a mailbox, making them more likely to be noticed. Additionally, physical postcards can be kept as reminders, and they allow for creative designs that reflect the theme of your show, which can excite potential guests.

How do hosted postcards differ from regular mail postcards?

Hosted postcards are specifically designed for events where a host is inviting guests to a show. They often include details about the host's special offers or promotions, making them more personalized. Regular mail postcards may not have this level of customization and may focus more on general information about the Pampered Chef brand rather than a specific event.

What ingredients should I consider showcasing at my Pampered Chef show?

When selecting show ingredients, consider items that are visually appealing and easy to prepare. Focus on popular products that demonstrate the versatility of Pampered Chef tools. Ingredients that can be prepared in advance or require minimal cooking time are ideal, as they allow you to engage with guests while showcasing the products effectively.

What are the advantages of using email invites over traditional mail invitations?

Email invites are cost-effective and allow for quick and easy distribution. They can be sent out instantly and can include links to RSVP directly. Additionally, you can track who has opened the email and who has responded, making it easier to manage your guest list. Email invites also allow for easy updates and reminders as the event approaches.

How can I effectively combine mail postcards and email invites for my show?

Combining both methods can maximize your reach. Start with mail postcards to create a buzz and provide a tangible reminder of the event. Follow up with email invites to reinforce the message, provide additional details, and allow for easy RSVP options. This dual approach caters to different preferences and increases the likelihood of guest attendance.

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