Boost Sales with Catalog Show: Tips for Distributing and Maximizing Results

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various strategies and experiences related to conducting catalog shows for Pampered Chef products, particularly focusing on distribution methods, follow-up practices, and incentives for participants. Participants share their personal experiences and questions regarding the effectiveness of these methods.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, considers distributing catalogs in breakrooms of large companies and questions the effectiveness of this approach.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using flyers with catalogs and notes that success can vary significantly, describing one catalog show that generated $300 and another with no orders.
  • One participant mentions the importance of having a reliable contact person at the business to follow up on orders.
  • Several users discuss the idea of offering incentives, such as discounts or mystery host opportunities, to encourage participation and follow-up from the catalog coordinator.
  • One participant expresses concern about the time and effort involved in catalog shows and questions whether it is worth pursuing.
  • Another participant shares their experience with a mystery host show and its positive outcome, indicating a preference for this method.
  • Several participants discuss technical issues related to modifying flyers for their needs, including converting files to Word format.
  • One participant reflects on a situation involving a fundraiser and the complexities of managing orders and payments with a recruiter.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness and value of catalog shows, with some participants sharing positive experiences while others express skepticism about the effort involved. No clear consensus emerges regarding the overall worth of this approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and challenges related to catalog shows, fundraising efforts, and technical issues with promotional materials. The discussion reflects a range of individual circumstances and outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in exploring catalog shows as a sales strategy may find the shared experiences and insights relevant to their own practices.

AlowayFamily
AlowayFamily
Gold Member
Messages
539
I am thinking about handing a couple of catalogs to some people who work at large companies. I am going to ask them to place the catalogs in their breakroom and I will have several OOF in each catalog. I will offer the catalog show to the person I am giving the catalogs, so she will get some free product.

My questions:
(1) Does anyone put a flyer of any kind with the catalogs - to help sell the products?
(2) If the person I give the catalogs doesn't follow up with people, how do people who want to buy stuff get their order to me? Do I hope they call me?
(3) Do you provide an incentive to the person helping you to ensure she checks on the catalog, takes orders and gets it back to you? One lady I am handing the catalogs to is a bit wishy-washy and I am afraid she may not check on the catalogs.
(4) Is it worth the time and trouble to even do this? :confused:
 
I have attached the flyer that I put on every catalog that I give to a business for catalog shows. I change the back for the specials.

I have found that your contact person at the business is really the only way to follow up unless someone wants something. I have had a decent ($300) catalog show and one where there were no orders by doing this. I think that it is really hit or miss unfortunately.

I would maybe offer an incentive (like 10% off her order), but I usually find that doing a mystery host is incentive enough.

Is it worth it? That's up to you and where you are right now and where you want to be. If you are wanting to build your business in anyway, I don't think that it could hurt. You just have to make sure that you are following up with the co-ordinator frequently.
 

Attachments

  • Thread starter
  • #3
Andrea,

Thanks for the info. I just found out that an order I was relying on to help me reach my $1250 for SS1 is not coming through. I am about $270 short of meeting $1250. I really need the orders from the businesses, because I want my FREE stuff. I did a mystery host for my first show, and it worked well. I'll do that for this business as well.

I stupidly gave away over $150 to my recruiter because she needed $15 to stay active. We did a fundraiser together and we couldn't figure out how to separate the order. Maybe I should give her $15 and take the order back. She'll get $50 in PC dollars if she lets me have the order and reach $1250 for the month.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Okay I just looked at the flyer and that is great! How do I convert it to Word so I can change the contact information? Or do I just re-type?
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I figured out how to copy and paste it to Word, so I have it now. Thanks!
 
copy and paste??How did you get it to copy and paste to word? All I get is a little hand that won't let me do anything.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I think I have the "full" version of Acrobat. I will attach the Word document I created.
 

Attachments

Thank you Nancy for posting that in word, I can work with publisher and pagemaker like no one but word gets me everytime...I can be quite a dork!

Talk to your recruiter and tell her that if you take the order back and let her have part of it (one of you can eat the shipping cost...I would make that be her) and you take the rest then you both will benefit, you get the free stuff and she gets her 50 PC dollars sooner!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
How do I give her part of the order? Can we submit them as invidiual orders, although it is a fundraiser and we want the money to go to ACS? Also, we already collected checks for the orders, so we have to pay for the extra shipping costs if we did individual orders. Is that what you mean by eating the shipping costs?
 
Honestly, if it were me and I only needed $15 to stay active I would submit a personal order for myself in someone else's name and not rely on my recruit to help me stay active (and that is very nice of you to do, by the way). Then the large order can stay together for the fundraiser. I had a brain fart and didn't realize that the $150 order was for a fundraiser. So, I guess you couldn't split the order unless you did take part of it and did an individual order for that part, and yes...one would have to pay the extra shipping cost (or eating the cost) but, then you would have the issue of the fundraiser being shy on donations because the personal order can't go towards the fundraiser. So, in essence, what I would do is take back the $150 order and ask her if she wouldn't mind placing an order for herself to stay active.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #11
That's what I thought. I sent her an email and asked if she would give me the order, so we can both benefit from it. Again, I stupidly gave permission for the checks to be made out to her and now I have to get the money from her as well.

I am going to call Curves and ask them if I can go back there on Saturday and try and get more orders so we can get the show bigger for HWC. I'll go by myself this time...
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a catalog show in direct sales?

A catalog show is a sales event where a consultant showcases products through a catalog rather than a live demonstration. Customers can browse the catalog, place orders, and often benefit from special promotions or discounts. This format is convenient for both the consultant and the customers, allowing for flexible participation.

How can I effectively distribute catalogs for my show?

To effectively distribute catalogs, consider using a combination of methods such as mailing them to your customer list, handing them out at local events, or placing them in community centers and businesses. Additionally, utilize social media platforms to share digital versions of your catalog and encourage your network to spread the word.

What tips can I use to maximize sales during a catalog show?

To maximize sales, engage your customers with personalized follow-ups after they receive the catalog. Host a virtual or in-person event to discuss the products and answer questions. Offer incentives, such as discounts or freebies, for orders placed during the show period. Highlight bestsellers and new items to generate excitement and urgency.

How do I track orders and sales from a catalog show?

Tracking orders can be done through a simple spreadsheet or by using specific software designed for direct sales. Ensure you keep a record of each order, including customer details and product selections. This will help you manage inventory, follow up with customers, and analyze which products are most popular for future shows.

What are some common challenges with catalog shows and how can I overcome them?

Common challenges include low engagement and limited sales. To overcome these, ensure clear communication about the show’s timeline and benefits. Create excitement through social media teasers and reminders. Additionally, consider offering exclusive deals or bundles that encourage customers to place larger orders, and provide excellent customer service to build rapport and trust.

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