Unfair Commission Adjustment for Returned Online Orders?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses experiences and opinions regarding commission adjustments for returned online orders within the Pampered Chef consultant community. Participants share their personal experiences with commission deductions related to returns and express varying levels of understanding and concern about the policy.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expressed surprise at receiving a commission deduction for a returned online order, noting they had never encountered this before.
  • Another participant mentioned that they believed commission adjustments were standard practice for any returned items, sharing their experience of a similar situation with a show order.
  • Several users noted that if an entire order is returned, commissions are typically adjusted, while partial returns do not affect commissions.
  • One participant shared their understanding that the policy may be a response to past abuses by some consultants who returned items after achieving sales goals.
  • Another participant questioned the rationale behind a customer returning an entire order, suggesting it was unusual and indicating a desire to understand customer feedback.
  • Some participants expressed frustration over the policy, feeling it unfairly penalizes honest consultants for the actions of others.
  • One participant recounted a personal experience where a significant commission adjustment occurred due to a large order being returned, reflecting on the impact of such policies on their earnings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the fairness and clarity of the commission adjustment policy, with some participants agreeing on the mechanics of the policy while others express concern about its implications for consultants.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary widely, with some having never faced commission deductions for returns, while others have encountered adjustments multiple times. The discussion highlights the complexity of managing customer returns and the impact on consultants' earnings.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants seeking to understand the nuances of commission adjustments related to returns may find this discussion relevant, particularly those who have experienced similar situations or are curious about the policy's implications.

Kelly8
Messages
553
I just received a voicemail from the company today that said that an on-line order that was placed in January on my PWS was sent back for a full refund. I have no idea who placed the order-must've been a lead. Anyway, the company is taking the commission out of my next paycheck! What?! I have never heard of this before. What is the difference between that refund and any from shows? I'm kind of floored about this. Has this happened to anyone else?
 
Wow! I have not heard of that happening before. Please, call finance and find out what is going on. Maybe something needs to be updated in the policy guide that if indiv. orders are returned we will have a commission adjustment. Let us know what they say.
 
I thought they took your commission back anytime something is returned. I had a customer return a cookie press she got from a Nov show and they took that small amount back and did an adjustment on my commission total. Just thought it was normal.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
@Becky-I will do that. I've returned many items and never had to pay for them. @ Shelly, was that an on-line order or show order? They don't normally take back the commission (not in my 9 years!).
 
I only SOME items from an order are returned, they won't adjust your commission. If an entire order is returned, your commission will be adjusted. It's really rather generous of Pampered Chef. Other companies will adjust your commission if any item at all is returned.
 
WOW, I've been selling for 6 years and have NEVER had any commission taken back on returns.
 
I rarely have returns but my understanding was that if a full order is returned then commission will be adjusted.
 
dannyzmom said:
I only SOME items from an order are returned, they won't adjust your commission. If an entire order is returned, your commission will be adjusted. It's really rather generous of Pampered Chef. Other companies will adjust your commission if any item at all is returned.

I was under the impression that if an entire show is returned, then the commissions are adjusted.

I went into the PG and checked, and it does say:

Note:
• If an entire Show or individual order is returned, commissions will be reversed and the commissionable sales total will be adjusted. In addition, points toward incentives or credit toward promotions or bonuses will be deducted.
 
I can understand where they're coming from, they do have a business to run, but it's still kind of sucky for the consultant. We work hard to get those sales and we have no control of people when they receive their order. Maybe take back the money, but at least leave the trip points!!!
 
dme.grant said:
I can understand where they're coming from, they do have a business to run, but it's still kind of sucky for the consultant. We work hard to get those sales and we have no control of people when they receive their order. Maybe take back the money, but at least leave the trip points!!!

I'm pretty sure that the reason why commission and points are deducted is because of dishonesty in the past. Consultants who abused the system, and would submit dummy orders and shows to get to a specific level, and then return the entire order/show for money back. TPC had to do something to guard against this.

So - don't blame PC, blame the consultants who've cheated. ;) Sad for those of us who run our businesses ethically and honestly, though.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I'm pretty sure that the reason why commission and points are deducted is because of dishonesty in the past. Consultants who abused the system, and would submit dummy orders and shows to get to a specific level, and then return the entire order/show for money back. TPC had to do something to guard against this.

So - don't blame PC, blame the consultants who've cheated. ;) Sad for those of us who run our businesses ethically and honestly, though.

Yes, I was told this by HO at one time too. For those of us who are honest, this may rarely if ever happen to us. You cant change it, so don't dwell on it.
 
One question I haven't seen is why did the customer cancel an entire order? I'd be contacting the customer to find out what the problem is--it sounds pretty unusual to not like anything.
 
gailz2 said:
One question I haven't seen is why did the customer cancel an entire order? I'd be contacting the customer to find out what the problem is--it sounds pretty unusual to not like anything.

There is a good chance that she doesn't have the customer's info, if it was a lead order, most of the time they block their address and info.
 
pamperedlinda said:
Yes, I was told this by HO at one time too. For those of us who are honest, this may rarely if ever happen to us. You cant change it, so don't dwell on it.


Yes, I heard of an Upper Level Director who ordered a whole bunch of cookware to earn the trip and then returned it all in January! :eek:
 
PamperedK said:
Yes, I heard of an Upper Level Director who ordered a whole bunch of cookware to earn the trip and then returned it all in January! :eek:

Wow! That is just plain WRONG!!:mad:
 
I understand and agree with the policy, but what if the person only ordered one thing and it was an HO Lead? If the person blocks their address you have no way of doing a Customer Care Call to see if there is an issue with the item they ordered.
This would make sense as to why 2 different times I have had less than $5 deducted from my PC account and couldn't figure out why!
 
gailz2 said:
One question I haven't seen is why did the customer cancel an entire order? I'd be contacting the customer to find out what the problem is--it sounds pretty unusual to not like anything.

I agree. I had a customer place an individual order for cookware, got it, tried it, hated it, and returned it for a full refund, and my commission was adjusted. This was before the stainless steel cookware was available, so I couldn't offer them something instead (they didn't like the non-stick coating). It happens, and you have to just continue to provide good customer service and tell them you'll be happy to help them with anything else in the future that they may need. They'll most likely come back and order from you again if you are gracious and understanding with a return. :)
 
I had the same thing happen. Several years ago a friend bought both sets and all the open stock Executive Cookware for her daughter for her wedding. The wedding got called off. Now, the cookware was ordered almost 8 months prior during one of our cookware specials. They adjusted my commission based on the sale price of course. Funny as I never even questioned the adjustment. I figured just like any store, our profit goes down when items get returned. That was a $250 loss though and hurt. I know of a few ladies who purchased a ton of DCBs and were selling them at a flea market of all things. Full price. I think I saw maybe 30 to 40 of them. Along with a bunch of other items. I did not know who they were but I recognized one of them from NC. I was out of state when this happened. So if they did not sell the items, I would have to assume they sent a ton of stuff back. I personally would have been very upset if their commissions had not gotten adjusted. And no, I could not do anything about it. No camera, no phone cam, and only about 20 minutes left of the market so calling someone would not have helped. I was just hoping they got theirs in the end. A nice commission adjustment and loss of points would be good enough.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an unfair commission adjustment for returned online orders?

An unfair commission adjustment for returned online orders refers to a situation where a sales representative's commission is negatively impacted due to the return of products sold online. This can occur when customers return items, leading to a deduction in the commission that the representative earned from that sale, which some may perceive as unjust, especially if the return was beyond their control.

How can I avoid unfair commission adjustments?

To minimize the risk of unfair commission adjustments, focus on providing excellent customer service, ensuring customers are satisfied with their purchases, and clearly communicating return policies. Additionally, consider following up with customers after their purchase to address any concerns they may have before they decide to return items.

What should I do if I believe my commission adjustment is unfair?

If you believe your commission adjustment is unfair, you should first review the return policy and the circumstances surrounding the return. Then, gather any relevant documentation or evidence and reach out to your direct sales support team or management to discuss your concerns and seek clarification or resolution.

Are there specific guidelines for commission adjustments related to online orders?

Yes, most direct sales companies, including Pampered Chef, have specific guidelines regarding commission adjustments for online orders. These guidelines typically outline how commissions are calculated, the impact of returns, and any exceptions that may apply. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these policies to understand how they affect your earnings.

Can I appeal a commission adjustment decision?

Yes, in many cases, you can appeal a commission adjustment decision. This usually involves submitting a formal request or appeal to your company’s support or management team, providing your reasoning and any supporting evidence. Each company may have its own process for handling appeals, so be sure to follow the specific procedures outlined by your organization.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • flemings99
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
5
Views
2K
Jolie_Paradoxe
  • msmileyface
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
2
Views
2K
MLinAZ
  • pampchefrhondab
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
4
Views
2K
AnaCash
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
  • flemings99
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
5
Views
2K
cathyskitchen
  • jrb0328
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
2
Views
1K
cmdtrgd
  • Becca_in_MD
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
7
Views
2K
raebates
  • cheflorraine
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Replies
6
Views
8K
gilliandanielle
  • Tracy99
  • Pampered Chef Finances
Replies
14
Views
5K
Teresa LM
Back
Top