Have you ever hosted a successful cooking show or open house at your own home?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread explores personal experiences related to hosting cooking shows and open houses at home, with participants sharing their successes, challenges, and various formats used for these events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, has hosted cooking shows as Mystery Host Shows and reported significant sales and customer engagement.
  • Another participant shares their experience of hosting a customer appreciation show, noting a successful turnout and sales, while emphasizing the importance of a structured format over an open house.
  • Several users mention that they have had better results with shows that have a defined start time compared to open houses, which they feel lack structure.
  • One participant discusses the success of themed workshops, such as a "stoneware workshop," which included an educational component and attracted good attendance.
  • Another participant highlights the effectiveness of hands-on experiences during shows, sharing a successful "Amazing Race" format that led to high sales.
  • Some participants express interest in hosting events with promotional offers, such as tax-free sales, to boost attendance and sales.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that structured shows tend to be more successful than open houses, though specific preferences for themes and formats vary. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach, as experiences differ.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of personal experiences and strategies related to hosting cooking shows, reflecting diverse approaches and outcomes based on individual circumstances and creativity.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on hosting successful cooking shows or open houses may find the shared experiences and ideas beneficial.

dannyzmom
dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
Just curious - how many of you have done a cooking show in your own home and invited all your friends/family/customers?
Was it successful?
Did you run it like a normal cooking show? Or did you do an Open House?
Which way do you feel is more successful?
Would you share your stats?

I am asking because of my yucky summer season I am thinking in ugust I may just host my own show...invite everyone in my neighborhood, all my friends, past hosts, customers,etc...

thought...tips...ideas?
 
lol! I just posted a similar thread...
so, no ideas from me. sorry. I've had bad luck with mine.
 
I've done this a couple of times. Each time as a Mystery Host Show. At my One Year Anniversary party I gave everyone who came a 10% discount (costs some out of pocket, but I still made money). The other time I did this was with 3 other DS consultants and all of did VERY well! The best part was each of us invited EVERYONE we knew so we were able to feed-off of the other's customer base. Both times my sales were over $800. And, I gained more customers & got bookings.

Here are my invites that I used. Good luck!
 

Attachments

Just curious - how many of you have done a cooking show in your own home and invited all your friends/family/customers? I hosted a customer appreciation show last August (I had my first show to start my business in August 2005), thanking my past hosts and preferred customers for helping make my business a success. I make it mystery host and all guests have chances to earn tickets. I draw two winners to split the benefits and do other drawings throughout the show and give away stuff I have on hand. I plan to do it every year in August. I'm trying to set my date for this August, but I'm already so busy!

Was it successful? Yes, I had 20 people there and did $1100 in sales last year
Did you run it like a normal cooking show? Or did you do an Open House? It's a show in that there is a definite start time and it's not a come and go kind of thing. There is no demo. I make a few of the new season's recipes, I have everyone go around introducing themselves and their favorite PC product, I show what's being retired and give them a sneak peek at the new fall line.

Which way do you feel is more successful? I don't think open houses are as successful as shows with a firm start time.

I think the key is really host coaching yourself--making the calls to invite and remind are SOOO important.
 
Last edited:
I had my grand opening which was a regular show at my house and I was the hostess. In January I had a mystery hostess show. Where each guest tries to get their name drawn to be the hostess of the show. At each I probably had at least 6 people there. They were both $500 shows I believe. I got 0 bookings at my grand opening and 3 at my mystery hostess party since that gives you more chances to win.
 
I agree about Open Houses.....those don't seem to be as successful. Actually making it a SHOW without that open-ended-ness seems to work better for me. I agree about making it a Mystery Host show. I've done a few of those and they work well.

What I found was successful for me was tying it in to a specific theme. I've done a "stoneware workshop" every September to coincide with our usual stoneware sale. Because it also had an education component, it seemed to have good attendance. I know some consultants who have done something similar like a "knife skills" class. Oooh, that would be good to do in August because of the cutlery. I actually took a knife skills class at a local kitchen place ("Sur la Table") and learned lots of great stuff. You could tie it into a yummy recipe and let people also try out the knives themselves. Just a thought!:D
 
I love your workshop ideas Becky!
 
I love the workshop idea too!:p I've had better results with shows at my house than I have open houses. I think with a real time people remember, and get it on their calendar.

Mary
 
I am going to do a tax free thing in August. Not the same weekend of the Tax free weekend if they do it again. But I will offer tax free on everything and then if they spend $50 or more I will do free shipping and tax and see if I can get some good sales for August. I am still wanting that $1000 show!:D
 
How do you give them no tax? Do you pay the tax yourself? How do you put that in P3?

Jessica
 
You enter it as "Consultant Gift".
 
chefann said:
You enter it as "Consultant Gift".
Click to expand...

I pay it and mark as consultant gift, then i can write off on taxes right?
 
Yep. You can set P3 up to put all Consultant Gift items onto the Expense Report when you finalize the show. Then at tax time, you just need to print the report.
 
Why not offer a knife skills class in July in hopes of booking August shows. If it is held after conferece then you could get some September bookings too, and we will know the new products and host and guest specials by then.
It's worth a try.
Deb
 
November I did one and did it as an amazing race show...Most people had been to a cooking show and I found the hands on experience to be great sold 5 Ultimate Mandolines! Show was $1100...We had about 20 people show!
 
ughubug said:
November I did one and did it as an amazing race show...Most people had been to a cooking show and I found the hands on experience to be great sold 5 Ultimate Mandolines! Show was $1100...We had about 20 people show!
Click to expand...

I love this idea! I did a mystery host in March and will do one in August and I love the idea of a amazing race show! Everyone who comes has already been to multiple shows, so why not make it fun! Great idea!
 
Amazing Race Show?How do you do an Amazing Race show?
 
My last one turned out great. I have about $400 in orders, got a bunch of bookings, and got a recruit. I prepared simple, low cost PC recipes. I did not do a demo. I set out all the new products that I had and the products that were the present and upcoming Specials. I just let everyone browse and look and eat. Very low key. I plan to do the same this this Fall. I do mine at the end of August and submitted my order on Sept 1. I also did an order in August for the discontinued items or if I did not have enough separate orders I split them up to have two shows or add them to an existing show.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements to hosting a successful cooking show at home?

Key elements include selecting a convenient date and time, inviting the right number of guests, preparing a delicious menu, and ensuring you have all necessary Pampered Chef products on hand. Additionally, creating a welcoming atmosphere and engaging with your guests throughout the event can significantly enhance the experience.

How can I effectively promote my cooking show to ensure good attendance?

Promoting your cooking show can be done through social media, personal invitations, and follow-up reminders. Consider creating an event page on platforms like Facebook, sending out digital invitations, or even making phone calls to personally invite friends and family. Offering incentives, such as a small gift for attendees or a special discount on purchases, can also encourage participation.

What are some tips for engaging guests during the cooking show?

Engaging guests can be achieved by involving them in the cooking process, asking questions, and encouraging them to share their own cooking tips and experiences. You can also incorporate fun activities, such as a taste test or a cooking challenge, to keep the energy high and make the event interactive.

How do I handle guests who may not be familiar with Pampered Chef products?

Start by providing a brief introduction to Pampered Chef and its products, highlighting their benefits and unique features. Offer demonstrations and allow guests to try out the products themselves. Be patient and open to questions, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and informed throughout the event.

What follow-up actions should I take after the cooking show?

After the cooking show, it's important to follow up with your guests to thank them for attending. You can send a personalized message or email, share recipes from the event, and remind them of any special offers. Additionally, consider asking for feedback to improve future shows and encourage them to host their own events or place orders.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Jumpstarting My Sales: Tips For A Successful Show/Open House
  • pampchef.angel
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
beepampered
Grand Opening Prep: Demo Show or Open House?
  • southernmommie
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
2K
BethCooks4U
Join Us for a Holiday Open House and Get Excited for Gifts, Games, and Prizes!
  • ChefKelebel
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
6
Views
2K
ChefKelebel
Hosting a Holiday Open House: Tips and Advice
  • kristyjab
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
1K
stefani2
Tips for Hosting Your First Cooking Show and Open House
  • leannvv
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
1K
Wildfire
How can I spread the word about my Pampered Chef Open House/Grand Opening Show?
  • ChefgoesPamperedChef
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
12
Views
3K
scottcooks
Bunco Night/Spring Products Open House?
  • Jennie50
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
5
Views
2K
Jennie50
Spring Open House/Mystery Host Yay or Nay?
  • gussey30
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
I Closed Out an Open House Co-Hosted Show Last Night Three Hours
  • ughubug
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
5
Views
1K
ughubug
Is an Open House the Key to a Successful Pampered Chef Party?
  • Porchechef
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
6
Views
2K
Porchechef
Back
Top