Why

FoodDude replied:

Because they don't have any money.

Because the hostess has asked them to come and often says "don't feel like you have to buy anything, no pressure". 

I have to tell you I did a presentation a couple of months agao now, for 20 plus people.  It was all going great lots of OOH YUm all the great things a foodie wants  to hear.  I got to the end of the presentation and the hostess stood up and said now everyone, a big clap for Melinda for coming, it was a great presentation and I know you all enjoyed, but please don't feel like you have to spend any money.  Well I just about choked !!!! Fortunately they didn't listen to her and it ended up being a good party.

Or, hows this one.... had a party 8 people in attendance 4 ordered and 4 booked parties.  But each of those parties much the same crap occurred.  Really low or no sales and bookings.  Was really glad when that petered itself out, I can tell you !!

I know what you saying, I understand the frustration, but it's the nature of our business. 

CMmumoftwo replied:

Oh man......

that is so unfair,... I have been to many pp partys and sometimes I dont buy, I may love the product but I know my limits and am usualy there for the host so they dont look stupid with hardly no guests..

and I NEVER think that when ppl do not buy from a party I do.

some ppl do like to just have a try

its called word of mouth and if they cant afford to buy anything but like the product they will tell others....

why does everyone have to buy

Kelly replied:

     Quote:
Because they don't have any money.


Just a hint:

I've always been told that the people that can't afford to buy are the ones you should try to sponsor - they may need that bit of extra income

FoodDude replied:

To all

It's a fact of life that people don't have any money and won't spend.  What samred is probably saying and what I completely understand is that her samples cost her money.  Hey, she might even be in this to make money (my PP is my only income !!) and therefore it really affects her when people don't spend.

As far as sponsoring goes Kelly, I agree with you there EXCEPT when the party is attended by other Party Planners. (*This is what happened with my 8 attended 4 booked party and those booked parties after that)   before you know it you are being bad mouthed for trying to sponsor them all over this f'ersorum.  That is something that I would not want my company to experience.  It is really strange, the reaction you get from people in business who are being offered another business opportunity.  No matter how professionally you go about it, it seems that people take it as a real afront.  Read back thru some old posts !!!  I constantly get offers of new business opportunities, yes by unsolicitied email and by intrusive phone calls, but I politely tell them thanks for calling but I am not interested, please don't contact me again.

I know, my post got a bit off track then, but it's about time we start thinking about treating one another as business associates rather than JUST other PP'ers or SAHM's.  That way we can move forward in our businesses, and get on with doing what we need to do to reach our goals.

Cheers

Melx

magic1 replied:

Well said. I realize many of you have been at this a very long time and I am just starting out, but I definaetely see my venture as a business. If it wasnt then I wouldn't be feeling like pulling my hair out at times while I get it started. My younger son said to me last night that I need to put myself first before my business. Well at least he accepts that it is a business. I say the words PartyPlan when I talk about it at times, but it just doesn't sound right, but when I say" My business" it feels good. You are all running a business and with a business the whole idea is to make a profit, a profit is what you need to make your business survive. So if people come to where ever your business is then it would be nice to think that they will either purchase something or possibly book so that they can maybe get the item they like at no cost. As for the recruiting, well I am not up to that stage yet, but I think I would let people ask me questions, and if I think that is the way they are heading then I would ask if they were interested.

 Even though we are all in different companies, we are all working towards the same goal, to make a living on our terms. And so we come here to help each other with advice and support...because we are... business associates.

Melbell replied:

I have learnt to refer to it as "my chocolate business" - and now my husband is taking it seriously.  I think he was only hearing the "PARTY" part of party plan and he thought I was yukking it up with a bunch of girlfriends, stripping down to bra and knickers and having a pillow fight or something... 

In response to the op, it puzzles me why people would give up an afternoon or an evening out of their life to attend a party and not buy anything.  I had one lady recently who wouldn't even sample anything.  But people are weird.

Kelly replied:

Unfortunately it just the nature of the beast - occasionally you'll get people who are only there to be bums on seats. Very rarely will they sample, buy or book - you do get the occasional convert though.

Did you ask her why she didn't want to sample anything? Perhaps it was an allergy thing - just a thought