Unstated Etiquette: Passing Booths in a Cluster vs. Consultants in a Small Town

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the etiquette surrounding the allocation of booth opportunities for Pampered Chef consultants, particularly in situations where consultants from different clusters are involved. Participants share their experiences and opinions regarding whether booths should be passed to local consultants or retained within the original consultant's cluster.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares that they were invited to help at a booth last year and believes it should go to local consultants this year, as they can better service the area.
  • Another participant expresses that the original consultant should have the right to pass the booth to anyone they choose, emphasizing that the past consultant should have priority.
  • Several users mention that the lack of defined territories means local consultants should have the opportunity to take on the booth, rather than keeping it within a distant cluster.
  • One participant criticizes the cluster director for not prioritizing local consultants, suggesting that it is a disservice to customers.
  • Another participant recounts their success at securing a booth after applying, indicating that persistence paid off despite initial pushback from the cluster director.
  • One participant reflects on the importance of individual effort in making a booth successful, noting that creativity and hard work are key factors.
  • Another participant suggests that the cluster director could have managed the booth allocation better by inviting past workers, regardless of cluster affiliation.
  • One participant argues that since the original consultant did not have support from their cluster last year, the local consultant should have rights to the booth this year.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the appropriate etiquette for booth allocation. Some believe local consultants should have priority, while others support the idea of keeping it within the original cluster.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and opinions regarding booth management in a community without defined territories, highlighting the competitive nature of securing event opportunities.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar situations regarding booth allocations and event participation may find the shared experiences and viewpoints relevant.

lockhartkitchen
lockhartkitchen
Messages
2,154
Question background- Last year a consultant from another cluster got a booth at my hometown's biggest event. I was invited to help, after no one in her cluster wanted to to it. I was very successful. This year, the consultant isn't able to do the event. She said she was going to pass the information on to me. When her AD found out, she said not to pass it on to me, but keep it in her cluster, which is all located 40 min.-2 hours away. They have three major fairs/events held already in their area. This is the only major event for our town.

Question? I was told there is an unstated PC ediquette to keep a booth within a cluster no matter how far away the consultants live. Vs passing the booth on to consultants living in the small town. What do you think? Though we don't have territories with PC I feel the booth should go to consultants living in this small town that can best service this area.
 
I think that is a bunch of crap. She can choose to pass it on to who she wants. She can't do it and you were there last year so you should get first shot at the event as the past consultant there.Etiquette to me would be to do it yourself as this consultant or politely pass it on to who you feel most suited...cluster or not...But that is me... :)
 
No territories means no! What would happen to me then? We have 5 consultants in my housing area and another 5 in the other area (its military housing), so we'd each get a street? lol I could only imagine what would happen if that was the case! :-)

That Cluster Director obviously isn't in it to help the CUSTOMERS only herself! I think the consultant you worked with was doing the right thing to pass it onto you since you have the background info from doing it the year before. Sorry this director is being this way.
 
I think the AD is way off base. It isn't her business and a major disservice to the PC customers in your town. Go get the information yourself, and if necessary, explain to the event manager that you don't understand why a local business person has a lower priority for a table.
leggy
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thanks Becky for the support! I just wanted to hear from others that I was in the right. It ended up that the town hadn't selected vendors yet, so I applied too. I got one and so did they. I wouldn't back down, so the AD did. I have the town's booth, which I'm sharing with LOCAL pc consultants.
 
Good job Julie! She should have backed down.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
No one wanted to do the booth last year with the consultant from the other cluster. I had success and I think the AD wanted to see her downline experience it too. It's not the event, but my work and attitude that made it a success. I've been creative and done the work needed to make my business a success: newspaper advertising, welcome wagon, bridal shops, etc. These were all available to anyone. You have to work your business.
 
What the AD could have been doing is trying to keep it within the cluster, which does sort of make sense (don't attack me!). What I would do if I were the AD is to take over the booth and/or offer it to someone in the cluster with the intention of making sure those who worked it in the past (no matter what cluster) would get invited to be at the booth again. However, I would also look at how the booth got into our cluster in the first place. If I originally was in charge and for some reason had to let someone else take it over last year, I would make sure I would have it back this year...make sense? That being said, I would always invite back those who worked it and didn't screw me - ya know, those who actually show up and pay for their shift.
 
I understand your point Kate, but I look at it from the perspective that this other consultant was the one who got it last year and no one in her cluster was interested then. Julie helped last year so this year, I would say her and the other consultant have "rights" to it. If they other consultant doesn't want it, Julie should have rights to it before it goes to the cluster.If Julie had never been involved, I see your point.Besides, it's business, first-come, first-serve. There is an upcoming event here in town that my recruiter had done last year. She can't this year. She didn't necessarily pass on the "rights" to me, but I know of the event know she can't do it and made sure to register AND talk to the arranger about making sure I'm the only PC rep. before the 10-15 consultants in town from the "other cluster" get wind of it. ;)Hopefully, it will be worthwhile.
 
Good for you!

Most fairs/events are on a first come first serve basis too.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
Good for you Janet! After my experience, I spent time contacting all the events around me (PC hadn't been there before). I secured them all.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the etiquette for passing booths in a cluster at a direct sales event?

When passing booths in a cluster, it's important to be respectful and considerate of other consultants. Acknowledge their presence with a smile or a nod, and avoid blocking their booth while you browse. If you want to engage with a consultant, wait for an appropriate moment when they are not busy with another customer.

How should I approach a consultant's booth in a small town setting?

In a small town, it's essential to maintain a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Approach the booth with a positive attitude, and if you know the consultant, greet them warmly. If you're not familiar with them, introduce yourself and express interest in their products, which can help build rapport.

Is it acceptable to promote my own business while passing other consultants' booths?

While it's natural to want to promote your own business, it's best to do so discreetly and respectfully. Avoid interrupting other consultants while they are engaging with customers. If you have a chance to chat, you can mention your business, but prioritize supporting your fellow consultants and fostering a collaborative environment.

What should I do if I feel uncomfortable at a booth with a consultant I know?

If you feel uncomfortable at a booth with a consultant you know, it's perfectly acceptable to politely excuse yourself. You can say something like, "I just wanted to stop by and say hello, but I need to keep moving. Best of luck today!" This allows you to maintain a friendly relationship while respecting your own comfort level.

How can I support fellow consultants in a cluster setting?

Supporting fellow consultants can be done in various ways, such as sharing their social media posts, recommending their products to friends, or simply engaging in friendly conversation. You can also offer to help them with their booth if they are overwhelmed, which fosters a sense of community and collaboration among consultants.

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