Kathytnt
- 2,616
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
This thread explores experiences and strategies related to participating in vendor fairs, particularly for those new to the process. Participants share their personal insights on engaging with attendees, product displays, and the overall approach to these events.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant, identifying as a consultant, emphasizes the importance of engaging with attendees by stepping out from behind the booth and actively talking to people.
- Another participant shares their experience of using free recipes as a way to attract visitors to their table.
- Several users mention the idea of offering cooking demonstrations or food samples, with one participant considering grilling burgers and hot dogs at their event.
- One participant notes that they rarely sell products at vendor fairs, viewing them instead as opportunities for booking shows and recruiting new consultants.
- Another participant highlights the effectiveness of having host packets and survey forms available to facilitate follow-ups with interested attendees.
- One participant expresses the challenge of following up with leads after an event, sharing their frustration about not being able to connect with potential hosts.
- Several participants recommend the "Meet the Public" CD as a helpful resource for improving engagement strategies at vendor fairs.
- One participant discusses the financial aspects of fundraisers, comparing their commission structure to that of other companies and emphasizing the value of higher-priced items in fundraising efforts.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the effectiveness of selling products at vendor fairs, with some participants seeing it as a secondary goal compared to booking shows and recruiting. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to product demonstrations or food offerings.
Contextual Notes
Participants share a range of experiences, from first-time vendors to those with multiple events under their belts, indicating a variety of approaches and levels of comfort with vendor fairs.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants looking for insights on engaging with attendees at vendor fairs and strategies for maximizing their presence at such events may find this discussion beneficial.
Kathytnt
- 2,616
C
cookingabcs
my first tooI have my first vendor fair as well at a huge local neighborhood outside pavillion with 2 other friends that have their own businesses (non-compeiting w/ PC of course). Any suggestions as to what to do? Do I go a demo or just have veggies etc so people can play with gadgets? Have a recipe or 2 actually prepared? Something that's going to go well ro that won't get gross if it sits for a little while. There is a grill there so we're thinking of grilling burgers and hot dogs etc for lunch as well.
If it works out well in this neighboorhood, we may do one each month this summer in our respective neighborhoods. Has anyone done anything like this? Have any flyers or suggestions.
Any ideas would help greatly. I've never done anything like this and need HELP!!
Thanks everyone. I appreciate thoughts provided.
If it works out well in this neighboorhood, we may do one each month this summer in our respective neighborhoods. Has anyone done anything like this? Have any flyers or suggestions.
Any ideas would help greatly. I've never done anything like this and need HELP!!
Thanks everyone. I appreciate thoughts provided.
L
ltkacz
My experienceI've never had food for people to eat at my vendor experiences, but I do have a bunch of products for them to look at.
I get them to the table by giving out a free recipe (who doesn't want a free recipe). Then once you get them to the table, I usually offer them a chance on the drawing for a "free" cooking show (I bring the ingredients). As they are filling out the slip (which is just the stock PC thanks for attending the show) I "peek" over their shoulder. If they mark wedding information, fundraisers or PC business opportunity I send them home with additional information and try to set up a time in the upcoming week to follow-up with them. Usually if they stop at the table, I also do offer them a mini-catalog.
I don't ever sit, I don't talk on my cell phone. I greet everyone with a smile.
It seems to work. I did a vendor fair the 1st weekend in May (2 seperate 4 hour time slots) I now have 3 recruit leads (possibly 4), 7 shows for June, 4 for July and 2 for August. At this point I'm telling people I'm booked for June (1 day is open), and I only have a few dates in July, so I can book those, otherwise I'm looking at August.
I get them to the table by giving out a free recipe (who doesn't want a free recipe). Then once you get them to the table, I usually offer them a chance on the drawing for a "free" cooking show (I bring the ingredients). As they are filling out the slip (which is just the stock PC thanks for attending the show) I "peek" over their shoulder. If they mark wedding information, fundraisers or PC business opportunity I send them home with additional information and try to set up a time in the upcoming week to follow-up with them. Usually if they stop at the table, I also do offer them a mini-catalog.
I don't ever sit, I don't talk on my cell phone. I greet everyone with a smile.
It seems to work. I did a vendor fair the 1st weekend in May (2 seperate 4 hour time slots) I now have 3 recruit leads (possibly 4), 7 shows for June, 4 for July and 2 for August. At this point I'm telling people I'm booked for June (1 day is open), and I only have a few dates in July, so I can book those, otherwise I'm looking at August.
Kathytnt
- 2,616
Do you guys every sell much - Seems the Trade Days that I will be working seems to have a budget type crowd - I have a little inventory just because of things I have earned and duplicates from my kits and such.
I was looking at it more as a get my name out there and make contacts type of thing.
I just earned my SS Month 2 bonus and a SS Plus bonus
I was looking at it more as a get my name out there and make contacts type of thing.
I just earned my SS Month 2 bonus and a SS Plus bonus
Sk8Mom209
Gold Member
- 741
I rarely selling anything from vendor booths. If by chance someone just wants to order, I will take their order, with direct shipping, and then add it to an open show.
Fairs/festivals are really a booking and recruiting opportunity. Talk to everyone, and I agree ltkacz, never sit, eat, or talk on phone in the booth. Set the booth up with tables in a U so the tables are behind you and not in front of you. Position yourself, almost outside the booth to make it easier to communicate with passersby.
Make sure to have host packets on hand, survey forms, recruiting information and catalogs (can use out of date cats, with a label, "contact me for the current season's catalog). Have an incentive for booking on the spot, like book to look or Cooking Show in a bag. Most of all, relax and have fun, the more at ease you are the more people you will attract and the more comfortable they will be with you.
On what not to do in a booth, take a look at the booths around you, you will quickly see what not to do. At a festival I work, during a break my mom, daughter and I walked around and did some shopping and stopped in a Cookie Lee booth browsed for 5-10 and neither of the 2 consultant, sitting in chairs in the very back of the booth between 2 tables, even acknowledged us, let alone provided any information about their product, opportunity or even the drawing they were having (if i had not been looking with consultant eyes, I never would have see the small sign and basket for drawing slips).
Fairs/festivals are really a booking and recruiting opportunity. Talk to everyone, and I agree ltkacz, never sit, eat, or talk on phone in the booth. Set the booth up with tables in a U so the tables are behind you and not in front of you. Position yourself, almost outside the booth to make it easier to communicate with passersby.
Make sure to have host packets on hand, survey forms, recruiting information and catalogs (can use out of date cats, with a label, "contact me for the current season's catalog). Have an incentive for booking on the spot, like book to look or Cooking Show in a bag. Most of all, relax and have fun, the more at ease you are the more people you will attract and the more comfortable they will be with you.
On what not to do in a booth, take a look at the booths around you, you will quickly see what not to do. At a festival I work, during a break my mom, daughter and I walked around and did some shopping and stopped in a Cookie Lee booth browsed for 5-10 and neither of the 2 consultant, sitting in chairs in the very back of the booth between 2 tables, even acknowledged us, let alone provided any information about their product, opportunity or even the drawing they were having (if i had not been looking with consultant eyes, I never would have see the small sign and basket for drawing slips).
AJPratt
Silver Member
- 6,674
Meet the Public Meet the Public Meet the PublicI agree with Debbie, Get the "Meet the Public CD!!
I did just a few of the suggestions and got a TON of show leads and one new recruit. I for the first time felt like I knew what I was doing. I was completely comfortable. The CD will tell you good questions to ask, handouts, displays, etc.
I did just a few of the suggestions and got a TON of show leads and one new recruit. I for the first time felt like I knew what I was doing. I was completely comfortable. The CD will tell you good questions to ask, handouts, displays, etc.
Kathytnt
- 2,616
Sk8Mom209
Gold Member
- 741
Cooking Show in a Bag
It's simple. Go to the dollar store, purchase medium size gift bags and fill with plasticware, napkins, plates and cups! If host books on the spot she receives a CS in a bag, you provide the paper products and purchase the ingredients for her - although I ask for the $15 back from the host the day of her show.
Kathytnt said:
It's simple. Go to the dollar store, purchase medium size gift bags and fill with plasticware, napkins, plates and cups! If host books on the spot she receives a CS in a bag, you provide the paper products and purchase the ingredients for her - although I ask for the $15 back from the host the day of her show.
Momma23boys
Silver Member
- 187
Have a large calendar nearby set up to "pencil in" potential hosts!!!
arrggghhh How I WISH I would have followed my own advice!! I just had my first Job Expo in town, got tons of leads for shows and recruits, right? sigh....
Do you think I can get a hold of any of them? The woman in the booth next to me wanted a catalog to look at and marked NOs on her drawing slip, right? Well, I ended up talking to her the next day and she agreed to host a catalog show!!! (Didn't realize all the benefits of hosting..etc.) I sent a packet out (not being smart enough to hand them out to ALL interested people) and I have not heard from her since. Getting a little antsy!! I need some def. encouragement because I feel like a stalker!!! But the people who marked yes! I really want to talk to them........grrrrrrrr
So,
* Smile!!!!!!!
* Make a personal connection (however brief)
* Calendar ready!
* Host packets ready to hand out
* Follow up with everyone (even the no's....)
* Give them a date/time when you will be calling... if you give your business card w/ this info. on it.. even better...
arrggghhh How I WISH I would have followed my own advice!! I just had my first Job Expo in town, got tons of leads for shows and recruits, right? sigh....
Do you think I can get a hold of any of them? The woman in the booth next to me wanted a catalog to look at and marked NOs on her drawing slip, right? Well, I ended up talking to her the next day and she agreed to host a catalog show!!! (Didn't realize all the benefits of hosting..etc.) I sent a packet out (not being smart enough to hand them out to ALL interested people) and I have not heard from her since. Getting a little antsy!! I need some def. encouragement because I feel like a stalker!!! But the people who marked yes! I really want to talk to them........grrrrrrrr
So,
* Smile!!!!!!!
* Make a personal connection (however brief)
* Calendar ready!
* Host packets ready to hand out
* Follow up with everyone (even the no's....)
* Give them a date/time when you will be calling... if you give your business card w/ this info. on it.. even better...
Paige Dixon
- 1,014
Kathytnt said:I am doing my first vendor fair - My main business is fundraisers but I would like to increase bridal registries and booking
What has been successful for the rest of you
How do you get your main business with fund raisers? I have trouble because we only offer 15%. I know these can be a huge way to collect points for the trip incentive. I'd love to do one or two big ones a year.
soonerchef
- 1,523
I will say this...our 15% is no less than another companies 50%. For example, in May I did a HWC fundraiser. I had a friend who does Gourmet to Go come to my house as well, she sold just about the same number of products as I did. My product total came out to be $664, hers was $115...my donation was $99.60 hers was $57.50 at 50%. She also only made about $40 and I made $113. Just because the amount is 15% doesn't make the fund total raised inferior to other compainies, quite often we will still give more because the fundraiser is raising funds on higher priced items. Using a fundraiser break down sheet is a really big help because the people looking to do the fundraiser can see what 15% means in $ value.
This friend also just signed on Monday because it was silly for her to do the same amount of work as me and get paid less!!
This friend also just signed on Monday because it was silly for her to do the same amount of work as me and get paid less!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to a vendor fair to ensure success?
To ensure success at a vendor fair, you should bring a variety of Pampered Chef products for display, business cards, brochures, and a sign-up sheet for potential customers to join your mailing list. Additionally, consider bringing a tablecloth, a cash box for transactions, and any necessary equipment for demonstrations, such as cooking tools or samples of food.
How can I attract more visitors to my booth?
Attracting visitors to your booth can be achieved by creating an inviting and visually appealing display. Use bright colors, clear signage, and showcase your best products prominently. Engaging with attendees by offering free samples, live demonstrations, or interactive activities can also draw people in. Additionally, promoting your presence on social media before the event can help generate interest.
What strategies can I use to engage with potential customers?
Engagement strategies include initiating conversations with attendees as they pass by, asking open-ended questions about their cooking habits, and sharing personal stories about how Pampered Chef products have benefited you. Offering cooking tips and demonstrating products can also create a connection. Always be friendly, approachable, and ready to answer questions.
How can I follow up with leads after the vendor fair?
After the vendor fair, follow up with leads by sending a thank-you email to everyone who signed up for your mailing list. Include a special offer or discount on their first order as an incentive. You can also reach out via social media or phone calls, depending on the contact information you collected. Personalizing your follow-up will help build a relationship with potential customers.
What should I do if I don’t make many sales at the event?
If you don’t make many sales, don’t be discouraged. Use the experience as a learning opportunity. Evaluate what worked and what didn’t, and ask for feedback from attendees. Consider whether your display was engaging enough or if your product selection met the audience's interests. Focus on building relationships and gathering contacts for future follow-ups, as vendor fairs can be more about networking than immediate sales.
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