Is a Product Preview Month Available for My Show? Advice Appreciated!

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SUMMARY

This discussion confirms that fall products will not be available for sale until September 1st, with no product preview month in August for this year. Participants suggest hosting an "Open House" at the end of August to display new products, although sales cannot occur until September. Strategies for overcoming business slumps include community advertising, offering special booking gifts, and organizing "Express Shows" to increase engagement and bookings.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of direct sales and product launch timelines
  • Familiarity with community marketing strategies
  • Knowledge of organizing promotional events like "Open Houses" and "Express Shows"
  • Experience with using catalogs for marketing purposes
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective community advertising techniques for direct sales
  • Learn how to organize and promote "Express Shows" for increased bookings
  • Explore strategies for leveraging local events and fairs for business growth
  • Investigate the use of promotional gifts to incentivize bookings
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for direct sales consultants, event planners, and anyone looking to enhance their marketing strategies and overcome business slumps in the direct sales industry.

Jfoster
Messages
13
I have a really dumb question. I haven't been very active lately and I am lucky to have 1 show a month. Is it the same as last year to where the new products were available for purchase in August as a product preview month or are they strictly not available until September 1. I know the catalogs are not supposed to be used until then (but I will be lucky if I can get a show in). Also, if any over you have ever been in a slump such a this and have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!
 
Fall Products available Sept. 1stHi Jamie,

Unfortunately, the fall products are not available for sale until Sept. 1st. There is no "preview month" in August this year, so we'll have to wait until Sept. 1st to offer them. I guess that you could host an "Open House" at the very end of August and display the new products, but you would not be able to submit the show until Sept. 1st, so that doesn't really help you if you need to get in an August show. On the upside of things, the fall mini-catalogs are available for purchase now, so you can start sending them out to get more September bookings.

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling a slump in your business. Perhaps you could try an advertising blitz of sorts in your community- put up flyers at the playground and local bulletin boards, pass out old catalogs to neighbors and offer a special booking gift to anyone who hosts a show for you in August. Sometimes I will offer a really nice gift to the first person who books and holds and closes a show within the next three weeks. You could also try offering an "Express Show" where you would provide the ingredients and paper goods for the host. I've also had success offering lunch hour office shows to those who work in a company with a break room. I love doing those because they are quick recipes, and typically have a good turnout.

Hope some of these ideas help you. Best of luck with your business!

-Janet :)
 
Here are some ideas for you
Jfoster said:
I have a really dumb question. I haven't been very active lately and I am lucky to have 1 show a month. Is it the same as last year to where the new products were available for purchase in August as a product preview month or are they strictly not available until September 1. I know the catalogs are not supposed to be used until then (but I will be lucky if I can get a show in). Also, if any over you have ever been in a slump such a this and have any advice, it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much!


First, no questions is a dumb question!

Now, have you contacted your local chamber of commerce? They should be able to help you target businesses are areas in your community. Also, they will have a calendar of community events. Fairs and Festivals are a great way to get bookings and recruits and just plain get your name out there!

And I agree with Janet, get flyers and catalogs out in the community everywhere you go. Also, to go along with the Express Show, in one of the workshops the speaker used Express Shows to fill her calendar by offering a free gift or additional discount to any host who booked and held a show in the next 10 days. She also had a great gimmick for calendaring. She would offer hosts a Food Chopper or other product in that price range for the amount of the date the show was held (ie on August 1st the chopper would be $1 and the 15th it would be $15, etc. Just a couple of ideas.

Good luck!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Product Preview Month in Pampered Chef?

A Product Preview Month is a special time when Pampered Chef consultants can showcase new products that will be available in the upcoming catalog. This allows hosts and guests to get an exclusive first look at these items and place orders before they are officially released.

How can I find out if my show qualifies for a Product Preview Month?

To determine if your show qualifies for a Product Preview Month, you should check with your Pampered Chef consultant. They can provide you with the specific dates and eligibility requirements for Product Preview Months based on the current catalog cycle.

What are the benefits of hosting a show during a Product Preview Month?

Hosting a show during a Product Preview Month allows you and your guests to be among the first to see and purchase new products. Additionally, hosts often receive exclusive host rewards and discounts, making it a great opportunity to earn more from your show.

Can I still host a regular show if a Product Preview Month is not available?

Yes, you can still host a regular show even if a Product Preview Month is not available. Regular shows offer a wide range of existing products, and you can still earn host rewards and discounts based on your sales and guest attendance.

How do I promote my show during a Product Preview Month?

To promote your show during a Product Preview Month, use social media, email invitations, and personal outreach to inform your friends and family about the exclusive new products. Highlight the benefits of attending, such as being the first to order new items and the special rewards available for hosts and guests.

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