Webzine Article Re: Direct Sales (Mlm's)

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses a webzine article about direct sales, particularly focusing on the experiences of Pampered Chef consultants in relation to other direct sales companies. Participants share their reactions to the article and personal anecdotes related to their experiences in the direct sales industry.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses that the article was a "HUGE eye-opener" and highlights the positive mention of Pampered Chef.
  • Another participant shares their experience of a friend who left Pampered Chef for Herbalife, noting the negative impact on her life.
  • Several users mention their surprise at the experiences shared in the article, particularly regarding the practices of other direct sales companies.
  • One participant recounts a past host's change in attitude towards direct sales, noting her initial reluctance and later enthusiasm for another company.
  • Another participant expresses gratitude for joining Pampered Chef after reading the article, contrasting it with other direct sales experiences.
  • Several participants share humorous anecdotes about misconceptions regarding their work in direct sales, particularly in social situations.
  • One participant mentions sending the article to their downline, upline, and sideline, indicating its perceived value within their network.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding their experiences with direct sales companies, with some expressing pride in Pampered Chef while others share negative experiences related to different companies. No clear consensus emerges on the overall sentiment towards direct sales as a whole.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and reactions to the article, reflecting a range of perspectives on direct sales and their implications for consultants.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants within the Pampered Chef community may find the shared experiences and insights relevant to their own journeys in direct sales.

micocina
Gold Member
Messages
375
My Director just shared this article with me and it is a HUGE eye-opener!!! It is very long but worth the read. The best thing about it is that although it puts some popular DS companies in a bad light it is really POSITIVE when mentioning Pampered Chef (whoohooo). One more reason to be proud of what we do.

Quote from the article:

"In truth, not every single MLM is regarded as problematic by industry watchdogs. On his website, mlm-thetruth.com, Jon Taylor goes out of his way to highlight one company he feels operates aboveboard: Pampered Chef. “Fair and equitable distribution of income in compensation plans for participants who focus on product sales are extremely rare in MLM/network marketing,”

http://brainchildmag.com/essays/summer2008_schultz.asp
 
I read that article today and found it very interesting!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
finley1991 said:
I read that article today and found it very interesting!
One of my consultants dropped PC to do Herbalife and after reading this it all made sense. She has had to borrow money to "invest", she was on the verge of losing her house, she doesn't see her kids as much and all they eat is Herbalife. A friend of hers told me all of this and added that she liked her better when she was doing PC. It is really sad.
 
One of my hosts had her show with me in Feb 2007. When we talked about the opportunity, she told me that she would NEVER do another DS business because she "got roped into MK". Fast forward to this afternoon... she calls me because she needs to return her kitchen shears and asked if she could bring them by.. I said yes and asked her to leave them by the door. She said that she would along with her current MK catalog. I asked her about it saying that when she had her show, she didn't seem really excited about it but today she was totally different and said that she's really into it now. Interesting....
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
finley1991 said:
One of my hosts had her show with me in Feb 2007. When we talked about the opportunity, she told me that she would NEVER do another DS business because she "got roped into MK". Fast forward to this afternoon... she calls me because she needs to return her kitchen shears and asked if she could bring them by.. I said yes and asked her to leave them by the door. She said that she would along with her current MK catalog. I asked her about it saying that when she had her show, she didn't seem really excited about it but today she was totally different and said that she's really into it now. Interesting....
It blew me away where it said they they are told to "say" things that are not so, yeah really makes you wonder.
 
Interesting article. Makes me glad I decided to join PC! I can't wait for DH to read it, one of his 'friends' tried getting him involved in another DS that is very much like the ones they talk about - THANK GOD he didn't get sucked in! He's a total PC supporter after his experience now too :)
 
A few months ago I was on a date and he asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I'm a sales manager with The Pampered Chef. His response: "So you don't have a real job?"Nice, eh?
 
So I'm assuming there wasn't a second date?
How rude!
 
HAHA! No... there was no second date. :yuck:
 
finley1991 said:
A few months ago I was on a date and he asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I'm a sales manager with The Pampered Chef. His response: "So you don't have a real job?"

Nice, eh?

and my reply would have been....."just like you don't have real hair?"
 
Thank you for sharing this Addie! Definitely worth reading.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #12
finley1991 said:
A few months ago I was on a date and he asked me what I did for a living. I told him that I'm a sales manager with The Pampered Chef. His response: "So you don't have a real job?"

Nice, eh?

NO WAY!!! I don't know if I should laugh or be upset!!! Loser! You have the best job ever and one you can be proud of as we just confirmed. :)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
pamperedlinda said:
Interesting article. Makes me glad I decided to join PC! I can't wait for DH to read it, one of his 'friends' tried getting him involved in another DS that is very much like the ones they talk about - THANK GOD he didn't get sucked in! He's a total PC supporter after his experience now too :)

Well... the consultant I spoke about before was doing fine with PC until her husband started taking the Herbalife behind her back for over a month and a half. He lost a lot of weight and was sold, he then signed up and let her know "they" were both doing this now. They almost divorced over it initially but he convinced her in the end. She was afraid to tell me that she was now involved with this and I told her that she should do what was best for her. I even tried the product and lost some weight too but it was too expensive to keep up. She told me later that they spent about $600 just on the stuff they consumed as a family a month!
 
What a fabulous article! I just sent it to my downline, upline and sideline!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #15
ChefLisa said:
What a fabulous article! I just sent it to my downline, upline and sideline!
If they have family or friends that do those businesses expect some input. ;)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is direct sales and how does it differ from traditional retail?

Direct sales involves selling products directly to consumers, often through personal connections or home parties, rather than through a traditional retail store. This model allows for a more personalized shopping experience and often includes a commission structure for sales representatives, unlike traditional retail where products are sold through established stores.

What is Pampered Chef and how does it fit into the direct sales model?

Pampered Chef is a direct sales company that specializes in kitchen tools and cooking products. Representatives, known as consultants, host cooking shows and demonstrations to showcase the products, allowing customers to see them in action before making a purchase. This hands-on approach is a key aspect of the direct sales model.

What are the benefits of joining a direct sales company like Pampered Chef?

Joining a direct sales company like Pampered Chef offers several benefits, including flexible working hours, the potential for significant income through commissions and bonuses, and the opportunity to build personal relationships with customers. Additionally, consultants often receive training and support from the company to help them succeed.

Are there any risks associated with direct sales and MLMs?

Yes, there are risks associated with direct sales and multi-level marketing (MLM) companies. These can include the potential for financial loss if sales targets are not met, the pressure to recruit new members, and the possibility of market saturation. It's important for individuals to thoroughly research the company and understand the business model before joining.

How can I effectively market my Pampered Chef business?

Effective marketing for a Pampered Chef business can include leveraging social media platforms to showcase products, hosting engaging cooking demonstrations, and building a loyal customer base through excellent service. Networking with friends and family, participating in local events, and utilizing online marketing strategies can also help increase visibility and sales.

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