Okay, Now I'm Confused... Do I Do the Booth?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the considerations and experiences related to participating in a booth at a home-based business event. Participants share their thoughts on costs, potential outcomes, and personal experiences at similar events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, shares that a previous director advised against paying for a booth out of pocket due to uncertain returns.
  • Another participant notes that success at fairs can vary greatly depending on the consultant's approach and engagement with attendees.
  • One participant mentions their experience of splitting booth costs with others in their cluster to manage expenses.
  • Another participant highlights the benefits of indoor events compared to outdoor ones, suggesting that being new to the business can still provide valuable experience.
  • Several users mention the importance of being proactive and engaging with potential customers to maximize opportunities at the booth.
  • One participant emphasizes the need for follow-up with leads generated during the event to ensure potential bookings.
  • Another participant expresses confidence in the potential for success, encouraging a positive mindset and goal-setting.
  • One participant suggests using drawings to attract leads and emphasizes the importance of collecting contact information for follow-up.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the potential success of participating in a booth, with some participants expressing caution regarding costs and others encouraging participation for the experience and potential leads.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and insights based on their own involvement in similar events, reflecting a range of outcomes and strategies.

Who May Find This Useful

New consultants or those considering participating in booths may find the shared experiences and insights relevant to their decision-making process.

C
chelynn
I called my director about finding someone to cover some of the hours of the booth at the mall (home-based business event). She gave me the name of another director who did it last year to find out if one person was enough to cover the booth. I just got off the phone with her, and she said she wouldn't do it if I'm paying the $250 out of my own pocket. Last year she sold about $300 and had 2 bookings that were small shows.

Basically, her speech was that it was a crap shoot, and if I had to pay all the money myself she wouldn't advise doing it. She also said if she hadn't used her $50 from the company this month she would have given it to me. So then I called my director back, and she said she could get me her $50.

So it would be $200 out of my pocket, at least initially, until someone could cover the six hours I can't work, which adds up to about $50.

Again (and sorry for being repetitive), would you still do it? I'm such a flake, LOL!
 
Remember every consultant has different results at fairs. Some consultants are more approachable than others and more outgoing than others. I have been at fairs where some consultants do not get any leads because they are just sitting there looking bored and others that do very well because they look like they are enjoying themselves.

If you want to do the expo and feel confident then I would go ahead and do it. Remember to stand up and talk to the customers and give them usage ideas for all the products that they are looking so that they want to have a party and order from you.
 
A mall sounds like a good demographic.

I bought a booth at an Italian Festival in a strip mall and sold the hours I couldn't cover. It was $200 for the booth. It was a Friday night, all day Saturday 10AM-10PM, and Sunday 12-6. No way could I go that long without help.

I emailed everyone in my cluster, and some people went for it, so we split the cost.
 
Well, in a way she is correct. Any fair/booth etc. is a crap shoot. It's inside, correct? Lately anytime I do an outdoor craft fair or flea market the weather does not cooperate.
So indoors is a bonus!

But I would say since you are so new to the business, it can't hurt. If nothing else it is great experience. Also, it's great that they are willing to front you some of the $, so in a way turning it down would be like turning down free cash.

You may want to do a little word of mouth to your contacts "Come and see me at the mall!" If you have some people who are on the fence, seeing you there looking all legitimate may get them off the fence.
 
Get the Booth CDS on supply order It's a very good set
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Interesting tip Kathy! I will look into that! :)

Okay, enough wishy-washy. I'm going to do it! It's going to be great! I'm going to talk to everyone! I have decided that it's not about whether "the event" will be good. It's about whether *I* will do my job. And I plan to do it! I want to be a Future Director! I want to have a full show calendar! And I am the one who will make that happen, not a booth in a mall on the right day at the right time.

Right? ;)
 
Chelsea,
there are some threads about door prize drawing slips for fairs and stuff on here, I will look and see if I can find them for you and you can have them fill out the slips for a free gift at TOH I am giving away a $20 gc reedemable through me (Only) and they have to have it filled out completly to win and then I know I sound like a broken record but follow up is the key!
 
Go for it. Do not have the director come in for the hours you can't at YOUR cost!! It can be a "crap shoot" if you don't go into it with a goal and a positive attitude. You have to be assertive. Talk to everyone!! and follow-up with any type of lead within 48 hours. At a recent fair, my 4 hours resulted in 6 bookings on my calendar and 4 recruit leads. The consultant on the other shifts, encouraged people to enter her drawing, but let them walk away after saying, "It's been so long since I've had a show." Hello!!! Grab your calendar and introduce some of your favorite new items and ask which day of the week works best for a show. Tuesday or Thursday? At our other fair, another vendor was interested in purchasing a large order of our spatulas. The vendor spoke with someone in the PC booth (not me- another shift). about his business, but didn't mention the large order. No one followed up with him as a potential hosts/client. His secretary called me about setting up a time to see his products. I told her I was very busy with my Pampered Chef business. She said she was glad to know I was a PC consultant because her boss wanted to order some spatulas to give to his clients as gifts. He didn't have time to go visit the PC booth again during the fair. If I met with him in September, she would place the order with me. I had spoke to her boss during a slow time at the fair, I asked him questions about his business, and I entered his drawing. He just purchased 40 large spatulas from me. Add that up. I just got a hefty check!! Just ask!!!
 
Last edited:
I think I would give a shot! You can do it! Just have some faith and I am sure you will do just fine! If you don't spend some to get business, how are you going to make money?? Plus it would give you experience in this type of situation!
 
For $200.00 - I would do it!! I am sure you will recoop your $$ and then some....

I have always had some success at booths. I guess it depends on how you define success. You will be getting your name out to hundreds of potentials - wher you wouldn't have otherwise...

My .02
 
Definitely go for it, Chelsea! Since you are such a new consultant, this is an easy way to let a lot of people know you are in the area.

Make it your goal to double what the last person did (nah! triple!). Make sure you have some kind of drawing to get leads (free party or give away a handmade gift certificate.). There are a lot of ideas on this site.

I can't wait to hear how things go ;)
 
Just a quick tip someone else might have already said this but when you do a drawing let people know that the slip needs to be filled out completely in order for them to be eligible to win. First of all you will need contact info to give them their prize but also you need contact info in order to do a follow up.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a booth in the context of direct sales?

A booth in direct sales refers to a designated space at an event, such as a fair, festival, or expo, where a representative showcases and sells products. For Pampered Chef, this means setting up a display of kitchen tools and gadgets to attract potential customers.

Should I do a booth if I'm new to Pampered Chef?

Yes, doing a booth can be a great way to gain exposure and experience. It allows you to interact with potential customers, demonstrate products, and build your network. However, make sure to prepare adequately and understand the products you are showcasing.

What are the benefits of having a booth?

Having a booth can provide several benefits, including increased visibility for your Pampered Chef business, the opportunity to connect with potential customers face-to-face, the ability to demonstrate products in real-time, and the chance to generate immediate sales and leads for future follow-ups.

How do I prepare for a booth event?

To prepare for a booth event, start by gathering all necessary materials, including product samples, catalogs, order forms, and promotional materials. Plan an attractive display, practice your product demonstrations, and consider offering incentives, such as discounts or giveaways, to attract visitors to your booth.

What should I do if I feel overwhelmed about doing a booth?

If you're feeling overwhelmed, start by breaking down the tasks into manageable steps. Reach out to your upline or fellow consultants for advice and support. Consider attending a training session or watching online tutorials about booth setups and sales techniques. Remember, practice makes perfect, and each event will build your confidence.

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