I Need Bookings at Tonights Show!

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses various strategies participants use to secure bookings during cooking shows, particularly in the context of a smaller gathering. Participants share personal experiences and methods they have found effective in encouraging guests to host their own shows.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares a method involving a paper slip for guests to list products, which has led to multiple bookings in the past.
  • Another participant describes using visual aids, such as printed popular products and a binder cover, to illustrate the benefits of hosting a show, resulting in three bookings from eight guests.
  • A different participant mentions a successful strategy of offering a free cooking show as a prize, which led to multiple bookings after initially having none for the month.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of having a strong hostess and guest incentives to encourage bookings, suggesting that highlighting the benefits of hosting can be effective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the specific methods to secure bookings, with no clear consensus on a single effective strategy emerging from the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their experiences in the context of varying show sizes and personal challenges in securing bookings, reflecting a range of creative approaches tailored to their individual situations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for diverse strategies to increase bookings at cooking shows may find the shared experiences and methods relevant to their own practices.

Christa
Messages
256
What's your sure fire method? I got 3 bookings off my last show but tonight will only have 7 guests (my smallest show so far) and since it probably won't be huge in sales, I want to focus on bookings.
Thanks
 
Hey I saw your post and really needed to read it myself! But it must be a new post since no one has responded yet.
Here is what has worked for me in the past.
I gave everyone a slip of paper that had this written on it:

"List 5 products with prices...$$$ MONEY IS NO OBJECT $$$(here is where I joke that they are using Donald Trumps credit card!)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

TOTAL AMOUNT = $________

Then I did my demo - throughout the demo I would ask them if they have filled up their 5 spaces... reminding them...
Then I had them add it all together...

Then in a separate column, I'd have them
~take the two most expensive items, take 50% off
~Take $60 worth of products, write "free"
~The rest give 20% off
~~If they like the second total...they need to consider booking a show!

At the first show I did this with I got 5 bookings... 4 of whom were people who KNEW I did PC and just never realized how much they could get... They wanted the Professional cookware... so when they saw they could get it at 50% off...they were in!

I just didn't like how people had a hard time calculating...it seemed a bit cofusing,,, I also had extra calculators around, but with a big group it is sorta hard.

I have also put 3 index cards, folded in half and set up like a tent... on the front of the 'tent' I wrote a date I wanted booked... on the inside of the 'tent' I wrote products that they would get for booking. Sorta like the "Sealed Envelope" idea, or the "Book to look box" idea. I've also heard consultants putting papers inside a balloon with prizes on it for booking the date that is written on the balloon, then they pop the balloon(maybe with our Quikut Paring knife) to see what they won.

I want to try the "Book to Look Box/bag/basket"... They can only look if they book a show...then inside the box is index cards with products as prizes.

I hope this helps!
 
Last edited:
I don't know if you have enough time to do this, but maybe a quick variation would work well for you. I did this at my last show and had 3 bookings out of 8 people. Not bad. Anyway, I printed several of our most popular products out on cardstock and attached a little velcro behind each one. I placed them on a cover I had cut off of a 3-ring binder. On the back, I wrote "Customer Price: $90." I told them that my average host gets $90 for free, but then they also get 2 half-price items (I use the woven tray & round stone plus the SS bowl and whisks), AND they get a 20% discount. I show them how my "host" has now spent less than $90, and has gotten a TON MORE for free. I also mention free shipping, host specials, booking benefits, and 10%PHD. It's a great visual to show the average, but I also mention how a few of my hosts have gotten over $1,000 worth of products for like $400, etc. Mention 1/2 price cookware, etc. I also tell people to check out their wish lists/order forms and subtract $90 from their total - as the host, they would most likely get that much (or more!) for FREE!
Biggest thing - don't sound desperate for bookings. Just present what an AWESOME deal it is, and how you'd love to be the one to hook them up!
Good luck tonight! I'll have my fingers crossed for you :)
--Erin
 
I was really needing March bookings since I had only one show in Feb all the others canceled on me so I put in 2 catalogs a note saying you are the lucky winner. When the 2 people got the paper they asked about it and I told them that they just won a free cooking show where I will provide the food and send the invites out, both those people booked and I got 2 other bookings off that show so now I have 6 shows in march and when I did that I had 0 for March good luck on getting your bookings
 
for reaching out! It's great to hear that you had success with your last show and were able to secure three bookings. As for your smaller show tonight, my surefire method for getting more bookings is to make sure you have a strong hostess and guest incentive. Offer something that will really entice your guests to want to host their own show and share the pampered chef experience with their friends and family. Additionally, make sure to highlight the benefits of hosting a show, such as earning free and discounted products, as well as having a fun and interactive cooking experience. Don't be afraid to ask your guests directly if they would be interested in hosting a show, and follow up with them after the show to remind them of the great incentives. Good luck with your show tonight!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I encourage guests to book a party at my show tonight?

To encourage guests to book a party, create excitement around the benefits of hosting. Share personal stories about successful parties, highlight exclusive host rewards, and offer a special incentive for booking at the show, such as a discount or free product for the host.

What should I say to guests who seem hesitant to book a party?

Address their concerns by asking open-ended questions to understand their hesitations. Reassure them that hosting can be fun and low-pressure, and remind them that they can customize the experience to fit their style and schedule. Sharing testimonials from previous hosts can also help alleviate concerns.

How can I make my show interactive to increase bookings?

Incorporate interactive elements like games or contests that encourage participation. For example, you can have a "Booking Bingo" where guests mark off squares related to booking a party. This creates a fun atmosphere and makes guests more likely to consider hosting.

What materials should I have on hand to facilitate bookings at my show?

Have booking forms ready, along with a calendar to help guests choose dates. Bring samples of host rewards and promotional materials that outline the benefits of hosting. Additionally, consider having a small gift or incentive for those who book a party on the spot.

How can I follow up with guests after the show to secure bookings?

After the show, send a thank-you message to all attendees, expressing your appreciation for their participation. Include a reminder about the benefits of hosting and offer to answer any questions they may have. Personalize your follow-up to each guest's interests to increase the likelihood of securing a booking.

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