How Can I Improve My Booking Rates for Cooking Shows and Boutiques?

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Discussion Overview

This thread discusses various experiences and strategies related to improving booking rates for cooking shows and boutiques among Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their challenges with securing bookings and explore different approaches they have tried or considered.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shared their experience of having multiple shows with no bookings and expressed uncertainty about what went wrong.
  • Another participant suggested asking everyone at the show and utilizing the full service checkout to increase bookings.
  • Several users mentioned the effectiveness of using a booking slide during shows to engage guests.
  • One participant noted that offering catalog shows and discounts on products could encourage bookings, sharing their success with catalog shows generating significant sales.
  • Another participant expressed frustration over receiving many rejections despite trying various offers, including a promotional event for a charity.
  • One consultant shared a creative approach called "Poker for a Prize," which involves engaging guests with a game that highlights host rewards and business benefits.
  • Another participant described offering a simplified show format during the busy holiday season to accommodate potential hosts.
  • Several participants sought clarification on the "Poker for a Prize" game and its mechanics.
  • One participant asked for clarification on what a boutique show entails, indicating a lack of familiarity with the term.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ among participants regarding the effectiveness of various strategies for securing bookings, with no clear consensus on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants are sharing personal experiences and strategies in the context of their roles as Pampered Chef consultants, particularly during a challenging booking period.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to consultants looking for peer insights on booking strategies and those experiencing similar challenges in securing cooking shows and boutiques.

M
MHPampered
Messages
119
Hey all... I had 3 cooking shows and one boutique and no bookings. I am not sure what was wrong but I know everyone had a lot of fun. On Sunday I did some calling and got a bunch of nos... Any ideas to try and get some bookings for December and January.

I have 2 booked for December and one possible boutique. January I have one so far. I have ran out of lead cards to call....

Thanks!
 
Did you ask everyone at the show? Did you do the full service checkout?
 
Along with the full service checkout are you using the booking slide? I have found that to be very helpful.
 
You can also ask the no's if they would like to do a catalog show & just give them the same benefits. I've had several really good catalogs shows - $500+.
I too am getting a lot of no's at the shows, but people seem really interested when I am doing the booking slide. Maybe find out what they really want, but didn't get and offer it to them for 50% off if they book a show! It usually doesn't end up costing you very much & you will make a lot more at a show to make up for it. One thing my director always says is "remember, it's all a #'s game ..." Good luck!
 
I know the feeling! I have had three parties and two Holiday Shoppe things and LOTS OF NOS!!! It is driving me nuts. Nothing I seem to do or offer works. My 12 days of Christmas is offering the Deep Covered Baker at 50% on three different days and still no bites! So I don't know what to do either. And no, asking for help for something does not work either! I made up a flier that is titled: "WILL WORK FOR FOOD" which explains my new situation of being out of work and wanting to make my business grow. Zilch, nada, nothing. Not even a real response either. I just think people are so scared of what is going on that they have no clue either what to do. That is even with people who know what we do! I did a fund raiser for Habit for Humanity last night. I was offering $10 gift certificates where 100% of the purchase price would be donated. DIDN'T SELL A ONE! I was one of 15 vendors and everyone did poorly. So....
 
I am in a slump too, but one thing that has helped me get 2 shows (from the last 2 where I would have gotten NONE) is I play "Poker for a Prize", where guests learn all about the biz and about host rewards, which I pump up big-time, then the prize is a FREE show. I did this on accident the first time when I actually forgot the prize! It worked- I got a show on the calendar that held, then I did it at the next show, and that worked too! It's worth a try....
 
I'm also in a slump but for my last show I offered for the month of December a free show - one recipe and I'll bring paper plates, napkins & cutlery. I told all the gusts - This way if your busy this time of the year all you have to do is invite a few friends over (something you were going to do anyways) and have fun and relax. I had one taker and 2 that asked if that would apply for January. I added this after people were commenting on who has time to plan a PC party at this time of year after I showed the booking slide.
 
cookin to the top said:
I am in a slump too, but one thing that has helped me get 2 shows (from the last 2 where I would have gotten NONE) is I play "Poker for a Prize", where guests learn all about the biz and about host rewards, which I pump up big-time, then the prize is a FREE show. I did this on accident the first time when I actually forgot the prize! It worked- I got a show on the calendar that held, then I did it at the next show, and that worked too! It's worth a try....
Click to expand...

What is Poker for a Prize??
 
cookin to the top said:
I play "Poker for a Prize", where guests learn all about the biz and about host rewards, which I pump up big-time.
Click to expand...

How do you play "poker for a prize"? It sounds great and being new at this I don't have any good door prize games that also have to do with PC!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #10
cookin to the top said:
I am in a slump too, but one thing that has helped me get 2 shows (from the last 2 where I would have gotten NONE) is I play "Poker for a Prize", where guests learn all about the biz and about host rewards, which I pump up big-time, then the prize is a FREE show. I did this on accident the first time when I actually forgot the prize! It worked- I got a show on the calendar that held, then I did it at the next show, and that worked too! It's worth a try....
Click to expand...

I am a lil confused so what do you do? Give me some more details...

Thanks!
 
Poker for a Prize: I play "Texas Hold-'em". It's sort of like the "ticket game", where the guests get their hand of 2 cards for 1 question either about the Biz or about what Hosting is all about. When everyone has their hand, I lay out the "river" which is 5 cards shared by everybody. With every card I put down, I say "Did you know..." and give a fact about the biz. (tax benefits, no inventory, have a retirement plan, no need to be a salesperson or cook, can make $500 for 4 shows a month) Whoever has the best poker hand wins! (I say "poker for a prize" has no guilt-strings attatched- it's for a prize- NOT gambling! The guests usually laugh) Oh- when I announce what they've won, I pull out the Bookings Slide so they see just what they've won- NOT just me buying ingredients- lots more for being a host!
 
I hope that was clear- has anyone else tried this game?
 
May I just ask what a Boutique show is? I've seen the term a lot and have no idea what its all about! Thanks in advance,
M
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What strategies can I use to increase my bookings for cooking shows?

To increase your bookings for cooking shows, consider leveraging social media platforms to promote your events. Create engaging content that showcases your cooking skills and the products you'll be using. Additionally, offer incentives such as discounts or free products for hosts who book a show. Networking with friends, family, and local community groups can also help spread the word and generate interest.

How can I effectively follow up with potential hosts?

Following up is crucial for converting interest into bookings. After your initial conversation, send a friendly reminder via text or email, thanking them for their interest and providing additional information about hosting a show. Personalize your message by mentioning something specific they expressed interest in, and encourage them to ask any questions they may have.

What types of promotions can I offer to entice hosts?

Offering promotions can significantly boost your booking rates. Consider running limited-time offers such as a free product for hosts who book within a certain timeframe or a special discount on their order. You can also create themed cooking shows (e.g., holiday baking, healthy meals) that appeal to specific interests, making it more enticing for potential hosts to book a show.

How can I make my cooking shows more appealing to potential hosts?

To make your cooking shows more appealing, focus on creating a fun and interactive experience. Incorporate hands-on activities where guests can participate in cooking or tasting. Highlight the benefits of hosting, such as earning free products and having a fun gathering with friends. Additionally, share testimonials from past hosts to showcase the positive experiences others have had.

What role does my personal network play in booking cooking shows?

Your personal network is a vital resource for booking cooking shows. Start by reaching out to friends, family, and acquaintances to gauge their interest in hosting. Attend local events or community gatherings to expand your network and meet new potential hosts. Building relationships and maintaining regular communication with your network will help you stay top-of-mind when they consider hosting a show.

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