Is It Worth Participating in a Vendor Event Without Conducting Sales?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses the experiences and opinions of participants regarding participation in vendor events where sales are not permitted. Participants share their thoughts on the potential benefits of such events, including lead generation and networking opportunities.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant mentions being invited to a vendor event without the ability to take orders and seeks advice on how to proceed.
  • Another participant suggests focusing on collecting leads by offering a door prize and gathering contact information for follow-up.
  • Several users note that while direct sales may not occur, the primary goal should be to book parties and recruit new consultants.
  • One participant expresses confusion about the nature of an event that does not allow sales, highlighting that many attendees expect to purchase items.
  • Another participant shares their experience of attending vendor events primarily for networking and lead generation, rather than immediate sales.
  • One participant describes their strategy of providing recipe cards with contact information and engaging with attendees to create interest.
  • Another participant mentions the importance of follow-up and suggests having catalogs available for potential orders.
  • One participant shares a recent experience at a fundraiser event where they were also unable to take money but successfully generated bookings and a new recruit.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of vendor events without sales, with some participants emphasizing the importance of leads and networking, while others question the value of such events.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from various vendor events, highlighting different strategies and outcomes related to lead generation and recruitment.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering participation in vendor events without sales may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own situations.

R
Rossana
Gold Member
Messages
36
I had a local womens clothing store ask me to set up a table for a vendor event. Here's the catch: I can not take money/orders! What can I do? Should I even do it? HELP!
 
It's all about the leads. Provide a door prize and get their contact info so you can follow up. You are looking for hosts and recruits so set up the display with kit items and host favorites.
 
Plus people could let you know they were interested in ordering and you could call them later. Don't quite understand you not being able to do so at the store- but you can definately work around it.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
Thanks for you help!
 
Yes, I rarely get orders from vendor events anyways...its usually about the contacts and the parties booked. My question is, what kind of vendor event doesn't sell stuff? Many other direct sales companies do cash and carry, and many people come to vendor events to BUY stuff. If you do this, let us know how it was handled and how you did
 
I rarely ever go to an event with the goal of getting a lot of orders. My main focus is always booking leads and recruiting leads.
 
I've done some vendor events that didn't result in more than 2 sales - not worth it that day, but contacts were made. I would give out recipe cards (rather than an item) to everyone who stopped or seems interested - with your contact info on the front, of course! You may be able to take names, e-mails and phone numbers, to add to your newsletter list &/or call. Have a tri-fold board (like the kids use for science projects) or something similar, set up with host specials and guest specials, and some of our other literature. Offer a Free Show to hosts that book from this event - you bring the food but the host gets the Cooking Show benefits. I always say "Welcome to Pampered Chef World" as people go by my table, then if they stop, I ask what their favorite product is, have they seen "THIS" - which is a new product or the DCB, etc. Most of all - HAVE FUN!! I love doing vendor events.
 
Go with ample door prize slips, and have catalogs with order forms in them - "If you want to place an order, I'll call you this evening to collect your order". AND FOLLOW UP!
 
I actually am going to be setting up at a fundraiser event in a couple weeks. I am also not allowed to exchange money because it is on a college campus and that is their rule. However, I am going for exposure and hopefully to generate bookings. I set up a booth at an event a couple weeks ago and got 4 potential bookings and the friend I brought with me for company decided to become a Consultant, so I got my 1st recruit as well!!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth participating in a vendor event if I don't expect to make sales?

Participating in a vendor event can still be beneficial even if you don't anticipate immediate sales. It's an opportunity to network, build brand awareness, and connect with potential customers who may purchase from you later.

What are the benefits of attending a vendor event without selling?

Attending a vendor event allows you to showcase your products, gather leads, and engage with your target audience. You can also learn from other vendors and gain insights into market trends, which can help you improve your sales strategy.

How can I maximize my exposure at a vendor event if I'm not selling?

To maximize exposure, focus on creating an engaging booth display, offering samples, and collecting contact information for follow-up. Utilize social media to promote your presence at the event and encourage attendees to connect with you online.

Should I still invest in promotional materials for a vendor event?

Yes, investing in promotional materials like business cards, brochures, or giveaways can be worthwhile. These materials help reinforce your brand and provide attendees with a way to remember you, even if they don't make a purchase at the event.

What should I focus on during the event if sales aren't my goal?

Focus on building relationships and engaging with attendees. Use the event as a platform to educate potential customers about your products and gather feedback. This approach can help you refine your offerings and increase future sales opportunities.

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