Holiday Open House Flop - What's Next?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences related to vendor events, particularly a holiday open house that did not meet sales expectations. Participants share their feelings about the outcomes of such events and explore ideas for future improvements.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expressed disappointment over low sales at a holiday open house, receiving only two orders from friends.
  • Another participant shared a similar experience at a multi-vendor event, noting that very few attendees made purchases.
  • Several users mentioned that their experiences with vendor events have generally been poor, with little to no sales despite high expectations.
  • One participant noted the challenge of cash and carry, stating that attendees often want items that are not available at the event.
  • Another participant emphasized the importance of follow-up with leads rather than relying solely on immediate sales from events.
  • One participant shared a personal lesson learned about donations at events, indicating a willingness to adapt future strategies.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of vendor events, with some participants expressing skepticism about their profitability while others highlight the potential for lead generation.

Contextual Notes

Participants shared personal experiences from various vendor events over the past few years, reflecting on both sales outcomes and the overall value of networking opportunities.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants who participate in vendor events or are considering them may find these shared experiences relevant to their own planning and expectations.

ChefMary412
ChefMary412
Messages
630
So, I had an event. it was a holiday open house. There were 16 other vendors, mostly craft things, fresh honey, a jewelry consultant, and such. Well, it was clear that people were to buy that night from me. Well, it was a total flop. Two orders all night... and it was two friends that bought the small batter bowl to make the batter bowl mix. I did get a bunch of leads, but I was really hoping to boost my sales for the 1500 level.
I am feeling kind of bummed. Next time would anyone recommend having some cash and carry? Maybe batter bowl mixes ready? Or spices ready to sell?
 
Re: bummedThat's too bad. I'm sorry your day didn't go as planned. Hopefully, your contacts will pan out.
 
Re: bummedDitto what JAE said!
Call all of them.
 
Re: bummedI had a last minute multi-vendor event opp that opened up to me on Thurs. I took it for the same reason, boost my SAT sales. We had a total of 4-5 people walk through the door. None bought from me (mostly bought from the host who sold candles). Total waste of my Saturday----oh well, you win some, you lose some! At least I bought a super-cute pirate apron for my son!
 
Re: bummedHonestly for me, vendor events have been really poor! I've tried 4-5 of them in the last two years. No matter how many vendors are there or how many invites we sent out, nothing really much panned out! Not to be negative but don't rely on these things to be big money makers. Like the other gals said, follow up with the leads, that's where your business will come from.
 
Re: bummedCash and carry is really hard. You never know what people are going to want. My luck has always been whatever I had, they wanted something else. I had quikut knives, citrus peelers, mini spatulas, SBs, pan scrapers, batter bowl mixes and some skinny scrapers and they were looking for garlic presses, food choppers and stoneware. Didn't want to wait and order though. Happened to me three times. One time I did have one garlic press, one food chopper and two mini bakers along with the small things and they wanted something else!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Re: bummedYeah I am not going to loose sleep over it. I did not waste too much money. I only had to donate 10% of my profits. I thought giving $2 was tacky so I gave $10. Now I know. Live and learn.
 
Re: bummedI never count on these to make me money in sales. These events are all about the follow up. I had one the other day that had zero sales. But I booked 2 shows and had a bunch of maybes so I'm happy!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Holiday Open House didn't meet my sales expectations?

If your Holiday Open House didn't generate the sales you hoped for, take a moment to reflect on what might have gone wrong. Consider factors such as timing, marketing efforts, and product selection. Reach out to attendees for feedback and use their insights to improve future events. Additionally, think about hosting smaller, themed gatherings or virtual parties to maintain engagement and boost sales.

How can I re-engage customers after a disappointing event?

To re-engage customers after a disappointing event, follow up with personalized messages thanking them for attending and offering exclusive promotions or discounts on popular products. Share recipes or cooking tips using Pampered Chef products to keep them interested. Consider hosting a follow-up online event or a cooking demonstration to rekindle their enthusiasm.

What marketing strategies can I implement for my next event?

For your next event, consider using social media to create buzz and excitement. Share sneak peeks of products, customer testimonials, and engaging content related to holiday cooking. Collaborate with local influencers or host giveaways to increase visibility. Additionally, utilize email marketing to remind customers about the event and offer incentives for bringing friends.

Should I change my product offerings for future events?

Yes, evaluating your product offerings is essential for future events. Analyze which items were popular and which ones didn't sell well. Consider incorporating seasonal or trending products that align with holiday cooking themes. Additionally, gather feedback from customers about what they would like to see at future events to better cater to their preferences.

How can I maintain momentum after a flop?

To maintain momentum after a flop, focus on consistent engagement with your customer base. Schedule regular follow-ups, share valuable content, and keep them informed about upcoming promotions or events. Set achievable sales goals and celebrate small wins to keep your motivation high. Consider joining or forming a support group with other consultants to share strategies and encouragement.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Holiday Open House/Client Appreciation Results
  • ltkacz
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
9
Views
2K
COOKINWITHSHERRI
Host a Successful Holiday Open House: Tips and Ideas for a Memorable Event
  • FromMaria'sKitchen
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
22
Views
3K
PCSarahjm
Hosting a Holiday Open House: Tips and Advice
  • kristyjab
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
1K
stefani2
Fundraiser Flop or Not - My Experience and Lessons Learned
  • gailz2
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
1K
Admin Greg
Open House Success: $1100 in Sales and Counting! My Personal Experience
  • Jennifer E
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
9
Views
2K
BethCooks4U
Holiday Open House: A Successful Way to Reach Customers?
  • jbondr
    • Pampered Chef Sales
Replies
2
Views
2K
jbondr
Is an Open House the Key to a Successful Pampered Chef Party?
  • Porchechef
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
6
Views
2K
Porchechef
How Can I Motivate My Host for a Successful Holiday Open House?
  • Yakmama
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
10
Views
2K
BettieC
Holiday Open House: Beer Bread, Farmer's Market Seasonings & More!
  • DebPC
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
4K
PamperedGinger
Shop & Sip at Our Holiday Open House - Jewelry Available Too!
  • ChefSteph06
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
lisamac
Back
Top