Anyone Have Trouble Closing Catalog Shows?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges participants face in closing catalog shows, with many sharing personal experiences and strategies they employ to encourage hosts to finalize their orders in a timely manner.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expressed frustration that hosts often believe they have the entire month to collect orders, leading to delays in closing shows.
  • Another participant shared an experience of a catalog show that did not yield any sales despite multiple follow-ups.
  • Several users mentioned the importance of setting firm closing dates and regularly reminding hosts about these deadlines to maintain motivation.
  • One participant noted that framing the urgency in terms of the guests waiting for their products can help prompt hosts to act.
  • Another participant discussed using a closing express show as a strategy to boost sales by gathering friends for a final push.
  • Some participants highlighted the effectiveness of providing incentives for timely closing, such as additional free products or entries into a drawing.
  • One participant mentioned using a visual aid, like a Tic-Tac-Toe game, to help keep track of closing dates and motivate hosts.
  • Another shared that they consistently communicate the need for timely submissions by including closing dates in host packets and during coaching calls.
  • Several users indicated that despite their efforts, some catalog shows still take longer to close than anticipated.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for closing catalog shows, with no clear consensus on a single best approach. Some participants find success with firm deadlines and incentives, while others continue to experience challenges regardless of their methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared experiences primarily related to catalog shows, with many emphasizing the need for proactive communication and motivation techniques to encourage hosts to finalize their orders.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing catalog shows and strategies to encourage timely closing may find the shared experiences and techniques beneficial.

N
nickywsn
Messages
143
I was just wondering if y'all have the same problem as I do. I have several catalog shows this month and they all got their host packet at the first of the month. It will be next week before I can get them to close out if I'm lucky. They all seem to think they have the whole month to do this! I'm in my 2nd SS month and I'm wanting to get credit for those sales so I can hurry up and get my bonuses! Anyone have any advice on how to avoid this in the future? I got the impression from several that they didn't even start trying to collect orders until this week!:(
 
I had a catalog show back last fall that went AWOL. Talked to her and her husband several times and never did a show out of it.

Ann
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
Yeah, I've had 2 so far that were duds.
 
What I do is give them a FIRM date that I plan on closing the show. Keep calling them to see what's going on...and let them know how many days are left...etc. Then, call the host the day before you want to close the show and let her/him know that the show is closing TOMORROW...and they need to get it together and you'll be calling them for finality tomorrow. Has worked so far for me.....good luck! Hope you get your bonuses!
 
I generally try to put it in terms of their friends and family. My wording is usually, "I would hate for them to have to wait too much longer for their products."

I know it's frustrating. Unfortunately, I don't feel comfortable parking myself outside their homes and stalking them until I get the closing. Thought about it a few times, though.
 
I give a closing date too, for all of my shows to help keep the host motivated.

As part of my Catalog Packet I put Start/Close Date on it and on the Host Planner so that they know (and I remind them during Host Coaching).

I love the "I'd hate for your guest to wait" wording!

Give your Hosts a call and let them know that they need to have their shows to you by Friday so you can ensure that they get sumbitted for the 28th, so if anyone ordered discontinued products you can make sure they're in on time.
 
I try to give them a short time frame, like two weeks. Inevitably, they end up pushing the date. Right now I have several going that were all supposed to close between the 10th and 15th (hope for the 22nd paycheck) and only one has closed so far.
 
I always give them a time line. I give them a date that I will call them to see how things are going, a date to call them tell them that there closing date is approaching and a closing date. Generally catalog shows take longer to rally up.
 
I do basically the same thing. I tell them I generally run a catalog show for two weeks so their friends and family don't have to wait forever. I tell them two, but plan on 3. Try to check in at least every week from their projected start date to see how things are going and to input whatever orders they have so they have an idea of where they are at towards reaching their goals.

Speaking of "goals", that is a great way to make sure they follow through. At the beginning, discuss with them what is on their wish list, and then how much money they want to spend. Tell them how much in sales they need to reach their goals...then, when you call to check in, you can tell them "You're doing great! So far, you have $______ towards your goal of $________ so you can get all the goodies you want! What can I do to help you reach that ultimate goal?"

Works really well. I have a catalog show that will close today at over $600!
 
I use the 2 postcards from Nancy's Artworks
thank you for scheduling a catalog show (you fill in the closing date) &
It's time to wrap it up. I send his one 1 week before the closing date, so they have a day or so to collect last minute orders/payment.
Teresa
 
I try to get a closing express show set. What I do is tell them that the best way to get great sales is to have a handful of friends over to help close the show. I'll bring the recipe - usually the Chocolate Pecan Lattice Tart completely made, but cooked at the host's house - and a few products for people to play with. Also, that will give them an extra $15 in free product because I can turn it into a Cooking Show.
 
Kate, I love that idea!!!
 
cmdtrgd said:
I try to get a closing express show set. What I do is tell them that the best way to get great sales is to have a handful of friends over to help close the show. I'll bring the recipe - usually the Chocolate Pecan Lattice Tart completely made, but cooked at the host's house - and a few products for people to play with. Also, that will give them an extra $15 in free product because I can turn it into a Cooking Show.
Click to expand...

What an awesome idea! That's the main reason I hang out here...great ideas being shared and great people sharing!

Thanks!
 
nickywsn said:
I was just wondering if y'all have the same problem as I do. I have several catalog shows this month and they all got their host packet at the first of the month. It will be next week before I can get them to close out if I'm lucky. They all seem to think they have the whole month to do this! I'm in my 2nd SS month and I'm wanting to get credit for those sales so I can hurry up and get my bonuses! Anyone have any advice on how to avoid this in the future? I got the impression from several that they didn't even start trying to collect orders until this week!:(
Click to expand...


I'm having the same problem, and I dont' want to be up all night trying to enter everything on the last day of the month! I'll be using all the hints already given to close these out better!
 
Give a closing date!It seems people who do catalog shows do want to take the whole month to gather orders and for the most part I usually am in no hurry to get them to close, BUT
when I want to earn an incentive that ends in the middle of the month or I want to get those shows over with so I can go on vacation or do something else with my time, I give them an incentive.
I get their shows all set up on my website, and I tell them that if they close in two weeks they will be entered into a drawing for ____________!
Choose whatever you want to give them. $10 more dollars in FREE products, a certain product, something you have at home that you don't use, etc...
I also let them know my situation and they tend to want to help me out. I also find out about their shows in advance so I can send them the packets really early. Let's say they signed up for a catalog show the first two weeks in March. I ask them if that is plenty of time and if they say "Well....I could use another week," or something like that, I mail them or give them the packet the last week of Feb.
Debbie :D
 
I haven't done a lot of catalog shows; however, I did use the Catalog Show Tic-Tac-Toe and it worked for a show I did in January. It has a "close show" date in the middle square! It worked for me. I have attached it. I can't remember if I got it from this site or not. If it was already here - sorry:)
 

Attachments

Last edited:
Rhonda I love the flyer, thanks for sharing!!:)
 
has anyone tried an incentive to closing on time? I know catty shows are more difficult to get the sales. So I offer an incentive to closing out "on time". Doesn't have to be much, I've even offered to put it through as a cooking show for the extra $15.
 
I have had several catalog shows without a problem. This month I have 2, but when I give them the packet I always tell them I need everything by whatever date. That way I don't have a problem closing it out. HTH!
April
 
I have a catty show going on since Nov.! I told her we need to close it out this week.!
 
I had one fall off the face of the earth this month. I have called a million times...different days, all different times of the day...left messages on answering machine and with her son...last night I decided I am done. I'm getting a VERY strong vibe that she is avioding me, so I'll make it easy for her and stop calling. Her loss...she's a past host who booked off of her own show...she's elligable for 4 stones at 60% off!!!
 
nickywsn said:
I was just wondering if y'all have the same problem as I do. I have several catalog shows this month and they all got their host packet at the first of the month. It will be next week before I can get them to close out if I'm lucky. They all seem to think they have the whole month to do this! I'm in my 2nd SS month and I'm wanting to get credit for those sales so I can hurry up and get my bonuses! Anyone have any advice on how to avoid this in the future? I got the impression from several that they didn't even start trying to collect orders until this week!:(
Click to expand...

I'm having this same problem with my fundraiser! :(
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common reasons for difficulty in closing catalog shows?

Common reasons for difficulty in closing catalog shows include lack of engagement from hosts, insufficient promotion of the catalog, unclear communication about the benefits of ordering, and not providing enough incentives for guests to place orders. Additionally, if the catalog is not visually appealing or if the products are not well understood, it can lead to lower sales.

How can I encourage my hosts to promote their catalog shows more effectively?

Encourage your hosts to actively promote their catalog shows by providing them with tools and resources, such as social media graphics, email templates, and tips on how to engage their friends and family. Remind them to share personal stories about their favorite products and offer incentives for guests to place orders, such as exclusive discounts or giveaways.

What strategies can I use to increase guest participation in catalog shows?

To increase guest participation, consider hosting a virtual launch party or a live demonstration to showcase the products. You can also create excitement by offering limited-time promotions or exclusive items available only through the catalog show. Engaging guests with interactive elements, such as polls or contests, can also help boost participation.

How can I follow up with guests after a catalog show to close sales?

Follow up with guests by sending personalized thank-you messages and reminders about the catalog show. You can also provide a summary of the products featured and highlight any limited-time offers. Consider reaching out via phone or social media to answer any questions they may have and encourage them to place their orders before the deadline.

What should I do if a catalog show is not generating enough interest?

If a catalog show is not generating enough interest, assess the situation by communicating with the host to gather feedback. You may need to adjust your approach by offering additional incentives, creating urgency with limited-time offers, or re-evaluating the catalog's presentation. It may also help to reach out to potential guests individually to spark interest and encourage participation.

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