AJPratt
Silver Member
- 6,674
Is Delaying Show Closings Hurting Your Guests' Perception?
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The thread explores the challenges and experiences related to closing shows in a timely manner, particularly focusing on how delays may affect guests' perceptions and the overall stress for consultants. Participants share their personal experiences and strategies for managing show closures.
Discussion Character
- Anecdotal
- Opinion-based
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- One participant expresses frustration over delays in closing shows, noting that guests may perceive these delays as a reflection of the company.
- Another participant shares their experience of setting a closing date during the show to ensure timely follow-up.
- One consultant mentions that they establish closing dates during the initial host coaching call, but acknowledges the difficulty when hosts do not respond promptly.
- A participant describes the stress of late-night order entries, particularly when shows are not closed on time, and highlights the challenges of balancing a full-time job with consulting duties.
- Another participant shares a tactic of leaving a message for hosts to prompt them to close the show, which often results in a quick response.
- One participant reflects on their experience with hosts who agree to close promptly but often delay, noting the mixed results of after-show orders.
- Another consultant reports successfully closing shows the night of about 90% of the time, emphasizing the benefits of having hosts prepared with orders and payments collected.
- A participant mentions the potential for additional orders after the closing date to be treated as a Catalog Show.
- One participant recounts a specific situation where they had to reach out to guests to prompt a host to close the show, suggesting this approach may be more effective than direct communication with the host.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Views differ on the effectiveness of strategies for closing shows promptly, with some participants sharing successful methods while others express frustration over delays and lack of host responsiveness. No clear consensus emerges on a single approach that works for all.
Contextual Notes
Participants share experiences from their own consulting practices, highlighting the variability in host behavior and the impact on their ability to close shows efficiently.
Who May Find This Useful
Consultants seeking to understand different approaches to managing show closures and the potential impacts on guest perceptions may find this discussion relevant.
Melissa78
Gold Member
- 1,121
letscook04
Gold Member
- 2,280
This is the $1 million dollar question for me! I am getting ready to leave on an extended vacation and asked every one of my August hosts to close the night of the show (or at least within 3 days). They all said "ok" and yet one was almost 3 weeks and my last one was last night. I host coach closing the night of the show and still nothing. I applaud those consultants who are able to achieve this. So many times the host is prepared to close the night of the show to then have a guest arrive and want to take the book home to show a family member. Sometimes it is a double edge sword. Half of my shows come up with a lot of after show outside orders and then the other half come up with basically nothing. I work a FT job so my time on the phone and doing shows is a little limited. This would simplify my business so much....
chefcharity
- 700
I close my shows the night of about 90% of the time. Everytime I talk to them in the host coaching I remind them to have all orders and money collected. I say something along the lines of' 'that way, after the show the only thing left to do is unpack and deliver the products!' They have already been working on orders for probably 3 weeks, it is nice to just be done with it! I do have those hosts who have smaller shows or just know that so and so is going to order. And, actually, if they are pretty far from the next level, we go ahead and do everything to close and I give them, say, 2 days to get their other friends order. If I don't hear from them, I send it. I also encourage them to have their wish list made out so that it makes shopping easier after the show.
Not to mention, the turn around is INCREDIBLE!! The guest can get their products in days!
My director swears by it and I try to also. I am not a hard nose when it comes to it, but after they close a show the first time like that, the host usually doesn't want to go back.
You can also put a line on your invites that says something like "we'll be closing this show on 'x' date, so if you cannot attend, please let your host know what you would like before then" Not those words exactly, but still...
Not to mention, the turn around is INCREDIBLE!! The guest can get their products in days!
My director swears by it and I try to also. I am not a hard nose when it comes to it, but after they close a show the first time like that, the host usually doesn't want to go back.
You can also put a line on your invites that says something like "we'll be closing this show on 'x' date, so if you cannot attend, please let your host know what you would like before then" Not those words exactly, but still...
pampered1224
Silver Member
- 3,768
I feel for you too Ann! I had one lady who works her butt of at a full time job, sometimes until late at night. Her party was August 1st. We closed on August 21st! I was getting e-mails from her guests and I returned the e-mails simply stating that your host has not closed. Check with her. They did and I finally got her attention that way. If you have the e-mail addresses of the guests, shoot them a quicky asking them to contact their host! That might be better than you nagging her as she seems to enjoy ignoring you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to delay show closings in direct sales?
Delaying show closings refers to postponing the finalization of sales and orders after a party or event has concluded. This can happen for various reasons, such as waiting for additional orders or trying to accommodate guests who may not have been able to make a purchase during the show.
How can delaying show closings affect my guests' perception of the event?
Delaying show closings may lead guests to feel uncertain about the purchasing process. If they perceive that the event is dragging on, they might question the efficiency of the host or the company, potentially leading to a negative impression of both the event and the products being offered.
Will guests be less likely to make a purchase if the show closing is delayed?
Yes, guests may be less likely to make a purchase if they feel that the closing process is prolonged. A timely closing can create a sense of urgency and excitement, while delays can diminish that enthusiasm and lead to indecision among potential buyers.
What are some strategies to avoid delaying show closings?
To avoid delays, consider setting a clear timeline for the event and communicating it to guests. Encourage immediate purchases during the show, and provide a streamlined process for placing orders. Additionally, follow up promptly after the event to finalize any outstanding orders.
How can I improve my guests' experience while managing show closings effectively?
To enhance your guests' experience, focus on clear communication throughout the event. Keep them engaged and informed about the closing process, and ensure they feel valued. Offering incentives for immediate purchases can also motivate guests to finalize their orders without delay.
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