Last Minute Open House: Ideas for a Successful Event with Cash n Carry Items

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses strategies for hosting a last-minute open house event featuring cash n carry items, particularly in the context of a village-wide rummage sale. Participants share their experiences, ideas, and concerns about making the event successful.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses uncertainty about how to handle cash n carry items provided by their director, questioning whether to give her the cash made or reorder items.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of following up with potential hosts, suggesting that it is the consultant's responsibility to reach out.
  • One user mentions that if the director's items are meant to be sold quickly, she may prefer cash over reordering, which could limit the consultant's ability to increase orders.
  • Another participant notes that rummage sale shoppers typically seek bargains, suggesting that cash n carry items should be significantly marked down to attract buyers.
  • One consultant shares that some customers enjoy buying products on the spot, especially to avoid shipping and handling fees, recounting a successful sale at a booth.
  • Another participant suggests creating gift packages with slight discounts as a way to entice buyers, noting that these tend to sell quickly.
  • One participant expresses a lack of backstock for giveaways but plans to check what items their director can provide for the event.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best approach to cash n carry items and the effectiveness of following up with potential hosts. No clear consensus emerges regarding the best strategies for the open house event.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and ideas based on their individual circumstances and past events, with a focus on adapting to a last-minute opportunity.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for ideas and strategies for hosting open house events, particularly in informal settings like rummage sales, may find the shared experiences relevant.

M
missiemom
Messages
83
This is my first thread so please bear with me. My son's baseball tournament was canceled for this weekend & our town is having a village wide rummage sale. So last night I decided to throw together a last minute open house with some items as cash n carry. I am wondering if anyone has any ideas to help me make this a sucess? This is my third month and it's not looking to good. My first month was awesome, the second month I only had 1 show & so far I have nothing booked for this summer. I am waiting for 2 people to get back to me about a show. My director is awesome she's supplying me with her stuff for cash n carry, but I am not sure how that will work. Do I just give her the money I make on her items or do I reorder her items with whatever I have to order? HELP!!!!
 
missiemom said:
I am waiting for 2 people to get back to me about a show.
Click to expand...

It's not their job to call you back. It's YOUR job to follow up with them!

Get on the phone, girl!
 
As for the cash n carry, it's kind of up to her. If it's stuff she's trying to get rid of, she'll probably just want the cash. That doesn't help you a ton and it is nice to be able to replace them to increase your order. Good luck and definitely keep following up with people b/c they aren't thinking of you all the time. PC is your job and on your mind, but it's a fun thing to them and not high priority.Put out a drawing for a product or gift certificate (I saw on here recently...$10. Turn into $20 free at your show). That way you get new contacts.
 
be aware, however, that people who are shopping at a rummage sale are probably looking for a bargain and won't buy cash 'n' carry unless it's marked down a lot. But if you talk up the "get free stuff" aspect of hosting, you may get several bookings.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
I have been leaving messages for those 2 people but I don't want to be too pushy & call them more than once a week. I was planning on doing a thing that if they book June or July they'd receive an extra $20 free at their show. Also considering a drawing for the extra Trifle Bowl I have. Right now I'm printing up sheets for Theme Show Ideas to have hanging up.
 
Some people LOVE buying PC right on the spot though vs having to order and wait, especially if they can avoid s/h & tax. I've had people buy MY products that I've used b/c they just DID NOT order things. She spent about $100!! I told her that they'd have to be full price since I'd have to replace them. Of course, this was at a booth. I haven't done anything with rummage sales since my last one was when I FIRST signed up, but plan to do it next weekend. Oh...and people love gift packages. So putting a few things together with a slight discount go fast.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I like the idea of putting a few things together but I don't have much backstock or giveaway stuff. All I really have are Season's Best & TwixIt! clips. I guess I'll have to see what my Director all has for me when I stop after school. Thanks!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Last Minute Open House event?

A Last Minute Open House is a casual gathering where you showcase products, often with a focus on cash and carry items that guests can purchase on the spot. It's an opportunity to engage with customers, demonstrate products, and boost sales in a short time frame.

How can I effectively promote my Last Minute Open House?

Promote your event through social media, email newsletters, and personal invitations. Utilize eye-catching graphics and highlight any special offers or featured products. Consider creating a Facebook event page to keep attendees informed and engaged.

What types of cash and carry items should I offer?

Focus on popular, easily sellable items that are in demand, such as kitchen tools, cookbooks, or seasonal products. Ensure you have a variety of price points to cater to different budgets, and consider including exclusive items that are only available at the event.

How can I create an inviting atmosphere for my Open House?

Set up a welcoming space with good lighting and a clean, organized display of products. Use decorations that reflect the theme of your event, and consider offering refreshments to make guests feel comfortable and encourage them to stay longer.

What are some effective sales techniques to use during the event?

Engage with guests by demonstrating products and sharing personal stories about how you use them. Offer limited-time discounts or bundle deals to create urgency. Be approachable and ready to answer questions, and consider using a friendly competition or raffle to encourage purchases.

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