Maximizing Sales: My Experience with the No-Demo Format

[mrssyvo]

Well, I am not having as good of results as I expected with the no-demo format. I have done 4 shows in last week, using the no-demo format, and sales have been much lower than usual, as have bookings. I expected much better results, and I am not quite sure why I have not had the results I anticipated. It could be that I am not comfortable yet with the format, but I also think that people will buy the products that they see in action. I had 13 guests at the show last night, and sales is only at $325. Usually, when I have that many at a show, sales are AT LEAST $700. If anyone has any suggestions for me, please share. I do like not having to bring home dirty dishes, and I ask my hostesses at the end of the show how they feel about the format, and they all like it, because it is more relaxed, but I am not being of service to them, if the show totals are lower, they receive less in free product.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I always have a better show when I actually demo the products......not sure if it is personality or what, but the no-demo show doesn't work well for me either.

 

[krzymomof4]

What I have been doing is not demo ing the recipe, but bringing a potato or something to show how the products work.

 

[crystalscookingnow]

I don't have much luck with the no-demo shows either. I'm not sure why either. I feel like I need to be showing them something, even if it's just the cuke/lime or potato demo.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I thought about bringing the ingridence and have everyone at the show involved in making the recipe .... and demoing how the product works and I can talk about each product... BUT I am not sure how that would work....

 

[feather18]

yeah mrssvo,

How does your show go.. like what is your exact format? Do you demo some products with veggies and such, or do you talk about the products like a catalog walk thru,,? One thing you could try is getting them excited about the products, ask them what they have and why they like it..ect...? I dont know I havent done a no demo, and i am sure it would be VERY different.

 

[mrssyvo]

I have everyone tell their favorite products during intro's, and we find the product in the catalog. I talk about stoneware, cookware (with ice cube demo), Simple Additions and forged cutlery. I demo the mandoline and food chopper with a potato, and then go over some of the new products, and then the door prize slips. I am not quite sure what the difference is, but it is sure showing in my stats.

 

[feather18]

That sounds really good! I dont know why that would have affected your stats. Does the crowd seem to be having fun? That is crazy. Maybe it was the crowd? Hmm.. dono.

 

[krzymomof4]

Since I have done the no demo, it has not affected my sales, I think they actually went up a little.

 

[Brandi2007]

I am doing a no-demo show this weekend because she does not have the space for it. I am serving a salad and the 30 minute chicken. I will let you know how it goes.

 

[pamperedlinda]

I too tried the no-demo format for a short time. I did have good sales, but I could not get comfy with it so I went back to my regular presentation and demoing a recipe. It's better for me and more my style.

I know a lot of people have good luck with that format, for me it didn't work. You just have to do what you feel good doing.

 

[mommyhugz1978]

I sometimes get overwhelmed when I am doing a traditional demo and find myself having a hard time talking and cooking at the same time...... but I have found that if I ask everyone who has XXX product and what do they like about? before I start demoing it.... then I talk about the benefits of the product and what you can do with it...etc.. then I show them how to use it!!!

 

[mrssyvo]

I think I am more comfortable demoing the product and talking, and I think I am able to add more of my personality when I am demoing, rather than just "lecturing" My next show is next Saturday, and I am demoing, and I will see how it goes, then decide.

 

[feather18]

let us know how it goes! I hope it goes well and your sales shoot up!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I think I am more comfortable demoing the product and talking, and I think I am able to add more of my personality when I am demoing, rather than just "lecturing" My next show is next Saturday, and I am demoing, and I will see how it goes, then decide.

I think that is it for me too......I'm a comedienne......but I need props!

 

[mommyhugz1978]

Now props are a good thing...... if we know how to use them properly LOL!!!!