Maximizing Your Open House Turnout: Tips for Dealing with No RSVPs

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses challenges faced by participants in hosting open houses, particularly when dealing with low or no RSVP responses. Participants share their personal experiences and suggestions for improving turnout.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration over receiving no RSVPs for their upcoming open house and shares their experience of rescheduling due to low interest.
  • Another participant suggests that calling potential attendees may be necessary to encourage attendance.
  • One participant shares their own struggles with open houses, recommending personal invitations through flyers and door-to-door visits as a strategy they plan to use.
  • Another participant notes their lack of success at open houses, mentioning that past events yielded minimal responses.
  • One participant recounts a friend's successful open house experiences, contrasting them with their own and mentioning the distribution of flyers as part of their efforts.
  • Several participants discuss the perception that RSVPs are becoming less common, with one suggesting that people may hesitate to commit due to fear of missing out on other opportunities.
  • Another participant echoes the sentiment about RSVPs being a lost art, highlighting the ease of modern RSVP tools yet noting that many still do not respond.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for increasing open house turnout, with no clear consensus on the best approach to encourage RSVPs.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes and experiences related to hosting open houses, reflecting a range of outcomes and feelings about the RSVP process.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into hosting open houses and managing attendee responses may find the shared experiences relevant.

C
cookingwithhart
Messages
84
I have an Open House planned for tomorrow that I've received very few RSVP's for and no yes RSVP's. :cry: What do I do? I already rescheduled the darn thing once due to no RSVP's! I've had major computer issues all week, but a sent a reminder to everyone on Tuesday asking for RSVP's and got no response. I just sent another email to my girlfriends (that's how we communicate a lot) and I got a couple of no's. I really have other things I could do tomorrow night, if no one wants to come!
Thanks for your suggestions
 
Have you called people?

If you want people to come - you will have to call.
 
To be honest, I have had bad luck with my open houses as well. I would recommend making up a flyer and knocking on some of your neighbor's doors to invite them personally. Especially try to talk to people you don't know. I plan on doing the same thing in my new neighborhood at the end of the month. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #4
ChefBeckyD said:
Have you called people?

If you want people to come - you will have to call.
Click to expand...

I've spent every night on the phone with computer tech people for the past 12 days. Because my computer was messed up, so was my telephone...long-story. I finally got it straightened out at 10:00 last night. The open house is tomorrow. I've never had anyone other than my friends and family come to an Open House and I really don't have a problem telling them that it doesn't seem to be a good day for everyone. I just fear there's someone out there that hasn't RSVP'd that will decide to drop by! I guess I need to prepare for a small gathering and just stay at home and wait.
One of my friends that hadn't RSVP'd said she had planned on coming, but now couldn't...not sure why she didn't respond to my other two request for RSVP's! I guess I was just supposed to assume she was coming...funny!
 
I never have had luck at open houses. This spring I hosted a cooking show of my own and had a little bit of a response from past hosts as well as family - nothing major. I think some just shy away from "open house."
 
I have been invited to a friend's open house (she sells cookie lee), and she has a really good turn out every time. Last spring I collected about $200 in orders and booked 3 shows, and in December I collected $500 in orders. I don't know how she does it, but I hope she keeps me on her vendor list because I love it! At my last open house I did things exactly like she did and had an ok turnout, but still not as great as hers. I also passed out over 300 flyers around my neighborhood.
 
I think that RSVP is a lost art... a host said to me not long ago that she thinks people don't rsvp anymore because they fear that something more fun may come up and they don't want to be committed to whatever they should be rsvp'ing for... but rsvp's are for NO's and YES's ... it does get frustrating sometimes. I hope you have way more people show up than you are anticipating and have a great experience!
 
quiverfull7 said:
I think that RSVP is a lost art...
Click to expand...

My aunt is very knowledgeable on her ettiquette and she says exactly the same thing. Why can't people be bothered to pick up the phone for 10 mins and say "no"? And furthermore Evite makes it very simple to RSVP. There isn't even any contact required so if the answer is no, you don't get a guilt trip, but that seems too be too much of a put-out too.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have no RSVPs for my open house?

If you have no RSVPs, start by reaching out to your potential guests personally. Send a friendly reminder via text or social media, highlighting the benefits of attending and any special promotions or offers. You can also create a sense of urgency by mentioning limited-time deals or exclusive products available only at the event.

How can I promote my open house to encourage more attendees?

What strategies can I use to attract last-minute attendees?

To attract last-minute attendees, consider offering a last-minute promotion or discount for those who show up without an RSVP. You can also create a buzz on social media by posting live updates or sneak peeks of what’s happening at the event. Encourage your current guests to invite friends or family members on the day of the open house.

Should I change the date or time of my open house if I receive no RSVPs?

Before changing the date or time, consider reaching out to your target audience to understand their availability. If you find that the timing is inconvenient for most, it may be worth rescheduling. However, if you believe the date is suitable, focus on maximizing your outreach efforts instead of changing plans at the last minute.

How can I create a welcoming atmosphere to encourage walk-ins?

To create a welcoming atmosphere, ensure your space is inviting and well-organized. Set up a clear entrance with signage, provide refreshments, and have engaging activities or demonstrations planned. Greet everyone warmly as they arrive, and make them feel valued. A friendly and approachable demeanor can encourage walk-ins to stay and explore your offerings.

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