What Do You Think of the Exciting New Spring Launch?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the recent spring launch of new tools and features for Pampered Chef consultants, including a new app and website. Participants share their thoughts on the usability and implications of these changes for their businesses.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses excitement about the new app, highlighting its offline functionality and ease of use.
  • Another participant mentions the design and usability of the new website, although they express disappointment about its web-based nature limiting offline access.
  • Several users inquire about the app's compatibility with different devices, confirming it will work on iPhones, iPads, and Android devices.
  • One participant shares concerns about the reliance on internet access, noting that many hosts may not have wireless internet, which could complicate order entry.
  • Another participant reflects on the potential challenges of using hosts' computers for order entry, emphasizing discomfort with this approach.
  • Some participants discuss the possibility of using traditional methods like calculators and order forms when internet access is unavailable.
  • One participant mentions that training for the new tools is expected to occur soon, with more announcements to follow.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the usability of the new app and website, particularly concerning offline access and the implications for consultants without compatible devices. No clear consensus emerges on the overall effectiveness of the changes.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and concerns related to the transition from previous tools to the new app and website, reflecting a range of technical capabilities and business practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in understanding the implications of the new app and website features, particularly those concerned about offline access and device compatibility.

Customers can do that sort of thing (even now) just by going to the consultant website and their host's link. But it should look so much nicer than it does now and hopefully less confusing!!Did anyone else notice that for PWS subscribers, we'll get "Premium Tools" also- without paying extra?!
 
jcsmilez said:
And this is also an option with Android devices, you can tether your phone. Of course with an Iphone or and Android you would have the app, but I'm thinking it may be easier to see everything on the bugger screen of a laptop.

You can tether from your iPhone, also. What a great idea!
 
Yes, I prefer the laptop. I can type a LOT faster on a keyboard than I can on the iphone (my Japanese one) or my Android (my TX one). LOVE that my Sprint plan lets me be a hotspot too. So, assuming I have cell service, I'll just need to remember to take the cord to charge my phone so that I can have wireless at all my shows. Can't let that cell battery die! LOL
 
Veevahchef said:
If you dont already have your own laptop, then how do you do it now? Wouldnt you already be using a calculator? It is web based not JUST for smart phones or i-pads

She has a laptop. Our program now is not web-based. I take my laptop to all of my shows (and would actually prefer to be able to do this for the bigger screen and the keyboard) and I've never been on the web during order taking at a show.
 
Sheila said:
Yes, I prefer the laptop. I can type a LOT faster on a keyboard than I can on the iphone (my Japanese one) or my Android (my TX one). LOVE that my Sprint plan lets me be a hotspot too. So, assuming I have cell service, I'll just need to remember to take the cord to charge my phone so that I can have wireless at all my shows. Can't let that cell battery die! LOL

If you don't already have one, get a charger for your car! My phone is almost always plugged in while driving.
 
I just checked and it is $20.00 more per month with Verizon to turn your iPhone into a mobile hotspot. I have to think along the same lines as Noora. I take my laptop to every show and never connect to the internet - just use the P3 program to log orders and submit when I close the show from home.
 
otisbg said:
I just checked and it is $20.00 more per month with Verizon to turn your iPhone into a mobile hotspot. I have to think along the same lines as Noora. I take my laptop to every show and never connect to the internet - just use the P3 program to log orders and submit when I close the show from home.

It's $30 per month with Sprint. I checked too.
 
I am waiting and waiting for the training on consultants coner. They said it would be today. Also what happen to the tela-classes? I did not even know that had stopped that. hummm
I can not decide if I should get and ipad or a wireless card. I even have the old phone. So many things and (cost to put out) I sure would like Any idea's of which way to go that would help an old lady with this new transmission lol. :)
 
Darsbirds said:
I am waiting and waiting for the training on consultants coner. They said it would be today. Also what happen to the tela-classes? I did not even know that had stopped that. hummm
I can not decide if I should get and ipad or a wireless card. I even have the old phone. So many things and (cost to put out) I sure would like Any idea's of which way to go that would help an old lady with this new transmission lol. :)

My best advice is to wait. When they are up take the classes. Learn more and then think about what can benefit YOUR business style before you spend money.
 
BethCooks4U said:
My best advice is to wait. When they are up take the classes. Learn more and then think about what can benefit YOUR business style before you spend money.

Thanks, that is a great Idea. I am just so darn nervouse about all of this. I us my pc3 to do everything at my shows and thinking of doing it on paper yucks.. I would never use there stuff, with my luck something would go wrong with there computer. I have tried to get on lines at my host several times and it never works. They have forgot the code, hubby is on line, its broke, bedroom, ext ext..
thanks again
 
ChefBeckyD said:
It's $30 per month with Sprint. I checked too.

I don't do enough business to warrant spending an extra $30/month for that service.

Darsbirds said:
I am waiting and waiting for the training on consultants coner. They said it would be today. Also what happen to the tela-classes? I did not even know that had stopped that. hummm
I can not decide if I should get and ipad or a wireless card. I even have the old phone. So many things and (cost to put out) I sure would like Any idea's of which way to go that would help an old lady with this new transmission lol. :)

Tele-classes were ended about a year ago, if not longer. And I agree, wait on the classes and further discussion here before spending money on anything new.
 
NooraK said:
I don't do enough business to warrant spending an extra $30/month for that service.

I am in the same boat. And if you add the 30. for the service on top of buying the product to use it on wow. I do have a laptop so I am thinking that is the route I am going to go for now. I would love to have all the bells and whisles and hope to someday after my business picks up.



Tele-classes were ended about a year ago, if not longer. And I agree, wait on the classes and further discussion here before spending money on anything new.

Wow bad me. I did not think it had been that long since I listen to them.
 
KateInTheKitchen said:
If you don't already have one, get a charger for your car! My phone is almost always plugged in while driving.
I have a car charger, but my user guide for my cell said that the "hot spot" feature really sucks the battery's life fast and recommend that we have it plugged in any time we are turning on the hot spot feature. So I'll probably just carry it with me, then plug it in & turn on the feature when I'm ready to open my laptop! LOLETA: My laptop battery is on it's last leg & only lasts about 10 minutes off the power cord, so I'm going to have to be near an outlet anywy ... until I get to the point that I'm tired & ready to invest in a new laptop battery. ;)
 
Sheila said:
I have a car charger, but my user guide for my cell said that the "hot spot" feature really sucks the battery's life fast and recommend that we have it plugged in any time we are turning on the hot spot feature. So I'll probably just carry it with me, then plug it in & turn on the feature when I'm ready to open my laptop! LOL

ETA: My laptop battery is on it's last leg & only lasts about 10 minutes off the power cord, so I'm going to have to be near an outlet anywy ... until I get to the point that I'm tired & ready to invest in a new laptop battery. ;)

Have you checked eBay for a replacement laptop battery? I got a new battery for my phone for just a few dollars, when retail was around $30.
 
I'm very excited about the news. No, it won't be perfect. Yes, there will be several bugs to work out over the first few months. No, it won't be a boon to everyone (the Amish/Mennonite ladies at our Launch didn't seem all that excited ;)). I do think, though, that this is the beginning of something great for us.
 
Overall, I think this is great news. I use ancient computers, and my hard drive has melted more than once! The first time it happened I didn't know what a jump drive was and I lost all the data on my first 13 shows! I wish I could contact the customers from my first $1,000 show!At my launch it seemed pretty clear, though, that the app was available online, the computerized ordering system required internet access. They too suggested using the host's computer. "Talk about carry less and selling more!" Would I ask my host to use her computer? Honestly depends on how well I know her, and whether the computer is in a public area of the house. I'd generally feel more comfortable asking to borrow her computer than to borrow her wireless password if she even HAS Wi-Fi! I am a bit annoyed (I just got a laptop and my primary motivation was using it for my business.)My short-term plan is to hand out order forms and try to enter them on my laptop ... even if I have to put them in on Ye Olde P3. Not sure how well it will load the specials, however.And I really hope there's an accounting function. I will miss this function if it's missing.Long term plan is to either buy a I-Pod Touch (need a new MP3 player) or an I-Pad so I can read the Bible online at church. Generally I am left out of the app universe and I'd like to get into it without changing my phone, which I LOVE. But those options would cost me $200 to $500. So I'm hoping the older style will be cheaper once they upgrade.
 
NooraK said:
Have you checked eBay for a replacement laptop battery? I got a new battery for my phone for just a few dollars, when retail was around $30.

Um, NOOOOO! Because that would make sense & I'm too scatterbrained lately to think that smart. LOL (Will go check NOW! :blushing:)
 
Check this one out, the Asus Transformer Prime, it's a bit pricey but it's the best of both worlds. Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime Review - Watch CNET's Video Review An android based tablet that can lock into a keyboard, so you could use the touch screen or the keyboard! I was tempted by the Ipad 2 but this one brings some tough competition. Either way I need to get on the phone and book some more shows to support the purchase. :DFor those interested here's a review comparing Transformer Prime to Ipad 2. http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/eee-pad-transformer-prime-vs-ipad-2-specs-showdown-2011122/
 
Sheila said:
Um, NOOOOO! Because that would make sense & I'm too scatterbrained lately to think that smart. LOL (Will go check NOW! :blushing:)

I got my replacement battery on Amazon. Way cheaper than getting from HP. It is an off brand and has worked really well!
 
Too late. Just bought one on ebay for $21.09 (not sure why the $.09 ... LOL)
 
The videos are posted on CC about the new web and app... I must admit I was super excited about this as I'm pretty tech savy and thought this would make things easier. I was nearly in tears last night as my hubby and I watched them. There is a whole PDF of FAQs too.

I have a Kindle Fire.... which as already discussed, uses the Android Market... the only problem is the app screen may not be as big as the screen allows because is was built for the phone not tablet.... and that's all well and good, however I'm all thumbs when it comes to typing and apps and texting... auto correct kills me. Always changes my hubby's name to Kay when I type it out... so I can only imagine what I'm going to end up with putting people's orders in.

My fear is that I will be less efficient at my shows and fumble around... I'm hoping that I'm just intimidated right now and it will be easier than I think.
 
vanscootin said:
The videos are posted on CC about the new web and app... I must admit I was super excited about this as I'm pretty tech savy and thought this would make things easier. I was nearly in tears last night as my hubby and I watched them. There is a whole PDF of FAQs too.

I have a Kindle Fire.... which as already discussed, uses the Android Market... the only problem is the app screen may not be as big as the screen allows because is was built for the phone not tablet.... and that's all well and good, however I'm all thumbs when it comes to typing and apps and texting... auto correct kills me. Always changes my hubby's name to Kay when I type it out... so I can only imagine what I'm going to end up with putting people's orders in.

My fear is that I will be less efficient at my shows and fumble around... I'm hoping that I'm just intimidated right now and it will be easier than I think.
There should be a way to turn auto-correct off. I know there is on the iPad. I choose to leave it on to help with some words and because it's choices amuse me but if it starts messing too much with my customers names it will be off.
 
jcsmilez said:
Check this one out, the Asus Transformer Prime, it's a bit pricey but it's the best of both worlds. Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime Review - Watch CNET's Video Review An android based tablet that can lock into a keyboard, so you could use the touch screen or the keyboard! I was tempted by the Ipad 2 but this one brings some tough competition. Either way I need to get on the phone and book some more shows to support the purchase. :D

For those interested here's a review comparing Transformer Prime to Ipad 2. http://www.geek.com/articles/gadgets/eee-pad-transformer-prime-vs-ipad-2-specs-showdown-2011122/

My BIL is a comptuer geek and he got the transformer and loves it.
 
I watched the videos, and I'm really excited about a lot of the new things. Haven't heard back about my question, I think I'll use that new email address on the FAQ.
 
vanscootin said:
The videos are posted on CC about the new web and app... I must admit I was super excited about this as I'm pretty tech savy and thought this would make things easier. I was nearly in tears last night as my hubby and I watched them. There is a whole PDF of FAQs too.

I have a Kindle Fire.... which as already discussed, uses the Android Market... the only problem is the app screen may not be as big as the screen allows because is was built for the phone not tablet.... and that's all well and good, however I'm all thumbs when it comes to typing and apps and texting... auto correct kills me. Always changes my hubby's name to Kay when I type it out... so I can only imagine what I'm going to end up with putting people's orders in.

My fear is that I will be less efficient at my shows and fumble around... I'm hoping that I'm just intimidated right now and it will be easier than I think.

I was also online yesterday watching the previews and am so excited that when you login to your account (using your internet subscriber info) hosts can upload their contacts straight into the guest list! No more manual entering and copy/paste!
 
I especially loved the button to click for displaying the recipe after the show date! I don't have to remember to go add the recipe to the website later.
 
After SL in Atlanta I headed to my parents' house in FL and Chris Manion was on the plane after she had spoken at Boston's SL - she said she thought (but wasn't 100% sure) that the upper level director and new consultants will get the new stuff first. Here's why - obviously upper levels will be working out the kinks in the system, but why start off a new consultants with an old system and then have them switch? Makes me bummed that they'll get it first, but makes a lot of sense. I am beyond excited about this - I'll bet the ladies next to me at SL thought I was crazy and I was bouncing up and down in my seat as they announced everything :) I'm a computer science major and my hubby is an app developer - this a top-of the-line app and web site folks! :D
 
I'm excited about the new changes.

Also, my husband runs a catering business and he buys Sterling Silver meats and they give him points for each dollar he spends. We have used points to get tvs and cameras for the kids, camcorders for me and my mom, knives, etc...really all kinds of different stuff. Anyway, I checked the website today and they have an Ipad2. I was so excited to see it. And, my husband said yes I could use his points to get it if I want it.

So, I want to make sure it is what I need. Do they have different GBs or features on different ones or are they all the same? I remember this one said 16 GBs, but thats all I remember. I really haven't looked at Ipads before because I didn't think I would use it, but now I am definately considering it.

Thanks for your help.
 
Shawnna said:
I'm excited about the new changes.

Also, my husband runs a catering business and he buys Sterling Silver meats and they give him points for each dollar he spends. We have used points to get tvs and cameras for the kids, camcorders for me and my mom, knives, etc...really all kinds of different stuff. Anyway, I checked the website today and they have an Ipad2. I was so excited to see it. And, my husband said yes I could use his points to get it if I want it.

So, I want to make sure it is what I need. Do they have different GBs or features on different ones or are they all the same? I remember this one said 16 GBs, but thats all I remember. I really haven't looked at Ipads before because I didn't think I would use it, but now I am definately considering it.

Thanks for your help.

I have a 16Gbs Ipad2, and it would be more than enough I'm sure. I have tons of apps and books and still plenty of room. If you plan on putting lots of music and movies, etc on one, then maybe you'd want more space.
 
frozenchef said:
After SL in Atlanta I headed to my parents' house in FL and Chris Manion was on the plane after she had spoken at Boston's SL - she said she thought (but wasn't 100% sure) that the upper level director and new consultants will get the new stuff first. Here's why - obviously upper levels will be working out the kinks in the system, but why start off a new consultants with an old system and then have them switch? Makes me bummed that they'll get it first, but makes a lot of sense. I am beyond excited about this - I'll bet the ladies next to me at SL thought I was crazy and I was bouncing up and down in my seat as they announced everything :) I'm a computer science major and my hubby is an app developer - this a top-of the-line app and web site folks! :D

That's cool and smart to give New Consultants first access versus switching, but that will make it tricky for US to train them, if we don't have it yet. :) We shall see!
 

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • Brenda.the.chef
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
17
Views
3K
DebPC
  • jendill
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
9
Views
3K
gaddischef
  • esavvymom
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
4
Views
4K
AnaCash
  • chefjeanine
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
2
Views
3K
lt1jane
  • 734050
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
12
Views
6K
Aylaisabeau
  • beepampered
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
6
Views
2K
lovescooking
  • esavvymom
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
5
Views
2K
otisbg
  • kdangel518
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
Replies
20
Views
3K
wadesgirl
Replies
51
Views
15K
mspibb
  • KCPChef
  • Business, Marketing and Customer Service
2
Replies
48
Views
7K
pcchefjane
Back
Top