pchefjaime
Gold Member
- 214
How do I find the best fairs for my small business?
- Thread starter pchefjaime
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread explores various strategies and experiences related to finding fairs for small businesses, particularly within the context of Pampered Chef consultants. Participants share their personal experiences, preferences, and resources for locating events.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
Main Points Raised
- One participant mentions avoiding fairs due to high booth costs and the hassle of setup and takedown, noting their experience has been less than pleasant.
- Another participant suggests checking local school websites and PTA resources for school fairs as potential opportunities.
- One participant recommends local chamber of commerce and publications, sharing that they found free fairs listed on Craigslist.
- Another participant advises looking at local newspapers and community centers for event listings.
- One participant shares that their local phone book publishes a calendar of special events, which can be a useful resource.
- Another participant expresses a preference for smaller, shorter events, stating they yield a manageable number of leads at a lower cost.
- One participant notes that their decision to participate in larger events may increase as they build a team to help with lead generation.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the value and practicality of participating in fairs, with some participants expressing a preference for smaller events while others highlight the potential benefits of larger ones.
Contextual Notes
Participants share personal experiences and insights based on their local contexts, emphasizing the variability in event experiences and preferences.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants looking for ideas on how to locate fairs and events for their businesses may find the shared experiences and resources helpful.
Luv2bake
- 61
I'm sure it is just me, but I avoid them now. Booth costs are high and it is a pain setting up, taking down and making sure I have enough catalogs. But I do this as a hobby really and am not out to get tons of bookings. I've done 4 by now and they have all been less than pleasant. I'm sure there are some cheffers on here that are experts on making them really work for them and can provide really great tips.
I can tell you though that the ones I've done have been school fairs. So maybe you can check the websites for your local schools to see if they are doing a Fall Fest or something like that? PTA's are a good resource for that as well.
I can tell you though that the ones I've done have been school fairs. So maybe you can check the websites for your local schools to see if they are doing a Fall Fest or something like that? PTA's are a good resource for that as well.
Cassie1037
Gold Member
- 380
JaimeQ
- 2,317
I agree that the local chamber of commerce offices are good choices; in my area our local phone book publishes a full year calander of special events for several counties in our area and I know I could find them there if I wanted...so check that out as a possibility.
That said, I try to do 1-2 day shows only, and I prefer craft/church/school shows as opposed to the larger 3-4 day events. These smaller events net me a workable number of leads and orders for a much lower cost, often just $10.00 - $30.00 for the event.
For me, the main issue is whether I have the time and energy to do the needed lead follow-up for a big event. Now that I'm building a team though, I'll probably do more larger events in order to assist my gang with building THEIR leads.
That said, I try to do 1-2 day shows only, and I prefer craft/church/school shows as opposed to the larger 3-4 day events. These smaller events net me a workable number of leads and orders for a much lower cost, often just $10.00 - $30.00 for the event.
For me, the main issue is whether I have the time and energy to do the needed lead follow-up for a big event. Now that I'm building a team though, I'll probably do more larger events in order to assist my gang with building THEIR leads.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I identify the best fairs for my small business?
Start by researching local community events, craft fairs, and trade shows in your area. Check local event calendars, social media groups, and websites that list upcoming fairs. Look for events that align with your target market and product offerings.
What criteria should I consider when selecting a fair?
Consider the location, expected foot traffic, target audience, and the cost of participation. Look for fairs that attract your ideal customers and have a good reputation for vendor support and promotion.
How can I find out if a fair is worth attending?
Reach out to previous vendors to get their feedback on the event. Look for reviews online, and check social media for photos and posts from past fairs. This can give you insight into the fair's atmosphere and customer engagement.
Are there specific types of fairs that are better for direct sales?
Yes, craft fairs, farmers' markets, and community festivals often attract shoppers interested in unique products. Additionally, home and garden shows or health and wellness expos can be great for direct sales businesses like Pampered Chef.
How can I effectively promote my participation in a fair?
Utilize social media to announce your participation and share event details. Create engaging posts, offer sneak peeks of your products, and consider running promotions or giveaways leading up to the event to attract more visitors to your booth.
Similar Pampered Chef Threads
- jennc112 Pampered Chef Booths
jennc112
- kuntrycook Pampered Chef Booths
Wildfire
- ashleypc Pampered Chef Booths
esavvymom
- Lexif424 Pampered Chef Booths
pclinskie
- BlessedWifeMommy Pampered Chef Booths
Wildfire
- katie0128 Pampered Chef Booths
Admin Greg
- katie0128 Pampered Chef Booths
stefani2
- HH_04 Pampered Chef Booths
stefani2
- PChefPEI Pampered Chef Booths
Admin Greg
- mrshamel3808 Pampered Chef Booths
mrshamel3808