Venting After Trying to Help a Friend's Home Business

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around a participant's frustration regarding the booking of a competing vendor at a local home business fair. Participants share their experiences and opinions about competition, vendor selection, and strategies for handling similar situations.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over a competing vendor being booked for a home business fair, feeling that their efforts to help were undermined.
  • Another participant suggests that the organizer should communicate with the competing vendor about the conflict.
  • Several users mention that it may not be too late to address the situation and suggest contacting the competing vendor.
  • One participant shares their experience of attending a similar event, noting that they did not view the competing vendor as direct competition.
  • Another participant believes that having the competing vendor present could be an opportunity to showcase the superiority of their own products.
  • One participant recounts a past experience with competition at a vendor fair, emphasizing the strengths of their own products over the competitor's.
  • Several participants discuss strategies for making their booth more appealing and effective at the fair.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether the competing vendor poses a significant threat, with some participants downplaying the competition while others emphasize the need for communication with the organizer. No clear consensus emerges on the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and opinions regarding competition in home business fairs, with participants sharing their thoughts on vendor selection and booth presentation.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants involved in organizing or participating in vendor fairs may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own situations.

etteluap70PC
etteluap70PC
Gold Member
Messages
3,657
Ok So I have been working with my CM (creative memories) lady for a while. We both have really been trying to work our business. We decided to put together a small home business fair (aprox 10 vendors) at our local hotel. I just found out she booked a Taste of Home Entertaining gal! I am so MAD!!! I purposely did not refer any other scrapbook people! I was the one with all the business contacts! I do not think she realized they had alot of simmilar products but I am still frustrated!!!!!

I am getting really tired of trying to help others with their home business and getting sc**wed!!!

Ok I guess I am done venting!
 
Have you told her that its our competition since she booked this woman? I feel bad for you. I hope you do well.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I mentioned it in a return email but she won't even see it till tomorrow, she works all day today. Sounds like the TOH gal was allready sending her a check. I know she will feel bad but it's kinda late... I just will do my best and not be competitive. I will make sure I get a better table though!
 
I wouldn't say it's too late. The CM lady really should call the TOH girl and explain that she didn't realize that there would be a conflict. All she has to do is mail the check back. The TOH girl might be a bit ticked off but she has to realize that she would want the same courtesy extended to her if she were the first vendor of her type in a fair.

It doesn't hurt to call the CM lady and explain your feelings. Good Luck!
 
I agree with GeorgiaPeach. If you ware working on putting this together then you should have a say in which vendors get to join in. I would say some thing it can't hurt.
 
GeorgiaPeach said:
I wouldn't say it's too late. The CM lady really should call the TOH girl and explain that she didn't realize that there would be a conflict. All she has to do is mail the check back. The TOH girl might be a bit ticked off but she has to realize that she would want the same courtesy extended to her if she were the first vendor of her type in a fair.

It doesn't hurt to call the CM lady and explain your feelings. Good Luck!
Click to expand...

I agree wholeheartedly with GeorgiaPeach
 
Just my opinion...I have been to a Taste of Home show and I do not really consider them to be our competition. A good portion of their catalog is for decorating. The items that are similar to ours tend to be more expensive.

If you are concerned then contacting the organizer would be okay. Even if the Taste of Home person will still be there, ask that your spaces are spread apart from each other.
 
I agree with Chef Lisa. Have faith in your products as you know that they are better. I think it is better that TOH is there and it shows that you are not afraid to say why your products are better (price, warranty, customer service, etc.) Good luck and if you truly don't want her there I think it is YOUR responsibility to call the TOH consultant and explain why.
 
I had the same thing happen to me at a small vendor fair. Taste of Home does have some of the products that we carry, i.e. Food chopper, pizza cutter, cookware, etc., but they don't have the awesome warranties we have, and their shipping is more expensive. Also, it takes a long time to receive products once ordered (could be they are new and just working out the kinks).

I was initially worried about the competition, but I believe that our product, company and warranties are far superior to TOHE.

Lori
Future Director
Texas
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
Thanks for your Input!I am just going to go with the flow.... I am going to follow the advice I give to my 4 year old and am not going to worry about other people just myself!

I will answer any objections honestly and positively! I believe in PC wholeheartedly!

Thanks!!!
 
There ya go!!That is the way I would think about it. Most people haven't even heard of TOHE yet. I would think they would be more likely to be excited about your booth.

Since you are in charge, is there a way to put her towards the end of the booth line up, so people will come to your booth first? ;)
 
Not only do you believe in your products but I am sure that you can pick the better table and location. Maybe get two tables so you can show more products and look more dominating and prepared!
 
I agree - a lot of people LOVE PC products and they know how they hold up, the great guarantees, etc. We have history behind us now!

Just make sure your table looks really nice. When I did my fair (wish I would have taken a picture) I had the tables in a U shape. I used all white table clothes. On the back table I used my 3 tier stand w/simple additions. I made a sign in the new spring colors that said "New! Bridal Rewards. Up to $200 in FREE products." That really got a lot of attention. Just make sure you have some info. to give customers if they ask about it. I also had my tool turn about decorated as a wedding cake and used the other simple additoins pieces. I put other products around them as well, like the food chopper, etc. The other table I put the new spring towels and products. The colors really showed up on the white tablecloth.

I also created a pamphlet (updated a copy I got on this site) which I had printed on turquoise paper and had my drawing slips printed in the same color. Many people took one. I even got a call from someone interested in selling - she's having a party in August. I had 100 pepole register w/me. About 1/2 are interested in a catalog or kitchen show. I will attach a copy later if you want to use it.

If you have any quesitons, please let me know.

Anyone know where to get a copy of a TOHE catalog? I haven't found it on-line anywhere.

Best of Luck!
 
Here is the PamphletHere is the file - I've just made some changes to it. Thank you to whoever first created it!;)

If people don't seem real interested. I ask them if they would like a free recipe. Them almost always say, "yes." This gets my info. in their hands!:p
 

Attachments

Sorry about the typos! It's late at night for me:).
 
My director is having a Taste of Home party next WED.--she says alot of decorating stuff--she loved the catalog
Just FYI
s:D
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed after trying to help a friend's home business?

It's important to take a step back and assess your feelings. Acknowledge that it's okay to feel overwhelmed and consider discussing your feelings with your friend. Setting boundaries on how much time and energy you can contribute can also help alleviate stress.

How can I express my concerns to my friend without hurting their feelings?

Approach the conversation with empathy and understanding. Use "I" statements to express how you feel, such as "I feel overwhelmed when I try to help with the business." This way, you focus on your feelings rather than placing blame, which can help maintain a positive dialogue.

Is it normal to feel frustrated when helping a friend with their business?

Yes, it's completely normal to feel frustrated, especially if you are investing time and effort without seeing immediate results. It's important to communicate these feelings to your friend and discuss how you can both manage expectations moving forward.

What are some healthy ways to vent my frustrations about helping a friend's business?

Consider talking to a trusted friend or family member who can offer support and perspective. Writing in a journal can also be a great way to process your feelings. Additionally, engaging in self-care activities, like exercise or hobbies, can help relieve stress.

How can I support my friend without feeling burdened?

Set clear boundaries about what you can and cannot do. Offer specific types of support that align with your strengths and interests, and communicate these limits to your friend. This way, you can still be helpful without feeling overwhelmed.

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