How Can I Boost My Bookings in a Slow Month?

[jenniwest04]

Definitely sounds like many of us are in the same boat...my only show for January canceled, and I have 2 shows on the books for February. I'm hoping to somehow push online sales, catalog shows and bridal registries, though, since I start back to school soon and work full time. With June weddings coming, it seems like a good time to focus on our registry.

 

[Bluiydangl]

I noticed my BEST shows- were the ones right after those stimulus checks came out last year, since then I have had $300 shows with 10-12 people attending.

I don't think weather is the problem, we have 20 inches of snow- and that is normal. in fact people usually go out on the cold days to get out of the house and away from the kids.(when winter starts October 20th and lasts until mid April you get creative)

In Northern Michigan we've been in a recession for years. we moved here nearly two years ago for my husband's job- and noticed then how many homes were empty and stores were closing. they are talking of closing schools next year because so many families have left the area. Its hard to book shows when it has been that rough for a while for people here.

I know other places are the same/ worse. Very thankful for what we have and we feel very blessed by what we have been given- so not complaining. just discouraged like every one else seems to be this month!

So I hope everyone's spirits are lifted, and we renew our minds and strength to make it through the winter months and get excited about the spring!

 

[SassyCook]

The weather here isn't any different then any other winter weather we have. But that could be the case else where.

Same here. When it dosn't get 20 below it's werid. I live across the river from Sarina, Ontario.

 

[chefsteph07]

I was in a rut this time last year...in fact, in March, I only had ONE show...unbelievable, since it was the start of the new catalog...anyway, I got panicked and started calling ALL of my outside orders..people I had never met...I got in touch w/ someone to book for May (remember, I had never met her and she placed an OUTSIDE ORDER), he show ended up being over 1k, I had about 5 bookings from her that I did over the summer (one of her friends who booked was another 1k show) and then a daughter of one of those hosts signed in October w/ me...ALL of this happening all because I got desperate and called my outside orders...so if you guys don't do this, you might be truly losing out on some business..in fact, when the daughter signed, I thought "oh man, I'm losing all my customers! Cuz they were all connected to my May show...LOL"...but I am truly happy and happy FOR my recruit!

 

[stefani2]

I talked to other people in the DS business - and they are struggling too. February looks a bit brighter.....

 

[noelskitchen]

Okay, this really isn't working I've callede EVERYONE. I started January 2nd and started calling everyone who was a host, guest, outside order. NO ONE wants to book. I did recruit someone last month but this month really is a pitfall. When people give me the "it's the economy no one can buy" I've given them the speal that's why I'm here, guests can come out for a great time learning some budget friendly recipes, I have a host who we had to reschedule and she emailed me stating " got your message. I will contact you when we are ready to have a show. Right now no one is in a position to really buy anything, with the economy the way it is. I will call or e-mail you when we are ready. Thank you." She's 2 1/2 hours away from me. Do I give her that speal and go up there, gas, and no one buys???? I started a catalog show and only one person bought a $15 product. Soooo depressing.

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Start a NEW thread, there is an attachment icon there that will let you browse from your computer. Find your document. It won't show that it's attached (I found that out the first time I did it), but it will be. Then you can write in the box like this and submit.