Was Asked About Cooking "Classes"

[pampered1224]

I have no clue what to do here. I have a customer who thought it would be neat if I held some cooking classes. I know if I got this type of exposure, it could probably create a booking or sales boom for me but I am scared to death to even try it. I am hoping someone out there has done this before. And can tell me how you go about it.
I do know of some one named Lynn in Virginia who did this. My guest moved here from there and that is how she got interested in PC products. AND the consultant DID NOT sell at this venue. She did not even mention PC. Just did a cooking class using PC products. Focus on recipes not products. She gave everyone business cards and that was it. No products, no recruiting info, no booking info, no nothing except the recipes.
Thank you in advance.

 

[pamperedbecky]

Hmmm, that's interesting. I know I held a Power Cooking workshop at my home, although everyone invited obviously knew I was a consultant. I did tell them there was NO NEED to buy anything, this was just a workshop, but once I got talking about the products, most people did buy something. However, I did sell two 12" skillets (one was to the "host" who won the host benefits). I think it's a neat idea and matter of fact, maybe a local park district would be willing to work with you on that. My park district allows residents to suggest a class, especially if they'd be the ones willing to teach it. Other than Power Cooking, I wouldn't know what else to offer since I'm pretty clueless in the kitchen if it's not a PC recipe or something easy like Rachael Ray.

I'd say explore it and see what happens!

 

[Nanisu]

I have a fellow consultant who does this, and makes them sign a contract that they will purchase $25 per class in products, she holds classes in her home with a minimum of 6 people (so she always has a show), and they sign up for 6 weeks at a time.It works for her.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

There have been consultants that do the apple pie making class and have guests purchase the products prior to...if you go to search you can probably locate something on this topic.

 

[missyciccolella]

There have been consultants that do the apple pie making class and have guests purchase the products prior to...if you go to search you can probably locate something on this topic.

I was going to suggest something similar...prepare one dish, but the products need to be purchased so everyone can make the recipe at the same time. This way it is more like instruction/class.

 

[dianevill]

I have a fellow consultant who does this, and makes them sign a contract that they will purchase $25 per class in products, she holds classes in her home with a minimum of 6 people (so she always has a show), and they sign up for 6 weeks at a time.It works for her.

Don't shoot me, but I don't think we can do this if we are representing Pampered Chef products. I think we can't charge for classes (although it would be charging for products, technically). I would really check w/ HO before doing this type of class.

As for offering cooking classes that aren't PC related, as in John's post, you may have to have a license (or something along those lines) to do so. I taught a cooking class last summer but it was through the rec department, so the rec department was lible for any accidents, etc.

I know, not much help, but just wanted to let you know that you may have a few hoops to jump through before just offering a class...

 

[Chef Bobby]

I've been to a cooking class where the teacher was a consultant and ex Director, but she didn't advertise it or mention it in her demo. She charged about $35 each. When someone asked about a product, she pointed to me and said ask him. He's with PC. She made 8 X $35 plus she took a few orders after it was over. She also had baskets in a corner with some of the items that we can get on our paperwork order.
A PC show is a cooking class if you demostrate a recipe and let the guest do the work.
Bobby