Maximize Sales at Our Holiday Open House on 11/17 - Door Prizes & Booking Tips!

[tinat51796]

I'm not sure where to post this so I'll start here. I"m doing a holiday open house with a couple other vendors on 11/17 and I seem to be in charge. What can I do to really boost my sales and bookings that day? Any suggestions for door prizes? I haven't had a booking since the end of September (except three catalog shows) and I really want to get this business moving. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tinat51796]

Is there anybody out there? :sing:

 

[whiteyteresa]

I am doing a multi-vendor event that same day

I am going to offer a $25 gift certificate for when they close there show - right now who couldn't use a little extra free stuff this time of year

I am also offering 15% off individual orders - I will just attach it to the host order so I won't lose anything

~

 

[tinat51796]

If you attach it to the host order does the customer still have the info they need for the guarantee? thanks for the info!

 

[whiteyteresa]

I tell them that because I am giving them such a great deal, that if they have any problems with there products that they need to contact me and I will take care of it for them - they won't have to deal with HO - I will do that for them.

Never had a problem.

Also, I print the host receipt before I add to her order and then I have the order shipped to me.

~

 

[beepampered]

I would focus on getting people to the show. The door prize is a bonus for these folks but means nothing if they aren't there. Invite everyone you know, have the other vendors invite everyone they know, put out signs, advertise on local lists like craigslist.com. Then, be friendly to everyone who walks through the door and pump up a holiday show. Good luck.

 

[whiteyteresa]

You can advertise on craigslist a multi-vendor event???

Are you sure???

~

 

[tinat51796]

I would focus on getting people to the show. The door prize is a bonus for these folks but means nothing if they aren't there. Invite everyone you know, have the other vendors invite everyone they know, put out signs, advertise on local lists like craigslist.com. Then, be friendly to everyone who walks through the door and pump up a holiday show. Good luck.

Really? I thought we couldn't advertise on craiglist. That would help a lot I bet if I can do that!

 

[cathyskitchen]

Really? I thought we couldn't advertise on craiglist. That would help a lot I bet if I can do that!

No, you can't, unless you don't mention PC at all, and then what's the point?? Personal invitations and follow up calls is the way to go.I've never had much luck with these. I invite TONS of people (over 600 people last year!) and only had 3 show up. I got orders from others, but that was it. It was so much work for not so much, so I'm not doing one again.

 

[whiteyteresa]

I didn't think so - but I just went and look and I found two people in maryland selling/advertising on there

 

[tinat51796]

I was just thinking about this before the responses came back. So I can't post an ad announcing the open house, location and different vendors? what about just the "types" of vendors?

 

[DebbieSAChef]

Don't be specific

I was just thinking about this before the responses came back. So I can't post an ad announcing the open house, location and different vendors? what about just the "types" of vendors?

Try to be vague in your craigslist ad like this:

Holiday Open House - November 25 - Time - Address -

Multiple vendors will be available to assist with your holiday shopping needs. Jewelry, kitchen products, beauty products, photo card creations, etc....

Don't miss this wonderful event. Enjoy snacks as you browse and get an early start on your holiday shopping. Don't wait until the last minute to finish getting something for everyone on your shopping list. Perfect for every budget and also door prizes for those who attend.

I think this would be ok. What do you think? Anyone?

Also I agree try to get the word out about this event. Flyers everywhere. Especially the neighborhood it will take place in. The more people you invite the better your chance of having more sales. And that's what's important. I don't really expect to get as many bookings as orders. Although I wouldn't mind but usually people come to vendor events to shop right then and there. But you never know.

Debbie

 

[tinat51796]

Yeah, Debbie, that's what I was thinking. Just listing the types of products that everyone offers. Plus lots of signs posted in the neighborhood...grocery stores, coffee shops, and we are all mailing invitations to all of our customers.