Will My Saga W/ My Nightmare Host Ever End?

[babywings76]

Thanks everyone for the support today. I really needed the hugs. In her e-mail to me, she closed by saying that she was going to put it in her mailbox right after writing her e-mail. So hopefully, she did. If I don't get them, I'm going to contact the two orders that were paid by credit card that totaled $160 and see if they still would like to have the orders placed (one of those was the previous booking host--a relative to this host.) So I'm hoping it doesn't come to that.As far as shipping it to me, I'm afraid I can't do it. She lives far away from me and I have no idea where the people live that placed orders.This really has convinced me that I need to insist on getting names, phone numbers, and/or e-mail addresses from people. In the future, I will go over that in my host coaching--and that those numbers are strictly for guarantee purposes and that I won't add them to my contact list unless they request it when I make the customer care calls.I think I have been too eager to please hosts and keep things easy for them by not asking for that info. In the past I would just accept a name because they didn't have other info handy or didn't want to give it to me. I also didn't worry about outside order forms, because I thought it was inconvenient...they have to run off more copies if they run out, then I have to get them back somehow. I always provided them, but didn't make a fuss about them filling them out. I told hosts they could fill them out or just have them as a guide to when they had to calculate orders. What I find is that people still don't calculate orders correctly on them. So I like these OOF that you guys have shared here and in the past. I'm going to switch to using them. Now, how do you handle getting them back when the host lives far away and you can't/don't want to have to drive and pick them up?

 

[cathyskitchen]

Now, how do you handle getting them back when the host lives far away and you can't/don't want to have to drive and pick them up?

Enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope in the Catalog Host packet next time - no excuses for not getting order forms/checks!

 

[chefann]

That's what I do, too. I put it in the host pack with a sticky note that says "Use this envelope to collect orders and payment." Then, at the show, I take off the sticky and tell the host to use it to mail me any after-show orders and checks, including hers.

 

[legacypc46]

I love the SASE idea. Thanks for sharing! (Ah, another reason I love this site!)

 

[etteluap70PC]

Oh my gosh this is great...... THANKS!!!!

Ok so my form does not always help... I had 8 outside orders ($300!!!) for my show last night NO PH#'s!!!! HELLO!!!!!!! GRRRRRRRRR

 

[babywings76]

I just edited one that Becky D. shared (in the files it's called OOF-MINE, I think). I am also including this little blurb printed on bright paper and paper clipped to the OOF's with a SASE. Here are some Outside Order Forms. Please make more copies as needed. I will e-mail you the file as well, if it’s easier to just print more off.
• Full name and phone number are required for guarantee purposes
• If the information section is filled out completely, they will get a free Season’s Best cookbook with their order.
• Any after-show orders and checks can then be mailed to me in the enclosed envelope.I copied and pasted this blurb several times on one page and have just cut off one slip for each host packet.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I just edited one that Becky D. shared (in the files it's called OOF-MINE, I think). I am also including this little blurb printed on bright paper and paper clipped to the OOF's with a SASE.

Here are some Outside Order Forms. Please make more copies as needed. I will e-mail you the file as well, if it’s easier to just print more off.
• Full name and phone number are required for guarantee purposes
• If the information section is filled out completely, they will get a free Season’s Best cookbook with their order.
• Any after-show orders and checks can then be mailed to me in the enclosed envelope.

I copied and pasted this blurb several times on one page and have just cu
t off one slip for each host packet.

I have found that since adding onto the OOF the blurb about getting a free SB if their info is complete that I am getting alot more filled out forms! Amazing what a $1 cookbook can do! (and I just add them on to the hosts order and let him/her know who gets one.)

 

[babywings76]

I'm really getting excited about this. Thanks Becky, for sharing it. Now, to just get some new hosts and look ahead to better experiences!

 

[etteluap70PC]

I have found that since adding onto the OOF the blurb about getting a free SB if their info is complete that I am getting alot more filled out forms! Amazing what a $1 cookbook can do! (and I just add them on to the hosts order and let him/her know who gets one.)

oooohhhhhh I like this! And sending them an emailed copy so they can print more! AWESOME!

 

[chefsteph07]

I am just now reading this..how unbelievable...

I cannot believe that she found them in a cabinet and then blamed you for being overbearing!

I love blaming things on my dh, then I can just say "oh, dh didn't do this, isn't that typical?" and laugh it off, which is what she should have done!
I don't know if I'd have the orders sent to me anyway, I"d definitely take the numbers though and watch the shipping status so you know when they were delivered and then make a "courtesy call" when you know they arrived to let them know. It's not YOUR responsibility to make sure the guests get what they ordered, it's the hosts. But, you can at least inform them of when she has her products since it's been so long since the show date to when they are actually going to get them.
What a pain!

 

[chefann]

The other thing you can do, if there aren't phone numbers on the checks, is to send a note or postcard to those addresses, letting the customers know that you submitted the show. Then they'll know to expect a call from the host in a week or so when the products arrive.

 

[esavvymom]

When you DO get checks from the customers- get their details off of the checks before you cash them. Most people have at minimum their address, usually even a phone number. I do that- just in case. It's not to spam them, it's just business! We are a business and I don't think they take that seriously. If you went to a store and they asked for your phone number with your check or whatever, you give it to them in order to do business. It's just the nature of doing business.I like the idea of the OOF with the fields required - and the blurb about getting a Seasn's Best for completed info would be cool too...I'll pay the $0.60-0.80 for one of those just to get the information I need.Good luck! Your bad experience does help the rest of us who haven't encountered it yet...so we can be prepared or help avoid them.

 

[babywings76]

Okay, here it goes....Still no checks--it's been a week since her last nasty e-mail. I guess she is still mad and just didn't send them. I am debating what to do. I was going to e-mail her this (so that it is just stating the facts of the deadline and I can say she was fully aware of the restrictions), but am not sure I should:The checks haven't arrived. If you were wanting the orders to be submitted to receive the March host and guest specials, then the deadline for me to submit it is the 15th. If the checks still haven't arrived in time, I will assume you are not wanting these orders to get processed and I will cancel out the entries I've made for your show. Since the previous host that this one was booked off of placed a large order, I was thinking of calling her and saying this:Hi xxxxx. Well, I just wanted to let you know that it’s looking like xxxxxxx’s show isn’t going to be able to be submitted in time for it to count as a March show, because I haven’t received the checks yet for all her orders. I didn’t know what you would like me to do in regards to your order. I didn’t know if you were still wanting the items, and if you were wanting me to place your order with your 10% discount on its own. It's actually an amount that is really close to being its own catalog show. If you were wanting to tack on a few things or add another order from someone to get it to qualify as its own show, I could enter you in as the host and since you booked yourself at your last show, you could now get 2 of the host specials. Actually, you could even just have it be an April show at this point if you are more interested in our bamboo products.I just hate this mess and want to wash my hands of it. So do you think I should send this last e-mail to her and also call the other previous host? Or should I just call the previous host and not even bother with this host anymore?No matter what I do, it'll be wrong and bother-some in her eyes, so I just don't know what to do. But I just want to be sure I'm thorough and that she is aware of the deadline (it's in the fine print, but I'm not sure if I've told her the 15th was the deadline or not).

 

[chefann]

At this point, I think your best option is to contact the past host and just give her a heads up on why she hasn't received her stuff yet. If she's concerned, she'll contact the current host. Don't add fuel to the fire by telling her that the current host hasn't mailed you the checks, but give her some general information, like "I haven't gotten all the orders nor payment from current host." It is a good idea to let her know that she can make it her own show if she wants the March specials.So sorry this is still going on for you.

 

[AlowayFamily]

I too have a nightmare host...she has been a great host in the past..so this situation is SOOO frustrating! She hosted a November show - that she finally closed on December 15th - I had to drop by her house on Dec 19th to pick up a cheque to cover her balance + another couple of guests. $170 in total. Her items shipped, her cheque bounced and she promised me that she'd get me the money. Here it is 3 months later and she now won't answer my emails, voice mails - or the notes I've left stuck to her door. I spoke to her sister in law on Saturday and asked her to have her call me. I understand that this happens to everyone at some point in their life but please have the decency to call me back and make a plan to return what is rightfully mine. I called HO and they told me that they can't do anything - had not suggestions and told me it was between her and I. I specifically told her that this comes out of my grocery money and that it has nothing to do with PC...no response. AAAGHH! Anyone have any suggestions?

I had a similar situation from a host who bounced a $230 check on me. I found out that my bank will make collections on HER bank for the check. I just completed a collections form from my bank and they sent it to her bank. They then monitor her bank account for 30 days and when the check can clear they process it (minus a small fee) and send my bank a cashiers check.

I got $215 back from the $230 bounced check, after many phone calls, emails and stories from my host. Let your bank do the work for you!

 

[kcjodih]

Woohoo, Nancy I would love, love, LOVE to see her face when she sees the $230 out of her account. TOO darn funny!

What was the host's excuse when she bounced and didn't get the money to you and how long was it until you took the step with the bank that you did? How long did it take for funds to be in her account for her bank to 'grab'? I'm still chuckling here..

 

[kcjodih]

Amanda, I would just call the past host and apologize for the delay. Mention to her that there are still outstanding payments you haven't received from the current show and in two days time it will no longer be possible to submit it as a March show. Would she like to ____ or ____? (offering solutions like you mentioned).

I wouldn't bother contacting the past host at all. I can't remember from the original threads if there are orders with payment or not but if there are and you have their info, contact them about additional shipping or add to the past host's order. If there isn't info but there is payment, I'd submit those orders and send to current host as individual orders, if there is info but no payment I'd call them directly etc. But I'd be soooo done with this host!

 

[AlowayFamily]

Woohoo, Nancy I would love, love, LOVE to see her face when she sees the $230 out of her account. TOO darn funny!

What was the host's excuse when she bounced and didn't get the money to you and how long was it until you took the step with the bank that you did? How long did it take for funds to be in her account for her bank to 'grab'? I'm still chuckling here..

I was really bummed when the check bounced, as it was one of those situations when I knew it was going to happen and I let it happen anyway. When it bounced I called her for almost a month. Typical responses, sorry, I'm not that kind of person, I have the money, I'll get it to you...

I spoke with a friend who used to work in the banking industry and she suggested I get my bank to help. So about a month and a half later I filed the collection paperwork. I actually called her bank about 2 or 3 days later and asked if the check would clear and they said yes. They wrote a cashiers check that day and sent it to my bank. I was so happy to get the money I called DH immediately to let him know.

The funny thing is, I left her email on my NL list and she responded to my HWC request for pre-orders. She wants to gather orders for me! I'll let her do it, but no more checks from her!

 

[BlessedWifeMommy]

The funny thing is, I left her email on my NL list and she responded to my HWC request for pre-orders. She wants to gather orders for me! I'll let her do it, but no more checks from her!

Or her debit card!

 

[Sheila]

Amanda, I'd call the past host & offer the catalog show! I'd even give her the other cc order that you have if it would help her to make a show!

I'd also e-mail the deceptive host and let her know that you will not be able to submit her show as a March show, that the Pampered Chef deadline is the 15th and you don't see how you could get the checks, deposit them and have the funds clear in time to process the orders by the Pampered Chef deadline!

Okay, I'm mean ... I'd actually probably e-mail both of them on the same e-mail so they both know what you are saying to the other one! That would alleviate the deceptive host from lying to the past host about the hold up. LOL

(((hugs))) Sorry you are still dealing with this mess!

 

[pampered1224]

Nancy, DON'T DO IT!!!
I had a hos tlike that. It took well over month to get the money from her. And it was almost $700!! Through several tactful questions, I found out she had spent the money then could not replace it!! Worst paret was, she bad mouthed my out of 4 bookings from her party. And she totally embarassed one of her guests when I asked for the guests phone number as I though I wrote down the CC number wrong. Instead of blaming me, she spread it all over town that this ladies credit was no good as her card was declined by The Pampered Chef! I mean OMG!
She too repsonded to an e-mail I sent out about HWC about 4 months later. I deleted her from my contacts list, and never responded to her e-mail. Was not going to deal with it. NEVER!

 

[babywings76]

Here's the latest, if anyone cares at this point.... I did send the host an e-mail yesterday, just so that she couldn't call me later and say "hey, you never told me you didn't get those checks, where's the stuff?" This is what I wrote:Just letting you know that I will not be able to submit your show as a March show now, since the checks haven't arrived. The Pampered Chef deadline is the 15th and there is no longer enough time for me to get the checks, deposit them and have the funds clear in time to process the orders by the Pampered Chef deadline. At this point, a credit card is the only form of payment that will work, should you choose to go ahead with the show. Otherwise, I can change the show to an April one but the host and guest special items will have to be adjusted. If I don't hear from you tonight, I will assume you no longer wish to pursue this show.Since I didn't hear from her, I went ahead and called the previous host (I'll refer to her as my "good host") just now and am SO GLAD I did! She was wondering what was going on with her order, she never heard from the host at all. As it turns out, this host also did a jewelry party a month or so ago and my good host still never had the charge come through her bank (she always uses a debit card so she can monitor payments of things like this) for that one, so she was wondering if she hasn't closed that show yet either! Apparently, this stinky host has multiple shows going on, so my good host thinks that the guests won't think poorly of me and assume it's all stinky host's fault. She decided to pull her and her mother's orders and put them in as her own show. I added an order for my mom to boost her to the qualifying level. She didn't really want another host special, so she forgo that benefit. I'm going to give her a SB and a shopping bag when I hand deliver her the receipts (and pick up my mom's order). She was so sweet and gracious and tried to reassure me that I'm doing a great job and not to worry about stinky host anymore. She gradually got the details out of me, but I tried to tell her them in as kind of a manner as possible, without really putting blame on the host, trying to give her the benefit of the doubt because of all the stressors that she has been dealing with lately. It was funny, because this good host kept telling me that it is no excuse for just simply not mailing the checks. I am so relieved that this is over. (Well, hopefully it's over and I don't get any backlash from a disgruntled failed host.)

 

[raebates]

Amanda, don't forget to contact the HO and let them know about what happened with the stinky host. This will give them a heads-up in case the stinky hosts decides to, well, make a stink and blame you.

 

[TrishPCMommy]

Just curious... is the "good host" interested in starting her own PC business? She speaks highly of you, loves the product... recruit her!!

 

[smspamperedchef]

makes me wonder if the stinky host cashed her friend's checks? Any word on that from any of the guests? I'm glad you are basically DONE with her!

RECRUIT that GOOD host!

 

[babywings76]

Amanda, don't forget to contact the HO and let them know about what happened with the stinky host. This will give them a heads-up in case the stinky hosts decides to, well, make a stink and blame you.

Yes, I already did that last week or so when I was on the phone with them already doing an adjustment. I gave them a heads up on it and they made a note of it should any customers call saying "where's my stuff!"

As far as recruiting, I guess I could always test the waters and see if there's any interest. But I doubt it, she keeps very busy. Even with this catty show she didn't want to move it to an April show because she didn't want to call people and try to get orders. She's all party'd out.

 

[babywings76]

makes me wonder if the stinky host cashed her friend's checks? Any word on that from any of the guests? I'm glad you are basically DONE with her!

RECRUIT that GOOD host!

Well my good host's mother had placed an order on that show and gave her the check. So when we just entered it into this new show now, her mother wondered what to do about the payment. I told her that we had to do it by debit/credit card because of the deadline today. The host used her other phone to call her mom and I heard her asking her mom if she had written that check out to me or to the stinky host. She thinks it was written out to me. I heard my good host say to her mom that it's up to her if she wants to call her bank and cancel the check but there would probably be a fee. She told her mom that that's why she buys stuff using her debit card because it avoids situations like this where you want to track down a check and worry about where it ended up and who might cash it. Debit cards are just more convenient since they work just like a check.

So now that it was all paid through my good host, if the check gets cashed they'll know it wasn't me. She told her mom that she would let Heather know to just rip up the check. That made me a little nervous that she was planning on calling the stinky host to tell her that. I asked her if she wouldn't mind waiting till tomorrow and just play it lightly. She could say "Amanda called me since I had placed my order with a credit card if I was still wanting it, so we went ahead and just put my mom's order with mine and took care of it. So you can just rip up the check my mom gave you." Or something like that. I just worried that the stinky host would get embarrassed and then lash out and come up with a story against me, so my good host is going to try to be sure that whatever she says, it doesn't sound like I was smearing her name and trying to steal the order away or something.

 

[chefsteph07]

Did you ever offer her to just give you a credti/debit card for all the other orders? Or did she tell you that all the pmts were in your name? I always tell my hosts that if they get orders after the show I expect a debit/credit card for all orders, I explain it makes it easier for all, and we can be done w/ everything the night it is closed.

 

[babywings76]

Did you ever offer her to just give you a credti/debit card for all the other orders? Or did she tell you that all the pmts were in your name? I always tell my hosts that if they get orders after the show I expect a debit/credit card for all orders, I explain it makes it easier for all, and we can be done w/ everything the night it is closed.

Since it was a catalog show, I usually let the hosts just collect orders and mail the checks to me. I always tell them to make the checks out to me (because I fear for the time that a host cashes the checks and lies about it to her friends and blames me.) When I first talked to her about payments, I did tell her that sometimes hosts will have their friends pay them and then put their totals on the hosts credit card. But, I do know that HO requires there to be at least 2 different types of payments (either 2 cards, or one card and then checks--with consultant's CC paying those). Also, with the way some debit cards get denied due to large amounts trying to go through (thinking it could be theft or something, or the banks have max amounts permitted per day), I don't like to put an entire show on a debit card. She didn't want to give me anyone's phone numbers or e-mail, so I had no way of contacting the people. I had also told her in the beginning that people can order online and pay by credit card, or call me and I can enter in their credit card over the phone. She brushed that off like it would be too inconvenient for people.

 

[chefsteph07]

I don't think that's the case w/ the 2 forms of pmt, but I could be wrong. I have closed several catalog shows w/ one credit card from the host...
BUT, I was the one who had the problem w/ the hosts card going through last week, so I can completely understand why you wouldn't want that happening. Wish there was a better solution...