What Would You Do? (About "Troublesome" Host-Long)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the challenges faced by a Pampered Chef consultant dealing with a host who frequently changed the date of her show and was unresponsive about selecting free products. Participants share their experiences and thoughts on handling difficult hosts and the importance of clear communication regarding deadlines.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, describes a frustrating experience with a host who repeatedly changed the show date and was unresponsive about her order.
  • Another participant suggests leaving a message indicating that the consultant would choose the free products if the host did not respond by a certain time.
  • Several users mention the importance of setting clear deadlines for hosts to avoid similar situations in the future.
  • One participant expresses sympathy for the consultant's situation, noting that difficult hosts can be challenging to manage.
  • Another participant shares their own experience with a difficult host, highlighting the commonality of such challenges in the consultant community.
  • One participant notes that the host might have complained about the chosen products if she had not been given the chance to approve them.
  • Another participant reflects on the need for hosts to fill out wish lists before the show to streamline the process.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on how to handle unresponsive hosts, with some participants suggesting proactive measures while others emphasize understanding and patience. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences within the consultant community, focusing on the dynamics between consultants and their hosts, particularly in challenging situations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who encounter difficult hosts or are seeking insights on managing show logistics and communication may find this discussion relevant.

Yakmama
Messages
199
I don't know if this belongs in this particular forum, but it was the closest match I could find to my "issue." This could be long...

There is a girl that had a friend who wanted to host a show (let's call this friend Sarah). I made an appointment with Sarah and told her to meet me at 3 pm at a cafe on a Thursday. I drove the 35 minutes and waited an hour, and she never showed up. I called our mutual friend and she gave me Sarah's cell phone number (I only had her home number). I called her cell and she was "almost there" and asked me to wait a little longer. I waited until 4:30 and she finally showed up.

So we scheduled the show for a Saturday, and I coached her and gave her her packet. She could not decide on what recipe she wanted me to make at her show, and told me she would tell me later. She called me the Monday before her show and asked if we could change it to Friday. I agreed, and she said she wanted to do the mini cheeseburgers.
On Tuesday morning, she called me and asked if we could change it to Thursday. I agreed, she then said that she no longer wanted to do mini cheeseburgers and she would get back to me.
Tuesday evening she called and asked if we could do the show on Friday. Ok...sure.... still no recipe chosen.
Wednesday- I got another call- could we change it back to Thursday. I was about ready to pull my hair out at this point- and agreed to do it Thursday but told her that we only had ONE day and she HAD to tell me what recipe she wanted to do. She finally decided on the Satay Pasta Salad and the mini apple tartlets. I gave her an ingredient list and I told her I would be at her house one hour early.
She lives over an hour away from me, so I drove to her house an hour early only to find that she was missing several ingredients (which I had a feeling she would, so I packed the most important ingredients from my own pantry just in case).
The show was pretty successful- we had 7 guests and $500 in sales. I cleaned up and left her house and told her that I would call her on Saturday morning to get her order (so she could decide on what free stuff she wanted). I didn't stay around b/c it was almost midnight and I live an hour away. I told her it was VERY important to have it ready by Saturday morning b/c I needed to submit the show before my 30 day mark (which is Monday).
I have been calling her ALLLLLL day and cannot get a hold of her. I've sent several emails and left several messages. I dont' know why she can't tell me what FREE stuff she wants (she earned $90 of free products and 2 half price products).
I NEED to submit the show by midnight, b/c for religious reasons I don't do any work on Sundays, and Monday will be too late to submit it before my 30 day mark (and I will lose the $200 PC I worked REALLY hard for).
So what would you do!?! What should I do!?! We share the same religion- so I know she understands that I HAVE to send it in tonight!
 
Have you considered leaving a message and an email to let her know that if she doesn't get with you by 10:00 p.m. you'll choose her free products for her and she'll forfeit the 1/2 price ones?
 
My director told me she would leave a message that if she does not get back to me within 1 hour , that she will be picking out her free items, so if she wants a choice, she will call you back. I have to give you credit, I think I would have given up on all the changing this lady did. You are much more patient that I am.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
I left her a message with your suggestions-
I told her I would pick out her free stuff if she didn't get back to me...

:( I HATE doing that to people. I really hope she calls soon. I would feel just horrible if she didn't get back to me b/c she was in an accident or someone in her family was in the hospital or something.... Ugh... hate this....
 
Good Luck, I hope everything works out ok.
 
She sounds more like someone who expects the world to revolved around her. I know we will all feel bad if there is an emergency issue here! Have fun with her products! LOL!
 
wow... you did good to stink with the show! How can you change days that much! CRAZY!!

Your right it would be hard to choose for her but giving you the run around is not right either!
Would love to hear the outcome!
 
Wondering what the outcome was -- did you get it closed in time?
 
My director would have picked the free product for her and then in the end you could return it, I mean deadlines are deadlines and this person obviously has a problem with that. Hope it turned out well. BLESS AND RELEASE
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
**UPDATE ** What would you do? (About "troublesome" host-LONG)Well I just couldn't bring myself to submit her order. I picked out some stuff and had it ready to push "submit" on Saturday night, but I really wanted her to be able to pick her stuff. So I waited until Sunday (against my personal beliefs) and decided I would submit at 11pm if I didn't hear from her. Well she FINALLY called me at 10:30pm (not kidding) and said that she went on a spur of the moment trip out of town (thanks for not turning on your cell phone!).

So I read her what I had on her "tentative" order and she liked everything I ordered! So it would have been fine if I sent it in earlier anyways! URGH... at least she also got her 2 half price items (her total order was $90 in free products and $13 in half price products).

So thanks for all the tips and advice. In the future I will make sure the host knows crystal clear that I will be submitting an order at a certain time on a certain date and if I dont' hear from her- then too bad.
 
Just so you know, she probably would have complained about the free products if she hadn't had the chance to okay them.
 
perhaps in the future, and this is as much advice/notes for myself (a newbie) as a suggestion to you, have her fill out her wish list before you leave the party that night. BEFORE the party takes place would have been ideal as is suggested in our coaching material, but obviously this chick had serious RESPECT issues outside her little aura! Wow. Anyway, don't leave the house without her wish list- and then tell her that you will be submitting the show at XX day/time, so if she wants something different than on the list- to contact you by then. Otherwise, you'll go with the items on her list- in the order they are listed or however works out to use up the product. SO you at least know they are things she wants.I hope that never happens to me, because I'm not confrontational and would just end up waiting too long. But glad you got what you needed for your 30-day!! Good job!
 
So sorry you had to work on Sunday :( - but at least you were able to meet your goal! Every so often you get that difficult host and it is not fun! I'm dealing with one now that I've been trying to close for a week! Drives me crazy.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if a host is unresponsive during the planning phase?

If a host is unresponsive, try reaching out through multiple channels such as text, email, and phone calls. Be polite and express your excitement about the event. If they still don't respond, consider sending a friendly reminder about the upcoming date and the importance of their input in making the party successful.

How can I handle a host who is not promoting the party?

If a host isn't promoting the party, gently remind them of the benefits of sharing the event with their friends and family. Offer to provide them with promotional materials, such as social media posts or invitations, that they can easily share. Encourage them by highlighting how their efforts can lead to more rewards for them.

What if a host has unrealistic expectations for attendance or sales?

If a host has unrealistic expectations, it’s important to have an open conversation about what is achievable. Share average attendance and sales figures from past parties to provide context. Set realistic goals together and emphasize that the focus should be on having fun and enjoying the process, rather than just meeting numbers.

How do I deal with a host who is overly demanding or micromanaging?

If a host is overly demanding, it’s crucial to establish clear boundaries. Politely communicate your role and what you can provide, while also encouraging them to take ownership of certain aspects of the party. Reassure them that you are there to support them and that collaboration will lead to a successful event.

What steps can I take if a host cancels the party last minute?

If a host cancels last minute, respond with understanding and empathy. Ask if there’s a specific reason for the cancellation and if they would like to reschedule. Offer to help them plan for a future date, and remind them that you’re available to support them whenever they’re ready to host again.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

  • lkhartmann
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
19
Views
4K
msmileyface
  • TheFreddiesCook
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
14
Views
3K
Krista Burson
  • Suzyengl
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
8
Views
3K
esavvymom
Replies
47
Views
8K
rompydompy
  • PamperedchefDaly
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
Wildfire
  • byrd1956
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
12
Views
3K
pampered1224
  • Bren706
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
8
Views
3K
raebates
  • chefjessicah
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
mountainmama74
Replies
4
Views
1K
Wildfire
  • melaniepc
  • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
13
Views
2K
pampered.chris
Back
Top