toBring a Laptop to a Show or Not....

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the experiences of participants regarding the use of laptops at Pampered Chef shows, focusing on the impact on order processing and recruiting perceptions.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about bringing a laptop due to concerns about potential recruits feeling pressured to purchase one.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a laptop for easier checkouts, noting that it has not negatively impacted their recruiting efforts.
  • Several users mention that having a laptop reduces mistakes in order taking and makes the process faster.
  • One participant highlights that they inform guests that their laptop was purchased with commission, framing it as a positive aspect of their business.
  • Some participants report that using a laptop allows them to focus more on engaging with guests rather than on calculations.
  • One participant notes that they initially hesitated to bring a laptop but found it significantly improved their efficiency once they started using it.
  • Another participant mentions that they do not own a laptop and rely on a calculator, sharing their financial constraints.
  • Several users discuss the types of laptops they use, indicating a variety of brands and models.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether bringing a laptop affects recruiting perceptions, with some participants feeling it enhances professionalism while others express concern about potential recruits feeling intimidated.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding the use of laptops in their business practices, with varying levels of comfort and financial ability influencing their choices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering the use of laptops at shows may find the shared experiences and opinions relevant to their decision-making process.

Is it a good idea to bring a laptop to shows

  • YES! Makes the job easier.

    Votes: 56 93.3%

  • No! It's something else to carry.

    Votes: 1 1.7%

  • NO! It may scare off a potential recruit.

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other: Please elaborate. Thanks!

    Votes: 3 5.0%
  • Total voters
    60
  • Poll closed .
S
SusanBP0129
Messages
1,699
Not sure if I should start bringing my laptop to shows. I think it would make checkout a bit easier....but I don't want a potential recruit to think they would need to buy one....KWIM? Thoughts??
 
I bring one because it's just so much easier for check out. I used to be so afraid I'd mess up adding (and I would!). I've considered the recruit factor, but I've paid for it with my commission seems to be a great recruiting tool.
 
If you have one ABSOLUTELY...bring it in MHO. It makes everything sooooooo much easier when taking orders etc. I would have so many mistakes if i did not take mine. :p
 
I bring it! I tell people that I bought it with a commission check--even though I didn't have one for the longest time!
 
I started bringing mine last September and it has not adversely affected my recruiting AT ALL!
 
It makes your life so much easier and you can finish up orders so much quicker!! Then when you come home, no more handling the order forms, just stick them in the folder, that I keep in my lap top and you're ready to add the outside orders and hostess order!!

LOVE IT!!

Only thing, remember, to update before start of new month, I forgot to do that before my first March show and felt like such an idiot!!

Learning lesson for sure!!

Lisa
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
update??
Lisa/ChefBear Only thing said:
Update what? I'm confused....:confused: :D
Click to expand...
 
time saver! BIG TIME! I was always afraid to make mistakes by calculator so I would double-check the adding. I'm sure it looked really unproffessional. Now I just click click clack and it's done. Free's up my thoughts for recruiting and booking conversations!
 
I took my laptop a few times but just couldn't save time. I was having to enter the person's name and typing the item numbers wasn't too easy. It just seemed to be more complex but maybe I should try again soon....
 
I forgot mine one time....and was totally lost without it! I am so mathmatically challenged, that even with a calculator, I can't seem to total receipts correctly....and I'm usually trying to chat w/ people while I do their order, so I forget if I added everything up, or if I've already done the tax...and did I remember to put in the shipping before I did the tax.......my order taking is so much easier now that I bring my laptop!
 
I've been taking mine for a while and wouldn't go back to the calculator. Guests actually seem impressed that I can do it on the laptop and that it is so much easier...

I don't think it would hurt recruiting - if someone mentions the laptop I always say that I love being able to use it, but I also have done it with the calculator too and both ways work just fine.

Try it and see if you like it - you know your math is right and then you have less paperwork to take care of at home later. If I have too many people waiting I will not put in their address at the show - I will fill in that info later...

HTH!

Val
 
SusanBP0129 said:
Update what? I'm confused....:confused: :D
Click to expand...

I think she is talking about the product update in PP
 
Just curious. What do you all do with your guest order forms once you have entered the orders in your computer??
 
I bring mine, esp when expecting a large crowd. It's great b/c I can naturally sit somewhere that people can come to me. I tell them to sit for a minute and we can chat while I'm entering their order, which was harder when I was trying to make sure my math was right. It looks very impressive and professional. I tell them that PC paid for it and it's a great tax write-off! As for it being something extra to carry, I tend to be able to tuck it in a piece of the show-to-go. However, I don't tend to put the personal info in at the show b/c that seems to take to long...unless I have a minute between customers.
 
hoosierchef said:
Just curious. What do you all do with your guest order forms once you have entered the orders in your computer??
Click to expand...

I put them in the file folder I've created for the show and then file them away. I've been in this amost 2 years now and haven't purged any yet, but I will soon. I've just been too lazy to shred it.

I have an external HD for back up, so I'm not worried about the info getting lost.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #16
Ohhhhh!
jasonmva said:
I think she is talking about the product update in PP
Click to expand...

Thanks Jason!
 
Jules711 said:
However, I don't tend to put the personal info in at the show b/c that seems to take to long...unless I have a minute between customers.
Click to expand...

I have the guest dictate it to me while I type. Takes about 30 extra seconds and it's MUCH easier than trying to type it all in when I get home.
 
hoosierchef said:
Just curious. What do you all do with your guest order forms once you have entered the orders in your computer??
Click to expand...

I put them in a 3 ring binder and file the show report behind them when I transmit the show.
 
I LOVE my laptop at shows. I would never go back to calculater and paper! And, no, it hasn't negatively affected my recruiting at all!
 
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, taking my laptop to my shows!

I don't make any calulation mistakes now and before if the guest wrote the item number down and description and I didn't catch it until I get home, then I would have to play phone tag with them to see what they realy wanted. And if they wrote down the wrong amount and I didn't catch, well try getting the rest from them! Forget it!

I think people have actually responded will to me taking the laptop. They are always interested to know about the software, does it come in my kit or do I have to buy it. And this leads into recruiting.
 
I don't take one but I don't have one, and don't have the funds for one so I take a handy dandy calculator with me! I know lame but I can't afford a laptop! It was a laptop or a 56" HD TV guess which one won!! So we spent our tax return on a tv!
 
I love it! Saves time and mistakes (I am calculator illiterate)! It gives me the opportunity to say another thing that PC gives us (PP) and that I paid for it with my commission. Oh yes! I would not be without it!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #24
You guys have all convinced me!! Starting with tomorrow night's show, I will be bringing my laptop! :D Thanks!
 
I didn't take my laptop for 6 months, even though I bought it FOR PC. I was afraid to lug it around and afraid it would scare people off, but I'm not rolling in the recruits anyhow, so I decided I'd just do it...it's SO much easier. I used to do okay adding up orders with my calculator, but when it came to adding them up to tell the host where she was at, it took me FOREVER! Now it's all right there! I LOVE IT! I can't believe it took me so long!
 
If I had a laptop I would so bring it with me...Then I don't have to worry about things being wrong!:p
 
I wouldn't be caught dead without a lap top..oh no way...doing it by hand..haha. I so would have screwed up a lot of orders...LOL
 
What kind of Laptop do you all have??
 
Toshiba Satellite for me.
 
hoosierchef said:
What kind of Laptop do you all have??
Click to expand...

Duuuuuude...I've got a Dell......
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I bring a laptop to my Pampered Chef show?

Bringing a laptop to your Pampered Chef show can be beneficial, especially if you plan to showcase online resources, recipes, or videos. However, it's not mandatory. Consider your comfort level with technology and the type of show you're hosting.

What are the advantages of bringing a laptop to a show?

A laptop allows you to access online catalogs, recipes, and cooking demonstrations in real-time. It can also help you manage orders and customer information more efficiently. Additionally, having a laptop can enhance your presentation with multimedia elements.

Are there any downsides to bringing a laptop to a show?

One potential downside is the risk of technical issues, such as connectivity problems or software glitches. Additionally, carrying a laptop may add extra weight and require more setup time. If you prefer a more personal touch, a laptop might detract from direct engagement with your guests.

What if I don't have a laptop but want to use technology?

If you don't have a laptop, consider using a tablet or smartphone. Many apps and websites are mobile-friendly, allowing you to access the same resources without the bulk of a laptop. Just ensure your device is fully charged and has a reliable internet connection.

How can I prepare for a show if I decide to bring a laptop?

To prepare, ensure your laptop is fully charged and that you have all necessary files and presentations ready to go. Test your internet connection beforehand, and consider bringing a portable charger. Familiarize yourself with the layout of your show space to ensure you have a suitable spot for your laptop.

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