My First Open House-Tips Please!

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Discussion Overview

This thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and tips related to hosting open house events for Pampered Chef products. Various aspects of planning and executing these events are discussed, including food preparation, scheduling, and guest turnout.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, emphasizes the importance of not over-preparing food, sharing that they had a lot left over at their event.
  • Another participant suggests keeping demonstrations short and preparing most items in advance to better manage guest interactions.
  • One user notes that hosting on a Sunday may not be ideal, as it tends to be a family day, based on their observations of past events.
  • Conversely, another participant mentions that their hosts prefer Sundays to avoid competing events, indicating that preferences may vary by group.
  • One participant shares their experience of inviting many guests but having low turnout, resulting in a successful sales outcome despite no bookings.
  • Another participant recounts a similar experience with low attendance despite a large invitation list, highlighting the unpredictability of guest turnout.
  • One participant mentions their strategy of holding drawings to encourage early attendance and collect outside orders.
  • Another participant expresses a positive outlook despite a disappointing turnout, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive attitude.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best day to host an open house, with some participants advocating for Sundays while others caution against it. There is no clear consensus on food preparation strategies, as experiences vary widely.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences from their open house events, reflecting a range of outcomes and strategies employed. The nature of these events appears to be influenced by local customs and individual circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights into hosting open house events may find the shared experiences and tips relevant to their planning and execution efforts.

Christa
Messages
256
I am having my first open house and unveiling the HWC and mid season products. Its a Mystery Host Show (one guest will win the free product value). I really want this to be a successful party and get lots of bookings.

Please give me all of your best tips for an open house success!
Thanks!:)
 
Hi Christa!
The one thing I recommend is not going overboard with food. I had a ton left over and I even put in the invitation that I would have plenty of food. Another thing is to do a demo but make it very short and have most things prepared ahead (I had the Tomato Basil Squares). This is because if people are coming in and out at differnt times you'll want to be able to take orders and answer questions. HTH!
 
Last edited:
I would recommend not having it on a Sunday. That seems to be a family day and everyone I know who has had one on that day didn't have much luck.

Make sure you OVERINVITE! Just like you tell your hosts to do.

And do reminder calls. Remember that people do forget about these things and a personnal reminder from you will really help!!
 
SundayFunny, my hosts like doing Sunday because they know they don't have to compete with other events like soccer and stuff. Every group of people is different so go with what time/day you find best and schedule it....BEE
 
I had mine in March on a sunday...I overinvited like crazy and only 10 people came..it was a drop in and most of the people came right at the start. I didn;t demo anything but did have PC recipes made...it ended up being a $600show..but unfortunatly no bookings.
 
My open house was on a Sunday - 2 people showed up and I invited over 150. Oh well. I had food left over, but luckily my church serves snacks at the evening service. I took them all up there.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Its on a Sunday 4/30 from 2-4...seems everyone has kids' sports on sat. here. I'm doing drawings every 15 min. to get people here early. Hoping to collect more outside orders. I'm going to stay positive!
 
I had an open house last night for the entire neighborhood. I also invited 35 friends and family. Only 5 of my family members showed up and NO NEIGHBORS! lol... I had tons of food too. It was horrendous. But it's okay, things like this happen to some but not to all. I hope this doesn't happen to you. I'm usually very positive on things, and I really don't want to shower you with negativity. I just needed to vent. :)

Good luck with your show!!! :)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I include in my first open house invitation?

Your invitation should include the date, time, and location of the open house, as well as a brief description of what guests can expect. Highlight any special promotions or giveaways, and encourage them to bring friends. Make sure to include RSVP details to help you plan accordingly.

How can I create an inviting atmosphere for my open house?

To create an inviting atmosphere, consider setting up a welcoming entryway with decorations that reflect the Pampered Chef brand. Use tablecloths, banners, and product displays to showcase your items. Play soft background music and ensure the space is clean and well-lit. Providing refreshments can also enhance the experience.

What products should I showcase at my first open house?

Focus on showcasing best-sellers and new products that are popular among customers. Consider demonstrating a few items in action, such as kitchen tools or cooking gadgets. Highlight products that are versatile and can be used for various cooking tasks, as this can attract more interest.

How can I encourage guests to make purchases during the open house?

Offer exclusive discounts or promotions for attendees who make purchases during the event. Consider having a drawing for a free product or gift basket for those who buy something. Additionally, share your personal experiences with the products to create a connection and encourage guests to see their value.

What follow-up actions should I take after the open house?

After the open house, follow up with attendees by sending thank-you notes or emails expressing your appreciation for their attendance. Include a summary of the products showcased and any special offers that may still be available. This is also a great opportunity to invite them to future events or to join your mailing list for updates.

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