What Do You Think of the Exciting New Spring Launch?

[chef131doreen]

For the people that don't have an iPad or iPhone ect ,you don't need to the new web-sit is going to be amazing anyway just because you can have so many new features .
If you do have an iPhone , iPad ect that will just let you be able to do your work anywhere I have an iPad so I can close parties on vacation if I have to but I don't plan on bring it to shows cause I want to be able to give a receipt to guests ect and I don't close my parties that night anyway .

 

[ChefGwendolyn]

ok, hadn't thought of just asking the customers to pull out their phones and ordering at the show!!

Hadn't thought of that, but then you'd lose the chance to talk to them one on one about hosting or joining your team.

Ladies-

I spoke with one of the ladies that helped develop the "app" you will not be able to just go the "app" store and download it. It will be exclusive to consultants only and not be available for customers.

I also think there is some confusion with how people use the "app" and the new website. The new website, with the "P3" application and the "app" are 2 different things. Basically, if you don't have the iphone, ipad, ipod touch, or droid, you don't have to purchase it to run your business. Likewise, now that the website will have "p3" you do not have to carry your laptop, if you don't want. Simply ask your host to "borrow" thier computer at the show, or if you don't want to deal with any of the "tech" stuff, use the paper order forms.

Personally, I have been using the paper order forms for over a year and when the customer is ready to check out, I enter their order from the paper order form.

Too many people are afraid of change and we don't even have these options yet! Please wait until you get them before you start to freak out!

The Pampered Chef has spent millions of dollars to give us this incredible new website and "app". They are don't going to give us something that is going to decrease our business, they want us to expand and grow. Give it a chance!

Just my 2 cents.

 

[lt1jane]

Ladies-

I spoke with one of the ladies that helped develop the "app" you will not be able to just go the "app" store and download it. It will be exclusive to consultants only and not be available for customers.

That's too bad. It would be nice if it was an app customers could use too. I still have no plans of buying any kind of i-anthing or smart phone so this won't change the way I do things. I was thinking and hoping the "app" would be another way for customers to also access our websites and shop easier.

 

[wadesgirl]

Ladies-

I spoke with one of the ladies that helped develop the "app" you will not be able to just go the "app" store and download it. It will be exclusive to consultants only and not be available for customers.

I also think there is some confusion with how people use the "app" and the new website. The new website, with the "P3" application and the "app" are 2 different things. Basically, if you don't have the iphone, ipad, ipod touch, or droid, you don't have to purchase it to run your business. Likewise, now that the website will have "p3" you do not have to carry your laptop, if you don't want. Simply ask your host to "borrow" thier computer at the show, or if you don't want to deal with any of the "tech" stuff, use the paper order forms.

Personally, I have been using the paper order forms for over a year and when the customer is ready to check out, I enter their order from the paper order form.

Too many people are afraid of change and we don't even have these options yet! Please wait until you get them before you start to freak out!

The Pampered Chef has spent millions of dollars to give us this incredible new website and "app". They are don't going to give us something that is going to decrease our business, they want us to expand and grow. Give it a chance!

Just my 2 cents.

Key point for anything in life!

 

[Shawnna]

It is my understanding that even after the initial release there will still be some changing as they work out "bugs" and get feedback. I was thinking that it will be a work in progress for awhile...they aren't getting rid of P3 until next year. So, if we send our questions and suggestions and our needs to them it will help in that process.

I will be honest and say that I am not a big fan of Apple products. It drives me crazy that everytime I plug my Ipod into a computer it syncs everything...I always loose stuff and have to go back and reload music. Maybe its just because I am not tech savvy.

I do have an adroid phone and a Kindle Fire which uses the android technology. I'm hoping to be able to use those until I can afford an Ipad...which I have been wanting even though I'm not crazy about Apple. The Kindle Fire uses the android marketplace just like my phone, so I don't understand why it wouldn't work.

But, the main thing is...DON'T STRESS OUT!! I have been with The Pampered Chef for over 11 years. When I started I did not have internet access. My first few shows were submitted on paper...then I was able to submit thru my phone line without internet...when our little middle of nowhere town was able to get internet I was so excited...but it was dial-up and still easier to submit thru the phone line. I have only had dsl type internet for the past 2 years. Changes have come and I have fumbled thru them all. If I can do it, anyone can.

 

[carlajanes]

Where I am, if you DON'T use paper order forms and give them a receipt right then they get upset. So I've always used paper order forms and probably always will so as long as they don't do away with those I'll be okay
I do work out of P3 a LOT but will see what happens with the new technology....

 

[wadesgirl]

It is my understanding that even after the initial release there will still be some changing as they work out "bugs" and get feedback. I was thinking that it will be a work in progress for awhile...they aren't getting rid of P3 until next year. So, if we send our questions and suggestions and our needs to them it will help in that process.

I will be honest and say that I am not a big fan of Apple products. It drives me crazy that everytime I plug my Ipod into a computer it syncs everything...I always loose stuff and have to go back and reload music. Maybe its just because I am not tech savvy.

I do have an adroid phone and a Kindle Fire which uses the android technology. I'm hoping to be able to use those until I can afford an Ipad...which I have been wanting even though I'm not crazy about Apple. The Kindle Fire uses the android marketplace just like my phone, so I don't understand why it wouldn't work.

But, the main thing is...DON'T STRESS OUT!! I have been with The Pampered Chef for over 11 years. When I started I did not have internet access. My first few shows were submitted on paper...then I was able to submit thru my phone line without internet...when our little middle of nowhere town was able to get internet I was so excited...but it was dial-up and still easier to submit thru the phone line. I have only had dsl type internet for the past 2 years. Changes have come and I have fumbled thru them all. If I can do it, anyone can.

There is a setting that you can select that won't sync when you plug it in. Don't ask me where it is but I know there is one!

 

[Sheila]

Only the "app" can be used offline -- so if you don't have that you can't put in your guest orders offline. A very sad development in the new technology.

Holding out hope! LOL I thought they said at our Arlington SL that the laptops could be used offline at a show. And one of the girls who was on the panel is saying she thinks we can use the laptops offline too. Hopefully the Q&A sheet and/or training videos will be up soon to answer all our questions & clarify what we can & can't do.

 

[KateInTheKitchen]

Holding out hope! LOL I thought they said at our Arlington SL that the laptops could be used offline at a show. And one of the girls who was on the panel is saying she thinks we can use the laptops offline too. Hopefully the Q&A sheet and/or training videos will be up soon to answer all our questions & clarify what we can & can't do.

But it's web-based...

 

[kreaser]

One other thing, since I'm always worried about what will happen to all this info on my computer if it crashes or if I get a virus - isnt this all online so now we dont have to worry about losing any contact information? Thats a really nice plus!

This is the first thing I thought of..I beleive this is true!!!
a few years back, I lost over 6 years of my business when my computer crashed..although we thought PP3 was backed up properly and all, somehow it was all lost...John, from tech support worked endlessly with me for months to try and retrieve and figure it all out, to no avail!!! It still makes me sick to think I lost all that...I was about to quit PC I was so lost!!! but I trudged on! Now I back it up on a virtual harddrive through my internet provider as well as an external harddrive....
This new program should take care of all of this..whohooooo

 

[chellb1234]

they mentioned in omaha that a receipt is sent to customer thru email and that is their official receipt. you can still use paper if you want so they can fill it out, it also has questions that pop up for you to ask them about joining or hosting (the app i mean)

 

[Chef Bobby]

I don't like the idea of using other peoples computers either because of the differences in thier operating systems. The way I understood the announcement was that you start by logging onto the main PC website, then log in as a consultant, and then you are on your website and can take orders or complete a show. I do like that they are going to let new consultants get the personal website now.

 

[heather223]

Just a heads up.. if you are looking to get an iPad, Target will give you a $40 gift card if you purchase the 16 GB one this week. Guess what I am getting for my birthday?

 

[jcsmilez]

Just a heads up.. if you are looking to get an iPad, Target will give you a $40 gift card if you purchase the 16 GB one this week. Guess what I am getting for my birthday?

And if you sign up for the Target debit card you get a 5% discount every time you shop plus I think even free shipping online.

Also for those that are concerned, my DH says there is a way to run Android apps on your computer - it may be a bit techy and require some learning, but it's possible.

 

[wcsis]

THAT is going to suck then, not to mention alienate ALOT of consultants! I'm sorry- not using my hosts computer. I don't need someone's poor computer or internet security to get CC numbers compromised or whatever..plus- location of most peoples computers- in their bedrooms! (at least where I do shows)....certainly not convenient.


But I will wait and see before I get all bothered. For me, if it works offline with my ipad app, I'm good. But I will take up the batton if it affects others negatively- because that's not fair otherwise. Not everyone can afford those devices, nor should they require them. Plus- that would look bad for recruiting. We'll see though. I'm optimistic that they did consider this fact.

They also announced at SL that the cost of websites will remain the same and NEW consultants will be given 90 days of website free when they sign up. My BIG question however though, is the website going to continue to be optional or is every consultant going to be required to have it in order to run their business? I know a consultant that does not have internet access at her home, she inputs all her shows on P3 and takes her laptop to a friend's with wireless to upload the shows when she needs to. How is this going to affect her business if she does not have a device that the offline APP will work with? If it is 100% online based she will not even be able to input show info without having connectivity.

Me personally am very excited about the new web and apps, I plan on upgrading my phone or getting an I-Pad, but I do have concerns how it will affect some running their business.

 

[ShellBeach]

I hope the web stuff keeps the report functionality of P3.
I just ran the income/expense report for taxes. So easy, it came up with the numbers I need to plug into that Schedule C in just a few seconds!

 

[NooraK]

I also think there is some confusion with how people use the "app" and the new website. The new website, with the "P3" application and the "app" are 2 different things. Basically, if you don't have the iphone, ipad, ipod touch, or droid, you don't have to purchase it to run your business. Likewise, now that the website will have "p3" you do not have to carry your laptop, if you don't want. Simply ask your host to "borrow" thier computer at the show, or if you don't want to deal with any of the "tech" stuff, use the paper order forms.

Personally, I have been using the paper order forms for over a year and when the customer is ready to check out, I enter their order from the paper order form.

Too many people are afraid of change and we don't even have these options yet! Please wait until you get them before you start to freak out!

I do understand that I don't have to have an iProduct to run my business. The thing is, I do want to bring my laptop to shows. I key in the items, I can look up item numbers, I can make sure I got the correct price, it does the math for me, and saves me time keying orders when I get home. I do have my customers fill out a paper receipt, I just copy the math from P3 onto the form.

I'm not afraid of the change, I love the idea of being able to submit orders from any computer (I'll probably be able to do it at work when someone says they need something instead of waiting to get home ). And I definitely love being able to email an official receipt. But I'm certainly not going to ask a host to borrow her computer.

 

[NooraK]

They also announced at SL that the cost of websites will remain the same and NEW consultants will be given 90 days of website free when they sign up. My BIG question however though, is the website going to continue to be optional or is every consultant going to be required to have it in order to run their business? I know a consultant that does not have internet access at her home, she inputs all her shows on P3 and takes her laptop to a friend's with wireless to upload the shows when she needs to. How is this going to affect her business if she does not have a device that the offline APP will work with? If it is 100% online based she will not even be able to input show info without having connectivity.

Me personally am very excited about the new web and apps, I plan on upgrading my phone or getting an I-Pad, but I do have concerns how it will affect some running their business.

From the way I understand it, you do not have to have a PWS subscription in order to access the order functionality.

 

[babywings76]

I guess one thing we could do is bring our laptops and ask the host to key in their wireless passwords. Since they get *****, we wouldn't know or be able to re-use their passwords and by them keying it's more private. The only problem with that is that some women (like me) can't remember the wireless password--my DH is the one that keeps track of that.But I don't want to ask a host to borrow her computer. I know I'd personally cringe if I had to let someone into my office to use my computer. And that's not practical anyway because you'd be away from the guests. If they own a laptop that's a little different, but not everyone has a laptop.

 

[babywings76]

Just thought I'd mention here in case it matters for anyone considering buying an iPad...I've heard that the iPad3 may be coming out in March. So I'm holding off on buying one till I find out for sure. I wouldn't mind waiting a few months if it means getting the newest version. (But I've also heard that the new version would most likely be the same price and the iPad2's would be cheaper...so that's something to consider as well.) It might not happen, or happen that way, but it's something to consider if you care about this kind of thing.

 

[BethCooks4U]

I do understand that I don't have to have an iProduct to run my business. The thing is, I do want to bring my laptop to shows. I key in the items, I can look up item numbers, I can make sure I got the correct price, it does the math for me, and saves me time keying orders when I get home. I do have my customers fill out a paper receipt, I just copy the math from P3 onto the form.

I'm not afraid of the change, I love the idea of being able to submit orders from any computer (I'll probably be able to do it at work when someone says they need something instead of waiting to get home ). And I definitely love being able to email an official receipt. But I'm certainly not going to ask a host to borrow her computer.

Please email that concern to HO. It may already be addressed when we are able to take the classes but in case it isn't they need to know of that concern. I have an iPad but depending on what the app actually does I may still want to take my laptop to shows (I do my orders exactly like you do).

I think we need to keep brainstorming and letting HO know our concerns but let's not panic. They know many consultants don't have iPads or smart phones and that many times there isn't the availability of internet access. I find it hard to believe that they would make consultants who now carry laptops go backwards to doing it all on paper just because they have to use P3 without internet if they don't have the ability to get an app.

One of the GREAT things about the changes is that we can log onto any computer to submit. When I was in the backwoods of WI caring for my mother for 2 months the only internet I could get was at their library. I had to have my director submit my shows during that time. It was difficult to give her the orders because cell phone reception was also poor and my mother didn't have long distance on her phone. The way it will be once we are up and running I could have gone to that library and do it all!

It's a great recruiting tool too! No computer? You can log onto any computer anywhere to work on your show and to submit (like we can now to visit CC). Have an iPad/iPhone, Driod? You can do it all from there! So it will cover the no technology objection AND excite those WITH the technology!!

 

[angel7581]

There is a setting that you can select that won't sync when you plug it in. Don't ask me where it is but I know there is one!

In preferences, under devices, there is a checkbox about the syncing.

 

[Sheila]

I guess one thing we could do is bring our laptops and ask the host to key in their wireless passwords. Since they get *****, we wouldn't know or be able to re-use their passwords and by them keying it's more private. The only problem with that is that some women (like me) can't remember the wireless password--my DH is the one that keeps track of that. ...

One of the girls on the tech support panel thinks that there was an ability to use the laptops offline.

If it turns out that's NOT correct, you could make needing internet part of your host coaching ... "Our company has this really cool new ordering system, but it requires that I have an internet connection. Do you mind if I tap into your wireless (or plug in my laptop) during the show to expedite the checkout process? ... (assuming they say yes) ... Oh, great! Please make sure you know your wireless password (or have hubby write it down for you) before I arrive. I don't want or need to know your password, so I'll turn away and let you type it into my computer, to help protect your wireless security ..."

 

[otisbg]

I am starting to think that I live in a strange little bubble as over 1/2 of my hosts do not use email or have computers or smart phones. I so loved using P3 because I could enter the orders right there on my laptop and know they were accurate. Even my hosts that do have computers, I would not ask to use them as some are in bedrooms, offices, kids rooms etc...Many do not have wireless access as strange as it sounds. I really hope that there will be an offline venue like P3 as I will still have to print receipts for my customers that do not have emails. I consider myself quite technically savvy as I have finally mastered the i Phone!! I am trying to be very patient and look forward to the FAQ's when they start.

 

[Bren706]

And we have to remember that with all these FABULOUS changes that cost million(s) to The Pampered Chef, there will be NO increase to consultants! I say that gives a big KUDOS to them as well

 

[babywings76]

I'm so anxious for the online training tutorial things. When are they starting those? I seem to have the 6th (today!) in my mind for some reason. Was it this afternoon that there was supposed to be info released?

 

[mmilus]

One of the reasons I upgraded to an iPhone 4 last year was the ability (with a bit extra on my bill) to use it as a personal hotspot. I can connect my laptop to the internet via my iPhone which means I can pretty much have internet access ANYWHERE! I have liked the ability to connect to the internet at a show if there is a question I don't have an answer for but haven't used it all that much. With the new changes, I'll be able to connect and use my own internet connection and computer without asking to use my host's computer, something I would NOT feel comfortable doing.

 

[jcsmilez]

One of the reasons I upgraded to an iPhone 4 last year was the ability (with a bit extra on my bill) to use it as a personal hotspot. I can connect my laptop to the internet via my iPhone which means I can pretty much have internet access ANYWHERE! I have liked the ability to connect to the internet at a show if there is a question I don't have an answer for but haven't used it all that much. With the new changes, I'll be able to connect and use my own internet connection and computer without asking to use my host's computer, something I would NOT feel comfortable doing.

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.

 

[Veevahchef]

Frankly, this part actually pisses me off. I don't have an iProduct, nor do I have the money to buy one. I don't have an Android based phone, either. I am not planning to upgrade my phone any time soon, and even if I do, I don't know if I will choose one of those options. I'm not going to impose on my host to use her computer to calculate orders. It's back to a calculator for me, then.

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

 

[Veevahchef]

I was hoping there would be a customer app as well... they could look up recipes and see whats new etc... that would be so great!