March Disappointments: Why My Best Month Turned into a Booking Struggle

[ChefJWarren]

February was my best month ever! However, my March is falling apart. :cry: Now I only have one catty show and one cooking show. I've been making calls for bookings, but most people want to book for April or "are checking their calendars"!

 

[PamperedbyKaren]

Anyone who bought something from you in the fall catalog, (such as a collipsable bowl) that you can call and tell them about the new catalog and the awesome new products? What about a expo or bridal show?

 

[chefsteph07]

Jessica, you and I both girl! I had a kick butt Feb (best ever, just like you) and I only have FOUR shows for March..I hope I get the $1250 for the HWC prods. And I currently have NOTHING for April, but I have 2 of my shows this weekend, so I am taking all the bamboo I own and hoping to get something on my calendar! Hang in there! I know I am!

 

[ChefJWarren]

I just booked a Power Cooking Show for the 21st! Still calling....

 

[chefsteph07]

Good for you! Keep calling!

 

[Jayne]

I did an Open House on the 1st. Ended up with $680 is sales and sold $300 in Cash 'N Carry. Food Cost was $75. Did most of the invitations by email and called a lot of people to tell them about it. I gave away the Host Benefits. I attached a printable invite to my email so they could print it out to remind them about the date or to pass on to a friend. I have attached it here!

 

[susanr613]

yes my march is techncially icky - 2 tables and 1 show

however, at that first table (on the first) i sold over $300, and got a booking and a recruit lead who practically jumped into my arms. she's graduating from culinary school in 2 weeks.

i have 6 shows booked for april and will keep calling for april and may.

as long as you are sure you can pull in $150/$200, let march go

 

[PCJenni]

My feb stunk... 100% cancellation rate! I have an open house tomorrow and all but 1 RSVP has cancelled.... I am getting really discouraged. I have never had this happen. I feel like the economy is making people depressed

 

[DessertDivaFL]

I did an Open House on the 1st. Ended up with $680 is sales and sold $300 in Cash 'N Carry. Food Cost was $75. Did most of the invitations by email and called a lot of people to tell them about it. I gave away the Host Benefits. I attached a printable invite to my email so they could print it out to remind them about the date or to pass on to a friend. I have attached it here!

I am having one tomorrow. I hope to do as well but would rather have 20 future bookings! Can I dream big, or what?

 

[Beth1170]

I had scheduled aSpring Preview show for tonight. Sent invites (a total of 60) a month ago with a Mystery Host incentive to collect outside orders. Only 1 taker on the mystery host orders. I started out today with 10 guests- now 2 hours to show time I have 3. What a bust!!!! I also had 5 cooking shows and 2 catalog show booked. This week, 1 catalog show backed out and 2 shows are post-poned until April. Better luck next time. I'm really disappointed- I wanted all of the HWC products.

 

[pcchefjane]

I am already at $860 for March! I had a $1600 February so did well there. I am going to be on the phone tomorrow to get my March up. I have about 10 people who have said they are interested in having a Show so I'll see. I am doing a KITK birthday party on the 14th and will hopefully get enough orders from that for a Show. I have 2 Catalog Shows already for April scheduled. That will be my next push. I can do this! I sent out 5 fundraiser packages this week so hopefully some of those will come through for April! GO CHEFFERS! We can do it!

 

[krafty119]

Jayne - what items do you get for cash and carry? Is that adventageous for you? Do you think if you didn't have those specific items - that people would place orders (thus buying more??) just wondering out loud here... THANKS for your advice!

 

[Crystal Patton]

I've been having problems with my shows early in the month for Feb and March - the hosts disappear or they reschedule. Arggg! My Mid-month deposit is going to suck, again!!

I MUST do better host coaching!!!

 

[tnelle]

I am right there with you. My April and May are filling up but my March I only have 2 shows and suppose to have a catalog show but have not been able to get in touch with the host to close it. I talked with her early last week and she didn't have any orders so we extended it so I am thinking she doesn't have anything but is just afraid to let me know. Hopefully I will be able to get a couple more shows this month.

 

[ChefMichele1]

Don't forget to send out an outlet email once in awhile. I was able to get $425 in sales in the last one that I sent out at the end of February. It really helped out in a month that I was really having trouble with bookings.