Maximizing Success at a Booth/Fair: Tips for Holiday Bazaar Vendors

[cookingwithdot]

This has probably already been discussed many times over, but what do I need if I do a Holiday Bazaar? Assuming I have no inventory (I don't!), what do I take? Just all of my samples, catalogs and order forms? Should I do a raffle for something? The one I am considering is also a fundraiser, so they want a small product (??) to raffle off and 10% of sales. Is this just the sales at the show or sales from any parties I book?
Thanks

 

[kdangel518]

I usually set up a display with popular items and seasonal items- borrow things from my director. I have one coming up in two weeks and this is what my display will include- I will use the snowman tablecloth (borrowing my director's, didn't make it to conference this year), popular items such as DCB, mandolin, food chopper, my tool turnabout loaded with stuff, a few cookbooks to display (especially the holiday desserts one), trifle bowl filled with XMas balls, small bowl/caddy set with red and white peppermint candies, cranberry Simple Additions pieces, beaded serving pieces, a few Bamboo serving pieces, snowman platter and app plates

I will do a drawing for a free cooking show- I have guests fill out customer care forms and put them in a batter bowl (everyone wins, btw- they just don't know that )

I don't hand out catalogs or have them out on the table. I have one or two catalogs in binders available for guests to flip through if they'd like to place an order. If they want a catalog they must fill out a customer care form- I will mail it to them and follow up with them after they've received it. Putting out/handing out catalogs at an event like this is a good way to quickly loose catalogs!

As far as the raffle, you can just give them something small- for my upcoming fair we're giving them the 1-2-3 dip set to raffle off. Maybe we'll put it in a cute little basket with a catalog. As far as the donation, just sales from this actual event- not from bookings, but they would get $3 from each booking. I would set it up as a fundraiser in P3.

GL and enjoy!

Oh, and be sure to have plenty of recipe cards with your info to hand out- that is what I always hand out to people at fairs. That and a coupon for $5 off their next order or something similar if you're feeling generous

 

[cookingwithdot]

I usually set up a display with popular items and seasonal items- borrow things from my director. I have one coming up in two weeks and this is what my display will include- I will use the snowman tablecloth (borrowing my director's, didn't make it to conference this year), popular items such as DCB, mandolin, food chopper, my tool turnabout loaded with stuff, a few cookbooks to display (especially the holiday desserts one), trifle bowl filled with XMas balls, small bowl/caddy set with red and white peppermint candies, cranberry Simple Additions pieces, beaded serving pieces, a few Bamboo serving pieces, snowman platter and app plates

I will do a drawing for a free cooking show- I have guests fill out customer care forms and put them in a batter bowl (everyone wins, btw- they just don't know that )

I don't hand out catalogs or have them out on the table. I have one or two catalogs in binders available for guests to flip through if they'd like to place an order. If they want a catalog they must fill out a customer care form- I will mail it to them and follow up with them after they've received it. Putting out/handing out catalogs at an event like this is a good way to quickly loose catalogs!

As far as the raffle, you can just give them something small- for my upcoming fair we're giving them the 1-2-3 dip set to raffle off. Maybe we'll put it in a cute little basket with a catalog. As far as the donation, just sales from this actual event- not from bookings, but they would get $3 from each booking. I would set it up as a fundraiser in P3.

GL and enjoy!

Oh, and be sure to have plenty of recipe cards with your info to hand out- that is what I always hand out to people at fairs. That and a coupon for $5 off their next order or something similar if you're feeling generous

Thanks for the great tips!!!:chef:

 

[Chef Bobby]

This has probably already been discussed many times over, but what do I need if I do a Holiday Bazaar? Assuming I have no inventory (I don't!), what do I take? Just all of my samples, catalogs and order forms? Should I do a raffle for something? The one I am considering is also a fundraiser, so they want a small product (??) to raffle off and 10% of sales. Is this just the sales at the show or sales from any parties I book?
Thanks

I've done a booth like that. Turn your booth into a fundraiser show for them and they automaticly get 10 or 15%. Once you leave for the day, any future sales or bookings are just yours. Make the give away item something that you can get back as the host of the fundraiser for 60% off.

 

[Wildfire]

for your helpHi there! I can definitely understand your concerns about preparing for a Holiday Bazaar. It sounds like you're on the right track by thinking about taking your samples, catalogs, and order forms. Those are definitely essentials to have on hand at any event. As for a raffle, that's a great idea! It's always a good idea to offer something special or exclusive to draw in potential customers. As for the fundraiser aspect, it's important to clarify with the organizers if they want a percentage of sales from just the event, or any parties that are booked as a result of the event. It's always best to communicate and make sure everyone is on the same page. Best of luck at the Bazaar! Let me know if you have any other questions.