Maximizing Sales: Tips for Hosting a Successful Preview Event"

[wadesgirl]

I have never had my own show except for my kick off show. I've always thrown around the idea of doing a spring/fall preview sale but have never got around to it. My biggest problem is my customers are spread out all over. I thought about doing 2, one in the morning in my home town and one in the evening in the current town I live in. But then who do you invite? Everyone? Past hosts? Anyone who has had good experience and want to share I would appreciate it!

 

[ChefBeckyD]

When I first started doing them - I invited my whole customer base (because it wasn't that big) but now I invite past hosts and a few preferred customers (ones that order big on a regular basis) and encourage them to bring guests.

My last one in August (and I had to change the date last minute) I had 16 attend, sales were only so-so....but I got several bookings. Bookings are my main goal when I do one of these.

 

[j&k'smom]

I have seen some other posts about open houses, but I'm interested in what everyone is doing this season. What are you calling your open house? How long will it be and what is your agenda?

 

[cookinforyou]

I am having one on the 27th and calling it the Spring Product Preview & Recipe Sampling Mystery Host Show

 

[esavvymom]

If you are looking to do something for Spring Product- why not do it the end of THIS month if you have a date, and make it a Stoneware Workshop but also a spring-preview (to get bookings). The stoneware workshop might get a few sales since stoneware is going UP in price (about 10%)....(make sure you mention that and that they are on SALE right now!). Then have a big sneak-peak of the Fabulous spring line (i'd put it on a table under a sheet, for a big reveal!

 

[wadesgirl]

If you are looking to do something for Spring Product- why not do it the end of THIS month if you have a date, and make it a Stoneware Workshop but also a spring-preview (to get bookings). The stoneware workshop might get a few sales since stoneware is going UP in price (about 10%)....(make sure you mention that and that they are on SALE right now!). Then have a big sneak-peak of the Fabulous spring line (i'd put it on a table under a sheet, for a big reveal!

That's what I was thinking about doing. I have the last Saturday open this month.

 

[melatc]

Never call it an open house - people think they can come & go - if you want to do an actually "party", you just want them to show up & enjoy the party!I am doing one, calling it a Mystery Host Party & sending mini-catalog invites. They will get tickets for RSVPs (and, 5 if they bring a friend), 1 ticket for every $20 they spend, and 5 tickets for booking a party that night. It's also an "or" party, where they can come Tuesday night or Saturday morning...giving an option, and hopefully they will be available for one or the other.

 

[wadesgirl]

I'm leaning more to do this if I can find a location to host the show in my area (my house doesn't work well). Should I send mini invites to entice those who cannot come or just send a flyer?

 

[Chefstover2]

I call mine either Host Appreciation or Last Chance, First Glance event (this one is for my preferred customers).