Advice for My First Booth Setup: Ideas Welcome!

[malori]

I am doing my first booth this weekend, and I was just wondering if anyone had any words of advice for me!

I am planning on displaying the New Consultant Kit along with info about the biz, having some of the forged cutlery available for demo (along with September Host Special flyer), stainless and executive 8" skillets (with October host special flyer), and possibly displaying the new products.

I plan on giving out mini-catalogs in exchange for a complete drawing slip, and then doing a drawing to get some leads. I have some door prize type things from a supply order and thought about also drawing for a "FREE" cooking show (where I would provide the groceries).

Anybody have any constructive critisism or ideas for me? I'm all ears!

 

[Chef Bobby]

I dont like the "Free Show" idea. Sorry.
Don't offer the catalog to everyone unless it's an old one. Have your business cards and recipe cards to give out. I do keep some catalogs hidden to give to buying customers. Be ready to tell how you use a product if someone shows an intrest in it.
Be standing ready to greet when people pass by. If you have a moment when no-one is in your booth, greet those that are just walking by.
Most important! Anytime you can get out of your booth talk to the other vendors. They are usually my best customers. They can also inform you you of future events.
If you see something in another booth that you want, offer a trade instead of buying it. Good luck!

 

[raebates]

I generally have more response with an actual prize that people can see than with offering a free show. It's more of an attention getter. Definitely talk to the other vendors. Make sure your table isn't too cluttered. Engage everyone you can. Don't go out and grab them, that's assault. Smile, greet them, be friendly.

 

[malori]

What type of prizes do you guys typically draw for?

Thanks for your ideas so far!

 

[babywings76]

Double check with your event person that it's okay for you to have knives. I've done booths where they were not allowed.

 

[malori]

Good point! I will check on that!

 

[Chef Bobby]

What type of prizes do you guys typically draw for?

Thanks for your ideas so far!

I've used different things like a tool turnabout or sometimes I offer to let them pick out anything from the catalog for $20.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

A big hit at fairs I did this summer was the garlic press and peeler. I bought a bunch of garlic and had it out for people to try. I also had lemons and the press. It smelled so nice when people went by. I bring my tool-turn about with all my tools. It takes little space on a table, and brings people in. The layout is very important. People don't like to walk into a booth I've found. I set one table right in front of my booth, so people can touch, touch, touch. I too, always have the kit displayed (I've been doing the mini kit), tool turn-about and a few key items. Simple and classy table set-up. I ALWAYS get people to fill out information by giving them an old catalog or a mini and asking if they will fill out the slip so I can get them a new full size catalog.

 

[malori]

Thanks for all the advice y'all. I called today to check on the knives, and that was a no go! So, I won't be bringing my knives. I'm just going to do a display with some of the forged cutlery info and September Host Special Flyer! Keep it coming. I'm getting NERVOUS!