Wow, I Had a Tastefully Simple Party Last Night to Help a Friend

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores participants' experiences and opinions regarding Tastefully Simple (TS) parties compared to Pampered Chef (PC) shows. Participants share their thoughts on the workload involved, the benefits for hosts, and personal preferences for products.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, describes the extensive preparation required for a TS party, including cooking multiple dishes and the limited rewards received in product credits.
  • Another participant mentions that hosting a TS party can be more work for the host, as they are often responsible for preparing the food.
  • Several users express skepticism about claims that TS offers less work and more commission, suggesting that the benefits may not be as favorable for hosts compared to PC.
  • One participant shares their experience of hosting a TS party and notes the high costs associated with the products, leading to infrequent purchases.
  • Another participant reflects on their past experience with Tupperware, highlighting how commission rates can be misleading when considering additional costs.
  • Some participants express a preference for PC shows, citing better product variety and benefits for hosts.
  • One participant mentions that while they enjoy certain TS products, they find the cost prohibitive for regular use.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the workload and benefits associated with TS parties compared to PC shows. Some participants agree that TS may require more effort from hosts, while others question the claims of lower workload and higher commission.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and opinions based on their involvement with both TS and PC, reflecting a range of perspectives on the direct sales model.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants and potential hosts within the community may find insights into the differences between TS and PC parties helpful for their own decision-making.

N
Nanisu
Gold Member
Messages
1,199
Holy Shimoly, do I LOVE PC!!! This is what I had to do ahead of time:

She dropped off this whole bag of stuff last week. For her demo I had to make 1 loaf of beer bread, 1 loaf of chocolate pound cake, 5 dips (2 warm), 1 pan of soup, and a batch of marinara sauce. Of course I did drinks too. This was all done before she got here. She did the demo pretty quickly, actually did a great job, passing plates of food to sample--it went pretty fast but there were a lot of samples. Of course, there is only so many ways you can say "this is great on chicken and fish"...but the food was good. I had 14 guests, and the sales were only $265--most people bought 1 or two items at most. No bookings, which I really didn't expect--she mentioned it but didn't ask for them and all my friends know I do PC, so they probably didn't book for that reason.

I am working to get two more orders to get to $300. You know what I get if I do? $45 in product. Normally it would be just $30 but in January they upped it by another 50%. So I get $45 in product. That's it. No 1/2 price, no hostess special unless I wanted to buy a loaf pan and beer bread combo for $40. NO DISCOUNT. Bupkis. So I picked out my 3 soups, 1 dip and a salad dressing and it still came to $20 over my $45.

Wow, am I talking about our great hostess benefits even MORE at my next show after doing all this work (and of course cleaning the house, etc) and getting a lousy $45 in product. And if it hadn't been January I would have only received $30 in product. This was a lot of work. Oh, and by the way, the invites she gave me to send out NEVER GOT THERE. Thank you, US Postal Service. Not one. I asked the mailman what would have held them up (I mailed them 3 weeks ago), and he said "well, they kind of look like a 3rd class type of thing". What? They had a first class stamp on them! So I spent $5.00+ in postage + bought the cream cheese, sour cream, garlic etc for the ingredients, + cooked for two hours+ cleaned my house, + ++...for $45 in product.

I LOVE OUR HOST PROGRAM!!
 
I agree, I have never done a TS party, but have heard it is a lot of work. You live and learn!

Yes, I love PC too!!
 
It's funny that you say that.. two girls in our cluster left PC to do TS!?? WTH? They say it's less work, more bookings and more commission!?? Hm, how in the world is that?
 
heat123 said:
It's funny that you say that.. two girls in our cluster left PC to do TS!?? WTH? They say it's less work, more bookings and more commission!?? Hm, how in the world is that?
Click to expand...

Well, when you have the party hostess make everything for you and there is hardly any host special, that probably accounts for the less work and more commission stuff.

You know what I think when people tell me their DS business has a better commission rate? That their stuff is REALLY overpriced.
 
Well, it's less work because you make your host do all the cooking!
 
Or I hate when other DS people say they earn 50% commission when after the host bennies and other fees they pay in the end, they only earn the same as us! :/
 
Years & years ago I sold Tupperware. Their commission rate was much higher but we had to pay for all hostess gifts etc. out of that commission. After paying all of that, you ended up making about 20%!! So, if someone says their commission is higher you might want to ask if they have to pay for all of that stuff! Then you are actually comparing apples to apples!
 
heat123 said:
It's funny that you say that.. two girls in our cluster left PC to do TS!?? WTH? They say it's less work, more bookings and more commission!?? Hm, how in the world is that?
Click to expand...

It may be less work for the CONSULTANT...but I definitely think it is MORE work for the host.

I hosted a TS party about 2 yrs ago. I had to buy ingredients but I also had to pre-make everything!!! Not to mention the drinks, etc. (Really, if a TS drink is offered - it is only a small sample in a little shot glass!!)

I am not bashing TS. It is what it is. I just went to a show. But I agree that it really doesn't provide the host with ANYWHERE the benefits PC does.

Oh, and TS used to offer 1/2 price items (maybe only at a certain level) but there was a LIMIT on how much the half price item could cost. Atleast that was how I think it used to be.

Think about how all our hosts have to do is get the ingredients (sometimes we even do that for them!!). Sometimes they are shocked that's all they have to do! I used to feel bad about sometimes asking them to pre-make the brownie for a trifle.
 
My favorite is one of the jewelry companies that make you pay tax on your free stuff! I spent over $35 in tax (and shipping too!) on all my free stuff!
 
wadesgirl said:
My favorite is one of the jewelry companies that make you pay tax on your free stuff! I spent over $35 in tax (and shipping too!) on all my free stuff!
Click to expand...

Yeah, one of my first hosts who totaled her free stuff was shocked she didn't have to pay tax on her "free" stuff. lol
 
I love TS, but lately I've decide I really don't care for it anymore. I would way rather go to a PC show because not only do you get to eat something good, but you can buy real items plus you can pick up a beer bread mix or whatever seasoning. I used to like the soups, but found I like my faster homemade kind better. Tastes fresher and is still easy. And I just tried our beer bread (I don't drink alcohol, so I use Sierra Mist) and it tasted just like TS. We have all these rubs and seasonings and I just think they are great. Ours have no MSG just like theirs, so I really don't see the point in having a show. I have a friend consultant and I was thinking of doing a catty show with just asking my family if they want things (because we usually do order a lot just between all of us), but I'm rethinking that. Those prepackaged things for TS go so fast and it just feels like money down the drain (or should I say toilet?!) ;) :yuck: And a lot of times I loved the little sample, but when I bought the whole product, didn't end up liking it when it was a whole serving. KWIM?
 
kam said:
It may be less work for the CONSULTANT...but I definitely think it is MORE work for the host.

I hosted a TS party about 2 yrs ago. I had to buy ingredients but I also had to pre-make everything!!! Not to mention the drinks, etc. (Really, if a TS drink is offered - it is only a small sample in a little shot glass!!)

I am not bashing TS. It is what it is. I just went to a show. But I agree that it really doesn't provide the host with ANYWHERE the benefits PC does.

Oh, and TS used to offer 1/2 price items (maybe only at a certain level) but there was a LIMIT on how much the half price item could cost. Atleast that was how I think it used to be.

Think about how all our hosts have to do is get the ingredients (sometimes we even do that for them!!). Sometimes they are shocked that's all they have to do! I used to feel bad about sometimes asking them to pre-make the brownie for a trifle.
Click to expand...

Which could be why they never raved about TS host program, only that it's better for the consultants!:p
 
I have a friend who sells TS and does great with it...the products are pretty good, certain things are better than others...but we use them sparingly around here because of the cost. Like the Parmesan Cheddar Biscuit mix...these are SO good, but for $6+ per box we only make them when we're expecting company for dinner, because I love my DH but he can live without those on a regular basis. I can't imagine selling it myself, because I can't even imagine trying to host a party and get people to come, but everyone has a place that works for them and PC is mine. :)
 
Don't get me wrong I love TSs, chipotle jellies and thier spinich onion dressing but I can't afford to replenish them every week! lol
 
babywings76 said:
I love TS, but lately I've decide I really don't care for it anymore. I would way rather go to a PC show because not only do you get to eat something good, but you can buy real items plus you can pick up a beer bread mix or whatever seasoning. I used to like the soups, but found I like my faster homemade kind better. Tastes fresher and is still easy. And I just tried our beer bread (I don't drink alcohol, so I use Sierra Mist) and it tasted just like TS. We have all these rubs and seasonings and I just think they are great. Ours have no MSG just like theirs, so I really don't see the point in having a show. I have a friend consultant and I was thinking of doing a catty show with just asking my family if they want things (because we usually do order a lot just between all of us), but I'm rethinking that. Those prepackaged things for TS go so fast and it just feels like money down the drain (or should I say toilet?!) ;) :yuck: And a lot of times I loved the little sample, but when I bought the whole product, didn't end up liking it when it was a whole serving. KWIM?
Click to expand...



This is exactly how I feel about TS!

I love TS Almond Pound Cake, and Strawberry-Rhubarb Spread...but I find myself hoarding it for "something special" too. Plus, I've discovered that their S-R spread is the same price as American Spoon Foods Spoon Fruit, and I like the ASF's version even more!
 
Yes, I have hosted other shows as well and PC is by far the best!
 
DebbieJ said:
Yes, I have hosted other shows as well and PC is by far the best!
Click to expand...

Me too! I did a Close to my heart and Passion party. Both only had a flat free products and nothing else. Oh wait PP had a host special but I had to pay for tax on my free and pay the shipping!:eek:
 
also remember most of the TS consultants maintain an inventory!!! We don't .. :D
 
colegrovet said:
also remember most of the TS consultants maintain an inventory!!! We don't .. :D
Click to expand...

Oh, didn't know that! I figured they just had "sample" stock on supply not inventories!:eek:
 
My TS consultant made everything and brought it along.

I thought they all did that.....guess I'm hanging on to her!
 
Jean DeVries said:
My TS consultant made everything and brought it along.

I thought they all did that.....guess I'm hanging on to her!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I thought they did all the work too!:rolleyes: I guess I won't be hosting a show anytime soon!
 
colegrovet said:
also remember most of the TS consultants maintain an inventory!!! We don't .. :D
Click to expand...

They used to, but now the are handling host orders like PC, ship everything to the host. I used to have a TS consultant that I loved because she brought the store with her! :) But the last time I did a show, she didn't and said it would be shipped to me. I had liked it for November shows because then you could grab something fast at the party to have for teacher gifts and such. Not any more with her anyway. Newer consultant's from what I hear don't do inventory either.
 
Jean DeVries said:
My TS consultant made everything and brought it along.

I thought they all did that.....guess I'm hanging on to her!
Click to expand...

WOW, that is nice. Which means you didn't have to buy all the stuff to make everything too!

OH! and you DON'T get to pick the items to try. Atleast in the past, and how my consultant worked. In each season (6 months) there were odd and even months (so to speak). Some items were for every month, but every other month, the samples to try were the same. So in booking shows off of the host, we would try to make sure not to pick a month coming up with the very same samples we were trying at the current show. I mean, the point of going was to try some things you were unfamiliar with.

Also, what I thought was interesting, was when we were at a friend's show and someone was considering booking, we would all request a certain item to try at her upcoming show (since we were all committing to coming to that show). I can't remember some of the items, but we were told NO (unless it was part of that month's samples). So, I never really like that part of it.
 
babywings76 said:
They used to, but now the are handling host orders like PC, ship everything to the host. I used to have a TS consultant that I loved because she brought the store with her! :) But the last time I did a show, she didn't and said it would be shipped to me. I had liked it for November shows because then you could grab something fast at the party to have for teacher gifts and such. Not any more with her anyway. Newer consultant's from what I hear don't do inventory either.
Click to expand...

I think they do not have to (but some still do if they want). I think that is what the consultant said at the last show I was at.
 
wadesgirl said:
My favorite is one of the jewelry companies that make you pay tax on your free stuff! I spent over $35 in tax (and shipping too!) on all my free stuff!
Click to expand...

Partylite did this to me....
I had a PL book show JUST to get the host special, which I really wanted...and by the time I paid the tax on the "free stuff", I couldn't afford to get my host special! What's up w/ that???? Oh, and I had to pay shipping on my order too, which bumped me up to where I coudn't afford anything else.:mad:
 
kam said:
WOW, that is nice. Which means you didn't have to buy all the stuff to make everything too!

OH! and you DON'T get to pick the items to try. Atleast in the past, and how my consultant worked. In each season (6 months) there were odd and even months (so to speak). Some items were for every month, but every other month, the samples to try were the same. So in booking shows off of the host, we would try to make sure not to pick a month coming up with the very same samples we were trying at the current show. I mean, the point of going was to try some things you were unfamiliar with.

Also, what I thought was interesting, was when we were at a friend's show and someone was considering booking, we would all request a certain item to try at her upcoming show (since we were all committing to coming to that show). I can't remember some of the items, but we were told NO (unless it was part of that month's samples). So, I never really like that part of it.
Click to expand...

This is true, TS has a "rotation" of samples that they do every season...I have a good friend who sells it and she said that the new consultants are not supposed to do open stock inventory but she's been in for 3 yrs and still does. She said lately that her bookings have DRIED UP and she is thinking about getting out, she doesn't know how I get so many bookings...I have to bit my tongue to tell her that people aren't wanting to spend $9 for a seasoning anymore.
 
Stampaholic1961 said:
Years & years ago I sold Tupperware. Their commission rate was much higher but we had to pay for all hostess gifts etc. out of that commission. After paying all of that, you ended up making about 20%!! So, if someone says their commission is higher you might want to ask if they have to pay for all of that stuff! Then you are actually comparing apples to apples!
Click to expand...

I sold Tupperware for 2 years (about 11 years ago) and I made more money in my first MONTH with TPC than in my 2 years total with Tuperware.

Having to pay for the host rewards and such really adds up, plus I had to pack the orders and deliver everything to my hosts :eek:
 
Hearing from you all confirms that I am glad I booked a bra party instead. IMO a bra fitting is the second most practical DS party. The most practical? Pampered Chef of course!
 
I love TS, but their hostess program isn't good at all. I had a catty/internet party this month and got hardly anything. I just buy it when I need it b/c I do love it. It is work to make everything, but I like to bake/cook so I don't mind.
 
So then Tastefully Simple is not really simple at all, is it? Hmmm the irony in that is funny yet sad.
 
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