Fairs & Mini's: How to Save Money on Handouts

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses strategies for saving money on handouts at fairs and mini-events among Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their experiences and ideas regarding the use of catalogs, mini-catalogs, and alternative handouts.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions wanting to save money on handouts and seeks ideas for fairs.
  • Another participant suggests ordering old catalogs from the outlet if available.
  • Several users mention using old catalogs at fairs to save costs, with one noting the effectiveness of holiday mini-catalogs for gift ideas.
  • One participant expresses concern about handing out outdated catalogs and considers labeling them for clarity.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using old catalogs with a sticker for updated contact information to gauge interest.
  • Several participants discuss the balance between distributing catalogs and being cautious due to their cost, suggesting using recipe cards as alternatives.
  • One participant mentions using a raffle item to filter out those who are not serious about purchasing or hosting.
  • Another participant shares a creative display idea for a trifle bowl using candy canes and a candle for a holiday fair.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to handing out catalogs and other materials, with no clear consensus emerging on whether to be more generous or selective with catalog distribution.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and strategies among consultants preparing for upcoming fairs, emphasizing cost-saving measures and effective engagement with potential customers.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants preparing for fairs and looking for cost-effective handout strategies may find the shared experiences and ideas relevant.

pchefjaime
pchefjaime
Gold Member
Messages
214
Have have a few fairs comming up and I just did one. ALl of my old catts are now gone. I want to try and save money so what do I hand out for these fairs? Do I order 100 minis for them? I am going to have 3 for people to look at to place orders that are in binders but I do not know what to do from there. I have 2 in nov and 1 in dec. PLease give me your ideas
 
You can order old catalogs in the outlet, if they are still available.
 
I use old cattys at fairs, but because yours are gone, I'd either get some from the outlet (on CC, Managing Your Business > Samples and Supplies > Order Samples > Outlet) or use minis. The Holiday minis are great because of the gift ideas and recipes in them.
 
I would use old ones if you have them to save money especially.
 
What do you say when you hand out the old catalogs? Do you put stickers on them letting them know it has changed? I worry about handing out out dated catalogs.
 
I'm going to use a few old cattys I got when I started & just place a label/sticker stating to contact me for updated product & pricing info. That way, you save $$ on ordering more catalogs & if they are calling you, then you know that they are truly interested in P.C.
If you have no S/S, then I'd order a batch of 100 minis. Hopefully, you can split them btwn the shows and not lose too many of them to "browsers". So many people take catalogs just to look..they have no intention of ever ordering. I just can't bring myself to ask for them back though.
 
Are these what you are handing out when people ask for your information or to people who request a catty? Our catalogs and mini-cats are too pricey to hand them out at an event like a business card. There are some files on here with a recipe and coupon that would be a good booth hand-out. I would use these and handout catties sparingly. That's just me!!

I'm putting one on that I got from here.
 

Attachments

I usually stand in front of my table and hand out recipe cards with my info on them. You can order them on supply. If people stop to talk to me, then I'll give them a catalog AS LONG AS I GET THEIR CONTACT INFO TOO.
 
Chef Kearns said:
Are these what you are handing out when people ask for your information or to people who request a catty? Our catalogs and mini-cats are too pricey to hand them out at an event like a business card. There are some files on here with a recipe and coupon that would be a good booth hand-out. I would use these and handout catties sparingly. That's just me!!

I'm putting one on that I got from here.
Click to expand...

Oooh... I'm loving this booth coupon!
 
Chef Kearns said:
Are these what you are handing out when people ask for your information or to people who request a catty? Our catalogs and mini-cats are too pricey to hand them out at an event like a business card. There are some files on here with a recipe and coupon that would be a good booth hand-out. I would use these and handout catties sparingly. That's just me!!

I'm putting one on that I got from here.
Click to expand...

Thanks Sandra! I saw one similar to this on here, but couldn't change the recipe to one I liked better.......this makes it perfect!:love:
 
I'm doing a fair tomorrow. I printed up a whole bunch of these to hand out! I agree, we have to be a little more selfish with catalogs!
 
I am torn between being selfish with catalogs, and realizing they are a great sales tool and I should get as many out there as possible.

Last show, I asked people if they already had a consultant before I gave them a catalog. A lot of them already had a consultant they knew, so I gave them a recipe card from supply, and pointed out the sticker with my contact info if they couldn't get a current catalog from their consultant.
 
The coupon is nice! I might use that at a fair I'm doing tomorrow. At the fair I did last night I gave out holiday minis, but it wasn't that busy so it wasn't a big deal.
 
I've done a few fairs recently and I always have a raffle item. Usually a $20.00 gift certificate. There are always people that are only "catalog collectors" and never have the intention of making a purchase or hosting a show. So, I made my own drawing slip that has a box where people can check "I have no interest in Pampered Chef but please notify me if I win the drawing." - Those are the people that I don't give catalogs to and you don't waste your time following dead end leads. (Thanks for whoever originally suggested doing this - it has saved me money and time!!!)
 

Attachments

Hi...I am preparing for a holiday fair tomorrow as well. I forgot to buy cranberries as I was going to put them in with a candle in my trifle bowl and came up with an inexpensive and festive way to show off the trifle bowl. I bought two boxes of small candy canes. Put a white candle in the middle and it looks great. These candy canes can also be taken as a snack if desired.
Sue
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some cost-effective handout ideas for fairs and mini events?

Consider using digital handouts, such as e-coupons or links to your website, which can save on printing costs. Additionally, you can create simple flyers using free design tools and print them in bulk to reduce expenses. Another option is to provide recipe cards featuring your products, which can be printed at home or through a local print shop at a lower cost.

How can I use social media to reduce handout costs?

Utilize your social media platforms to share digital content instead of printed materials. Promote your products and offers through engaging posts, stories, and videos. Encourage attendees to follow you online for exclusive deals, which can eliminate the need for physical handouts altogether.

Are there any budget-friendly promotional items I can use?

Yes! Look for inexpensive promotional items such as stickers, magnets, or small kitchen gadgets that can be branded with your logo. You can also consider buying in bulk or partnering with other vendors to share costs on larger promotional items.

How can I effectively use samples without overspending?

Offer smaller sample sizes of your products instead of full-sized items. You can also create sample packs that include a variety of products in smaller portions, allowing you to showcase more items without a significant increase in cost. Additionally, consider hosting a cooking demonstration to highlight your products while minimizing the need for individual samples.

What strategies can I use to maximize the impact of my handouts?

Focus on quality over quantity by ensuring your handouts are visually appealing and informative. Include a clear call to action, such as signing up for a newsletter or visiting your website for more information. Engage with attendees personally, and use your handouts as conversation starters to create a lasting impression.

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