Fall Preview Party Success: Bookings, New Products, and Delicious Recipes!

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around experiences shared by participants regarding their recent Fall Preview parties, highlighting successes, food items, new products, and strategies for bookings. Participants express excitement and seek tips from one another as they prepare for their own events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared that they had 15 past hosts at their party and secured 5 bookings, noting that some attendees were already booked due to ongoing promotions.
  • Another participant mentioned the popularity of the "Real Food Real Fast" theme, with attendees expressing excitement about the 29 Minutes to Dinner cookbook.
  • Several users highlighted specific food items that were well-received, including Avocado Salsa Cups and Truffle Brownies, with one participant noting a positive reaction to a punch served at their event.
  • One participant described their approach to hosting, emphasizing the importance of preparation and socializing, and noted that their "HOST APPRECIATION FALL PREVIEW EXTRAVAGANZA" format led to better attendance and bookings.
  • Another participant expressed enthusiasm about the new products, particularly the cookbook and the Plates and Caddy set, and shared their positive experiences with the cranberry product.
  • Some participants expressed a desire for tips and shared their upcoming party dates, indicating a willingness to learn from others' experiences.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the effectiveness of certain themes and food items in attracting bookings, though individual experiences and preferences vary. No clear consensus emerges on specific strategies, as some participants report different outcomes with various hosting formats.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences from various consultants preparing for Fall Preview parties, with a focus on food, product promotion, and booking strategies. Participants share insights based on their unique circumstances and past events.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for inspiration and ideas for their own Fall Preview parties may find the shared experiences and tips beneficial as they plan their events.

C
ChefBeckyD
Gold Member
Messages
20,320
Wow! What a night! So much fun - but I'm glad it's over!:balloon:

I had 15 past hosts here, and I got 5 bookings. I usually get more, but because of 3-2-1 and also a Cluster Challenge we've been doing, several of the people here were already booked! It was nice though, I had their packets ready and just gave them to them.

I am now FULLY BOOKED for Sept & Oct! I could take 2 more for each month, but at this point I have 8 shows in 3 weeks of Sept. (We are gone 1st-10th), and 9 shows in Oct! Plus 3 Catalog Shows in Sept., and I booked another Nov. Show tonight too. I wasn't talking about the Nov special at all, but one past host who LOVES SA said that she was going to wait until she could get the Caddy and plates set to book her show - so of course I told her that she could in NOV. - so she booked!:D

I discovered something interesting tonight. I thought for sure that the Chocolate Bliss Show would be the big winner for theme shows - but every person who booked wants Real Food Real Fast! They were all so excited about the 29 Minutes to Dinner cookbook, and the Incredible 30 minute Chicken. I booked 2 Oct Shows specifically because they want me to come do that recipe for them. Fine with me - I love doing that show.

The big hits for food were the Avocado Salsa Cups, Mini Pesto Pizzas, Truffle Brownies (I baked a brownie in the med bar pan, and poured the ganache over it. Cut it into 36 pieces and decorated the tops w/ an almond and cool whip.)
and the Cran-Raspberry Fizz! Several people said it was the best punch they had ever had!

The new products that were the biggest hits were the cookbook, the Plates and Caddy set, the Sprinkles (one lady wants it to put on her kids applesauce!) and the Cranberry stuff. (seems like it goes with alot of kitchens) Oh - and everyone really liked the look of the new bamboo.

It was fun, busy, and successful. Now I'm done having parties here until the Spring Preview!
 
Glad it went well for you!!
 
How exciting! :)
 
That sounds like you had FUN!! I am glad all went well for you. :) :)
 
Sounds like a great show. Good for you for being so booked. :)
 
I have mine on Sunday, so I'm hoping it will be a good turn out! :)
 
Way to go Becky:thumbup: !!! I was hoping you would let us know tonight how it went. I'm doing mine Sept 16th and I really appreciate all the tips you've shared about your Fall Preview. I'll have to post my results. Hope they're as good as yours!!

Ruthie
 
Great job Becky! Woo, hoo! Our cluster wins!! I would love to pick your brain some more about your fall preview. Mine is in one week. You are AWESOME!
 
I agree. Any tips would be great. This is my first one and I'm a little nervous.
 
Ditto Ditto! Tips appreciated!! :) And congrats--what an awesome schedule! :)
 
Great night Becky!!
 
Sounds like that turned out great! I brought the Sweet Caramel Sprinkle to work with me along with some Vanilla Ice Cream and my co-worker went crazy for it. He told me right away. You have to get me some of that! :)
 
Great job! :balloon:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
Tips....hmmm??? I have to say that what works for me seems to be the opposite of what works for others - so I think it is a trial and error type of thing. I have found that when I do a Mystery Host Show, or an Open House, attendance is much lower. When I do my "HOST APPRECIATION FALL PREVIEW EXTRAVAGANZA" I have great attendance, and great bookings!

I have a start time, and when people arrive, I have the food prepared and ready. Last night we had:
Avocado Salsa Cups
Mini Pesto Pizzas
Mini BBQ Pork Sandwiches
Truffle Brownies
Double Chocolate Cinnamon Dip w/ Apples & Strawberries
(Ran out of time to make the Trifle & the chips for the dip)

Everyone eats and I just socialize and chat with people for about 15-20 minutes. I did my "preview" of Fall Products differently this year - because the products I ordered as samples arrived YESTERDAY! So, I had everyone help me unpack the box and set up the display - and then we went over all of the new products. Then I talked for a couple minutes about the host specials for Sept. & Oct........I thanked them all for coming - and had them grab more food and chat - oh and then gave them all a new catalog to look thru, and a Season's Best.....and just took orders and booked shows!

I think, because it is mostly past hosts - there is a buzz about the products from the beginning of the show. Everyone has their favorites, and are excited about pieces to add or new additions to their collections. And of course - we have some of the BEST host bonus months ever in Sept, Oct, and now Nov. That in itself is buzz enough! I made little place cards for the food, and had it all displayed nicely in SA - and actually sold some SA because if it - including a set of plates w/ caddy! Next to the foods - I had the Poster Cards from HO showing the new Theme shows - so next to the appetizers I had the Bites and Bevs card - next to the Pork I had the Incredible Chicken card, and next to desserts, the Chocolate Bliss card.

One thing that I did that created a little buzz - I set my Planner open to Sept. in the middle of the Dining Room table. I told them I had limited dates available - and it was so much fun watching them crowd around the planner to get their date! It was also fun when one host turned the calander to Oct. and said "There's nothing left!" :D (we found a date for her!;) )

SO - I've been working the plan - I've been doing the 3 - and now I have the 2, so the 1 should be close behind!
 
Great job Becky - thanks for the "updates" on your groups favorites! I've had good reactions to the cranberry and new cookbook too.
 
Thanks for sharing, I'm glad it went well for you. I have an Open House scheduled for this Saturday, I hope it goes as well as yours.
 
Thanks for the info Becky. Great tips!
 
ChefBeckyD said:
SO - I've been working the plan - I've been doing the 3 - and now I have the 2, so the 1 should be close behind!
Click to expand...
:thumbup: You go girl!! :balloon:
 
Sounds like a fun evening. I bet they were excited to pull things out of the boxes. What a great recruiting set-up, too! You could tie that in with the Director benefit or with getting samples at half price or free each season.

I'm so happy it went well for you!
 
WOW Becky! You Rock! Great Job!
 
Thanks for the tips-I have a Lia Sophia show on September 12th and I told the consultant (a friend) that I wouldn't take her spotlight, but she said to be sure to have the new products out so that I could get bookings too.....
I love the opening of the box with them-I wonder if any recruits will come from that??!!
 
Great job, Becky! I was wondering last night how it went! Glad to hear it went well. Now, did you make reminder calls to these people too? That's something I haven't done in the past that I need to do this year. I also haven't had much luck with an "open house" or a "mystery host show" so this year I'm trying your Host Appreciation Fall Extravaganza! I did also invite guests, so mine is a host & guest. I have all my invites in envelopes, now I have to address them & mail them....plus buy my samples, do my supply order, etc.!!!!!! But I do have until September 9.

One question--I have wanted to ask this, but I know you were busy getting ready. You mentioned last week that you had survey cards for them to fill out when they sampled the recipes. Did you do that last night? Do you have a copy you could share? Also, you mentioned some of the people there had already booked with you--did you still give them the sprinkles or no because they didn't actually book there? Also, did you have the HO theme cards in your flip chart or how did you get them set up?

Sorry so many questions! I'm visual & need to picture it in my mind! Thanks & I'm so glad it went so well for you!
 
There is a copy posted on here somewhere of Becky's questionaire.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #24
pamperedgirl3 said:
Great job, Becky! I was wondering last night how it went! Glad to hear it went well. Now, did you make reminder calls to these people too? That's something I haven't done in the past that I need to do this year. I also haven't had much luck with an "open house" or a "mystery host show" so this year I'm trying your Host Appreciation Fall Extravaganza! I did also invite guests, so mine is a host & guest. I have all my invites in envelopes, now I have to address them & mail them....plus buy my samples, do my supply order, etc.!!!!!! But I do have until September 9.

One question--I have wanted to ask this, but I know you were busy getting ready. You mentioned last week that you had survey cards for them to fill out when they sampled the recipes. Did you do that last night? Do you have a copy you could share? Also, you mentioned some of the people there had already booked with you--did you still give them the sprinkles or no because they didn't actually book there? Also, did you have the HO theme cards in your flip chart or how did you get them set up?

Sorry so many questions! I'm visual & need to picture it in my mind! Thanks & I'm so glad it went so well for you!
Click to expand...


***I made some reminder calls - but didn't get to them all! (Bad Bad Bad Becky!)
***I'll attach my survey form - I got it from here a while back, and have just been adjusting it for the show I am doing.
***I did give them the Sprinkles if they had already booked ~ I told them all it was an Appreciation Gift from me for being such awesome hosts and supporting my business they way that they have (many of them are multiple repeat hosts)
*** In my flip chart I had the Host & Guest Specials for Sept & Nov. I had this sitting next to my Planner. The Theme Show Cards I have in Plexiglass 2-sided Holders. I use these at my shows too - and set them around the room for people to look at, and pass around.
 

Attachments

Sounds like a worthwhile event!! Congratulations! Thanks for posting your survey again. I'm glad I won't have to hunt for it :p
 
  • Thread starter
  • #26
Ha! Had to laugh! I just got this email from one of my guests from last night! She wants a Real Food Real Fast theme - but then she just sent me this:

Hi Becky!

Just a quick comment/question....what was the "to die for" chocolate dessert on the 3-tier plates called? Please make a note that I want that for my party too!!! Oh my gosh......it was awesome!

Nice party.....Kathy

She's talking about the Truffle Brownies!:love:

Maybe a Real Chocolate Real Fast show?:D
 
I like the "Real Chocolate" theme! You can be in chocolate bliss in 29 minutes or less!
:D
 
chefann said:
I like the "Real Chocolate" theme! You can be in chocolate bliss in 29 minutes or less!
:D
Click to expand...
29 seconds or less!:love:
 
BethCooks4U said:
29 seconds or less!:love:
Click to expand...
But usually that's when opening up something that someone else has made. Wouldn't a 29-minute dessert show be a winner? Something homemade in just 29 minutes... mmmm....
 
Sounds like tons of fun--awesome!
 
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