Why Pampered Chef Is so Much Better Than Mk

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Discussion Overview

This thread features a comparison between Pampered Chef (PC) and Mary Kay (MK) from the perspectives of participants who have experience with both companies. Participants share their personal experiences regarding inventory management, sales practices, and overall satisfaction with each company.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, highlights the challenges of maintaining inventory with Mary Kay, noting the financial burden of guessing customer preferences and the risk of discontinued products.
  • Another participant shares their experience of low sales and customer engagement while working with Mary Kay, contrasting it with their success as a Pampered Chef consultant.
  • Several users mention the lack of support from Mary Kay compared to the support they receive from Pampered Chef, including incentives and free products.
  • One participant expresses frustration with the high costs associated with Tupperware and shares their positive experience with Pampered Chef's lower inventory requirements and better incentives.
  • Another participant recounts their negative experiences with Mary Kay, including low sales and personal dissatisfaction, while emphasizing the benefits of being a Pampered Chef consultant.
  • Some participants express interest in learning about other companies for comparison, mentioning Party Lite and Southern Living, but do not provide detailed experiences with those brands.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the advantages of Pampered Chef over Mary Kay, particularly regarding inventory management and support. However, there is no clear consensus on the experiences with other companies mentioned.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their personal experiences and opinions based on their time as consultants for both Pampered Chef and Mary Kay, reflecting on their motivations for joining and their satisfaction with each company's practices.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to current and prospective consultants within the Pampered Chef community, particularly those considering a transition from other direct sales companies.

cmdtrgd said:
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.
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My 1st two months were ALL catalog shows! I earned $170 my 1st month and $140 the second.... didn't leave my house & my hosts did all the work! Tell her it works! I never wanted to do cooking shows, but now I'm hooked! :)
 
jessica_momof6 said:
anyone know anything about the Body Shoppe?
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What about Beauty Control? I don't dare ask my friend... she tries to convert me every chance she can. I do love their lotion for my feet!!!
:)
 
Big Yellow Box by...Crayola,

I just got an invite to a Big Yellow Box open house. This person that I know (have not seen in a while) is now a consultant. I went on her website and looked at the products but there is no prices listed. There host benefits are not that great and they don't tell you anything about what you get as a consultant on there website.

I have never been to or seen any of the products by Crayola so I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about them. I like to have some fun things in the summer to do with my son when it's raining out. So I was thinking of maybe getting something from her. But I wanted to know more about the products. I have left her a message and I will talk to her but of course since she is selling the products they will be "wonderful":D

Michelle
 
I would just go to her open house and check it out...or ask her for a catalog. As consultants, we think our products are wonderful and of course ours are, but not everyone thinks so. But you won't know till you check it out. I have actually never heard of Yellow Box before.
 
I've been reading this post for awhile now... there seems to be lots of reasons why PC is the best:) Well, I had a Mary Kay party very recently just because she said she'd do one for me.
At the Mary Kay show, I had about 250.00 in sales. Which I think is good for 3 guests (they say don't invite many) and I only got $20.00 in free stuff:rolleyes: That wasn't even worth my time. Anyway, for hosts Mary Kay isn't all that.. JMO
 
Crayola

Their stuff if decent. It's nice that everything you need to make a craft is included in the kits. I had a party last summer. They even sent me a bouquet of flowers the next month (the company, not the consultant!) I have a friend who sells this. She told me that one of our ex top-sellers (Sue Rusch, I think) is their new head honcho, and that they have been changing their hostess plans to resemble ours!

I think the consulants start at 25%. That was what it was before all the changes, so I don't know what it is now.

If you like crafty things, this is a really cute party to do.
 
I agree! PC is truely the BEST!!!:D I got caught up in the BeautiControl thing; and they are just like Mary Kay with having the consultant keep inventory, etc.
 
Big Yellow BoxI think BYB has nice stuff - but it is so expensive! I'm always looking for inexpensive crafts to do - I think I saw maybe 4-5 craft projects in their catalog for under $20 = They have a really cute Piggy Bank that you paint yourself - but it's $35!! I just don't have that kind of $ to spend on kids crafts! And there is NOTHING in their catalog for under $15.00!
 
ringocat22 said:
The last straw for me was when I had a show with three ladies who paid absolutely no attention to me, pretty much ignored me the whole time, and 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!)
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Yikes! I didn't take it that the consultant was against breast feeding. She was just upset that no one was paying attention to the demo, and expressing that she's a little uncomfortable with seeing breast feeding. There is nothing wrong with being uncomfortable when someone you don't know starts breast feeding with her breast in plain view, in her home or wherever. It would certainly take me by surprise if I was in the middle of a show. Of course, the host has a right to feed her child but the consultant has the right to be a little uncomfortable. And yes, the consultant is a guest in the home, but she still can be uncomfortable. If something makes you uncomfortable, its ok. Once you become edcuated and learn more about something that's when you get over the discomfort. I would love to hear some suggestions from the more experienced consultants about how they would approach breast feeding at a show.
 
ChefBeckyD said:
I think BYB has nice stuff - but it is so expensive! I'm always looking for inexpensive crafts to do - I think I saw maybe 4-5 craft projects in their catalog for under $20 = They have a really cute Piggy Bank that you paint yourself - but it's $35!! I just don't have that kind of $ to spend on kids crafts! And there is NOTHING in their catalog for under $15.00!
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BYB is expensive and in my mind if you want to do crafts then you can buy a ton of them from orientaltrading.com....love this site, we get our do-it-yourself X-Mas ornaments from there every year and they have super cute summer stuff too (I think that the piggy bank that you can paint was $6).
 
Thanks for the tip and the link Andrea! I'll check out the Oriental Trading Post Piggy Bank! I love the one that BYB has - but just can't justify $35 for a Ceramic Bank for my 2yr. old to get a hold of and smash!
 
When my husband (a DJ) used to do Bar/Bat Mitzvah's ne would order things to giveaway from that company I like to just look through the catalog and see all the stuff!
 
AJPratt said:
Yikes! I didn't take it that the consultant was against breast feeding. She was just upset that no one was paying attention to the demo, and expressing that she's a little uncomfortable with seeing breast feeding. There is nothing wrong with being uncomfortable when someone you don't know starts breast feeding with her breast in plain view, in her home or wherever. It would certainly take me by surprise if I was in the middle of a show. Of course, the host has a right to feed her child but the consultant has the right to be a little uncomfortable. And yes, the consultant is a guest in the home, but she still can be uncomfortable. If something makes you uncomfortable, its ok. Once you become edcuated and learn more about something that's when you get over the discomfort. I would love to hear some suggestions from the more experienced consultants about how they would approach breast feeding at a show.
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Just treat her like everyone else, don't stare at her boob, don't avoid her either. You should think of it the same as if she were feeding a baby a bottle, I don't think that would have made anyone uncomfortable. I'd personally rather my friends and children watch a woman breast feed a baby than watch a woman bottle feed a baby. Also, use the same tactics for a woman breast feeding a toddler.
 
its_me_susan said:
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. :)
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I think she has to qualify before she can start setting up registries. This keeps brides from signing up to be consultants just to earn money from the gifts they receive.
 
I've noticed alot of Arbonne consultants clawing at me lately to switch or consider their business. One told me, You were so great at your show, I can just imagine how much money you'd be making if you did Arbonne!

My ex-husband worked with an Arbonne consultant who was a flight nurse in real life. She was getting ready to quit being a flight nurse because she was making such great money with Arbonne. But my ex was always annoyed because whenever they were on down time, she was constantly on the phone or on the computer working her business. Imagine how much money she'd make putting that effort into PC!!

Apparently, the Direct Marketers Association is getting on Arbonne for mis-representing the income their consultants earn. Also, lots of consultants don't realize they're signing up for the biz. Here's how it was presented to me by one of the ladies clawing at me: For just $35 a year, you can get all your product for (I can't remember the amount)% off! They are offering this to everyone who agrees to make a purchase! The same lady really talked up Arbonne because she wouldn't have to do shows and be away from her family.
 
Paige: Thank you for your insight! I think its best to breast feed as well!
 
Paige Dixon said:
I've noticed alot of Arbonne consultants clawing at me lately to switch or consider their business. One told me, You were so great at your show, I can just imagine how much money you'd be making if you did Arbonne!

My ex-husband worked with an Arbonne consultant who was a flight nurse in real life. She was getting ready to quit being a flight nurse because she was making such great money with Arbonne. But my ex was always annoyed because whenever they were on down time, she was constantly on the phone or on the computer working her business. Imagine how much money she'd make putting that effort into PC!!

Apparently, the Direct Marketers Association is getting on Arbonne for mis-representing the income their consultants earn. Also, lots of consultants don't realize they're signing up for the biz. Here's how it was presented to me by one of the ladies clawing at me: For just $35 a year, you can get all your product for (I can't remember the amount)% off! They are offering this to everyone who agrees to make a purchase! The same lady really talked up Arbonne because she wouldn't have to do shows and be away from her family.
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What kind of business is Arbonne? Never heard of this or yellow box....
 
Arbonne is a company that distributes make up and skin care products as well as vitamins and hair care products. I love Arbonne make-up. It is all natural...made from fruits and vegetables. I haven't figured that out yet. I am a consultant but not to sell anything, just to get my products at the 35% discount. Anyone can sign up for that. In order to be considered a real consultant and earn commission and incentives you actually have to go out and work the business, but if you don't want to do that you can pay your 35.00 and only order products for yourself. As long as you continue to pay your yearly fee you can order products.

The person who signed me up was a nurse who had quit because she had replaced her income with her Arbonne business. She has now gone back to work.

PC is still the best as far as I'm concerned.
 
Last night at my show, an invited guest passed out her Longaberger catalogs, compared my products to hers (IMO our wovens put theirs to shame), and constantly refered to her business. It was really so rude, and no one was interested. I responded politely and with respectful interest, but inside was soooo annoyed! *ugh*

Have you ever had that happened to you at a show?
 
its_me_susan said:
Last night at my show, an invited guest passed out her Longaberger catalogs, compared my products to hers (IMO our wovens put theirs to shame), and constantly refered to her business. It was really so rude, and no one was interested. I responded politely and with respectful interest, but inside was soooo annoyed! *ugh*

Have you ever had that happened to you at a show?
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OMG Susan!!!!
I am SO sorry this happened to you!
What did you say to her?!?
I would have a talk with the hostess who invited her and let her know how you felt about her behavior - WOW she had some really gall!!
I would be FUMING!!!
 
Some people just have no respect! I am so sorry to hear that!
 
Has anyone ever heard of thirty-one gifts? I found it uder the dsa website. I'm looking for something that i could do on the side from pc. I love there products. They have anything from baby bibs to pocket books to soy candles. It's only $99 to get started too. It gets you over $300 in products. I don't think there's anything that could ever replace pc though. I'm just looking out for myself when pc gets slower. The hosts automatically receive one half price product for booking a show and then they get extra half price products according to the more buying guests you have. It said something about getting free product but didn't not have anything to show how much you actually received. I'm just wondering if anyone has heard about this.


I did a rv rally and there was a mary kay lady next to me and she said that she pays all s&h for all her guests b/c they wont buy as much if they have to pay shipping and handling...i just lauged....i said well i love my customers but i'm not going to do that....I don't see where $4 would affect my sales. It may but I just don't see where it would.
 
HAHA OOOOOOk.. well i went to a convention & swapped shows with a MK girl.. i am getting the shitend of the deal! she made out like a bandit with PC with a $400 show!! No one wants to come to my MK show because of the prices! I know i wont get any host rewards cause you have to spend $$ to get anything!!! I plan on buying a lipstick & thats all but i somewhat feel bad that it will be me,mom & sis at my show for her next sat. she keeps pressureing OUTSIDE ORDERS!!!! she had her mom & a friend at her PC show THAT'S ALL! BUT HAD LOTS OF OUTSIDE ORDERS! I sent her the info that jenniferlynne put to try & bring it to her attention since shes nice i said im not trying to upset you just wanted to warn you.im sure she;ll A)get pissed or offended 2)say its untrue! what do ya think bad move on me?
 
I know with partylite to qualify you have to hold 6 shows in two weeks!!! HELLO people have everyday lives too!!!! And you constantly have to hold shows to stay active!!! I met a girl who was a home decor consultant,i went to a friends party recently,poor woman was all over the place,she appologized saying shes the only one is this area & doesnt get trained & only contact is far away!!! she was impressed when i explained how supportive PC is! i plan on educating her on our bussiness opportunites by calling her & asking how her business is going & seeing what she says..any suggestions? I did go home that night & look online at their startup kits..there are different ones.. but like $150 for random items that if you quit you wouldnt use like 3 candles,2 wall arts(beautiful frames i must say though) fake flower arragement & a chip & dip set.The friend who hosted the show is having a PC show in aug & the home consultant is supposed to go..i dont wanna attack her there i just thought about mentioning her to come when i call & say please let me know if your interested..how could i word like watch how easy & fun & see if youd be interested??POOR Woman!
 
ChefBurke said:
HAHA OOOOOOk.. well i went to a convention & swapped shows with a MK girl.. i am getting the shitend of the deal?
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How is that, she had a show for you and had outside orders for a $400.00show and now you don't plan on helping her out?:confused: It sounds like she may be getting the short end of the deal!
 
rennea said:
How is that, she had a show for you and had outside orders for a $400.00show and now you don't plan on helping her out?:confused: It sounds like she may be getting the short end of the deal!
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Hmmmm, that's what I was thinking! She did do the work needed to have a successful show.....
 
Hey Chefburke, actually you are getting the GOOD end of the deal!

I have to share too. Last November when I restarted, I did a huge show at my sil's friend's church. They needed the church because they invited all the church ladies.

Some lady got there before me (I didn't know at the time that she was from Party Lite) and was parked in the closest spot. I thought nothing of it other than parking a bit farther away to carry my things in.

Didn't really pay anymore attention to the lady as I didn't see her.

The host showed me around the church and in their gym, where the lights were mostly off, and there was a table there with PartyLite stuff on it. There was going to be a Party Lite party at the same time as my PC going on.

I was busy paid no more attention to it. But mentioned to my sil 'how did the party lite guests come in? I never saw anybody?'

She said noone showed up. :rolleyes: The Party Lite lady left.....a bit mad.
The Party Lite invites all came to the PC Show!

'Nuff said!

Kris
 
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Kris: Wow! I think Partylite has great products, but wit PC there is no buyer's remorse and our products help the whole family. I'm glad it worked out for you though!
 
Premier Jewelry DesignsHas anyone done a party for Premier Jewelry? I am having one for a friend on August 10 and have no idea what to expect.
 
I had a friend who had one, but I couldn't make it.
She told me she got oodles of free jewelery. That's all I know. I should call her though.

Kris
 
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