Why Pampered Chef Is so Much Better Than Mk

[its_me_susan]

Thank you, each of you, for contributing to this information. No matter where we have been before PC or even now with PC, it is always better to have a little knowledge about things that often come up in conversations with customers, competitors, friends and family. I don't believe there was any thing shared here that was not valueable on several levels, and I hope no one goes away hurt because I found the information to be very useful. Not as a club to use on my next MK, PL, or SL selling friend... but as a tool to develop the words I will use to promote Pampered Chef to them.
It's important that whatever we do in life makes us happy, and if they are happy with what they are doing, I am happy for them. But along life's road circumstances change. Having some knowledge will allow me to express genuine interest when that time comes, and knowing how our benefits match may help me gently recruit a friend rather than offend a competitor.
Whatever you do, do it well... and be open to anything that expands your knowledge about how to reach and help others. Thanks again!

Karo, how will you share the differences with them do you think? I think at my next party, I'll just mention no deliveries, stock, $200 min every two months... etc.

Does anyone know the requirements and perks of Silpada Jewelry or Creative Memory businesses?

 

[soonerchef]

I don't know about Silpada but I did have a friend who did CM, she only did it for the discount. She said that doing parties was too difficult because she had to carry stock with her to the shows. She likened it to MK but with scrapbooking.

 

[its_me_susan]

I think the cars are a big reason why the "little people" in Mary Kay don't get great things like we do in PC. The company spends so much on these cars for the higher ups, there is nothing left for them. Did you know they have 3 levels of cars? Back when I was into it and attending meetings, the first car was a red Grand Am, the second was a Pink Grand Prix and the 3rd was the Cadillac. I think they ended up switching the Grand Prix to a white Blazer with a special gold trim only available to MK consultants.

My director had a red Grand Am and she was pushing us hard because she wanted the Grand Prix. Every meeting she would say that we should look at her car as our trophy on wheels for all our hard work. You have no idea how many times I almost asked her if I could borrow "our" trophy for the weekend.

I have a friend who sells "Beauty Control" who keeps talking up the Mustang they get (with the words "Beauty Control" on the car) that they never have to give back. I'm glad PC doesn't give away cars (with advertisements) ~ just wouldn't feel good about trying to excite people about the "company car" (with all the advertisements on it). Any one know their requirements? My friend seems to like it - it's spa & make-up products. I LOVE the hand repair cream!

 

[its_me_susan]

I don't know about Silpada but I did have a friend who did CM, she only did it for the discount. She said that doing parties was too difficult because she had to carry stock with her to the shows. She likened it to MK but with scrapbooking.

My Silpada friend keeps trying to indirectly sell me on it as a business, saying most people are so happy there's no "presentation". I am so happy knowing that there are people like me who always enjoyed PC parties because of the cooking demo. And I just feel justified buying cooking tools. I do like and support ALL home businesses (my jewelry is Silpada, my make-up mostly MK, my creams Beauty Control). I just know PC is the right choice for me. I've gotten a recruit who just wants to do bridal registries - no presentations.

 

[pamperedbecky]

Karo, how will you share the differences with them do you think? I think at my next party, I'll just mention no deliveries, stock, $200 min every two months... etc.

Does anyone know the requirements and perks of Silpada Jewelry or Creative Memory businesses?

I have a friend who does CM, but just for discounts too. She doesn't even do the classes/parties. She has enough business from scrapbooking friends replenishing their supplies that she keeps it going. I don't know all the specifics, but I think they pay any host benefits out of their commission. So, their commission rate may start out higher, but some of it gets eaten by host benefits. I don't know the minimum, but it's something like they have to submit $400 in sales every quarter maybe??

 

[its_me_susan]

I did MK when I was rather young (in my early 20's). I pushed so hard for bookings, met some nice people, but never made any money. I was always so bummed because I didn't have enough inventory. And like one said already, you get inventory and then 3 months later they do away with some color or some item and you're stuck.
The other problem i had was that I didn't work fast enough to turn that inventory over before the new came in.

The best thing about having some inventory though? It smelled good. Too bad that doesn't make you money.

Kris

If you still have alot of inventory, you could always donate them to a "basket" for silent auctions and free gift bags? One of my MK friends did that at the last fundraiser we did for a silent auction to raise money for a local 7 year oild with cancer.

 

[etteluap70PC]

I have a coupple of friends who sell CM and would love for me to sell it as well because I know the products as well as they do ! If I ever left PC which I hope I never will, I love it too much I would considder CM. I really believe in the Co.

Anyhow.... CM cons. Kit is usually $195 right now they have a deal for $115 I think. They get stuff they need to demo and a few basics to sell.
They buy their supplies at 30% off and mark them up to retail. For hosts they do pay for host bennies but when they have their specials I know they get them at a pretty good price Like last summer they had a very cute 7x7 for hosts. Reg cost would have been $23 I think Cons got it for like $7.

Reasons I do not want to do CM...
They must keep some Inventory. Many near me don't keep too much since we are only 1/2 hr from St. Cloud MN where they have their headquarters.
CM does not provide software for keeping track of inventory.
Consultants have to deliver products to hosts at least...
I'm not positive about their minmums but I think they have to sell $500 retail every quarter.
As a new Cm I know they have some good incentives for sales but many times they spend the money themselves to reach those goals so it can be very expensive for start up....

As with any company it also depends on how you run your business.Isn't that the great thing about having your own business! I know at times I have invested alot of money in my PC business and not always wisely. When I start recruiting I hope to be able to give them better guidance than I got.

Thats my $.02

Paulette
on a snowy MN morning....

 

[its_me_susan]

Ok, if you are thinking of becoming a Pampered Chef consultant, but just can't make up your mind, read this!!!

I used to be a Mary Kay consultant. Actually, I still am, but I don't sell it, I just order for myself and 2 family members about every 6 months.
First of all, Mary Kay pushes you to keep inventory. You can't submit individual orders. Minimum order is $400 retail. So, you have to spend thousands of dollars "guessing" what you think your customers will buy and keep it in stock. Then, they like to up and discontinue things or change the shape of the compacts, so the eyeshadows and blushes you have in stock no longer fit the new compacts. So, who is stuck with the discontinued stuff? YOU ARE!!!
Pampered Chef is the one that takes care of the discontinued items that are left in supply. Not us!!

Here is another. Mary Kay gets a lot of consultants to sign up, because they tell you that you will make 50% off of what you sell. Buy a cleanser for $5 and sell it for $10. People sign up like crazy when they hear this. What they don't tell you is, YOU are the one that pays for what a host earns at her party and YOU are the one that pays for all the shipping. So, you don't really make 50% profit. What if a customer wants to pay with a credit card since you already have the product in stock? That's easy. They give you a special ID# and and 800# where you can call it in. Then they will cut you a check. What they don't tell you is, every time you do that, they take a percentage of that money for a fee. So why would you want anyone to spend a lot and pay by credit card?
With Pampered Chef, their is no inventory. Customers pay for shipping. PC pays for what the host earns, and you don't get penalized because someone wants to use a credit card!

Here's another. MK consultants don't want more than 6 guests at a show!! The company tells you that it's too hard to pay individual attention to all the guests if there are too many. The whole time I was an MK consultant, I had 1 $500 show and my average show was about $200. As a PC consultant, my average show is $500!!

Ok, just one more. When MK comes out with new products they will sometimes let you earn a few of them free. PC always lets you ears ALL of them for free. Here is just a comparison of each of their latest incentives:

Mary Kay-Order $7,200 retail (now this is all at once and not over a period of time), receive $126 in retail products free.

Pampered Chef December incentive-Sell $5000 retail over the course of one month and receive products valued at MORE than $350 in retail products PLUS 2,500 points towards the new Incentive Program.

If any of you know people that may be thinking of joining MK, stop them and tell them about PC instead. I don't remember the exact details, but it also seems like you have to have some unbelievable number of recruits to become a director too. Like 15-20 or something. I don't remember for sure.


Pampered Chef is the Best!!!!

Just posting to bump this interesting thread up. - Anyone know what the jewelry home business commissions & requirements look like?

 

[jenniferlynne]

Premier Jewelry/Wildtree HerbsWell, I know a girl that sells it. I've never asked her what she makes, but she has told another girl that I know that she gets to keep 50% of what she sells. The girl that told me this is my recruit with PC, but this other girl had tried to sign her up for Premier Jewelry. She said the start up costs were several hundred dollars because of the jewelry that comes in the kit.

I just started selling Wildtree Herbs. I love the products, they are great, but the company is nothing like PC. They are a fairly new company and tripled in size last year (about 500 consultants now), so they are still just getting started. The turnaround times are so fast they make your head spin. I placed an order for a girl on a Sunday night, and it was delivered to her on Tuesday. When I signed up, my kit shipped the very next day and it was shipped overnight. I couldn't believe it. Another good thing is you earn points for everything you sell, and then you can turn around and use your points to buy your supplies. They are a good company, they just don't have all the little extra perks that PC has yet. I think in time they will. It cost me $100 to sign up and my commission is 25% starting out. The starter kit is worth about $500, plus the month I signed they had a special and I got the 12-pack sample kit free, which is a $50 value.

 

[sarahsellcm]

Creative MemoriesI used to be a Creative Memories Consultant and let me tell you you make NO money at all. The starter kit is over $195. You have to keep an inventory and in order to get free stuff you have to sell a lot in one month (I can't remember the number). Month 1 starts at a lower level and then Month 2 is higher and so is month 3. They tell you that you can make money but you don't. I did it for over a year and made NOTHING because you have to place a $500 order every three months to stay active so you have to guess what people will want and then try to sell it. With PC you don't have to do that. I LOVE PC!!!!!!

 

[jmedeiros]

my 2 centsWell I actually am a Tupperware consultant and at first loved it.... BUT then when new cattys came out, it was just the same items, different colors. Our goal is only $250 every 4 months (roll over) so its not that bad or hard to stay active. I just gather up some orders for family and friends and past customers, and im set for another 4 months!

I joined PC in Jan/Feb and LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT! I have made more money selling PC than TW. I even dont regret buying the items for me as i did with TW!!

My recruiter sells PC, Beauticontrol, Home Interiors and i think is still active with Mary Kay. And used to sell Avon. By all means, PC and HI has been the best for her.

I can tell you first hand that PC has the best perks that any other direct sales company has. Just look at the SS month bonuses. With TW, when you make your SS goal (its called 30/60/90 in TW) you get between $100 - $125 worth of TW BUT you have to pay a $25 co pay!! AND pay tax and shipping!!!

When we make our goal for PC, it just ships... FREE!! So i love it. I have about 90% of the items in the catalog and use them everyday! I say 90% since i dont have all the SA sets, just a couple and i have about 10 pieces of stoneware.. not all the bakers. But thats about it! I love every piece. Oh, i dont have all the other cookware since i have all the executive line (and then some...!!)

I'm glad that I made the choice to sell PC. It has changed my life! I also learned how to cook!! ha ha ha!! or at least pretend to!! LOL

I love TW, just not as much as selling PC. They are both great products and its great that TW has a lifetime warranty on EVERYTHING! So thats a huge plus! I just try to stay active as much as i can, but will not spend my own money to stay active. It would defeat my purpose. It basically breaks down to $63 a month to stay active with TW, which can just be one set of Modular mates!

I am not to fond of make up companies just because i am very sensative to certain chemicals. So never been wanting to try those companies. As for Creative Memories, my friend used to do very well with it. BUT you do have to have a lot of inventory to have a show. But she loved it. I was thinking about doing that a couple years ago just for the discounts, but just follow through!

 

[jmedeiros]

One more thingWith TW, you just have to send in the consultant price of the items and you pocket the rest of the commission. Instead of PC sending you a commission check. So that part is kinda nice. I dont need to wait 2 weeks for the commission, i get it as soon as i collect the money!

 

[its_me_susan]

Bat Poop!! That is crazy. Mary Kay is very animal friendly. No testing or anything like that. That is a funny story though.

Yeah, it's one thing for us to chat back and forth like this on a website just for PC, but to slam the competition in front of other people is not cool or professional.

I had one of the Taste of Home Entertaining people email me the other day about signing up with them. She got my name from here. I'm sure several of you have or will probably hear from her. She read what I wrote about Mary Kay and used it to her advantage. She was, of course, very careful about not saying anything bad about PC. I'm sure she knows that would tick us straight off. She had an attachment on the email showing what all was in the starter package. It did not appeal to me at all and I love the whole entertaining thing.

I wonder if this is any better (the spam) now that we are a paid for site? An Athome rep (I think it was athome - it's a cross between PC and Southern Living) emailed me (and I'm sure EVERYONE ELSE here) to start up with their new and upcoming company. Their stuff was beautiful ~ but at $250+ (I don't remember the exact start up cost but it was soooo much more than PC, and frankly I love what I'm doing and wouldn't want to start all over - I love the practicality and fun of our products, the fact that using these products actually benefits my entire family! I was mostly surprised they used this site to find me, and thought it was a little (flattering but) cheesy that they were trying to "steal me".

 

[TPC2B]

While were on this subject...Does anyone have any insight into "Cookie Lee Jewelry" program? I have more than once bumped into a PC consultant who has turned that direction?

 

[gilliandanielle]

My CM consultant said she gets 30%, and any party under $500 she has to pay the host benefits for. She said she make no money, but doesn't mind as long as she doesn't spend more than her regular scrapbook budget. Also she has to pay a fee to submit an order, and a credit card fee.

 

[cmdtrgd]

Does anyone have any insight into "Cookie Lee Jewelry" program? I have more than once bumped into a PC consultant who has turned that direction?

My host for tomorrow night sells jewelery, and I think it is Cookie Lee. I'll see what info I can find out and let everyone know!

 

[tashayoung]

My host for tomorrow night sells jewelery, and I think it is Cookie Lee. I'll see what info I can find out and let everyone know!

Cookie Lee earns 50% but they are expected to carry a lot of inventory.

 

[HAJONES80]

I hear ya!I am also a personal use consultant stuck with a $5000.00 inventory loan due to MK. I was very active until about 6 months ago when I got tired of spending every penny I made on Seminars, Trainings, more inventory, and several returns. I decided to come back to PC and Im so glad. Im 7 months pregnant and still able to book shows, spend little money out of pocket, and make my husband happy because I am home so much more now. Good luck to you and I totally agree with ya!! And yes, it takes between 15-20 team members to become a director, along with an unimaginable amount of sales in a 4 month period.

 

[pamperedbecky]

I am also a personal use consultant stuck with a $5000.00 inventory loan due to MK. I was very active until about 6 months ago when I got tired of spending every penny I made on Seminars, Trainings, more inventory, and several returns. I decided to come back to PC and Im so glad. Im 7 months pregnant and still able to book shows, spend little money out of pocket, and make my husband happy because I am home so much more now. Good luck to you and I totally agree with ya!! And yes, it takes between 15-20 team members to become a director, along with an unimaginable amount of sales in a 4 month period.

Cool! Welcome back to PC!! And congrats on your pregnancy!

 

[Sk8Mom209]

I would think the best advantage PC has over MK is we don't have to stock inventory. I mean really, who can afford that, or has room to store it. Not me. I love everything PC has to offer, I will never move on to another company.

 

[cookn' katie]

I am so glad that this was posted. I, like many of you, used to sell MK. I love the product, the belief behind the company, etc. I started MK and day number 1, had over $3600 in credit card debt. I still have over $1500 of old product sitting on shelves. And still working hard to pay off the credit card. I found it extremely hard to recruit, find anyone to host a show, and to sell anything but lipsticks. I have earned more $ in 1 month with PC than I did my entire 2 years with MK. I love PC and hope to be selling it for many, many years. cookn' katie

 

[its_me_susan]

I would think the best advantage PC has over MK is we don't have to stock inventory. I mean really, who can afford that, or has room to store it. Not me. I love everything PC has to offer, I will never move on to another company.

From what I've read here also:
* no deliveries!
* soooooo much in monthly rewards and incentives.
* PC pays for our hostess gifts.
* No minimum order to transmit.
* Rewards not taken away.

 

[soonerchef]

From what I've read here also:
* no deliveries!
* soooooo much in monthly rewards and incentives.
* PC pays for our hostess gifts.
* No minimum order to transmit.
* Rewards not taken away.

What company takes the rewards away? Is it MK with the car?

 

[its_me_susan]

What company takes the rewards away? Is it MK with the car?

Yup and I think in this thread there were others (I could be wrong). i am just still floored by all the incentives.... This is my first full year and I just earned the 5-pieced set and double burner griddle! I am still awed by that opportunity/reward/recognition! Wow!

 

[Cindycooks]

One of my recruits is having her first cooking show tomorrow night - her friend who signed on to do MK and is soooo regretting it. She can't get anyone to have a MK party. And her husband is not too happy with her. She has a closet full of inventory and a baby due in July. My recruit is going to do a MK party for her to try to help her get rid of some of the stuff and then this host wants to do PC! I would love to sign her on but I am going to let my recruit do that and I will really be working on my downline!

My recruit is trying to get her to go ahead and sign up and use some kit-credit towards her kit - with the incentive that some of her first commision check from PC will help her pay off the debt on her credit card from MK. Only thing is with the baby, timing is just not great right now.

 

[cmdtrgd]

We can do catalog/online shows that actually work! I have many people who are interested but think they don't have the time or can't move stuff because of injuries. I tell them they could do online shows with their personal website and also catalog shows. They don't have to leave their house at all! Of course, there is a lot of time that goes into these shows. Once they are ready or able to do shows at other people's houses, they can do it. They could also do shows at their own home.

 

[evasuzuki]

Hi, Jennifer Medeiros. I love your post! I also own about 90% of Pampered Chef products. My story might be a little different than most. I joined cuz I was a lousy cook, plus I had no interest in cooking. But, do I love to eat! Then I decided to do an internet search, plus there was an article in the paper about Pampered Chef. As a result the company sent me a a consultant who invited me to one of her shows. When I saw that garlic press, I said "sold"! I love it. Have been cooking ever since. I still don't love cooking but I've made so many wonderful recipes. I've gotten my sister involved and my cousin, my neighbor and my good friend. We're all consultants now.

Where in Arizona are you? Maybe I'll take a road trip and come and see you!

Best,

Eva Suzuki
www.pamperedchef.biz/evasuzuki

 

[jessica_momof6]

the host brought her baby in and started breast feeding, uncovered, right in the middle of the party. (I have no problem with breast feeding your kids, but for heavens sake, cover up!)

uhm *wow*

FTR--I have been a host before, and I have nursed my baby at my pampered chef party...so being a PC consultant doesn't exclude you from seeing that.

 

[jessica_momof6]

anyone know anything about the Body Shoppe?

 

[cmdtrgd]

Just that the consultants in my area were very badly hurt when they opened an actual shop in the mall here. Glad PC will never do that!