What are the Unadvertised Specials or Costco Match?

The best deals and packages available to offer your customers are the Costco Matches/Unadvertised Specials. These are the items on the Home Party Price List without a RETAIL PRICE listed by them.  You can see these items at costco.com.

One of our wonderful consultants, Debbie Abbot, created a 43 page marketing piece showing all the specials with colorful pictures, descriptions, home party pricing, and all. It's fabulous! You can find it at morethirve.com > Marketing Tools> Unadvertised Specials (password: cancun) Here is the link: http://morethrive.com/img/UAS.pdf  Feel free to pass it on to your customers so they can see them. Be aware that the items and special pricing can change often so watch the newsfeed for updates. 

We (consultants) can offer a lower price (home pary pricing) than Costco's price, and offer host benefits as well to sweeten the deal. It's makes it worth it for our customers to buy from us instead of Costco. Costco offers free shipping and we can't, but by the the time you give them the lower price and host benefits It comes out better for them, and you get the commissions.  It's a win/win!  

* Remember to put the order in one of your open parties first, then book their party off your party and you will both get the host benefits on their order becuase of our fabulous double dip offer.  Who doesn't love that?!

Please let me know if you need further clarification on how this works!

- Cami

Coaching Your Host for a Successful SR Party

The following is how I help ensure that I have a successful party.   By using these few steps to coach your host, you can:

• Improve the number of people that turn out to a party
• Increase the number of outside orders that come into the party
• Have guest that are excited to taste the Thrive food and want to come!
• Have a knowledgeable host, that can help answer questions at the party
• Help grow your team, by recruiting consultants!

Step 1:  Create a Host Check-off Sheet

Here is a link to Diana Boley's website and check-off list.  Host Check-off List  I love her idea!  She places this in her office where she can see it and keep track of what she has done to prep each host.  If you don't keep track, it's easy to forget what you have and haven't done with each host, especially as you begin to get more parties on your books.

I personally have a slightly different set of check-off items that I do, but I love her format, and have requested her Excel spreadsheet, so I can make my own.  Once I create my check-off list I'll post it here.  Update:  My personalized Excel spreadsheet
Here is my list and what I do:

• Gave host packet with strawberry samples (Usually at the party, unless I run out.)
• Explained contents of host packet (I usually do this at the party when I give them the packet or I do it over the phone.)
• Set up party in the back office
• Check-in with host:  (Around 1-2 week before party)
• See how the inviting is going
• Gave suggestions on how they can get a great turn out at their party:  Facebook, evites, personal calls, handing out samples, explaining the Q, etc...
• Help them set goals for their party: 3-4 outside orders, 1 party booking, go over the benefits of these things.
• See if they have any questions for me
• Encourage host to become familiar with filling out the order form and look over the price list, so she can help me with guests at the party.
• See if they have watched the Opportunity DVD and see what they think about becoming a consultant on my team!  Offer them the party as a launch party!
• Invited them to become a consultant (in the host check-in call above)
• Head count phone call:  (1-2 days before party)
•  Ask for a head count of guests, so I can make sure I bring enough food.  
• Ask them to make reminder calls to guests or personally invite guests that haven't RSVPed.  
• Get directions to their home...if needed. 
• Host party
• Follow up emails to guests that attended party (see Follow Up Post)
• Contact host about any outside orders remaining/ go over people that have already placed orders
• Send host her host benefit totals
• Collect host benefit order/ close party
• Send a thank you letter to the host, for hosting the party!

Step 2:  Create a Host Folder filing system (Optional)

I know all of this information is in the computer, but sometimes it's just quicker and easier for me to go to my paper file and get information, instead of turning on my computer and searching for all this info.  That's why I say this step is optional.  It just depends on your OCD level....mine is high.

I use the regular tabbed manilla folders that you can get everywhere.  I add the host's name and Party ID# on the tab, which has saved me tons of times as I enter a party booking for a party and forget to look at the party ID from the host.  I hate clicking back to the events page to get that info, so I love having it on the folder!  Here is what I include inside the file:

• All outside orders and orders from the party
• The email sign-up list from the party - Sign-Up Sheet after I've entered everyone into my email list.  I use this as a follow-up tool to contact people that didn't order at the party, but were thinking about it.
• A form that I've created that reminds me about things I've discussed with the host, what they've ordered in the past, and personal reminders to help me remember their face.  (What they were wearing, where I met them, allergies...etc.)  Here is the link to the document:  Host Information Sheet

I have all my files in a small file box that I got at Fred Meyers.  I have the file box divided into sections:

• Closed Parties
• Parties that have already happened and the host benefit order has already been placed.
• Booked Parties
• Parties that have not happened yet.
• Parties to Reschedule
• Any party that canceled and haven't reschedule yet.  These files require follow-up from me.
• Regular Customers
• My regular customers are people that call in or email often to place orders.  They want me to keep their credit card and billing information on file so they don't have to give it to me each time.
• Host Information Paper folder 
• Just a folder that has blank Host Information Sheets in it for making new Host folders.
• To Do File
• This is a file that I put my To-Do lists in or follow-up tasks that I haven't had time to do.  It's my go-to folder when I wake up each morning.  I try to complete anything in that folder first.  Pretty much...it's my junk drawer of work stuff!  :)

Well, I hope this helps you have more successful parties!  I know that when I follow these steps, I have a better turn out and stay more organized!  Keep up the good work!  Leave a comment if you have questions!

-Cami

New Fall Party Price Lists

Hi Team,

Just a reminder that you'll need to update those party binders this month.  SR has come out with their new Fall Price lists.  Some items have gone down in price, while others have gone up.  Most items have stayed the same.  Notice that some items have been discontinued, and if you're not familiar with any new/old items, please look them up in the front office and read the descriptions so you become familiar with them.

I love to watch the videos that they sometimes attach to the emergency items.  It helps me understand how to use them better!  Also, listening to the Emergency Items Training calls in the back, by Bart Mills, is really helpful too.  I know every time I listen to him talk about an item, I end up buying it!  So imagine if we were to talk about that item at our parties?  Have you ever thought of having an Emergency Products Party only?  I'm thinking of doing one soon!  I seem to have a hard time getting time to talk about all the great emergency gear we have, at my parties.  So this will be a way for me to help my neighbors and friends see what new products there are out there to help prepare their families!

I'm really excited about this month's Q-Pon, the green chilies.  I love them and that's a great price!  I will defiantly be bring attention to those this month! We've also never had packages on the Monthly Special before.  Point that out to your customers!  I would also recommend making the typical Enchilada Bake, for your parties, but substituting the Taco TVP in place of the ground beef.  Maybe substitute the Mozzarella Cheese in place of the Cheddar too.  That way your party guest get to taste this month's Specials as a sample!

Are you aware of the New Products that are coming out every other week?  So far they've announced Instant Brown Rice, and Honey Crystals.  I'm so excited about the honey!  They're already in my Q!  The next two products will be announced on Oct 13th and Oct 20th.  Make sure to print off the flyer in the back office that introduces these new products, for your parties!  http://www.shelfreliance.com/files/materials/price-lists/Flyer:-New-Products-Fall.pdf

Q-Club FAQ's - Important to know the answers!

Platinum Q Club Renewal FAQ’s

If I received a free Platinum Q Club membership, do I receive my free platinum status for life?
Yes—as long as your Q continues to process at least 11 shipments each year, you will receive the Platinum Q Club membership free for life.

If my Q does not process 11 shipments in a year’s time, what happens?
If your Q processes less than 11 shipments in a year, your Q will be dropped to our Bronze Q Club level on the year anniversary of your first shipment.

If my Q does not process 11 shipments in a year’s time, will I be notified?
If you no longer qualify for the free Platinum Q Club renewal, you will receive an email notifying you that you no longer qualify and that your Q will be dropped to Bronze Q Club status on the year anniversary of your first Q shipment.

If my Q drops to Bronze status and I want to change back to Platinum, what are my options?
If your Q does drop to Bronze status and you want to change back to Platinum, you can do so on your Q Club Settings tab. If you do change back to Platinum after being dropped to Bronze, you will be charged a $19.99 fee.

If I pay the $19.99 fee to reactive my Platinum Q Club status after being dropped to Bronze, do I have to pay any yearly renewal fees?
No. If you reactivate your Platinum Q club status, you will have free lifetime benefits once more as long as you continue to have at least 11 shipments per year.

If I only need to have 11 shipments per year to maintain my Platinum Q Club status, does that mean I can pause my Q for more than one month but make extra shipments in other months to meet my 11 shipments?
Yes. As long as you make a total of 11 shipments during the year, you will not have to pay the annual renewal fee, regardless of how many times you have paused your Q.

If I am a consultant, can I lose my Platinum Q Club status?
Yes. Consultants and customers have the same 11 shipment per year requirement to maintain free lifetime Platinum Q Club status.

If my Q club status drops to bronze, can I still use my Q Club points?
Yes—your Q club points will be available until they are used, no matter what Q Club level you are on. They also do not expire. 

Consultant Training #6: How to Place a Host Benefit Order

After your party, you can submit an order for your host to redeem the discounts they received from hosting the party. You have 90 days from the party date to complete the host benefit order in the back office. 

* Once you complete the host benefit order, no additional orders can be added to your party; placing the host benefit order will officially close your party.

Important: Before you begin to place a host benefit order online, please make sure all of these requirements have been met:

• Make sure all Qs and orders from your host's party are tied to her.

• Make sure that all parties booked from your host's party are scheduled in the events, and are booked off of her party ID #, in order to tie the booking to her party.  This is the only way that your host is going to receive her half-off from that booking.

If you have any questions about this process, please email me or leave a comment!

Thanks,  Cami

Instant Milk vs. Non-Instant Milk

The following article was a great resource to help me learn more about our instant powdered milk and how to present it to my customers.  It's helpful to know... because you will be asked... and after reading this article, I think I've been telling my customers the wrong information.  I think I've been telling them that it's freeze dried!  Agh!

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/about-food-storage/powder-milk

It's important to know that our milk, eggs, shortening, butter, sour cream etc. are NOT freeze dried OR dehydrated.  They go through a process called spray drying.  What is spray drying?

Our THRIVE milk products are 100% dairy and not alternatives!  Good to know now!  

- Cami

New Moisture Absorber Information!

Q: What are Moisture Absorbers?

A:  Shelf Reliance Moisture Absorbers are non-toxic silica gel packets that absorb the moisture in the air within enclosed containers to prevent mold, mildew, and dampening and create a protective environment of dry air.

Q:  How do I use them?

A:  Place one packet in any SR can to help absorb moisture and prevent it from shortening the life of your opened can of food.  (Do NOT open packet!) You only need one…even in a bucket size! 

Q:  How do I know when they can’t absorb any more moisture and need to be thrown away?

A:  The beads will turn from an orange color to a dark green color, at which point the packet will not continue to absorb moisture.

Q:  How many absorbers come in a packet and how big are they?

A:  10 - 28g absorbers come in a packet.

ID# 33517

Q-Club Price:  $16.99

"I'm really excited about these!  I'll be using them in my strawberries and yogurts for sure!  Sometimes when I open a #10 can for party samples I don't get around to using them all as soon as I hoped.  With the moister here in Oregon, my foods can get sticky and soft, and although they are still okay to eat, I don't feel good giving them out as samples.  I know I'll be ordering lots of these!"

- Cami

Creating a "Legal" and "Organized" Customer Email List

I'm working on this particular thing myself right now, so I decided to post what I've learned.  I found this blog/training to be the most helpful of them all:   Creating an Email List by Misty Marsh  Misty uses the program MailChimp and she has tutorials listed on her blog.

Scroll down to the bottom of the page a click to find the tutorials.  I found this information very exciting!  Maybe you will too!

Consultant Training #5 - The Follow Up

Okay... so we have come home from our party, dropped all our gear in the middle of the living room, and collapsed onto the couch.  After going to bed and waking up feeling much more refreshed, we have entered into the computer our customers, our orders, and our Qs from last night's party.  What's next?....

The follow up!

The following is an example letter that I send out to those people that request a price list at the party and who have NOT placed an order yet.

Dear ___________,

Thank you so much for coming to ________'s party last night.  It was so fun to meet you.  You guys were a fun group of people to get to know!

As you've requested,  I'm sending you the price list along with this month's specials and the price list addendum.  The addendum shows the discounted price of this month's specials.  You can view all of the products you viewed at the party last night by visiting my website at www.camiharris.shelfreliance.com.  Feel free to order from my website.  I will make sure it gets credited to your friend's party or you can give me a call and we'll get your order placed over the phone - so I can answer any questions you might have.

Please note that ___(name)___ will be closing his/her party on ____(date)_____, so make sure to get those orders in before that date.

Sincerely,

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The following is an email that I send out to those that placed an order:

Dear ___________,

Thank you so much for coming to ________'s party last night and placing an order.  It was so fun to meet you.  You guys were a fun group of people to get to know!

I just wanted to let you know that your order was placed and should be shipping out to you soon.  An emailed receipt from SR will be sent to you along with a temporary password.  You can check the status of your order or review what you've ordered by logging into www.shelfreliance.com and using your email address and that password.  Once you've logged in, you can change that password in your account settings.  If there are any mistakes or problems with your order, please contact me using the information listed below in my signature, and I'd be happy to help you out!

Sincerely,

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The following is an email that I send out to those that signed up for a Q:

Dear ___________,

Thank you so much for coming to ________'s party last night and placing an order.  It was so fun to meet you.  You guys were a fun group of people to get to know!

I just wanted to let you know that your Q has been set up.  Shelf Reliance will be sending out an email confirmation, along with a temporary password.  You can login to to your account and edit your Q by going to www.shelfreliance.com and going to the login button in the upper right-hand corner next to the search box.  Use your email address and the temporary password to sign in.  Your password can be changed in your account settings.

I'm attaching a short YouTube video that shows you how to edit and manage your Q.  If after watching the video, you have any problems or concerns, please contact me using the information listed below in my signature, and I'd be happy to walk you through the process!

YouTube Video

Sincerely,