Maximizing Sales at Fairs: Do Catalogs Still Play a Role?

[krzymomof4]

Do you all think it is necessary to hand out catalogs at a fair? I have a small fair that I am participating in this weekend. I only have a few catalogs left and I am not really in the position to buy more fall catalogs. Plus I am afraid I will be stuck with them. Would it be bad if I just had a few on the table for them to place orders?

 

[sillylittlechef]

I never give out full catalogs at shows...unless they are old ones. I try to print some sort of flyer that maybe highlights the host benefits. I have wedding registy flyers to hand out and have the host and guest specials for the next few months posted where people can see them. I keep a catalog that I've put in a binder on the table so each page is protected otherwise if they see catty's they ask for catty's. If they do ask I have them fill out a drawing slip and mail them one. Of course, after the fair I try to call them first to try for bookings and to make sure they really want a catty. If they don't really seem interested I don't send it. One question to ask..What products specifically were you interested in getting more info about? If they don't have an answer I think they were just asking to have a catalog so you leave them alone. Good luck at your fair.

 

[jodistrauss]

What about the mini cats? Just make sure your info is on them somewhere.

 

[krzymomof4]

Great idea about the binder. I think I am going to give that a shot.

 

[Kathytnt]

I wil occasionally give a full catalog or offer to give them one if they will give me their mailing address I can't afford to give one to every person to take home and through in the trash - The mini-cats are great

 

[gratergirl]

I give out mini catty's at the fair booths and that always has my info on it. I make up a tri fold display board and on it I list the benefits of being a consultant, the host specials (and benefits) for the present and next month, different theme shows I do, wedding registries, and I also paste a few recipe card sto it to give it some color. This way, if I'm talking to someone, others can look at what they will get if they book a show. Just some ideas. I also put confetti in the quick stir pitcher and pump it while people walk by and it gets their attention. Hoep all goes well for you! But if you have old catty's.......save them ......you never know when you'll be doing a booth!

 

[chee65]

I never give out full catalogs at shows...unless they are old ones. I try to print some sort of flyer that maybe highlights the host benefits. I have wedding registy flyers to hand out and have the host and guest specials for the next few months posted where people can see them. I keep a catalog that I've put in a binder on the table so each page is protected otherwise if they see catty's they ask for catty's. If they do ask I have them fill out a drawing slip and mail them one. Of course, after the fair I try to call them first to try for bookings and to make sure they really want a catty. If they don't really seem interested I don't send it. One question to ask..What products specifically were you interested in getting more info about? If they don't have an answer I think they were just asking to have a catalog so you leave them alone. Good luck at your fair.

This is what do too. My guest catalogs are also in binders. Works great.

 

[chee65]

I give out mini catty's at the fair booths and that always has my info on it. I make up a tri fold display board and on it I list the benefits of being a consultant, the host specials (and benefits) for the present and next month, different theme shows I do, wedding registries, and I also paste a few recipe card sto it to give it some color. This way, if I'm talking to someone, others can look at what they will get if they book a show. Just some ideas. I also put confetti in the quick stir pitcher and pump it while people walk by and it gets their attention. Hoep all goes well for you! But if you have old catty's.......save them ......you never know when you'll be doing a booth!

I love this idea. I need to put a tri-fold together for my next fair.

 

[DebbieJ]

I only give a catalog if they give me their information. Otherwise, I set old catalogs on the table that are free for the taking. I have a bunch from Spring/Summer 2006 that I will be giving away on Saturday!

 

[pamperedharriet]

This is a great way of getting rid of old catalogs. I've attached what I put on my old catalogs.

 

[gilliandanielle]

I did a huge fair last fall and have been on both sides of this. I really wanted a Tupperware catalog and she wasn't handing any out. I don't really see the point of her being there if I still have to track down her website, etc. On the other hand, I was in the PC booth and gave out over 200 catalogs. I got two orders...

I think the most important factor at fairs is getting the drawing slips filled out! Have a drawing for something that draws people in. Have a few catalogs available for on the spot orders, but another option is you can have half sheets of bright paper with your website and ordering instructions so they can see the products online. Depending on when you do the fair you could say that you don't have catalogs because they are about to change and they can be the first ones to see the new stuff by logging on or hosting in March!

 

[pamperedharriet]

Very good point, Gillian! Like the website flyer idea. Mentioning a new catalog usually does promote interest in booking!

 

[DizziePixie]

Don't let the name of the file fool you. There are coupons on all sorts of things. Each page is different. Make sure you change my info to yours!

I hand these out at fairs, maybe with mini-cats, depending on the crowd. If they have those goodie bags full of info, brochures, etc, use a little piece of double sided tape to attach a chocolate kiss or other piece of little candy so it stands out!

 

[Swirl]

Dizzie do you have this in Word? I don't have Publ. Does anyone know how to convert the two?