Boost Bookings with the BOOK TO LOOK Incentive Box

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses a creative approach called the "BOOK TO LOOK" idea, which participants have used to encourage bookings for Pampered Chef shows. The concept involves a box containing file folders with incentives for those who book a show, sparking curiosity and engagement among potential hosts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares their experience with the "BOOK TO LOOK" box, noting it led to three bookings from a $400 show.
  • Another participant expresses difficulty in securing bookings and considers trying the "BOOK TO LOOK" idea.
  • Several users mention their excitement about the idea and their intent to implement it at future shows.
  • One participant asks for clarification on how to explain the concept to guests and the logistics of booking dates.
  • Another participant describes their method of introducing the box during shows, emphasizing the fun and suspense involved.
  • Some participants inquire about the materials used for the file folders and the size of the box.
  • One participant shares their success using the idea in another business, resulting in additional bookings.
  • Several users express gratitude for the idea and share their own variations, such as using gift bags or themed designs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the specifics of implementation, such as materials and presentation methods, but there is general enthusiasm for the concept itself.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and adaptations of the "BOOK TO LOOK" idea, reflecting a variety of creative approaches within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for innovative ways to increase bookings may find the shared experiences and ideas beneficial.

  • Thread starter
  • #91
Envelopes Vs. FoldersEnvelopes are soooo inexpensive, I think that's what I'll do, and decorate them :) I love the idea of making your own box! I have some great kitchen stickers from scrapping that I think I'll use!

Thanks for the idea! IT's amazing what we can forget sometimes!
 
I use the clear view binders for my lap boards as well...I love it and so do my guests. I used to put the host special in the boards with everything else but stopped doing so when I had some people who weren't paying attention try to order it (granted I did turn one into a show), it's an easy fix but I figured it was better to pass around the host special. I also put the guest special in the clear view part of the binder, then in the pocket I put the catalog, order form, opportunity brochure, fundraiser flyer, bridal flyer and I go through the boards after my intro and before the demo and refer to them throughout the show.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #93
Dollar General!Make sure you are going to a store like Dollar General for your supplies. I got my clear pocket 3-ring binders there for $1 each.....that means 50 cents per lap board. That is the cheapest price I have seen. I also got 16 6X9 manilla envelopes for the Book to Look for $2. I put the host benefits and the upcoming host special in the clear pocket on the back and put the current guest special, order form, catalog in the front.

I have been so motivated to work my business more since I have joined this site! Three days now....my hubby is amazed with my enthusiasm!! THANK YOU!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #94
Lap Boards vs. FoldersI've been using folders for the last 3 businesses I've done. Are the lap boards better do you think? I can usually get 8 folders for a dollar at the dollar general.....

I LOVE the book to look box! But I think I'll put envelopes in mine, just 4, and say the 1st 4 tobook will get the bonus gifts....
 
book to lookI am thinking of using this idea, but have decided that I am going to put a $ amount for example I have broken up the amounts pretty much like on the host reward page in the catalog, so if the show is $150-$200 I am offering $5 off their show, $300-$500 10.00; $600-700 $15; $800-900 $25; $1000 $40. That way I feel more in control of how much money I am willing to give for the gift. My friend who is not with PC said she like this idea and she is a tough customer.

Susan A.
Moore, OK :rolleyes:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #96
katie323 said:
I've been using folders for the last 3 businesses I've done. Are the lap boards better do you think? I can usually get 8 folders for a dollar at the dollar general.....

I LOVE the book to look box! But I think I'll put envelopes in mine, just 4, and say the 1st 4 tobook will get the bonus gifts....

Yes, my customers love the lap pads only because it offers them a relatively hard surface to write on. For 50 cents a piece, it is worth it!
 
leasetraining said:
Yes, my customers love the lap pads only because it offers them a relatively hard surface to write on. For 50 cents a piece, it is worth it!

I bought a bunch of the Italiana folders (you know the 3 folder thing we got with our change-over pack, that described the 3 parts; appetizers, main dishes & desserts). I will cut them into 3 separate folders - a catalog and order form fit perfectly - and the drawing slip goes in nicely. It's a nice cardboard surface that advertizes the theme.

:)
 
book to look
AFwife said:
So I started this BOOK TO LOOK idea to get bookings and it worked.

What it is, is a little box I made that says, BOOK to LOOK and inside are 4 little tiny file folders I made each with an insentive inside for booking. If they want to book a show, they get to pick one of the four file folders without peeking at the rest and inside they may find, a large batter bowl, or the measure all cup, etc...each one having something different inside.

I don't know about you, but curiosity always gets me which was the point of this idea, to get them wondering what was inside that box.

Well the show was only $400 I did get 3 bookings out of it because of my BOOK to LOOK box idea. :) The first lady to book said, the suspense is killing me I'm booking and quickly grabbed the box and pulled out a file folder. LOL

I'm so excited and wanted to share in case anyone was looking for new ways to get bookings.

:D


I love this idea. When I get back up and running I will use this. I think that I will use this when I try toget my business up and running again. Man am I having such a hard time going again.

Kay
 
Great Ideas!:) Awesome Ideas! I too make lapboards. At one of my cluster meetings, someone suggested using the trifold boards we get with the celebrations shows on them. I cut them into three seperate pieces, sometimes I need to reinforce the edges with some clear packing tape, but they work so well! everyone gets a different show idea and you can order them from supply order for a small fee ?$1.00?.
Another way that I used a type of the Look to Book idea was at change of season my first year as a consultant. I put a mini-catalog in several envelopes and wrote "TOP SECRET" on the front. Then, at the end of the show, I put in a fourth request for bookings and said, "the new season will be starting soon and if you want to be the first to see the new products, book a show with me tonight and you can open that top secret envelope!" I got 5 bookings (it was a BIG show)! I never thought to do it again this year, but maybe this fall!
What an excellent site! Thanks for everyone's great, helpful ideas!
Mom of three (plus two equals FIVE!)
 
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leasetraining said:
I am currently creating my own version of the Book to Look. I want to get something into everyone's hands while at the show, but I also want it to focus on the traditional host benefits, too.

Here's what I have done - each guest will get one in their lap-board (I created 50 cent lap-boards for each guest out of 3-ring binder covers) along with their catalog and order form:

6X9 manilla envelope - on outside I have printed "Book to Look - Your FREE product is inside this envelope!" I have also added the Host Rewards chart that I cut off the inside of the back page of my old season catalogs. I just added that chart to the front of the envelope so that I can talk about our Host Rewards AND their extra bonus for booking today.

On the inside of the envelope, I have placed a smaller white envelope. Inside that envelope is a picture of a product along with the description that I have cut from my old catalogs. This is what they get free for booking at the show.

My thought is: each person will have one in hand - suspense. It focuses on our outstanding Host Rewards as well. And, it will be obvious who is opening their envelope since one envelope is inside another.

Will be trying this out at my first show in a couple weeks (I am just getting back on my feet after having a c-section).

Really great spin on this! Let us know how it goes!!!! Good luck!
 
leasetraining said:
I always go through the lap board first thing after my intro and thanks to my hosts and guests. I'll point out the Book to Look Envelope at the beginning and sprinkle reminders throughout my show.

Where do you position the book to look items.... and where do you put the 5-min (career opportunity bag)?
 
Sk8Mom209 said:
I made my own lapboards also. I used an Xacto knife and was very careful to stay in the center of the seaming, so that there was not an open edge. If you cut carefully, the seam on the edge of the lapboard will still be sealed.

I also added the clear Pampered Chef labels on the outside of the lapboard to kind of personalize them.

Shari,
Can you send us a picture ~ I want to be able to picture these (they sound great).
 
momof3 said:
:) Awesome Ideas! I too make lapboards. At one of my cluster meetings, someone suggested using the trifold boards we get with the celebrations shows on them. I cut them into three seperate pieces, sometimes I need to reinforce the edges with some clear packing tape, but they work so well! everyone gets a different show idea and you can order them from supply order for a small fee ?$1.00?.
Another way that I used a type of the Look to Book idea was at change of season my first year as a consultant. I put a mini-catalog in several envelopes and wrote "TOP SECRET" on the front. Then, at the end of the show, I put in a fourth request for bookings and said, "the new season will be starting soon and if you want to be the first to see the new products, book a show with me tonight and you can open that top secret envelope!" I got 5 bookings (it was a BIG show)! I never thought to do it again this year, but maybe this fall!
What an excellent site! Thanks for everyone's great, helpful ideas!
Mom of three (plus two equals FIVE!)

What were the 4 items they received?
:)
 
Thought you all might like to see my Book-to-Look "coupons" I made! I'm going to put these in brightly-colored envelopes with a "Who do you know?" list for hosts.
 

Attachments

What are the details you give them when they ask ?? Like the free stoneware....is it any piece and do they have to sell so much or get so many bookings ???
 
I cut my pictures out of the old catalog last night, taping them to a colored index card...then I thought, "what if someone opens this and sees they will be getting the Kitchen Shears, and they already had that on their receipt... would they scratch it off and order something else? or would they just scratch it off, and say! "woo hoo!"... and i know that i benefit by getting a booking... but my host will not have such a good show.
I gave away an Adjustable Scoop once as the door prize and the winner already had it on her list...she was a friend of mine... she went ahead and found something else to get in it's place! But she has no intention on hosting, so this was her chance to get more!.
I don't know... just something I thought of last night, I'll still do it...
I was going to be putting them in an envelope, in the lapboard, but the host is expecting 12 people... I stopped at 9 and figured that was enough,... but I like the idea of everyone holding one throughout the show...suspense!

You all are wonderful, I'm not creative, so I get lots of wonderful ideas here!
Thanks!
Nicole
#224021
 
chefmelody said:
Thought you all might like to see my Book-to-Look "coupons" I made! I'm going to put these in brightly-colored envelopes with a "Who do you know?" list for hosts.

Those are so cute! You could send them with your hostess packet and/or insert in your host's "passing out" catalogs.

:)
 
pampered_heathery said:
What are the details you give them when they ask ?? Like the free stoneware....is it any piece and do they have to sell so much or get so many bookings ???

The free stoneware I consider my own cost... I put it on the host's order, so I get it as a discount. The reason I include the stoneware coupon is to tell the potential hosts, "One of these envelopes has a FREE STONEWARE coupon!" I don't put any conditions on it, but other consultants might.
 
I had an idea while checking out the whole "book to look" idea. I plan to take 4x5 index cards and on one side of one, print "Book to Look - Your FREE product is inside this envelope!" And on the flip side put the picture, price and description of either a small bar pan, ice cream sandwich maker, citrus press, or paring knife. On a second card I am going to print the new logo. Then I will laminate the cards so that the logo and "book to look" are on the same side with a small space between them. That way I can fold them in half and use a paper clip to keep them together. I will put one in each catalog at a show and ask them to turn them in when I total their order. If they want to see their free product then they book a show. I think if is such a fun way to handle bookings and I hope it will help fill my calendar!
 
BOOK to LOOKI have also used Easter Eggs in a basket in place of the folders. I like the idea of pulling it together with the holiday! It does work too! They just gotta know what's in there!

Good Luck,
Tesha
 
Got my eggs all ready for my show tomorrow night. I really hope it works cause I have only catalog shows until April 5. Are you all passing out the eggs in the beginning of your demo?
 
BOOK to LOOKTell them about it when you first talk about bookings, at the beginning of the show, pass the basket. Then at the end of the show pass it again, they may decide to have a show by the time your demo is over.

Another thing I'm going to try is during introductions. Ask them their name, but instead of their favorite product, ask them which product they would like to own. Afterwards really talk about bookings and relate their favorite products and how they could earn it FREE!!!

Tesha
 
I just made my box & I used the "free coupons" - I love the idea - I have a show on the 28th with 30 people invited, so I'm hoping this help my bookings!

Thanks so much for sharing!
 
I too am a big fan of the Book to Look idea! I tried it last night at my show and got 4 bookings. I'm definitely doing this at all of my shows!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #115
CatherinesKitchen said:
I too am a big fan of the Book to Look idea! I tried it last night at my show and got 4 bookings. I'm definitely doing this at all of my shows!


WOO HOO that is great.
 
Thank you for a wonderful idea... I just started with my first show the 12th and have my second show coming up this weekend and I think the Book to Look idea is super...:) I am going to give it a try
 
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  • Thread starter
  • #117
I just bought teeny gift bags, and some matching tissue paper. I'm going to paste a picture of the item to be given away on some posterboard, and write "book to look" on each bag. The bags are ADORABLE! Spring colors, with ribbon handles, and 2/$1!!! That's my kinda price!I can't wait to use them tomorrow!
 
Easter Egg IdeaI really like this technique. I think I'll go to the dollar store some evenig this week to get my coloured eggs. I have my very first show this Saturday night and I think it will be a great way to get some bookings. This Saturday night show is the only show I have so far so I'll DEFINETELY be needing any ideas to get bookings. I'll let you know how I do. If this works I'll want to come up with other ideas throughout the year for other seasons and such. I also like the envelopes and the coloured index cards.. lots of great ideas here!!

Cheers;)
 
I listened to a pre-recorded tele-class today on Booking a Year Round Business... and though I've heard it before, I've never tried it, but feel it would be very powerful, and not pushy at all : it is just asking the host what she wants and piling it in her lap, or on the table next to her, or bring a nice big basket, and as she says what she wants to get, you hand it to her until she reaches about $100, and people see the VISUAL of how much she will be getting!
I play Bunco with a group from my neighborhood, and they were talking about a Tupperware party where the lady passed out envelopes, with prizes and "free show" inside, they didn't like it, they felt it was too pushy... they didn't understand that if they took the envelope they were 95% sure they would be having a party... So if the guests aren't listening carefully, they feel like they were tricked...

Good luck in all that you do!
Don't listen to me... I have only 2 shows booked right now - thru MAY! pitiful!

Nicole
#224021
www.pamperedchef.biz/getpampered2
Lexington, SC
 
I love this idea. I am going to try it at my next Show!!!! Thanks for the idea.......
 

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