"Last Minute" Holiday Shopping Booth

[chefmelody]

I have the opportunity to do a "Last Minute Shopping" booth at a local church baazar type thing. It seems more craft-oriented, but I believe there will be retail and direct-sales as well.

Here's the thing... the fair is on Dec. 15th, which is our last day to submit orders for xmas delivery! Do you all think I should only take catalog orders there, or should I bring along some "pre-made" gifts, like cookie-layer batter bowls, or cookbooks, or trivets, or silicone trivet "stockings"?

My main worry is that if I bring a lot of stuff to sell, I might get stuck with it in the end... I suppose if I ordered it all within 30 days, I could just send it back, but I wonder if that would go against PC policy in some way.

 

[cmdtrgd]

I would do both. Bring what you can afford and when you run out, you run out. When people see that you have something in demand, they want it more!

 

[chefmelody]

I would do both. Bring what you can afford and when you run out, you run out. When people see that you have something in demand, they want it more!

I'd be more afraid of NOT running out.

 

[chef_kimmo]

I have attempted to have the batter bowls done up and tried to sell at craft fairs and was disappointed at really no sales. Maybe it was the craft fair that I was doing.

I agree with Kate, only do what you can afford and won't be upset that aren't sold once it is done.

You can always order them that night but remember those may not deliver until the day before Christmas and you may be busy that day and will have to add delivering products to your list of things to do.

 

[chefmelody]

You can always order them that night but remember those may not deliver until the day before Christmas and you may be busy that day and will have to add delivering products to your list of things to do.

Oh, I'd have everything direct-shipped... I'm not about to go running around delivering orders on Dec. 22nd!

 

[chef_kimmo]

Good deal. I just wanted to make sure you thought of that. Some people may not want to pay that extra cost though so be prepared.

I saw on another thread that someone was taking the coffee & more cups and was pairing them with hot chocolate mix and maybe a chocolate dipped spoon and nicely wrapping them. This may be an idea too. I am going to do that too for a small craft fair that I have next weekend.

 

[susan g]

I would make an example of different gifts you wanted to sell. Like 1 batter bowl mix pre-made for everyone to look at. Then I would take catalog orders and insist on direct shipping because it's so last minute. Give recipes, instructions, etc they will need to assemble their gifts when they order. At the very end of the day, you could even sell your examples if you didn't want to keep them.

 

[etteluap70PC]

Is this an established event with historically good attendance? If so I would feel safe bringing a few things to sell. The most popular for me when I do my county fair:
Pizza cutter
SM mix n scraper
Clasic scraper
Mix n chop
can opener
quick cut knives
seas best
mini serv. spatulas

just remember some people will always want something you do not have. You can not be expected to have one of everything on hand. If you do not end up selling them they make great host booking gifts (get it at their show when they book)

Just my .02

 

[ConnieR]

I have done some Christmas Bazaars in the past and the Batter Bowls, with the ingredients in them have gone well.

But, you need to make sure they are attractive! I usually put a great big ribbon on them and add a Season's Best too! A Mini-Serving Spatula is a great addition, also. (either SB and Spatula, or just one). I always make a colorful copy of the instruction portion (I think these are still on the PC Website under "recipes") of the recipe to add to it and of course the directions (both, on cardstock) tied with a ribbon too.

Make sure if you are doing several, that your "demo" one is displayed up front.

I have also discovered that if you talk about them, they are get more attractive to the buyer. Make it a one stop shop, have a bag (of course from the Dollar Store) to put it into so it will make it EASY and QUICK for the buyers!

 

[Jules711]

I'm doing up baskets (1/2 off from Hobby Lobby), small micro-cooker & batter bowls with different combos. A baker's set, essentials set (twix its, quikuts, sb, i-slice, etc), favorites (sm mix n scraper, mix n chop and such), seasonings, etc. The best sellers seem to be discontinued items so if you have things to get rid of, do it! I also sell a lot of the scrapers, mini spatula, mix n chop, small turner, & easy openers. Really the cheaper items. I've had more expensive things there too and sometimes they go, sometimes not. People do like to leave with a gift already done so having them ready to give is great. Having the demo out front and then the other in boxed prewrapped would be great. I plan to do that with a couple of items (like the decorator bottle set). I always love that at stores b/c I'm done with that gift when I buy it!

 

[Kodeysmom]

if you have a Family Dollar they have some wonderfule baskets right now for $3 and $5.