What Do You Carry to Your Gigs? My Pampered Chef Loadout Story

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the experiences of participants regarding what they carry to their Pampered Chef shows. Many share their challenges in deciding what items to bring, balancing between having enough products to showcase and not overloading themselves.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions starting with a full kit but now struggles with the weight of their load.
  • Another participant shares their experience of limiting their items to what fits in a rolling case and tailoring selections based on recipes and specials.
  • Several users express the difficulty of deciding which items to leave behind, noting a preference for showing products in person rather than relying on catalogs.
  • One participant discusses the importance of bringing a sample of stoneware and other essential items for demonstrations.
  • Another participant mentions using a large plastic garbage bag for dirty dishes instead of a dish pan, which they find more convenient.
  • Some participants highlight the role of their spouses in helping with tasks during shows, including washing dishes and managing orders on a laptop.
  • One participant reflects on how their husband’s interest in the products influenced their decision to become a consultant.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the optimal number of items to bring, with some participants advocating for minimalism while others feel the need to showcase a wider range of products. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and preferences regarding their show preparations, reflecting a variety of strategies and considerations based on individual circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing their show load and balancing product selection may find this discussion relevant.

Carissidy
Carissidy
Messages
3,962
When I first started PC, I took everything with me bc all I had was my kit. Well, as all of you know your "kit" grows and now I was just wondering what people actually bring with them to shows? Right now my load is getting pretty heavy...:o
 
Angela,
I have the same problem - I take wwwaaaayyyy too much stuff. My AD put it to me this way - if someone is at one of your shows and wants to become a consultant, would they want to schlep around all of the stuff that you brought with you? I limit myself now. I have the rolling case and my TTA. If it will fit in there, I will take it! I try now to take everything that comes in the new kit, because those are such awesome products. They, I will tailor anything else that I take according to my recipe and the host/guest specials. I also ALWAYS take cookbooks and spices, because they are great add ons.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I am having a hard time weeding through because I think that if I am going to be the customer and am looking to purchase it, I would rather hold it and see it instead of just ordering out of a catalog? UUgghh!:cry:
 
Well, always know...you could take everything that you own except for 1 piece - and that would be the exact piece that someone would want to see! You just can't take it all!! Just take a sample. If I am not using stoneware, I take the small bar pan - it is tiny, but still shows the stoneware! The small bowls and caddy are perfect to show the SA - you get the idea. Do you use crates or the new bag?
 
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  • #5
I use the new bag...
 
I have a bad habit of bringing too much stuff as well! I tried to pair it down somewhat at my last show and felt like I had "forgotten" a whole bunch of stuff! I'm going to have to figure outhow to strike a balance between too much and too little! ;)
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
No offense but you certainly didnt help me kacey.... your going to have to come up with better than that... Just Kidding ;)
 
I agree with whoever said our job would look overwhelming to a perspective recruit when we carry a lot. A year ago I started carrying only what I needed plus pieces from each of the collections.
SA- bowl
saute pan- to pass around with ice cube demo
Piece of stoneware- try always to do a demo that uses stoneware anyway.Tool-turn about- items I'll be using in demo set aside, then the TTA sits on a table for "handling"Mandoline Always!!!! I demo cutting a potato or tomato. I starting selling more when I did thisI carry all inside the medium bag (we earned a couple of years ago),TTA bag on shoulder, take crate to put dirty dishes in, and my laptop bag.
 
I carry everything that's in the new consultant kit except I replaced the small bowls & caddy with the appetizer plates and caddy, TTA with extra small tools and the SS saute pan. I also take the specials for the month and next month's host special. -- the hardest thing is my desire to bring all the new products each season!:eek: :p

But if the recipe calls for a different stone I replace the large bar pan with that, and do the same with other heavier products.

I carry them in the new consultant tote and if needed the tote from the show-to-go system. I even put my paperwork in one of those 2 bags instead of a separate tote. So now at most I have 4 things to carry in (the 2 totes, TTA tote and my laptop). - oh and a table if I need it.

I used to carry a dish pan but now I bring a large plastic garbage bag and line my tote with it for the dirty dishes. That works great and saves me bringing another item!
 
I take only what I need for my recipe plus I take my large SS for my dirties.

If I'm not already using them as part of my demo I also take: the current host & guest special - usually I'm using it, next month's special (sometimes) something from stoneware, cookware, SA, and my TTA filled with the popular gadgets. Since we are in the first month of the new catalog I tend to take some of the new pieces as well.
 
I just wish someone would come and pack my stuff for me!! That is my least favorite part of PC!
 
When I was at NC one of the ladies said that what she does is she tells people

"If there is a product that you would like to see and I didn't bring it with me tonight, book a show and tell me what that product is and I will bring it to your show."

I thought that that was a great approach to bookings.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #13
Thanks guys...I definitely think I am bringing too much but like you said it is so hard to decide what to leave behind!!
 
Off topic a little, but...
BethCooks4U said:
I carry everything that's in the new consultant kit except I replaced the small bowls & caddy with the appetizer plates and caddy, TTA with extra small tools and the SS saute pan. I also take the specials for the month and next month's host special. -- the hardest thing is my desire to bring all the new products each season!:eek: :p

But if the recipe calls for a different stone I replace the large bar pan with that, and do the same with other heavier products.

I carry them in the new consultant tote and if needed the tote from the show-to-go system. I even put my paperwork in one of those 2 bags instead of a separate tote. So now at most I have 4 things to carry in (the 2 totes, TTA tote and my laptop). - oh and a table if I need it.

I used to carry a dish pan but now I bring a large plastic garbage bag and line my tote with it for the dirty dishes. That works great and saves me bringing another item!
Click to expand...

Does anyone clean the dishes at the hosts house? Well, rinse? Also, I do not have a laptop yet...is this required? What are we using the laptop for exactly...to enter orders? I really need to invest in a laptop very soon!
 
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  • #15
Depends on the host, bc my husband comes with me, sometimes he washes them while i enter the orders in my laptop. the laptop not required just easier for me. I love my laptop! less work when i get home! ;)
 
Carissidy said:
Depends on the host, bc my husband comes with me, sometimes he washes them while i enter the orders in my laptop. the laptop not required just easier for me. I love my laptop! less work when i get home! ;)
Click to expand...

My husband is as supportive as I could ever hope for...but how do I get him to come to my shows and wash my dishes?? :D
 
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  • #17
LOL! Good question... he just volunteered! We have two young girls... 3 and 20 months so having an excuse to get out is probably his reason! ;)
 
Carissidy said:
Depends on the host, bc my husband comes with me, sometimes he washes them while i enter the orders in my laptop. the laptop not required just easier for me. I love my laptop! less work when i get home! ;)
Click to expand...

My daughter will be coming along with me to many of my shows...she's 9! I may have her rinse the dishes?

What a blessing to have your husband come along with you:) !
 
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  • #19
He is good to me but I think he just loves the products... they're like toys to him, he loves to cook! :D
 
Carissidy said:
He is good to me but I think he just loves the products... they're like toys to him, he loves to cook! :D
Click to expand...

Funny...I really become a consultant becuase of my hubby! I attebded my very first show ever in April for a friend and absolutely feel in LOVE with everything (you see, I didn't have ANY PC products at all)! So, I booked a show for myself. Hubby wasn't all that interested, but during the show...after seeing the catalog and listening attentively to the host (now my upline), and eating the receipe(jerk chicken salad)...he wanted just about everything in the catalog.

You should have seen him as we turned each page..."Oh, we need that and oh, we really want that!" So, that pushed me even further to wanting to sign up. I had already wanted to sign up from the very moment I attended my friends show, but hubby wasn't so sure. We(well, I was trying much harder) were both trying to figure out how I would work this into my already busy schedule!

Anway, I signed up and I'm soooooo very EXCITED!! i can't wait until my Grand Opening :)
 
I've "hired" my 14 year old daughter to go with me. She washes my dishes while I take orders and then when I'm done I pack up. In exchange she gets $5.00/show.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What essential items do you bring to your Pampered Chef gigs?

For my Pampered Chef gigs, I always carry a selection of essential items including my product catalog, order forms, and a mobile payment system. Additionally, I bring a variety of cooking tools and products that I can demonstrate, such as knives, measuring cups, and cookware. Having samples of popular items helps to engage customers and encourage sales.

How do you organize your Pampered Chef loadout?

I organize my loadout using a combination of tote bags and storage bins. I have a designated bag for cooking tools and another for paperwork and promotional materials. Everything is labeled for easy access, which helps me stay efficient during events. I also keep a checklist to ensure I don't forget any important items.

Do you include promotional materials in your loadout?

Yes, I always include promotional materials in my loadout. This includes business cards, flyers, and brochures that highlight current promotions and product features. Having these materials on hand allows me to provide potential customers with information they can take home, which can lead to future sales.

What products do you find most effective to demonstrate at gigs?

Some of the most effective products to demonstrate at gigs include the versatile cookware, food choppers, and the stoneware line. These items tend to capture attention due to their unique features and ease of use. Demonstrating how they work in real-time helps potential customers visualize how they can use them in their own kitchens.

How do you handle product transportation to your gigs?

I handle product transportation by using sturdy, wheeled carts or large tote bags that can easily fit in my vehicle. I make sure to pack items securely to prevent damage during transit. Additionally, I always plan my route ahead of time to ensure I arrive on time and set up efficiently, minimizing any stress related to transportation.

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