Loud Adults, Crying Babies: Struggles of a Home Show Host

[pkd09]

I just had my second show in a row (Tues & Wed p.m.) that was so loud from adults talking/yelling at kids/chasing kids plus babies (under age 2) crying etc. At one point I really didn't know who I was talking to. Half of the people left without placing an order because they just didn't have time to look at the catalog. I know sometimes a sitter or dad isn't available but when I was raising my 4 kids I loved an opportunity to get out of the house without kids. Show sales are low on both of them. Doing a demo was virtually impossible. I am think about adding a line to my host coaching calls about "if small children are going to be in attendance ... " and change my show to no demo OR no hands on demo. Then I open my e-mail and find out a show on 5/20 just cancelled - UGG. I only had 4 shows for May and now 2 are small and one just cancelled. BUMMER. Just needed to let it out to someone who understands ... thanks for listening.

 

[raebates]

That's what we're here for. Don't get discouraged. These things happen to all of us at one time or another. It's just kind of cruddy that they happened to you all at once.

Pick yourself up. Dust yourself off. Make a fresh start.

 

[sillylittlechef]

My last show was incredibly loud also. There were children there, but mostly it was the rowdy adults. There were people there for the "party" not the demo or products. The show sales are really low and there were probably 20 people there! I really just gave up trying to talk. I literally was walking from room to room trying to catch people's attention to talk about the host benefits and the opportunity. I did get three bookings. These will be no demo shows because I don't have the patience for loud rude obnoxious guests who don't listen to my demo anyway.
It stinks when that happens, but I feel better about it since I got the three bookings.

 

[raebates]

Three bookings is great.

This doesn't happen to me often, but when it does, I wonder how people can be so rude. I mean, if they've ever been to a DS show before, they know there will be someone speaking. If they don't want to listen, they shouldn't come. (I know that sometimes things happen, but it sounds like this was one of those crowds that determined early in the evening to be obnoxious and rude.)

 

[Wildfire]

Hi there! I completely understand your frustration with having loud and distracted audiences at your shows. It can be difficult to focus and present a successful demo when there are so many distractions. It might be a good idea to add a line about children in your host coaching calls, as it can help set expectations for the guests. You could also consider offering a separate, kid-friendly activity or area for the children to play in during the show. As for the cancelled show, I know it can be disappointing, but just remember to stay positive and keep reaching out to potential hosts. Sometimes things don't go as planned, but it's important to keep pushing forward. Hang in there!