Princess
- 131
Did anyone else have a disappointing turnout at their open house?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and concerns regarding open house events. Many express anxiety about turnout and discuss various strategies they plan to implement to encourage attendance.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses nervousness about having no attendees at their upcoming open house and seeks feedback from others.
- Another participant shares plans for their open house, including using sample kits and pre-made recipes to attract guests.
- One participant mentions sending out 38 emails and hand-delivering invitations, while feeling anxious about the lack of RSVPs.
- Several users suggest sending reminder calls or emails to encourage attendance, noting that this can help ensure enough treats are prepared.
- One participant shares their experience of a disappointing turnout at their Spring KICK OFF event, despite extensive invitations and preparation.
- Another participant plans to send out 100 paper invitations for their Spring Fling open house, expressing uncertainty about the outcome.
- One participant discusses their strategy of using door hangers and mini catalogs to promote their event, while also feeling nervous about attendance.
- A participant recounts their own open house experience, where only two attendees showed up despite sending out over 125 emails.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ regarding the effectiveness of various promotional strategies, and no clear consensus emerges on what guarantees a successful turnout.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to hosting open houses, reflecting a range of emotions from excitement to disappointment.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants looking for insights into the challenges and strategies associated with hosting open house events may find this discussion relevant.
LindaK
- 118
I'm thinking of having one in April, I think I'll have my sample kit and the pink and white polka dot cups and squares and have ordered the pink guest specials for display...that will hopefully motivate for the HWC May bookings...
Also, I think I'll have recipes pre-made and do the cucumber and lime demos at various intervals....
I haven't completely decided, but those are my thoughts.
What are things that have worked for you all?
Thanks,
Linda
Also, I think I'll have recipes pre-made and do the cucumber and lime demos at various intervals....
I haven't completely decided, but those are my thoughts.
What are things that have worked for you all?
Thanks,
Linda
Princess
- 131
I'm putting out all the spring product I can, plus whatever else I have that isn't discountinued and my director is lending me some of her stuff as well. I'm going to have a few recipes made from our season's best cookbook...plus have a few small door prizes. Mine is a mystery host party.
I'm just nervous that no one will RSVP..I have sent out 38 emails and hand delivering some to the people on my street. I'll be really disappointed if no one shows. I know I should think positive!
I'm just nervous that no one will RSVP..I have sent out 38 emails and hand delivering some to the people on my street. I'll be really disappointed if no one shows. I know I should think positive!
LindaK
- 118
pamperedbecky
- 4,441
Be sure to host coach yourself. Do all the things you are coaching your hosts to do, such as OVER inviting, doing reminder calls, following up with people about outside orders, etc. I'd say the reminder calls are THE most important part. A lot of people don't call it an "open house" because that gives guests the impression they can just stop by, then they're not as likely to do it. Call it a "product preview" show or Spring Fling or something.
Good luck with it! I would do a demo just like you would at a show and maybe have a couple other things pre-made.
Good luck with it! I would do a demo just like you would at a show and maybe have a couple other things pre-made.
LindaK
- 118
pamperedbecky said:Be sure to host coach yourself. Do all the things you are coaching your hosts to do, such as OVER inviting, doing reminder calls, following up with people about outside orders, etc. I'd say the reminder calls are THE most important part. A lot of people don't call it an "open house" because that gives guests the impression they can just stop by, then they're not as likely to do it. Call it a "product preview" show or Spring Fling or something.
Good luck with it! I would do a demo just like you would at a show and maybe have a couple other things pre-made.
Thanks for the advice...I really like the "product preview" title....
lisaterwilliger
Gold Member
- 120
I just wanted to share that I had a Spring KICK OFF yesterday. I thought that was a fun title. I invited a lot of people!! I even opened a web site for the people who couldn't come..I probably sent out at least 30 invitations and handed out another 30..I had 7 people show up and 1 do an online order. I am more than disappointed! I was really excited and made a lot of food. I'm going to keep the show open until end of this week I think so I can collect outside orders but still it was very irritating having people say they would come and then not..now I know how our hosts feel! But GOOD LUCK with yours! It's a fun time to show off all the neat Spring stuff!
R
RachelNguyen
On the Bookings thread I posted that I am doing a Spring Fling open house. I have no idea if it'll work or not, but I am committing to sending out 100 paper invitations, plus some around the neighborhood. I figured for an open house, that would be a good number.
I'll let you know the results on the other thread. The Open House is on March 25th.
Love+
Rachel
I'll let you know the results on the other thread. The Open House is on March 25th.
Love+
Rachel
jonna
- 56
Jennyb
- 18
I'm doing my Open House on Tuesday, 2/21. I sent out the mini catalogs to every person that had ever ordered from me (close to 100) and then sent out invites to everyone in my neighborhood. For my neighbors, I ordered door hangers from Nancy's Artwork (They are the checker board style so you have to call to order them) and called it a "Neighborhood New Product Preview". Of course I don't have phone numbers for my neighbors to follow up with them but I will be calling on all the mini catalogs that I sent out. I also set up the show on my website and e-mailed all of my out-of-town family and friends to encourage them to checkout my website and place orders!
I, too, am nervous that nobody will show up but if I have a few people show up and place orders, it was worth it! I'll let you know how my show turns out!
I, too, am nervous that nobody will show up but if I have a few people show up and place orders, it was worth it! I'll let you know how my show turns out!
Sooner PC
- 245
My open house was a flop. I sent out emails (over 125) and got a few responses of people who would be there. I had 2 show up. I had prepared snacks for 30 or so. Luckily, my church ate the leftovers. We hadn't had a really pretty weekend in a while and it was gorgeous that day - so I am blaming the weather.
Boomer Sooner
Shannon Overstreet
Boomer Sooner
Shannon Overstreet
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some common reasons for a disappointing turnout at an open house?
Common reasons for a disappointing turnout can include poor marketing, scheduling conflicts, lack of interest in the products, or not enough personal invitations. It's important to assess your promotional strategies and ensure you're reaching your target audience effectively.
How can I improve attendance at my next open house?
To improve attendance, consider sending personalized invitations, utilizing social media to promote the event, offering incentives like discounts or giveaways, and choosing a time that is convenient for your guests. Engaging your network and creating buzz can also help increase turnout.
Should I be concerned if my open house had low attendance?
While low attendance can be disappointing, it's important not to take it personally. Many factors can influence turnout, and it doesn't necessarily reflect the quality of your products or your skills as a consultant. Use it as a learning experience to adjust your approach for future events.
What follow-up strategies can I use after a low turnout?
After a low turnout, consider following up with those who were invited but couldn't attend. You can send a thank-you message, share highlights from the event, or offer a special promotion for those who missed it. This can help maintain interest and encourage future participation.
How can I gauge interest in my open house before hosting it?
To gauge interest, you can conduct a survey or poll within your network to see who might be interested in attending. Additionally, you can create a Facebook event and monitor RSVPs, or simply ask your contacts directly if they would be interested in attending an open house.
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