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Reading another thread, I wondered how my purchasing habits with my demo might be viewed.
I go to a SU! demo's stamp camps, which I pay for, but I don't often spend a lot of extra money with her. Maybe twice a year I place an order for $50-100 each time. I feel like when I pay for the camp, I have added to her income, as I am one more person attending at that event. Might I be seen as not such a great client because I don't spend a lot of extra money with this demo? I see a lot of the ladies place monthly orders or at least every few months.
__________________ *Alice* All science is either physics or stamp collecting. -Lord Kelvin
Well, it depends on the cost of the class. Is she making a profit, or is she just recouping her losses on the supplies. I think any order is welcome and appreciated not matter how often it is.
I don't think you should be expected to place an order. You are paying for the stamp camp, not the expectation that you should place an order. And whether or not the demo is covering her costs is not up to you to figure out or decide if you should order. It is not a tip at the end of a meal, restaurants cover the initial cost of the food as should someone providing materials for a class.
Watching others place orders should also not make you feel guilty. Everyone has their own spending habits, and when and how much you order should not be a question.
You should not feel obligated to order in that situation. As a demo, I have a mix at my stamp camps. I have several girls that always order, some that order every now and then and some that very rarely order. It depends on personal style and depth of involvement in the hobby for some of my groups. Some are more interested and want to get new things to try and use. Others buy just a few basics here and there. No way is right or wrong, it is up to the individual. As a customer, I used to order at just about every event my now upline had. That is one of the reasons I decided to sign up as a demo. I was easily making my own minimums. As a demo, I try to charge enough to cover my cost, which includes supplies and rent for the use of room that I use for my events. I should, but don't figure in for my time, and I spend alot of time coming up with cards.projects that they will like and be inspired by.
I would say you should not feel obligated to purchase any extra if you don't want/need any supplies. When demonstrators charge for stamp camps/classes the fee should not only include supplies, but a profit for the demonstrator as well.
*alice* - I'm with you. In fact, there is a demo in a town near me who no longer sends me her calendar of classes as I never ordered from her. she wasn't the most friendly person and was quite curt with the attendees. I'm surprised anyone keeps attending. I think had she been more outgoing and friendly, I would have been more willing to buy from her.
I don't expect customers to order at classes held in my home.
However, I figure out what each ''class kit'' plus my time is worth - and if anyone places an order that will offset my investment, I waive the class fee for them - but the order must be placed and paid THAT DAY.
__________________ Do or do not - there is no try! (Yoda) / SCS Featured Stamper FS730 / Dirty Dozen Alumni
Thank you all for your opinions. Some of you have brought up things I have noticed about the demo, and I think heavily influence my slow down in ordering. I don't feel like this demo is very friendly. If asked what her summer plans are or how the kids are doing, she answers, but never asks others any questions. She doesn't ever say, "Hey, we missed seeing you at the last camp," if someone who usually attends didn't come. When I first attended, it was the other stamp-campers that made me feel welcome. I noticed she treats most of her clients this way. I just jumped in and made a few stamp-camp-friends, and that's mainly why I continue to go after all this time. I know this is a business for her, but it's a business where dealing with people is key. Also, she does not give any deals ever, and my previous demos all have.
__________________ *Alice* All science is either physics or stamp collecting. -Lord Kelvin
When attending a class at the LSS, the cost is set to cover the expenses and the amount they want for their time. Additional purchases are certainly appreciated but not a requirement. I don't see why a home-based business should be different. If a demo is expecting additional purchases at the class to provide her "profit" then she's pricing the class too low.
When I was a demo I had one lady come for about a year and she never bought anything. She knew once she started buying stuff she'd get sucked in (I could relate) and spend money she could use for something else. She truly enjoyed coming and making projects (cards mostly to send to friends).
I loved having her here and always made her feel welcome.
If your demo is finding that she's not making enough money then maybe she should raise the class cost a little. That way there wouldn't be a burden on the attendees to purchase additional stuff. Sometimes money shouldn't be the bottom line. For me it was about doing what I loved and sharing my passion w/ my friends (plus I got some time away from my kids- LOL).
As a demo, I didn't expect purchases at my stamp camps. However, some did when they saw what could be done with XYZ stamp set.
The only ones that didn't order from me that bothered me were the ones that came for ideas, then went on Ebay to get the sets! Oh... and then they would TELL me and others IN the classes what a great deal they got on XYZ set! The funny thing is, after shipping, it was usually what they could have gotten it for from me or sometimes they paid even more! To me, that's not acting in good faith.
I'm not a demo; but I would think, as other posters noted, since you are paying for the stamp camp; then additional purchases would not be necessary. I admire your willpower though because usually if I use a set or tool, I get sucked in!!!
__________________ Donna ~ Love my puppies! Thor 7 years; Maddee 6 years
Demos are independant and can run their businesses how they would like - some offer personal demo specials others do not...
As far as reading about how people place orders every month - there are a variety of reasons..
Some demos have "clubs" - this could be where she has a regular monthly group and the "admission" is to pay a fee or place a minimum order
Other demos have "Hostess Clubs" - where X# of members agree to spend X# of $ per month for X number of months and everyone takes turns being the hostess and recieves hostess benefits...even this can vary greatly as some demos have a staright meeting just for club memebrs - others encourage outside people to attend and collect orders
Stamp Camps or Stamp a Stacks are another thing demos do...usually there is a class fee that covers the material cost and demos time...remember for some demos this is a business so they need to make sure they make enough to cover expenses. With things like that most demos don't expect orders since people have outlayed money to attend....
__________________ Jenni -Happy SU Demo - MY GALLERY & MY CHAOTIC LIFE One kid makes you a Parent - Two makes you a Referee
I never expect my customers to buy things at classes, but of course it is always nice and very appreciated. As mentioned beforehand, her profit should be covered in the class fee.
I feel that's the reason they offer the "pay for project" option ... so you don't have to order. I'm a member of a stamp club where it's $5 or free with a $25 purchase. Lots of ladies go and just pay the $5. No biggie.
Placing $50 to $100 orders twice a year is plenty. Just because you're not shelling out $100 a month doesn't mean you're not a valued customer. I don't sell SU, but with my business I'm happy to have any customers that reorder multiple times - even if it's just every few months and just $20 or so at a time.
I don't think you should feel obligated to purchase anything if you don't want to if you're paying a fee. In fact, because I have so many customers who have bought so much from me but still want to be in a club, I am starting several card clubs where there will be no requirement to purchase anything, but rather just a fee for attending and making the projects. Over the 6 months of the club they will make enough all occasion cards to fill up a card organizer. I thought this would be a great way to keep everyone stamping and learning how to use their stamping products.
Hey Alice, are you sure you're not talking about my ex SU upline? She sounds just like my ex. I finally quit SU because I couldn't stand her lack of "bedside" manner. So, I find that people do care about the way you treat them, and if this demo is not so nice, then it might just explain why you don't spend with her.
I don't think it is neccesary to make a purchase. My SU demo is such a sweetie!! She is just starting out - but she will caution me as to whether my order is within my budget.. or mention to me.. didn't you already purchase that colour of ink pad?? I am certain I order all the more from here because she does not drive me away with an obligation to order!!
She offers a once a month project - fairly simple - and charges $10.00 for that.. I think that is quite reasonable, and I hope it keeps her in the black. So far she doesn't have a club - but I certainly have let her know I would join it if others were interested.
But if I were hounded to buy stuff...I'd be so gone!!
You shouldn't have to place an order if you are taking a class you are paying for. It is up to the demo to build the fees correctly so she isn't losing money and hopefully getting recouped for some of her time. I wouldn't feel bad about it if I were you but it is nice that you are aware of it!
__________________ Julia Gluten free on 9/15/2008. I am a Celiac. 1 in 133 Americans is a Celiac and 97% of those who have Celiac Disease are still undiagnosed. Are you one?
I don't think it's up to you at ALL to decide to order more stuff on top of your class fee. It's up to the demo to MAKE you NEED to order the stuff you used, lol. Hey, I'm serious here! You have fulfilled your obligation by paying and attending. By doing this you've offered yourself for her to pitch to.
I also wanted to agree with the suggestion that the demo you've been seeing offered simple cards in order to avoid intimidating a beginner, and you won't really know that unless you ask! I'm not saying this to make you feel bad, really. Just to offer a possible explanation. It is a sad fact that we often tend to make decisions about other people by thinking we can "read their minds," lol.
Having said all that, if you don't want to use this demo, for ANY reason, you are absolutely entitled to look around for someone different. Don't even think about feeling guilty about it.
Check the demo locator. IT will give you the names of 10 demos in your area. If any of them have websites, you can check out their upcoming events. Maybe you would find a group better suited to you.
__________________ ~Vee
It's not who you know-it's whom you know.
SURELY you don't mean THIS fourth of july? and you're posting on the net already? you go girl!
Yup, he's five days old today! He's such an angel. I think I've actually gotten more done in the last five days than I did the last five weeks of my pregnancy. The labor and delivery was quick and uncomplicated. He's nursing like a champ and we're both doing great.
My first DS was (and is) literally a firecracker (he's now 3) - so, trust me, I deserve this one! Granted, there's plenty of time for him to turn to the darkside, but I'll enjoy for now!
I don't think you should feel obligated to purchase anything if you don't want to if you're paying a fee. In fact, because I have so many customers who have bought so much from me but still want to be in a club, I am starting several card clubs where there will be no requirement to purchase anything, but rather just a fee for attending and making the projects. Over the 6 months of the club they will make enough all occasion cards to fill up a card organizer. I thought this would be a great way to keep everyone stamping and learning how to use their stamping products.
This is one GREAT Demo, welcoming, prepared, knows her product and a great instructor. Would be worth a fee and order anyday. This is an unsolicited plug.
When I was a Stampin' Up demonstrator and I charged for a technique class, I did not expect that everyone would place and order nor did I feel badly toward those who didn't. I was happy that they came to my class and I knew that when they were ready to purchase, they would.
__________________ Be polite to those who are rude to you. Not because they are nice, but because you are.
Owner- Gina K. Designs
I am so glad to hear all of the validation of NOT having to purchase. I always felt that at a party I was obligated to buy something - whether it is a stamp party or tupperware - but at a paid workshop, I usually didn't buy anything. Now I don't feel guilty!
But I would like to add something - I have "gone through" a couple of demos who have left SU as they had a hard time meeting their minimum purchases. I think they would have done better if the had offerred the choice of paying for the class or putting in an order. They might have lasted longer. . . and I might have ordered more instead of paying workshop fees
I guess I look on my classes as a way for my customers to continue to learn different ways to use their products. I don't expect them to order from me when they have paid for the class. If they want to order, that's is SUPER!
Is placing orders expected?
