Why Was Nancy's Contract with Pampered Chef Not Renewed?

[AlowayFamily]

I just ordered 50 HWC invitations from Merrill yesterday, and with taxes and S&H it was over $25!!! I was surprised at the cost when the final tally came through. I have not ordered much from them either, as I think they are too expensive.

It is very disappointing that we only have 1 vendor to choose. I liked the variety offered by having 3 places to look, and 3 different price levels.

 

[raebates]

Hey, KG, I'll be keeping you in prayer.

 

[Pampered Laura]

eeek. Stop the presses. I just got a phone call from the Home Office. Apparently the home office has a lurker on the board and/or someone emailed them my post about "who to contact". She was reading it word for word... LOL
She asked me to NOT encourage an email campaign. She did say that personal letters were welcome, and that creative/concrete/constructive ideas were best.

See, I called this morning to lodge a complaint. I asked the best route to take --- email vs. phone. The Solution Center told me "Please don't call, that clogs up our queue"... and that EMAIL was the best route to take in voicing our opinion on this, but apparently that is wrong wrong wrong.

The home office has noted that the field is not happy - but it's not going to change. Here's what we CAN do to move forward and be productive. We need to let the home office know what we DO want, instead of what we don't.

Email through CC>Managing Your Business>Home Office Emails>Licensed Vendors>

Home Office wants to know:
What postcards/supplies you want to see
Designs you like
Styles that would help you
Product categories you'd like to see
Fonts/spacing changes that would make the products better
Prices that would be reasonable

They want CONSTRUCTIVE and CONCRETE ideas... not just complaints. They know we're not happy. She said that there are two sides to the story and that this adjustment was NOT made lightly. She understands that Consultants are acting on passion here, and she wanted us to be aware that this was not a move made overnight.
Legally, she couldnt give me more information than that, but I do believe her in that there's more to the story and that the Home Office has our best interests/marketing in mind.

I did get to express my concerns about Nancy being a woman in business, starting just like Doris did, and that it scared us that they were moving her out. She was really sweet and listened to my concerns (and some of the concerns that you guys have expressed here) and assured me that it was not an easy thing, and that there's more to it than just that.

From what I got from the conversation, I think they have marketing and business ideas to see to, and that it's really not a personal thing between the Home Office and Nancy herself...it's just "time" to move on, I guess.

Soo... I'm jumping on the "Productive Train". Getting my thinking cap on to come up with lots of ideas that I want them to share with Merrill to get what we want out of them. Who's with me?

 

[AJPratt]

Yikes! I have a couple of guesses who would forward such a thing. He he he...


Anyway...

Laura, if you are volunteering to forward our ideas, here are a few I have:

As far as pricing, something comparable to Nancy's or even less would be good. A variety of Post cards or stationary to match consultant personalities. I like the professional approach, but I also like "fun", too! And items that we need like HWC invites, we shouldn't be forced to spend $25 on 50 invites. They should be available for a lot less, and most likely with our supply form. We do this fundraiser every year... the invites will always be good. Perhaps whoever prints up the regular show invites could do it.

More imprinted promotional items - INEXPENSIVE - that we can afford give out: pens, post-its, hats, mugs, etc. If they want to know about pricing they should do some cort of comp to find out what most sites charge for this type of thing. I do this sort of thing for the stations I work for and believe me, we DO NOT pay what we consutlants are expected to pay.


And, I guess to be fair, like my quote says, "There's 3 sides to every story..."

 

[jasonmva]

Yikes! I have a couple of guesses who would forward such a thing. He he he...

I am reading your mind (and that is a scary thing!) Another thing to make you go hmmmm

 

[jaye]

I'm kinda thinking of quitting my business... it's not just because of Nancy's, but I just see how things have changed so much in the years.... I was a consultant from 2000 to 2004 and the re-signed last year. It's totally different. And I am not sure that I like it... we'll see... but right now, I feel very discouraged.

 

[jasonmva]

I'm kinda thinking of quitting my business... it's not just because of Nancy's, but I just see how things have changed so much in the years.... I was a consultant from 2000 to 2004 and the re-signed last year. It's totally different. And I am not sure that I like it... we'll see... but right now, I feel very discouraged.

I'm with ya there Jaye. I am going to see how things go at my 2 May shows (if they actually happen). I am beginning to shift my priorities and I am putting school first. By the summer I should be starting my Masters work and that is going to be hairy enough.

 

[Pampered Laura]

Nah, don't quit. You can have a successful business with anything the company gives you. As long as they don't double the prices or take away host rewards or commission or trips, I'm in for the long haul.

 

[janetupnorth]

I'm disappointed, but haven't caught up on all the stuff since I'm at work...

I personally really like the "home business" feel of Nancy's...I like the little stickers, the colors that attract attention.

The stamps looked nice because they were home-like, like Doris' "come to the table" vs. industrialized.

Merrill is professional, clean and neat (AND EXPENSIVE), but the magic of Nancy's is that when I'm home spending time with my kids, my kitchen isn't spotless and black and white, it has character...Nancy's designs had that homemade character...

JMHO...

...and wow Laura, you got quite the response...sounds like HO wasn't expecting a reaction! ...kind of interesting in a way that they knew what was happening here, but good I guess, the ideas will go somewhere...

 

[chefcarole]

I just did the only thing I think can truly help Nancy-- I placed an order.

I did too!

 

[MandyK]

Not to be on the wrong side of this and stick my neck out - BUT... Maybe we should not be so quick to light the torches and storm the HO. Before we jump the gun and quit or reconsider conference, why not take the high road and believe that HO has good reasons for the things they do. We can still order from Nancy's ( I am a customer) and MAYBE have a great thing in Merrill. I've never been a huge fan of Merrill (worked with them in a previous job) but can we at least wait and see?

Please, of course, email Nancy and tell her you love her. But please also sit back and think of all the things you want but aren't available and email HO your suggestions. I know I am more likely to give my sons what they want when they ask sweetly. You know the adage -- you catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar.

Okay -- now you can start yelling at me.

 

[Pampered Laura]

No one will yell at you - we've been talking about this further up in this thread.

 

[dianevill]

Yeah, Mandy, no one will yell at you. We'll just light the torches and come after you!

I'm very sad to see Nancy's go. I loved meeting Nancy at conference. She was so warm and cordial, generally interested in US, whereas the other vendors, to me, were just "business".

I don't know if there's really anyone here that would "report" to HO (please, let's not go down THAT road), but there probably are HO lurkers. I say let 'em lurk, because it's a good way for them to know what consultants are feeling. I know the HO uses a lot of directors and above in their decision making, but sometimes they need to hear the "low man on the totem pole", so to speak.

I'm going to go do what Kim said - place an order with Nancy, and offer my condolences. I still will send HO an e-mail once I have time to process all of this. I have to admit that I'm not particularly fond of the changes over the last few years (I've been a consultant for six years so I feel I can speak with some experience) and I would love to put together an e-mail to express my general disatisfaction without getting too emotional. I still love the PC products, just not the direction in which the company has been going.

 

[AJPratt]

Mandy, I think we understand that HO does what they feel is best for the company. Tough to say goodbye to an old friend like Nancy's, though. Like I said: "There are three sides to every story; his side, her side, and what really happened."

And, there are people on this site who do report others to HO. Admitedly, I have in the past, but haven't reported anyone in quite some time nor do I plan on it. We openly discuss being reported all the time (ebay, website links, whatever). Like Laura said, its a possibilty.

I don't mind if there are lurkers, it does give them an honest look at what affects the decisions they make have on the end-users (us). That kind of info is priceless for a company. If I was ever asked my opinion on something, I'm not going to change it because its someone from HO because that wouldn't help. Nothing is gained if you're not upfront. Its a great feeling to know we work with a company that does listen and cares about what we think!

My Dad always said: "Always tell the truth and be up front. You might not have a lot of friends, but you'll never have any enemies because people will always know where you're coming from."

 

[genburk]

Out with the old...

I wonder if we're next? Will TPC now be in the mall next to Williams-Sonoma? Nothing will suprirse me about this company anymore.

Maybe we will be next to the Tupperware vendor, you know the "other" kitchen show people.

 

[baychef]

Not to be on the wrong side of this and stick my neck out - BUT... Maybe we should not be so quick to light the torches and storm the HO. Before we jump the gun and quit or reconsider conference, why not take the high road and believe that HO has good reasons for the things they do. We can still order from Nancy's ( I am a customer) and MAYBE have a great thing in Merrill. I've never been a huge fan of Merrill (worked with them in a previous job) but can we at least wait and see?

Please, of course, email Nancy and tell her you love her. But please also sit back and think of all the things you want but aren't available and email HO your suggestions. I know I am more likely to give my sons what they want when they ask sweetly. You know the adage -- you catch more flies with honey than you do vinegar.

Okay -- now you can start yelling at me.

I stink at linking, but I just posted something similar to this on the other thread of "No more Nancy's" So you and I can be roasted in the pit together...you don't look like you have much meat on you so they will feast on me first...if I don't break the spicket they roast us on!!!

KG...I am so sorry to hear about your medical challenges. I hope all goes well with you and keep us posted. I hope it doesn't involve your ability to type! If it does, we will hire someone to type for you so you can stay on with us.

 

[Shawnna]

I love Nancy's and hate to see her go. I personally hated VIP and I hate Merrill. They are too expensive and most of their items are ugly. Nancy always has cute stuff that is affordable. I will be placing an order soon. I am sure HO has the best interest of the "company" in mind, but that may not be the best interest of us "little people". The people who make a living with PC are very blessed and this may be a great move for them, but most consultants I know are part time or hobby consultants and can't afford the prices Merrill has. And, I do not think it is a good idea to have only 1 vendor. When there is no competition the rules are thrown out the window. Merrill is going to have to do some major changing before they get my money. I will buy plain business cards at WalMart and print my own without the logo. I always buy my cards from Nancy. I guess I better stock up. Perhaps PC should just provide our business card and stationary needs on the supply order form. This really stinks.

 

[Chef Kearns]

Maybe we will be next to the Tupperware vendor, you know the "other" kitchen show people.

That would be very disappointing! I think it hurts the business. I wonder the same thing about Avon. They advertise on television which has got to help sales, but like us they have a referral program so only the higher ups get to take advantage of it. I would hate to see something like that happen.

I haven't send an email to HO. I am not sure if I will. I do not think it will affect this current decision. They are not going to bring Nancy's back. Hopefully, those among us that are eloquent speakers and writers will pass on the ideas and suggestions for betterment from the board. The major thing that needs to come from Merrill is price conscienceness. If they are going to be our only supplier we need versatility...versatility in price, selection, products and shipping options. We need better customer service from them. They could at least act like they want our business. I would like to see a vehicle logo sticker like Town & Country had. That is one product I miss from them. Also, T&C's business stamp ink dried much faster than Merrill's ink. We need a variety of style options. I personally, disliked the red and white checked stuff from Nancy's, but I know ALOT of you loved it! I like some of the new images and styles from Merrill, but I know some of you don't fancy it. We just need variety and options. They want us to get specific, but it is hard other than we liked what we had!!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Before we jump the gun and quit or reconsider conference, why not take the high road and believe that HO has good reasons for the things they do.

It's pretty obvious - the new regime needs to bury the old regime and eliminate all links to the past. This no longer Doris' company and they're going to make sure the world knows it.

Of all the dumb things they've done, this is about the dumbest. If not eliminating Nanacy, at least, the non-descript way they did it.

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

Ooohhh, I'll put a prayer request thread up for you!

Thanks, and thanks for the warm thoughts from everyone, but this is not as big a deal as some of you are making it out to be. This isn't like open heart or anything.

 

[AJPratt]

Thanks, and thanks for the warm thoughts from everyone, but this is not as big a deal as some of you are making it out to be. This isn't like open heart or anything.

Is it serious like laser hemorrhoid removal?

 

[janetupnorth]

Thanks, and thanks for the warm thoughts from everyone, but this is not as big a deal as some of you are making it out to be. This isn't like open heart or anything.

Can they do open heart on you? I figured you'd be like the Tin Man. ...just kidding KG!

 

[janetupnorth]

Maybe he's getting something cosmetic like a boob job...

He-he-he....

 

[janetupnorth]

Here is for you KG!:

http://www.corsinet.com/braincandy/hmedical.html

 

[pamperedalf]

Well you know it wouldn't be boobs........

 

[janetupnorth]

Well you know it wouldn't be boobs........

Ya never know...we had a heshe work with us at Chrysler...

 

[KellyTheChef]

Is it serious like laser hemorrhoid removal?

OMG! Anne~ You make me laugh!

TKG~ I hope she is making you laugh too, so it's not at your expense!

 

[The_Kitchen_Guy]

First of all, no one is even in the right anatomical neighborhood. Secondly, I don't need boobs ~ there's already plenty up here in this booby hatch. Thirdly, I'm not changing my name.

 

[janetupnorth]

First of all, no one is even in the right anatomical neighborhood. Secondly, I don't need boobs ~ there's already plenty up here in this booby hatch.

Thirdly, I'm not changing my name.

He-he-he...

Seriously, we wish you the best... ...just don't get your sense of humor removed.

 

[AJPratt]

Well you know it wouldn't be boobs........

Nah he's an a$$ man. Like I tell my husband, "You'e an A$$, man!"