What to take?

[Jillb]

I love anything PC and have a lot of it. At my first three shows I brought a lot of it with me. I was not sure if that was overkill and I should be more select of what I take.

Should I only take what I am demoing?

Ask my host what she likes?

Maybe theme shows?

Input please before I break my back by carring everything.

Thanks

[kdangel518]

I only bring what I am using for my demo, my tool turnabout, and then an item to show off the current month's guest special and the next month's host special. For example- if the current guest special is two free rubs, I would bring along a few rubs for the guests to smell, etc. And if next month's host special was on bamboo pieces, I would bring a few of my most popular bamboo pieces to show off.

I bring A LITTLE more now, during the holidays- trifle bowl, a few items that are good for stocking stuffers, etc. OR if the host asks for something specific I will bring that as well, but otherwise I keep it as simple as possible. One bag, minimal items- otherwise it takes too long to unload/reload and it's too much work!

[esavvymom]

Like Kara said....I bring what I need for my demo. I will try to bring what's on special or on special next month for host's. I may bring a few new products (at the beginning of a season especially). But my rule of thumb is I have two containers- my consultant tote that came with my kit, and a collapsible crate. If the products do not fit in those two without killing me, it doesn't make the cut. Because by the time I have my wheely-crate with catalogs, door prizes, my laptop, the ingredients, etc. I'm bringing in 4-5 things! So 2 product-tote limit for me. :D It's still back breaking at times (especially if alot of stairs involved getting into a home), but you'll learn very quickly that it's not beneficial to bring everything unless it will serve a specific purpose in your show. If it's just for display, it's usually not worth bringing (large items especially).

[pampchefsarah]

I third what Kara said.

[Chef Gilles]

I for one bring almost everything. I don't necessarily show everything but if they ask to see something, I can pull it out of the bag. I do believe people will buy more if they can see and feel the product. My show average so far this year is at $935.44 and I do believe it's because I have the items on hand.

[DebbieJ]

I just had two shows at $1300 each bringing only the items I needed for the demo. :) I want to make my job look easy.

[mountainmama74]

I agree with making my job look easy. When I did this before, I packed up my entire kitchen for every show I did. It was ridiculous! Now, I bring what I need for the Demo, the DCB (if I'm not using it to demo) and the special for the month. I always talk about the "magic pot" whether I'm demoing it or not. So far my show average is $965, so it seems to be working!

[ChefBeckyD]

I take what I use for the demo - but I use a TON of products for my demos. I won't demo a recipe that doesn't use cookware, stoneware, knives, and bamboo or SA.

I also bring my TTA crammed full
Cookbooks
A selection of spices, sauces, etc... (not all of them - whatever I bring, I either use or talk about)
Whatever the host special is for the months I am currently booking
Also, in my last phone call with the host before the show, I ask her if there is anything in particular she wants to see, or anything her guests want to see. Lately, what I get requests for most is the pineapple wedger. When they request to see that, I suggest they also pick up a pineapple.

[ChefBeckyD]

I for one bring almost everything. I don't necessarily show everything but if they ask to see something, I can pull it out of the bag. I do believe people will buy more if they can see and feel the product. My show average so far this year is at $935.44 and I do believe it's because I have the items on hand.

Wow - that must be a pretty big bag!

I once took a large selection of products to a fundraiser I was doing - I could barely fit it all in my SUV!!!

[Janis]

I've been trying to take less lately. 1 to make the job LOOK easy, and 2 to make it easier! LOL. Whatever I am using, plus a piece from each collection, and my tool turn about. That's plenty!