Is December a Busy Time for Bookings?

[hperschnick]

Hey all, I have been looking at my calendar this week and calling to get more on the books. People are really concerned with being busy as the holidays approach and not wanting to book into Nov.

So, since this is only my 4th month I was wondring how busy December and January usually are for everyone.

 

[ltkacz]

For meI started September 2005. I've had busy Novembers up until Thanksgiving. 12/2005 I had 1 catalog show, and last year I had no shows. I typically do take December off (a perk being a PC consultant), although I will take a show if someone wants it. I feel that typically - people are busy, and I'm too.

I have always had a packed January because the specials are really good, and those bookings typicaly come from the November shows.

 

[quiverfull7]

I began in July 06. I wondered about Dec. as well. Mine in 06 was $1155. I was thrilled because I didn't expect much. Fill your Oct. and Nov and that will benefit your Dec and Jan.

 

[susan g]

One thing to tell people about having a December show is it's easy: your house will already be clean and decorated. Also, if you do it early in the month and close promptly, everything will be back before Christmas. That said, I usually have trouble getting December cooking shows. This year, I am promoting catalog shows by telling everyone "You don't have time for a show and I don't either-have a December catalog show with me and I'll buy your Trifle Bowl host special" Hopefully that will work.

As for January, I have had huge success. The attendance is high and sales are too because people have nothing else to do. Promote a soup show or something healthy (everyone will be back on their diet).

 

[pamperedgirl3]

I've had the opposite experience. In November & December, I'm usually packed. Last November I had almost $4000 in sales & December I had almost $2000. I only work until Dec. 15. Last January I had 7 cooking shows & still didn't earn 1/2 off conference b/c the sales were so low. The year before that I had NO shows in Jan. But I already have 6 shows in November & 1 in December, so I'm hoping I can get a better January this year. But I do live in Northern Indiana where winter weather can be unpredictable, so I think people are leary to have a Jan show b/c of that.

 

[bethsbiz]

If I have a strong October and November, I also have a strong December. I agree that a house that is already cleaned and decorated for the holidays often helps hosts to book.

With December shows, empahsise gift giving opportunities and that items will be in in time for holiday delivery when ordered by the holiday deadline specified. Couples shows also seem more popular this time of the year as guys are in a more "couple" social mood than other times of the year (IMO).

I typically take the last few weeks of December and the first week of January off from the biz. However, the past few years I have had successful parties from a group that does not celebrate Christmas and doesn't care about holiday delivery. Don't discount those opportunities.

Another holiday time thrill is the "unexpected outside order for lots of products". The past few years I've had a few of these, usually over $100.00 and usually they are direct shipped to folks across the country. So...make sure you remind folks that you can take their order via phone or email (or web) and have it delivered right to the receipient.

 

[finley1991]

One other reason to work December is that if you're used to getting paid on the 8th of each month... it hurts when there's nothing there January 8th!

 

[PCGINA]

I started September 2005. I've had busy Novembers up until Thanksgiving. 12/2005 I had 1 catalog show, and last year I had no shows. I typically do take December off (a perk being a PC consultant), although I will take a show if someone wants it. I feel that typically - people are busy, and I'm too.

I have always had a packed January because the specials are really good, and those bookings typicaly come from the November shows.

DITTO!!!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

Sorta on topic - my director has drilled into me from my very first month (I started in Nov. of 2002) that January MUST be booked by Thanksgiving! I have found that to be so true. People may book after Thanksgiving (I typically have 3-4 shows in Dec, and a couple catalog shows and some good individual orders) but people will usually say "Oh call me after the Holidays" when it comes to booking. It will make your life and your business so much easier, and less stressful, if you work on booking January before Thanksgiving!

 

[sfdavis918]

Sorta on topic - my director has drilled into me from my very first month (I started in Nov. of 2002) that January MUST be booked by Thanksgiving! I have found that to be so true. People may book after Thanksgiving (I typically have 3-4 shows in Dec, and a couple catalog shows and some good individual orders) but people will usually say "Oh call me after the Holidays" when it comes to booking. It will make your life and your business so much easier, and less stressful, if you work on booking January before Thanksgiving!

Excellent tip! I am definitely going to do that this year. Last year my December was good but January was horrible! I only had one show that ended up not closing until February. I wanted to have a little time off around Christmas, but not the whole month of January!!!

 

[heat123]

For two years since I started my Dec. are very slow (everyone seems to busy to book a party with so much going on). January's are better with the great Host specials we offer!

 

[Chef Kearns]

Yes, I usually have good attendance and sales in January. My highest Dec. so far has been about $1500 in sales. That was a big surprise. I'm like one of the other ladies, I work the first half of Dec then start up again the first full week of Jan. So far, I have 2 people in Jan, 1 in Dec, 3 in Nov, and 8 in Oct. I think after my October shows I should have through Jan covered.

 

[missyciccolella]

Does anyone offer an incentive for Dec bookings? If so what do you offer and does it work?