WAHM Forums

Hi everyone!


I've got a question about a weird little situation I've got with a potential (?) client. She works at a store nearby, and a while ago I gave her some samples and a catalog. She told me shewanted to order the vanilla shake, and then I told her she could have it for free if she hosted a party. So she agreed to have a party that Thursday (this was the Friday before), and I went ahead and ordered the shake.I asked her for her address and phone # so we could finalize everything, but she said she'dcall me, since she had my card - it seemed like she was worried she'd get in troublefor talking so much at work or something, so I said ok. So then she didn't call me over the weekend, so I stopped in the store again on Tuesday to see if we were still on for Thursday, and she said yes, but still wouldn't give me her address - she said she'd call me. So I got ready for the party, got someone to babysit my kiddos, and waited by the phone until 1 on Thursday, which was when the party was supposed to be, and she never did call. Plus, Wed and Thurs were her days off, so I couldn't stop by again to ask what was going on.


So, I thought maybe I had misunderstood and she meant the NEXT Thursday, and I didn't want to get her in trouble at work by stopping by too many times, so I didn't go in again till yesterday. She didn't say a word to me when I came in - I was sort of expecting her to say she'd lost my number or tell me something had come up or SOMETHING, but nothing! So I just mentioned casually when I was checking out that her shake had come in, and whether she'd still like to host a party. And she said, yes, sure! And I just said, ok, call me whenever you're ready to host one, and left itat that.


So now my question is, if she doesn't call me in a couple weeks, should I go tell her thatif she doesn't want to host a party after all, she can just go ahead and pay the $22 for the shake...which seems like it'd be awkward to say to someone...or should I keep trying for the party and not give up?I'm definitely notgiving it to her for free unless it's at her party, but what's the best way to handle this,do you think? I don't want to lose a potentialhostess, but I don't want to seem like I'm keeping her product from her b/c she won't host one. Should I even mention anything again? Maybe I should just let it slide - she does know that I have it and she'ssaid she'll call me, so if she decidesshe definitely doesn't want to do a party, maybe she'll just tell me that...I just don't know. Please help!! :)


Thanks!!


Angela

Hi Angela!


I guess I would not continue to ask her about it at the store. If she called, I'd be happy to set a date and tell her that I needed her guest list by such and such a date in order to get the invitations out (and have her personally invite). But, she has basically blown you off! I'm sorry that happened. smileys/smiley13.gif


As soon as a person agrees to have a party, I set up a time to meet them for hostess coaching in person or at least by phone and have them get the guest list to me. This way, you have much more control and are less likely to waste you valuable time!


I hope she does call and give you an explanation!


Carrie

Hi Carrie!!


You're right, Iguess Ishouldn't bug herabout the partyanymore. But what do you think I should do about the shake I have now (which I really couldn't afford to buy for her, but I did anyway, thinking I'd getthe moneyback at the partysmileys/smiley5.gif) - should I casually mention it again, like ask her if she still wants to buy it from me? Should I wait another week or two to see if she calls? This is so dumb....smileys/smiley11.gif


Thanks!


Angela

I would call her/leave a message explaining that you would love for her to be able to place her order, even if life is just to busy and she cannot have a party after all. Let her know she can contact you by a certain date, if not, you will sell the shake to someone else. YOu need to lether know that you have other customers you are working with and the ball is in her court if she wants the shake for free/or a discounted price. Don't let her think you are depending on her (even if you are). Maybe offer her the shake at a discount to at least get your money back. I WOULD NOT just give it to her. I don't understand why people get all funny on us. If they don't want a party, just tell us. we will not cry. Good luck!

That's a great idea, Barbara, thanks!


That would be perfect, but theonly problem is that sheneverdidgive me her number - I'd hate tocall her at work and bother her again.... maybe I'll wait a week or 2, and then (we'll be shopping there anyway) tell her casually I'd love for her to place the order even if she's too busy for a party (AWESOME verbage!! Thanks!), andif she hesitates, tell her to let me know bythat Friday or something if she still wants to buy it and I'll bring it by, and if not, that's fine, I have a few other customers ordering shakes so I canjust sell itto them... smileys/smiley1.gif


Thank you both, guys - I feel much better about the situation now!! smileys/smiley4.gif


Angela

I would definately put a time line in there...just like you said (Friday)...what I might also add is "I will be placing an order on Friday for some other clients that want shakes, if you would like to get in on this order let me know because it would save you a little bit on shipping versus just ordering one item by yourself) That way you are getting your point across and appear as though you are looking out for her best interest in trying to save her a few $$$ smileys/smiley2.gif


Good luck!Edited by: mom2twinsplus1

And it goes without saying that you'll be rethinking how you'll handle this in the future. I have had similar scenarios where I've ordered things on a promise and then things don't materialize. I handle parties differently these days and I let the hostess know that they'll receive their FREE product(s) (or whatever I've promised them) when I place the order from their party. Nobody has ever had a problem with this and it makes it easier for you because by the time you're placing the orders, you've already had the party.


Don't feel bad. Stuff happens to all off us! And Barbara makes a good point. Don't make it seem like you're depending on her. Make her want YOU!!!


Good luck.


Ines

You guys are awesome!! Thanks so much for all your help!! I'll definitely be solidifying things more right off the bat now before I go off and order stuff for people! smileys/smiley1.gif


Angela