What Would You Do? Tips for Boosting Sales After a Disappointing Show

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various personal experiences and strategies related to managing shows that yield disappointing sales, particularly when considering travel distances and host commitments. Participants share their thoughts on whether to proceed with shows under uncertain conditions or to pass them to others.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, discusses a recent show with low sales and considers whether to proceed with another show despite concerns about travel and costs.
  • Another participant suggests the option of a catalog show as an alternative to a live cooking show.
  • Several users mention the importance of calculating costs associated with travel and babysitting when deciding to take on a show.
  • One participant shares their experience of successfully scheduling two shows in one day, highlighting the potential for increased sales.
  • Another participant proposes the idea of a mega show with multiple hosts to boost sales at a single location.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for a minimum number of confirmed guests and outside orders before committing to a show.
  • Another participant recounts their positive experience with a long-distance show, noting the unexpected opportunities that arose from it.
  • Several participants express the importance of gathering a guest list and sending invitations ahead of time to ensure better attendance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to proceed with shows that have uncertain sales potential. Some participants advocate for setting conditions with hosts, while others suggest alternative formats like catalog shows or mega shows. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and considerations related to the challenges of hosting shows, particularly in terms of travel logistics and sales expectations. The discussion reflects a variety of individual strategies and outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants navigating similar challenges with show management and sales may find the shared experiences and suggestions relevant to their own situations.

Jennie4PC
Jennie4PC
Messages
3,348
I just closed a show that was 1 1/2 hrs away, When I was doing host coaching calls she told me there were going to be like 10 people there well there was only 5 and when I left her show it was only $80 in sales. When I got home I called her and told her if she could get it to $600 in sales I would give her the round up trivet for free. Well she didnt hit the $600 but her order helped commisionalble sales at $300. She has a friend who wants to book a show she claims she knows alot of people in her town my problem is should I take the show but try making her guarentee it will be atleast $500 in sales (which I know she cant guarantee) or give it to one of my cluster mates who lives close to me but is so willing to travel the distance? My DH doesnt really want me to travel that far cause of gas and haing to pay a babysitter. Part of me wants to take the show but another part wants me to give it away. And I did ask her if she would like to become a consultant she is a former consultant from several yrs back
 
You could ask her if she wants to do a catalog show.
 
This is where you will have to really stop and consider things. Like the "cost" of doing her show...
You say it's an hour and a half away from you, so that's 3 hours of driving time. OK...how much gasoline will it cost you?
If you have to hire a babysitter, how long would you have to hire them for? I would think at least 5-6 hours.
Now, compare that time factor, plus these costs, to what your commission will be on the show, if, say, it's only a $300 show. (or worse!!)

OK, now consider this...

Could you possibly get two shows scheduled on the SAME day in that area? You may not have realized it, but you might be able to actually do Two shows!! I've done it, with one show held around noon, the other in the evening. In my case, they were about an hour's drive from each other, and I was actually able to come home in between, load the dishwasher, sit down and eat a yogurt, pack the products again, and go!!

If the shows could be done on the same day, in the same town, you'd need to allow time to wash dishes at the first show's home, re-pack, and drive to the second home. The key here is to be sure you're doing the SAME RECIPE at each home!! Also, I'd recommend you have a second tote packed in your car with folders for the second show, so that you can easily switch totes in between shows.

If the idea of two shows doesn't appeal to you, I'd strongly consider letting it go to the Consultant who WANTS to go to that area. I mean, if there's bookings, you're going to have to keep doing this. Is that something you really want? Especially if your husband isn't too keen on the idea!

A lot to think about.

If you DO decide to go ahead and do it, and only do one show, I think I'd at least get the guest list, mail the invitations for her show, and coach her to get at least $150 to $200 in outside orders to you BEFORE the show, along with payment. At least this way you are guaranteed a show!!

Best wishes to you! I hope all this helps you, at least a little!!

Paula
 
You could also try the mega show idea. One location, one demo, 2-4 hosts, people either place the host name on their order forms or you use colored OOFs for each host, and this way you should hopefully get enough in sales to justify a show.
 
tlennhoff said:
You could also try the mega show idea. One location, one demo, 2-4 hosts, people either place the host name on their order forms or you use colored OOFs for each host, and this way you should hopefully get enough in sales to justify a show.
Click to expand...



That would definitely be another choice! After all is said and done, it is ultimately YOUR business, and YOUR decision! I hope that these points will all be things that will help you in your choices!!

Wishing you the best!!

Paula
 
There is nothing wrong with telling her that this is your business and you would love to do her show but you'll need two things from her before you do an actual cooking show. First, she'll need $200 in orders before you get there (I'd ask for them over the phone so that it isn't the case of she's sure she'll have them or is counting people that are planning to come). You also need at least 10 buying ADULTS confirmed. This leaves a little room but make 5 seem not so good. You can tell her that people that what to come but can't buy and more than welcome, but this is solely to ensure that your babysitter can get paid at the end of the night too.Let her know that if she doesn't have $200 in outside orders and expects fewer than 10 guests, that you can change it to a catalog show at that point. She'll either make SURE that she has this or she'll do the catalog. If she's not willing, then why should you be? Easier said than done, but it's a sacrifice for you. It could be GREAT, but it could be another $300 show.
 
If you decide to do 2 shows in one day and are worried about the products being washed, here is what was suggested to me. Tell the people at show number one that you do have another later that day and you have something a little extra for someone who is willing the help wash the products after the show while you are taking orders. That will decrease the time spent there. I have done that and to be honest the person who did because she is wanted to help and really didn't care about the free Seasson's Best.
 
My Director lives about an hour and a half away from me (almost two actually.) Two years ago she did my show and did not "seem" to mind the drive at all. I didn't give her any guarantees either, I think if she would have given me instructions to have a certain number of orders I would have cancelled it. :) 1/2 of the people at my show had never heard of Pampered Chef and were thrilled with the show and the products and wanted to hosts shows of their own. Most of my guests wanted to do their shows in Spanish but my Director didn't have anyone on her team that could do it, so I signed up! Just because no one could fill that need and ofcourse I wanted the kit! I figured I would just do those shows and I would be done. Well when all was said and done I had done over 20 shows in my 90 days, got my 2% increase as I sold over $15K and got 9 bonus PLUS packages! I became a Director in my 9th month. She says she never regrets making that long drive! I think that if you are ready to go to the next level you have to take chances. If you do make the drive do it with the mentality that you are going to recruit someone there and grow a bigger team and move up. Tell them that the fact that you've had to drive an hour and half twice now tells you that there is a need in that area and someone there can reap the benefits of having all that business for themselves. Imagine having your very own Director there! You can make it happen.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Thanks for all your advise I still havent decided what to do yet but I do need to get on the phone and call her tomorrow.
 
I think you already have a lot of good advice here, I would just add that if it were me and I was going to do it, I would get a guest list up front and mail the invites. Then at least you know what you're dealing with ahead of time, and you have a guarantee that the invites get sent out.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
my director also suggested that I get thier phone #'s and call them and remind them of the show that way I will know 1) if she did send the invites
2) a good guest count.
 
Addie4TLC said:
Well when all was said and done I had done over 20 shows in my 90 days, got my 2% increase as I sold over $15K and got 9 bonus PLUS packages! I became a Director in my 9th month. She says she never regrets making that long drive!
Click to expand...
Holy canoli, that's awesome!!!! Woo hoooo!!! YES, never underestimate what kinds of leads you might get...even from the small shows. I too just had a show 1 1/2 hours away. ANd that host is also planning to sign. I'm so excited for HER and the fact that I probably won't have to drive down there for a show again (except for her 1st show if she wants me there).:)
 
Congratulations Becky!! Hope she's your next superstar!! To think I was only in it for the kit and now my goal is to quit my full time job and be home with my kids. Everything happened so fast for me. Knowing that there were so few consultants in my area (none in the Hispanic Market!) and that I would be Director #5 in all of the Hispanic market world wide blew my mind. Next time you talk to her tell her about the potential in her area.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some immediate steps I can take after a disappointing show to boost my sales?

After a disappointing show, consider reaching out to attendees with a follow-up email or message. Thank them for attending and remind them of the products showcased. Offer a special promotion or discount for orders placed within a specific timeframe to encourage immediate sales.

How can I leverage social media to increase my sales after a disappointing show?

Utilize your social media platforms to share highlights from the show, including photos and testimonials. Create engaging posts that showcase your products, share recipes, or offer cooking tips. Encourage your followers to comment or share their own experiences with the products to increase engagement and visibility.

Should I consider hosting another show soon after a disappointing one?

Yes, hosting another show can help regain momentum. Consider a themed show or a different format, such as a virtual event, to attract new attendees. Promote it as an opportunity to try new recipes or products, and offer incentives for guests who bring friends or place orders.

What role does customer feedback play in improving future shows?

Customer feedback is invaluable for improving future shows. After a disappointing event, reach out to attendees for their thoughts on what they liked and what could be improved. Use this feedback to adjust your presentation style, product selection, or show format to better meet the needs and interests of your audience.

How can I build relationships with my customers to encourage repeat sales?

Building relationships with customers is key to encouraging repeat sales. Stay in touch through regular communication, such as newsletters or personal messages. Offer exclusive promotions or early access to new products for loyal customers. Personalize your interactions by remembering their preferences and following up on previous purchases.

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