How Often Is Too Often for Open Houses?

[chefbritt]

How often is too often to host an open house? I am trying to revamp my business, and I am so excited about the January specials and promos! I think they will be a huge help in getting bookings and increasing sales. I would love to host a holiday open house. The problem is that where I never really got out of my family and friends the last time around, I don't have many people to invite other than the same list I always use. I'm worried that they'll get burnt out with PC. My last open house was in March as a Spring preview, and I had a pretty good turnout. Do you think it's too soon to do it again?

 

[finley1991]

Instead of doing open houses, Jan Gilbert at a meeting here a few weeks ago suggested doing Cooking Classes. I'm thinking of offering a Power Cooking or Cozy Soups in early January!

 

[DebbieSAChef]

6 months

How often is too often to host an open house? I am trying to revamp my business, and I am so excited about the January specials and promos! I think they will be a huge help in getting bookings and increasing sales. I would love to host a holiday open house. The problem is that where I never really got out of my family and friends the last time around, I don't have many people to invite other than the same list I always use. I'm worried that they'll get burnt out with PC. My last open house was in March as a Spring preview, and I had a pretty good turnout. Do you think it's too soon to do it again?

I tend to think every time we have a new catalog is a perfect opportunity to have an open house. If your last one was in March, then it would be a perfect time to get the word out about Fall/Winter specials and upcoming promos. Go for it!!!

Debbie

 

[PCSarahjm]

What about a Bingo Night? I think I will give that a try to help with bookings and sales. I seen the idea on here but will revamp to fit my guests

 

[mommylove_07]

I think that is a good idea every time a new book comes out. I want to have an open house and don't know what to do. What are some ideas?

 

[chefbritt]

mommylove, I just posted some ideas on your thread.

 

[PCSarahjm]

What about a holiday open house were the guests make something? Like the pretzel wreaths, or little gifts in the prep bowls. You wouldn't actually do a demo but let the guests use the products.

 

[jrstephens]

I say 6 months too. If you did one for the Spring catalog, I think one for the Fall one is a great idea. I did one when I first started with success but have not done one since.

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Express shows

I think that is a good idea every time a new book comes out. I want to have an open house and don't know what to do. What are some ideas?

I really want to try an express show. I love that idea. That is kind of the idea I want to push for my multi vendor holiday open house my friends and I are doing next month. Come in, taste some appetizers, place orders, book shows and then go home. Not like a show where you have people hanging around for 2 hours. I think this is a good way to keep the traffic flowing and also to get those who can't make it right when it starts but can come later and don't feel they have to stay for a long time.

Debbie

 

[chefbritt]

you mean like make them to take home? Would you foot the cost of the bowls and ingredients, or ask them to pay, or how would you do that? That sounds like a great way to get people there by saying they'll be able to make a gift to take home with them.

 

[chefbritt]

sorry, i need to learn how to quote people, that post was in response to PCSarahjm's.

 

[PCSarahjm]

if you did the wreaths that wouldn't be too expensive but for hte bowls yes they would have to pay.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

sorry, i need to learn how to quote people, that post was in response to PCSarahjm's.

Brittany,
If you want to quote someone, just click on the little "quote" button in the bottom right of the post you want to quote. It will take you right to the reply screen, with their quote there for you!:thumbup: