Is It Worth Participating in a Vendor Event Without Conducting Sales?

[Rossana]

I had a local womens clothing store ask me to set up a table for a vendor event. Here's the catch: I can not take money/orders! What can I do? Should I even do it? HELP!

 

[BethCooks4U]

It's all about the leads. Provide a door prize and get their contact info so you can follow up. You are looking for hosts and recruits so set up the display with kit items and host favorites.

 

[DebPC]

Plus people could let you know they were interested in ordering and you could call them later. Don't quite understand you not being able to do so at the store- but you can definately work around it.

 

[Rossana]

Thanks for you help!

 

[JennyJennJen]

Yes, I rarely get orders from vendor events anyways...its usually about the contacts and the parties booked. My question is, what kind of vendor event doesn't sell stuff? Many other direct sales companies do cash and carry, and many people come to vendor events to BUY stuff. If you do this, let us know how it was handled and how you did

 

[Bren706]

I rarely ever go to an event with the goal of getting a lot of orders. My main focus is always booking leads and recruiting leads.

 

[CookinWithLynda]

I've done some vendor events that didn't result in more than 2 sales - not worth it that day, but contacts were made. I would give out recipe cards (rather than an item) to everyone who stopped or seems interested - with your contact info on the front, of course! You may be able to take names, e-mails and phone numbers, to add to your newsletter list &/or call. Have a tri-fold board (like the kids use for science projects) or something similar, set up with host specials and guest specials, and some of our other literature. Offer a Free Show to hosts that book from this event - you bring the food but the host gets the Cooking Show benefits. I always say "Welcome to Pampered Chef World" as people go by my table, then if they stop, I ask what their favorite product is, have they seen "THIS" - which is a new product or the DCB, etc. Most of all - HAVE FUN!! I love doing vendor events.

 

[scottcooks]

Go with ample door prize slips, and have catalogs with order forms in them - "If you want to place an order, I'll call you this evening to collect your order". AND FOLLOW UP!

 

[workingontwo]

I actually am going to be setting up at a fundraiser event in a couple weeks. I am also not allowed to exchange money because it is on a college campus and that is their rule. However, I am going for exposure and hopefully to generate bookings. I set up a booth at an event a couple weeks ago and got 4 potential bookings and the friend I brought with me for company decided to become a Consultant, so I got my 1st recruit as well!!