This is a ? for those who have seasonal products

Kelly replied:

While my products aren't seasonal I can still answer these questions:

1) Head office lets us know if products are sold out - these are not from our product line but usually our special offer products (free gifts).. we are notified via email as soon as it happens. customers can then have the option of waiting for it to come in or chose something else as their gift.

2)again - head office informs all consultants - not just their upline if something is sold out, no longer being sold as soon as it happens

Janine replied:

Thanks Kelly for your answers - they were what I was hoping to read.

It is interesting to hear how companies/consultants work as I have placed orders with 2 different companies in the past and products have not been supplied because of end of catalogue and I guess it would save alot of time and also money for both the customer and especially the consultant if the consultant took it upon themselves if there is a sign of a product not being available to check it prior to payment or ordering if they were not informed of stock not available or stock levels.

I thought it would be intersting to hear from others as there is a mid-year change and change of season in regards to alot of companies catalogues.

Keep them coming girls as each company opperates differently all though it would be great to hear that all companies keep their consultants very informed and that consultants keep themselves in the loop as well

Kirstin replied:

Janine, my pp has a daily update available online of items that are unavailable either temporarily whilst we are waiting on a delivery or permanently becuase that item is being discontinued. The ordering system won't let you place an order for anything that is unavailable, so you can usually advise the customer immediately if something they want has gone out of stock.

I can usually find an alternative item, and for any customer who is disapponited, I sometimes throw in a little gift as an apology. I've never had any complaints about this.

I find that items going out of stock can actually work in my favour. I tell customers that certain products are being discontinued and encourage them to buy now , as it soon won't be available. Sometimes this is just the push that a customer needs. There is  nothing like hearing that a product is scarce to make it more desirable!

broadmere1 replied:

Hi all,

As you know i am with 2 PP companies but in particular would like to speak about one.

Sketch kids have products changing all the time and is also based around 2 season in a 12month period.

Each week on a Friday each consultant is sent a very comprehensive soldout/unavailabe list. THESE IS MY BIBLE. I work from this marking my sample stock.  It is the most important part of my business without working these lists properly you will not succeed with your smooth flowing of orders.

When i place an order(party or individual) confirmations come back by a certain time each week. If for some reason the item is unavailbe to a customer we are given an option of a certain replacement or I contact the customer to see what they would like to do.  All this happens before final payment is due.

This is a process that I know a lot of past consultants have struggled with because they did not realise the importance of these confirmations. (this is why they leave the company sometimes) If you follow the procudure set down it makes your business succeed as well as keeping your customers.  Very rarely does a customer miss out on an item because I always manage to find a replacement.(over 400 items in the range) Plus sketch Kids have a website as welll you can refer to.

These above stragies are all part of my running of my business - party plan is a business and we must work it like that. Confirmations/sold out list makes or breaks a consultant with sketch kids - I make it work for me.

Great topic,

Cheers,

Margie

PS - All things Indian items are all made to order so we get a personal call/email if a fabric colour ect is unavailabe. But up to date for me everything is always available.

chocolateaddict replied:

We have seasonal product and also end of catalogue. We just had a new catalogue come out.

On the CA website there is a Reps page that is updated with any items being deleted or unavailable due to production problems etc.

As end of catalogue comes up it is constantly being updated so I amend the catalogues and make sure I mention it at every party.

Also as we are just starting the new catalogue a lot of the items are not in as yet so we are being updated on when they are expected in so no one is left in the dark.

If something is unavailable/discontinued after an order is placed we offer a refund or a similar item, whichever the customer prefers.

Janine replied:

Thanks girls for your replies. I think it all boils down to how the consultant uses what is given to them from their company.

Lispy replied:

Hi Janine

We at UnderCoverWear also have access to a Daily Stock Update and a Back Order Items alert.  As with most things, it is up to the Independant Sales Consultant to print off the Stock List if items are running low.  This is essential within 3-4 weeks of our new seasonal Catalogue being released, as the garments already earmarked for discontinuation in the next Catalogue become listed.

Occasionally, however if a Stock List is printed on Friday, and as you would know, lots of parties are held over the weekend, if the Consultant doesn't lodge her order asap after the Party, by the time the order is lodged some garments can already be sold out, purely from the demand placed on that stock by other Consultants lodging their orders first.  In that case, our ordering system will not allow us to order an item that is sold out.

Sometimes a garment will be available when ordered, and then for whatever reason the Party is not paid in on time, the stock is released for a first in best dressed situation.  This is why we follow up our VIP's when their parties become overdue, as we want to be able to guarantee the stock to our customers.  Sometimes though, shortages are inevitable, and UnderCoverWear then provide Credit Slips to the unlucky customer, and she may receive a refund if requested.

Hope this helps you with your question.

Lispy