Why Can't Hostess's Listen? Ugh...

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the challenges Pampered Chef consultants face when explaining hostess benefits and sales calculations to their hosts. Participants share their frustrations regarding hosts' misunderstandings about how sales totals are calculated and the implications for hostess rewards.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over repeatedly explaining that hostess sales are calculated before tax and shipping, noting a specific instance where a hostess miscalculated her total.
  • Another participant acknowledges the difficulty of informing a hostess that she owes more than expected, which can lead to negative reactions.
  • One participant suggests that some individuals may have a mental block regarding numbers, contributing to misunderstandings.
  • Another participant shares a similar experience with a catalogue host who struggled to meet the minimum sales requirement despite previous success.
  • One participant humorously notes that misunderstandings are inevitable, regardless of how clearly information is presented, referencing the need for caution labels on various products.
  • Another participant mentions a recurring issue where hosts believe their free product value (FPV) will cover the cost of their host specials, despite prior explanations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the reasons behind hosts' misunderstandings, with some attributing it to individual difficulties with numbers and others suggesting that confusion is unavoidable regardless of clarity in communication.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from their roles as consultants, highlighting the variability in hosts' understanding and the impact on their business interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who encounter similar challenges with hostess communication may find the shared experiences relatable and insightful.

pampered.chris
Gold Member
Messages
1,742
Some get it some don't. But you mention it every time and then they act like you are the worst person in the world when you correct them.

Why can't hostess's understand that their sales are based on the total BEFORE sales tax and shipping? UGH!!!

I have a hostess that I had to go to the bones to explain the hostess benefits and I have told her 4 times that sales are based on the cost of products, not including the shipping & tax. Yet she sends me the rest of her orders and figures out her total is $900+ and it isn't!!! Her total is $870.55. $29.45 away from a $900 party.

So now I have to tell her that she either needs to come up with $30 to have a $900 party or pay the difference after the 30% off on her free stuff since she will be out $25 in FPV.

I just get frustrated. I wish HO would come up with a fool proof way to explain the hostess benefits so that every hostess would understand.

K, done venting, thanks for listening.
 
Wow, that's a big show. I guess that makes up for your complaint, right? Congrats!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Yeah, it is a good show, I don't mean to be ungrateful for the show. I just hate having to tell the hostess "you owe more than you thought you did" and have them get mad at me.

Or at least that was the point I was trying to make. I think.
 
I'm sorry to hear that your host can't listen. I think some people have a mental block when it comes to numbers.
 
I totally understand Chris. Here a show minimum is $200. I have a catalogue host who has been gathering orders for 3 weeks. She asked for a dozen catalogues which I don't normally do but since her cooking show two years ago was $1200 and she works at two old age homes, I agreed. 3 weeks later and she emails me that she's just shy of $200 (more like $180) and will try today and then just buy something herself.

I explain again that as long as it's $200 before shipping and tax she'll get the 60% off host special she had her eye on. She then emails me back - oops it's more like $145, I forgot. UGH!!
 
It wouldn't matter how easy the HO made it, some would get it wrong. That's why there are stupid labels on things:Hemorrhoid Cream: Do not take orally.Blow Dryer: Do not use while sleeping.Curling Iron: Do not insert in any bodily orifice. (Seriously. I've seen it.)Sorry your host was confused.
 
My classic issue is that no matter how many times you explain it, you will get that one host who believes their FPV will cover the cost of their host special or half-price items. Ugh. Had that happen a couple of weeks ago, even though I had thoroughly explained it all several times during host coaching.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't hostesses listen to my suggestions during the party?

Hostesses may have a lot on their minds while managing the party, which can make it difficult for them to absorb all the information. They might be focused on engaging guests, managing logistics, or simply feeling overwhelmed. It's important to be patient and offer gentle reminders when necessary.

What can I do if my hostess seems distracted?

If your hostess appears distracted, try to engage her in a one-on-one conversation during a quieter moment. Ask her how she feels about the party and if there’s anything specific she needs help with. This can help refocus her attention and ensure she feels supported.

How can I ensure my hostess understands the party plan?

To ensure your hostess understands the plan, provide her with clear, concise materials ahead of time. Consider having a pre-party meeting or a phone call to go over the details. Visual aids, like checklists or timelines, can also help her grasp the flow of the event.

What if my hostess is resistant to my advice?

Sometimes, hostesses may have their own ideas about how they want to run the party. Respect their vision while gently offering your expertise. Ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective and find common ground, which can lead to a more collaborative approach.

How can I help my hostess feel more confident?

To boost your hostess's confidence, provide her with positive reinforcement and encouragement. Share success stories from previous parties and offer to assist with specific tasks. The more supported she feels, the more likely she will be to listen and engage with your suggestions.

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