Top Directors Leaving Pampered Chef

[lovescooking]

Another PC consultant and I were just talking about the new career plan yesterday.
I have a difficult time with losing the career sales.
My friend said, "The company is weeding out those who want to work and grow from among the ones who do not."
I am surprised the hear this about Don Funt and I wish him well in whatever he wishes to do.

 

[heat123]

Wow, is all I can say! Just like the WOW from the shock of Tom!

 

[flemings99]

I have to agree on this especially!!! When I had my hysterectomy in May after 3 years and over 150,000 in career sales, I was told to keep my sales by doing catty shows... I had a long, hard and frustrating surgery, 5 kids and 2 houses to keep up with... did I need to worry about 150 in sales in the middle of the summer? So, there are my sour grapes...I just wanted a 6 month or so medical leave.. no worries, I am over it now...LOL

Agree that the loss of career sales stinks! I had 2 recruits that
"qualified" and would have given me level 3 instead of level 2--Mind you I had over 73,000 pts myself w/out their recruiting pts. Ended up with level 2 b/c the 2 last recruits went without sales Oct/Nov. and turned in sales in Dec. to bring them both to 1250. Bright side--hopefull they qualify in 2010 toward this yrs trip.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I think it depends on the company ( obviously.)
I have a good friend who just signed with Premier. The commission is higher, but they also have to pay a yearly fee of almost $400.00 to stay active. It's a trade off I think.
I love to cook. I love our products. My uncle actually called me because his neighbor is something like number 2 in company sales for Arbonne and she was looking for recruits.. indirectly I guess. He thought of me. I said thanks but no thanks. I am not the makeup lady. I am the cooking lady.
I think it also goes back to our strengths.

And their start-up cost is Astronomical!

Plus, don't they have to pay a jewelers fee, or tax, or something like that? OR is that the $400 you mentioned?

 

[beckyjsmith]

And their start-up cost is Astronomical!

Plus, don't they have to pay a jewelers fee, or tax, or something like that? OR is that the $400 you mentioned?

The $400.00 is the jeweler's fee. The kit is something like $800.00 IN ADDITION to that. Ay yi yi. That has to be discouraging to a lot of potential consultants. It certainly would be to me.

 

[wadesgirl]

Premier actually has a line of credit that you can open to start their business! You can get the cheap kit around $800 or the higher kit is over $1000. Plus the jeweler's fee. Also when you host a show you have to pay full price tax on all you free and half price stuff so you still have to pay out of your pocket.

 

[Kathy's_Kitchen]

Premier actually has a line of credit that you can open to start their business! You can get the cheap kit around $800 or the higher kit is over $1000. Plus the jeweler's fee. Also when you host a show you have to pay full price tax on all you free and half price stuff so you still have to pay out of your pocket.

Princess House works the same way in that you have to pay tax on your free and half price stuff. I have a good friend who sells it and I usually have a show every other year. I always forget that part and am taken aback each time...

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Princess House works the same way in that you have to pay tax on your free and half price stuff. I have a good friend who sells it and I usually have a show every other year. I always forget that part and am taken aback each time...

I was just looking at the Princess House Website...I really don't like websites that list products with no prices. :thumbdown:

But what I was really amazed at was how they are trying to mimic PC - even to the point of using "Your Life Your Way" on their heading of their site!

 

[Kathy's_Kitchen]

Oh, I know! It about floored me when they did that!And I completely agree about the no prices - it's very hard to get outside orders or the like when people don't know how much anything is. They've also recently started a bridal registry.... I love my friend who sells but I always have to bite my tongue when I'm at a show of hers and she talks about their knives (very inferior to ours IMO) and the cookware. While the cookware isn't bad, I think ours is better, of course! Oh, AND they recently came out with nonstick cookware, too.....

 

[ChefRhondaFeuer]

I have seen this happen (Executive leave) other times as well. A few years ago on an incentive trip someone was trying to recruit for another company- yikes and PC paid for the trip.
Yes, we do have the no compete clause and should honor that. The new career plan is just that NEW. So there has been a lot of adjustment for everyone, some good and some maybe not so good. But that is what happens in life.
I agree with chef jeanine work your business and it will work for you!! We all have ups and downs! I wish everyone much success!!

 

[pampered1224]

OK. Now that I heard what was said about Don I think it may be more a matter of greed rather than the "down-line" structural thing. I do know that when one has a lot of $$$, they seem to want more! Oh well, maybe it was time for him to go. I know when I do the same thing too much I get bored and want a new challenge. But geez, I don't think I would throw it all away that easily. Who knows? None of us will ever find out what really was his motivation. We have all seen it out here. One minute we are all PC YEAH!, YEAH!, YEAH! and then well, "I am giving up my apron." shows up on a thread by the same person a month later. That's the thing about free will. He was fun and really knowledgeable when I saw his presentation one year at NC and he really seemed to be very PC minded. I think that was 2008. I too recognized that the new set up IS a great motivator for regular consultants. Making that one recruit level something that could make our "profit" better was a good thing. Plus you have to remember the "ease dropping" was done right after the new program was announced so know one quite knew what to expect. No, I have not heard about anyone else but I too would be curious to know if any of them are having issues. My up line top director seems to be holding her position so... I would think though that at that level, with having so many people under you that the flux of active and non-active could make or break you. So I would wonder then if their stress levels are high enough to cause one to just decide "Nope, ain't doing it. I want something easier". But then again, I think it would be normal to have to worry about that flux even with the other program. Well, I am working my business from a different perspective since my last post on my Incentive thread convinced me that my own fear is holding me hostage. I personally like the idea that the "consistency" message is certainly being resounded here. If we keep recruiting, we keep replacing so we should be able to maintain our status. That's a simple message with a simple result. Oh well. I hate to see him go but then again, best of luck to him.

 

[pamperedlinda]

Hey John - I think he heard you were stepping it up and the competition scared him!!! LOL :chef:

 

[cookingwith_tara]

I used to be in Home INteriors but I got out when I heard they were going bankrupt. My Unit Director and some others were approached by some head person at park lane and they offered her the same level, free conference (travel included) that year for 'trying' it out, and a TON of product if she would come on over to them. So she did. Almost like they heard was happening and jumped at the chance to get those directors. That kind of stuff makes me not want anything to do with the company. It's sneaky, IMO. And I don't think it's fair to just bring someone over in a higher level when everyone else has to work at it. I don't know . I just don't like it.

 

[pampchefsarah]

Hey John - I think he heard you were stepping it up and the competition scared him!!! LOL :chef:

Haha!:love::thumbup:

 

[Melissa78]

Take one look at the prices of the jewelry that Park Lane has...for costume jewelry. Then you'll know why the host and consultant benefits are so lucrative. They offer higher percentages to their consultants for sales/recruits etc but it all comes at a cost...that is passed along to the customer. In today's economy, I personally could not sell a pair of earrings to someone that were over $100 for costume...I'd rather by gold/sterling or even small diamonds for that price. I would feel guilty pushing such luxury's on people...but to each their own. Not dissin' Don or anyone else that goes down the Jewelry route. I'm thrilled I got the chance to meet & spend time with him. I wish him and others nothing but the best. I'll be sticking to food choppers. I don't know the "old" plan so I don't know what's wrong with the new one but I don't yet see how its not attainable. Maybe when I am a higher exec then I will think differently.

 

[legacypc46]

Hey John - I think he heard you were stepping it up and the competition scared him!!! LOL :chef:

GREAT comment Linda!

 

[chef131doreen]

You said that really well Linda I agree ,

 

[PamperedDor]

Try to look at it this way, Life is like a highway, lots of speed,turns,and unexpected objects...Sometimes we head down the highway and enjoy the ride, other times its bumpy, then there comes a time that its time to get off at the exit and continue on another path...those who follow make their own choices and decisions... their highway only awaits them, possibly with traffic or maybe not... (oh ya, thats a Dor...)

 

[kreaser]

Dor
I agree with you about the 2 month inactivity..takes some creative planning when things like this take place. I had a total hip replacement back in 03...then in 07 had a hysterectomy. Fortunately I worked it out to not take any time off...had to really use the "sympathy" tactic to make sure I had catty shows going. I too, have 5 kids and it was a challenge!!! Moms don't get time off! LOL
Good thing was, that I had a little time to plan for the surgeries! Now, we are dealing with a new consultant of mine (she just started in Oct) had a house fire Dec 17th and lost everything...they weren't injured but they lost their 2 dogs...She doesn't get any type of grace period to try and get her business back up and running...She also has to re-purchase her kit in hopes that her insurance will eventually cover it. And not to mention all the other products she lost in the fire..including customers orders right before christmas...she had to re-buy them for them from PC and hope she can get those covered too. Talk about stressful...this was an unplanned event!! She is still plugging away...So God Bless her!

 

[pampered1224]

That's way to funny Linda! Well maybe it would be true if I could this old rear end moving faster! But hey, at this point, um I guess anything is possible! And NO I WILL NOT say, yeah right! Hey I have just as much a shot at it as anyone else. Thanks to Carolyn anyway, I am throwing "Yeah Right" out of my vocabulary! Should I be taking that as a vote of confidence Linda? Or are you just messing with my mind? Because if you are, just remember it is old and ain't working so good!

 

[sandilou]

Dor
I agree with you about the 2 month inactivity..takes some creative planning (she just started in Oct) had a house fire Dec 17th and lost everything...they weren't injured but they lost their 2 dogs...She doesn't get any type of grace period to try and get her business back up and running...She also has to re-purchase her kit in hopes that her insurance will eventually cover it. And not to mention all the other products she lost in the fire..including customers orders right before christmas...she had to re-buy them for them from PC and hope she can get those covered too. Talk about stressful...this was an unplanned event!! She is still plugging away...So God Bless her!

I'll second that -- GOD BLESS HER! But she can't get a grace period?!?! I can't believe that! I wonder what it takes to get one!

Sandi

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Kreaser, you consultant is a true inspiration. I had a consultant that her and husband both lost their jobs, and she had every excuse in the world for not working her PC. When you are down and really need it, you go for it! You do what you need to do. Great for her!

 

[pampered1224]

Thank you Kreaser and Julie for telling those stories. I lost my job on December 1 and I think it did do something to my ego. Rather it kicked the crap out of me! So now I too am getting my s*#& together and going full force. My mind set needed to be changed about fearing success and the reality that I can do it if I want it bad enough. So I commend your consultants. Kreaser, I am surprised and disturbed a bit though that HO does not have a what is it, a special thing for circumstances like that. I have to admit though that the best therapy I had when I was laid up for 9 weeks was getting on the phone and working my business via catalog parties. I did aver $4000 in sales from my couch! It made me feel so good to know I made enough of an impression on enough people to keep my business going even if I could not. So maybe it is a good thing that she can not just take off. I wish them all great things!

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Thanks John! I believe we get what we put into things. There are things out of our control. We can pity ourselves and our situations, or we can look to the future. After filing bankruptcy (due to my son's medical bills), given 30 days notice to move because owner was selling home, and moving twice in two months, life stunk! My husband, who owns his own computer business, hadn't had business since summer. Even though I am a teacher and make what I think is good money, we had nothing after moving cost. Literally!! We were very creative in our meals. I wasn't too proud to ask for help.
I was extremely depressed, until I "blessed and let go". It gave me a new sense of what I have -not what I don't have. There are people in worse positions than I was. I've put my PC business up front and I am working it hard.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I don't know all of Don's reasons but it was what he felt was right for him. We have to be careful of what we say his reasons were because speculation becomes fact after a while and that's not fair to him. If he tried to poach consultants then he has to live with that.

The consultants who have left are at a crossroad and choose another path and that's great for them. I applaud them! For myself, I am happy here (even though I occasionally feel a need to vent) and hopefully 2010 will be my year to grow my Pampered Chef business!

 

[pamperedlinda]

........Should I be taking that as a vote of confidence Linda? Or are you just messing with my mind? Because if you are, just remember it is old and ain't working so good!

John! You know I am one of your biggest fans boyfriend! You CAN do it - remember what you did with HWC not too long ago? You were in the TOP % of the company for fundraisers - Did you think that was going to happen when you were doing them? You sold more that month than most consultants sell in a year! See what you can do when you put your mind to it.....

 

[Intrepid_Chef]

One thing I will say about the alleged "consultant poaching." A lot of us enter this business because the person selling above us is our friend and mentor. So if they think it's a good thing, they may not have to say much for us to consider it a good thing too. That may or may not be the case here, but I'm sure nobody was dragged into Park Lane against their will.

 

[raebates]

Direct sales has a big turnover rate, even among people at the top. Every few years it seems like several leave at once. This no longer surprises me. As for "consultant poaching," it's true that many people bring their friends into the business. It's natural to let them know what you're moving into. However, there's a difference between:I'm leaving PC.Really? Where are you going?Company XWhy? Because I . . .
AndI'm starting a new business with _________, so I'm leaving PC. You should give it a try because . . .One is friendly chit-chat. The other is recruiting.

 

[pcchefjane]

I wondered about Don Funt...I noticed his website was no longer there. (I sometimes "troll" through the top-seller's sites to see what they are cooking, etc.)

I can sort of understand though. My hospitality director is no longer a directory because of the new career plan, and she recently lost all of her career sales (6 yrs with company and over $300k in sales) -because she didn't submit in Oct-Nov due to high-demands at her work and such that had her traveling alot. She didn't get a notice or anything about it to let her know (like we used to before going inactive). She was so upset because she felt that after 6 yrs and that much in sales, that she'd be given more respect and treated better by the company...and that would make sense. Seemed rather petty for the company to take the career sales status. "Demotion" is a good word for it.

With Consultant Connection, I don't see how your HD could not "notice" she was going inactive. I can understand being busy but she would know if her people under her were selling. Sorry she lost it but if she was not keeping up with her business or her downline, I can understand how she lost it all. I am just a Team Leader and I check on my two Recruits all the time. If I don't see any sales posted for a week, I call to see what is going on with them.

 

[pampered1224]

Jane - It happened to me my first year. I accrued just over $10,000 in sales in my first year and because of work, I did no parties in December 2001 and January 2002. My recruiter/director was very busy with her own life. Things get missed. But that is why they make such a point of making sure we know how to track our own businesses. It is hard but we all have to responsibility for our selves. I never blamed my director. I knew the rules.
As for Don, you are correct. We should not speculate. I am sorry I did. Sometimes the things too that motivate our decisions are not necessarily black and white either. So asking or speculating as to why, can not always be answered. And too what motivates others to move after a director moves, is none of our business anyway because it too could have been a simple explanation from Don to his people that motivated them. Just because someone tells some one else what they are doing and that person then moves too does not mean he out and out said - come with me! We can't know for sure. So yes, we need to stop.