What are some ideas for a successful multi-vendor fundraiser?

[Chozengirl]

I'm doing a multi-vendor fundraiser this Sunday.
First of all, I've never done a fundraiser this big.
Secondly, it's a multi-vendor. She is having MaryKay, Cookie Lee, things people can walk away with. I want to give her a good return but I'm terrified that if I don't have tangible items they won't buy.
Then, I don't know what or how to show product and if I should do a Demo. I was thinking of just buying a few baguettes and doing oil dipping stuff and baguettes.

Please give me some ideas. I'm stressing BAD!!!:cry:

 

[byrd1956]

Keep it simple. Everyone will be vying for the customers. If you have SW Seasoning Mix, make a dip & use little pretzel sticks. I try not to have visitors get their hands messy. I take it you are to be taking orders since it is a fundraiser. It sounds like you have done events before; if this is really big, maybe you need to take a helper.

 

[Chozengirl]

Thanks for the dip and pretzel idea. That's a good one! Since it's on a Sunday, I'm not going to get much help. My family is active in church.This lady is seeming rude though. I kind of had a feeling not to do this. I just hope I'm wrong and it all turns out good!

 

[byrd1956]

I've always been told if I get 1 show the event was a success. One time it took over a year, but I was eventually contacted and a lady had a show...small, but a show. Then over a year later she ordered over $100 worth. So, you never know what the future holds. Smile and have fun.

 

[KatLdyKC]

Why not also do a pitcher of the Itty Bitty Bevs? You could get little plastic cups used to hold dressing for them to drink out of.

 

[byrd1956]

I like that idea, too!

 

[Deb Bixler]

Treat it like a vendor event. Maybe this video will give you some ideas.
http://www.createacashflowshow.com/building-show-business/speaker-of-the-year.htm

 

[aPamperedBride]

Just wondering how it went! It's too late for my suggestions to make a difference, but the best tip I heard for vendor fairs was to take as many new products as you can to display. That is the best way to guard against "I love Pampered Chef! I have this product, and that product and..." to where the shoppers think that they don't need anything you sell because they already own it all. I've been doing PC for 12 years on the side and even I don't own it ALL! Also, because it isn't cash and carry like the other vendors, it can help to have your entire catalog in a three ring binder with page protectors so that you don't burn through catalogs and to have a flier they can take to order direct on your website within 24 hours for a FREE Season's Best. That way, customers who don't have time to go through the whole catalog have an incentive to do so that night. When it is a fundraiser, I make the fliers point out the other benefits (spend $60, get FREE Ice Cream scoop and the fundraiser will get up to $9!)

I also recommend (if you do this in the future) having the cream cheese blocks topped with our sauces as something guests can try. By having four different selections, there's usually something most people want to taste and Pantry sales help generate repeat customers. Depending on the show setup, I've brought tools for guests to try different products (like a potato for the Ultimate Mandoline or nuts for the Food Chopper) or ingredients for me to make freezer meals for myself (showing off products, using my time well and giving potential hosts an idea of another type of show they can have.) I like to bring in some kind of interactive display when I can since our tools look best in action!