Hosting Successful Catalog Shows: $40 vs. $0

[pamperedmomto3]

When people offer to do catalog shows, how do you host coach them? I have 2 going on right now and one has pulled in $40 and the other $0.

 

[Tropicalburstqt2]

I'm wondering the same.

 

[stefani2]

I am struggling with my Catty Show Sales, as well..........so let's brainstorm.

What do you guys think about giving the Catty Host a printout of '50 people in 5 minutes'? Could that give the Hosts extra ideas for WHO to get catalogues to? Do you think that might help?

 

[sfdavis918]

I think you have to know what their "wants" are. Have them complete a wish list and then tell them that you can help them get everything on their list for $xx if they get this many orders. I have also heard that you should tell them the number of orders as opposed to the dollars in sales that they need so it seems less overwhelming. Then I think that you help them brainstorm ideas for people to ask.

Also, let them know that you treat all of your shows just like cooking shows in that they have definite deadlines. (Maybe find a friendlier way of saying that. ) You also realize that that they do most of the work with a catty show so you want to give them as much support as you would a cooking show host. You will still do your host coaching calls and set a date to close the show.

Wow, all that just pretty much came off the top of my head! I should take my own advice!!

 

[RaggedyAunt]

Catalog party flyers for hostsHere are a couple of flyers I put in with my catalog show host packets, especially for first timers. Hope they help...

Tammy

 

[chefallison53]

this might help themI made this up and have condensed my cooking show one and I will do the same to my catalog one sometime soon. This is what it is right now...

 

[lkprescott]

Thank you thank you thank you!! I just got an email that my one potential Jan show is turning into a catalog show, my first and this stuff is right on the money!! Thanks!

 

[jrstephens]

I am attaching a smple of a letter that I include in their host packet. I call them once a week to check in on the show after I have gone over the packet with them.

 

[lkprescott]

I'm putting together my catalog host's packet to mail out to her and wondered... how many catalogs should I send her? I'm figuring on giving her a bunch of order forms but should I send a catalog out for every anticipated 'guest'? Or what do others do? How many catalogs should I put in?

 

[wadesgirl]

I usually send 3-4 catalogs for catalog shows. You don't want to send too many, I hardly ever get mine back. Encourage them to pass them around to different people.

Catalog shows are hit or miss type of shows. It all depends on your host and I try to let them know that. I have hosts who understand the concept and work hard (I've had a $1100 catalog show before) and host who just don't give a d*mn. My director calls catalog shows insurance because you shouldn't really count on them like you do kitchen shows.

 

[lkprescott]

I usually send 3-4 catalogs for catalog shows. You don't want to send too many, I hardly ever get mine back. Encourage them to pass them around to different people.

Catalog shows are hit or miss type of shows. It all depends on your host and I try to let them know that. I have hosts who understand the concept and work hard (I've had a $1100 catalog show before) and host who just don't give a d*mn. My director calls catalog shows insurance because you shouldn't really count on them like you do kitchen shows.

Good to know. So far the host is VERY excited and I want to surf on that kind of enthusiasm. She'd really hoped to have a cooking show but her roommate put the kibosh on it so she's opted for the catalog show.

 

[wadesgirl]

Good to know. So far the host is VERY excited and I want to surf on that kind of enthusiasm. She'd really hoped to have a cooking show but her roommate put the kibosh on it so she's opted for the catalog show.

Does she have a friend or relative that will let her do the show at their house? Or a church?

I will send more catalogs if somone requests them after the initial 3-4 catalogs. Otherwise, I'm not going to loose money on something that I'm not guaranteed to make money on.

 

[lkprescott]

Does she have a friend or relative that will let her do the show at their house? Or a church?

I will send more catalogs if somone requests them after the initial 3-4 catalogs. Otherwise, I'm not going to loose money on something that I'm not guaranteed to make money on.

She's in a housing flux right now and I'm just grateful she wants to do anything at this point. She's wanted to do this since November.. if it's a bust, I'll suggest those alternate locations...

 

[wadesgirl]

She's in a housing flux right now and I'm just grateful she wants to do anything at this point. She's wanted to do this since November.. if it's a bust, I'll suggest those alternate locations...

Are you available to open up your house? I've heard of consultants doing that before. I am unable to due to parking and DH not liking strangers in our house :yuck:

Whenever I have someone wanting a catalog show, I do try to get them to do a kitchen show first. I tell them that I sell the products for them at a kitchen show were as they have to sell the products if they do a catalog show. I've had a few people change their minds when I point it out to them like this.

 

[vogee13]

Good to know. So far the host is VERY excited and I want to surf on that kind of enthusiasm. She'd really hoped to have a cooking show but her roommate put the kibosh on it so she's opted for the catalog show.

Something I have done is host the party at my home. I have the host reimburse me for the food. These people have been acquaintence of mine but it worked out well in those instances.

 

[pattikake]

I have a good friend who just "had to have a show this month", but her apartment is too small. I have opened up my home to her and her friends for her show next week. I have a large great room and plenty of parking -- so am hoping for a large group! We'll see....

 

[allisonserna]

I put this document on the front of a folder (i paste it) and then treat them like a normal host.

I use the folders that have the 3 holes and put clear presentation holders:

1st page: DYLAB
2nd page: monthly specials (host and guest for that month)
3rd page: wedding flyer
4th page: fundraiser flyer

left side pocket is recruiting info: consultant agreement, signed by me, your life your way brouchure

right side pocket is ordering info: website letter with their host code, 2 catalogs and 5 order forms.

I used to put a lot of info but this is my standard hostess package and when the host decieds cooking or catalog then i paste to the front accordingly.

 

[sfdavis918]

Good to know. So far the host is VERY excited and I want to surf on that kind of enthusiasm. She'd really hoped to have a cooking show but her roommate put the kibosh on it so she's opted for the catalog show.

Have you offered the business to her? If she's that excited maybe she can turn the catalog show into her first show! And if she shows her excitement to her friends she is sure to get bookings!

 

[Jules711]

I love catalog shows. I have had my best year in 2007 and did far more catalog shows!!! It depends on a couple of things. How excited the host is (someone who is just going to put a book in the breakroom will NOT have a good show), where they work (lots of people?) and whether they are willing to contact family and friends.Work: They should route the catalog if they can (put the names of people in a dept or floor on a post it and pass it around with order forms in it).Home: Call, email, mention it when they see neighbors, family, and friends.It's easy...oh...by the way I'm having a PC catalog show if you need anything. The response is simple. Oh, okay or OH MY GOSH I've been needing something. Do you have a catalog??Also, they can encourage people to also mention to their friends! Give give for those people (just like you might reward a guest bringing someone at a show). I have a couple of people that would not want a home show but work with a ton of people and are excited. They will do great! Some of my very highest shows have been catalog shows and, yes, I do get bookings too. Some people just don't want catalog shows and I find that if I'm excited about it BEING a catalog show, they get excited too!Of course, I love cooking shows too, but just love my catalog shows too. Less work, same money!

 

[lkprescott]

Something I have done is host the party at my home. I have the host reimburse me for the food. These people have been acquaintence of mine but it worked out well in those instances.

Unfortunately, my house is tiny and parking stinks. Plus folks would have to be open to the idea of guinea pigs in a tiny dining room. Don't even get me started on my kitchen. Get more than one person in there at a time and well, it's not pretty. LOL... plus, we seem to live a good half hour away from most my hosts and their guests.

 

[lkprescott]

Have you offered the business to her? If she's that excited maybe she can turn the catalog show into her first show! And if she shows her excitement to her friends she is sure to get bookings!

I have but not in that light. I think I'll add that to a hosting call and see what happens.