Troubleshooting PWS Link Issues: How to Directly Purchase from the Outlet

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses issues related to the Pampered Chef Personal Website (PWS) links and the challenges consultants face when customers inadvertently place orders with other consultants instead of their own. Participants share personal experiences and observations regarding the functionality of direct links and the implications for order processing.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares that they typically send a direct link to their customers for outlet purchases but encountered an issue where an order went to another consultant.
  • Another participant mentions that they stopped including direct links in newsletters due to frequent issues with links de-linking during the order process.
  • Several users note that linking directly to specific items on the PWS may not work as intended and often redirects to other consultants or the home office.
  • One participant recounts a personal experience where a customer typed in their website address but still ended up placing an order with another consultant.
  • Another participant discusses a response from a newsletter designer regarding the technical aspects of linking and how it can affect order crediting.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the reliability of links and suggests that some customers may not be entering the website correctly.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the reliability of direct links and the technical issues surrounding them. Some participants agree on the challenges faced, while others have had different experiences with their links functioning correctly.

Contextual Notes

Participants are sharing personal experiences related to the use of PWS links and the impact on their sales, particularly during outlet promotions. The discussion reflects a range of technical understanding and varying outcomes based on individual practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who utilize PWS links for customer orders may find this discussion relevant, particularly those experiencing similar issues with order processing and link functionality.

robbiesmom123
Messages
51
A friend e-mailed me for my PWS link to purchase from the outlet. I usually sent out an e-mail to my regulars when the outlet refills, and have found it easier to just post the direct link so they didn't have to go thru all the steps. Long story short, she said she followed the link and processed her order and the confirmation stated the order went to another consultant. Is there any way to get it for me? I'm probably screwed, huh? It was only a $60 order, but who couldn't use a $60 order. I'm bummed. Each time I send the link. I try it myself and I get to where I should be. Thoughts? :cry:
 
This is the reason why I don't include the direct link in my newsletter anymore. Whatever program "engine" the HO uses to process the online orders, it doesn't retain that link when going into "order mode".... more often than not, I've heard stories of it de-linking :(Oh, and the reason you always get yourself is probably because of a cookie on your computer or something... I always get myself too....
 
When the PWS first came out, HO made mention that we aren't to link in email to any page of our PWS other than the front page. Attempting to link to a specific item or ordering will redirect to the lead system or to another PWS, depending on what the cookie settings are for the user.
 
Yep, you can only link to your home page of your PWS. The other "direct" links don't work (as you found out).
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Guess I learned the hard way. Thanks for your thoughts!
 
If it hasn't shipped, your customer can login and cancel the order.
 
Otherwise, call HO, they can cancel it. I've had that happen and successfully gotten the outlet order canceled.
 
this has happened to me twice this month and they typed in my website from my business card. just happened yesterday and she said so I need to go to your website right. I was on the phone when she done it and it will not show up the consultant's name until they hit submit. That is soo wrong... So I lost the sale while on the phone.
 
crissy11 said:
this has happened to me twice this month and they typed in my website from my business card. just happened yesterday and she said so I need to go to your website right. I was on the phone when she done it and it will not show up the consultant's name until they hit submit. That is soo wrong... So I lost the sale while on the phone.

Makes me wonder if this has happened to me... You would think they would fix this.
 
crissy11 said:
this has happened to me twice this month and they typed in my website from my business card. just happened yesterday and she said so I need to go to your website right. I was on the phone when she done it and it will not show up the consultant's name until they hit submit. That is soo wrong... So I lost the sale while on the phone.

Well now how did that happen??!! She just typed in your address and was navigating and placed an order--or was she following a link? I'd call tech support or send an e-mail.
 
She typed in my website address. I had a lady a couple of months ago that done the same thing and she emailed me to let me know and she also called the home office. They told her she didn't have to cancel it that they would revert it to my website for me to get credit. I told her I didn't think that was possible unless she cancelled it herself. She said they insisted that they would do that. Of course, they never did.
This lady from yesterday called to cancel after it happened and the wait time was long with no call back so she didn't follow thru with it. And why should she have to do that. I wouldn't. It is ridicolous.
 
Oh my! That is crazy! I always wonder about these long hold times and how that is affecting the customers!
 
I subscribe to myemaildesigns newsletters. This whole topic has me worried because he has links included in our newsletters. I went ahead and e-mailed him my concern and this is what his staff wrote back (it's a copy of a response he made when it was asked by someone else another time):I discovered this issue with the .biz vs .com sites nearly two years ago when I began providing links in my designs. It is a problem that a non-technical designer might not have been able to understand or solve, and I have seen other newsletter designs that fall into the trap of sending customers to other consultants, or just to the home office where no one gets online sales credit!This is NOT a problem with my newsletter designs, because the links to do not go to the pamperedchef.com catalog; rather, they go to your pamperedchef.biz web site. The online catalog site passes along information from your .biz site to the .com site when a buyer from your personal site clicks through to the online catalog, thus giving you credit for the purchase. The problem arises when a designer unknowingly puts a link directly to an online catalog page found on the .com site. A link such as this bypasses the .biz site, and the catalog site therefore does not know which consultant should get the credit.The exception to this is the Outlet. There are no Outlet product descriptions on your personal site, and so for every Outlet picture or product name I always link to the "two-ways-to-order-products" page on your personal web site, with instructions on how to find the Outlet. Again, this way the online site can track where the buyer came from, ensuring you get credit for the sale.If you can, I'd love it if you could pass this response along to the director's loops and anyone else talking about this problem and let them know that the best way to ensure their links go where they should is to use my design service! :-)I appreciate your business.
Best regards,
Mike
So what do you guys think? Does that make sense? Is he correct?
 
I always send direct links to people for their emails to their guests for their show and never had a problem. I also go to my website and go into the Outlet and send them that link. They all go to my website... Not sure what the problem is. Are you copying everything in your address bar??
 
These are using my biz cards and typing in my website and it is going to others. Not all of the time but some that I know of. I have over 1000 email addresses that I send a monthly newsletter to and I type my website address in and it takes them there. But mine is happening when they are just putting in my website and it is directing them to someone else's at checkout.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a PWS link and how does it work for purchasing from the Pampered Chef Outlet?

A PWS link, or Personal Website link, is a unique URL assigned to each Pampered Chef consultant. It allows customers to browse products, place orders, and access special promotions directly from the consultant's outlet. When customers click on the PWS link, they are directed to the consultant's personalized online store, where they can shop for items, including those available at the outlet.

Why am I having trouble accessing the Pampered Chef Outlet through my PWS link?

If you're having trouble accessing the Pampered Chef Outlet through your PWS link, it could be due to several reasons. Common issues include browser compatibility, outdated links, or temporary server outages. Ensure that you are using an updated browser, clear your cache, and try accessing the link again. If the problem persists, check for any announcements from Pampered Chef regarding site maintenance.

What should I do if my PWS link is not directing me to the Outlet section?

If your PWS link is not directing you to the Outlet section, first verify that you are using the correct link provided by your consultant. If the link is correct, try refreshing the page or accessing it from a different device or browser. If the issue continues, contact your consultant for assistance or reach out to Pampered Chef customer support for further help.

Can I still purchase outlet items if I can't access the PWS link?

Yes, if you are unable to access the PWS link, you can still purchase outlet items by visiting the main Pampered Chef website directly. You can search for the outlet section from the homepage or contact your consultant for help in placing an order. They may also provide you with alternative purchasing options.

How can I ensure that I am getting the best deals from the Pampered Chef Outlet?

To ensure you are getting the best deals from the Pampered Chef Outlet, regularly check the outlet section through your PWS link or the main website. Sign up for newsletters or follow your consultant on social media for updates on sales and promotions. Additionally, consider joining any loyalty programs or special offers that may be available to maximize your savings.

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