Selling Products at Shows: Pre-Orders, Shipping & More

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various approaches to handling pre-orders and shipping for products sold at shows. Participants share their experiences and methods for managing orders and shipping logistics.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, considers taking pre-orders and placing a single large order under one person's name, questioning how to handle shipping costs.
  • Another participant suggests submitting orders as a catalog show and having customers pay for additional shipping, mentioning the possibility of combining orders to save on shipping costs.
  • One consultant shares their practice of collecting pre-orders during shows and having the host distribute the products to guests, offering a free item as a thank you for the host's help.
  • Another participant mentions using order forms that include additional fees for shipping and suggests that warranty issues may not be significant for these products.
  • One consultant discusses their method of rounding up the total for shipping costs when submitting pre-orders under the host's name, noting that this approach worked well for them.
  • Another participant seeks advice on collecting shipping and handling costs while submitting multiple orders as one to split the shipping among individual orders.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best methods for handling pre-orders and shipping logistics, with no clear consensus emerging on a single approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and practices related to managing pre-orders and shipping at shows, reflecting a variety of strategies and considerations.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing pre-orders and shipping logistics at shows may find the shared experiences relevant.

S
SandiLeigh
Messages
82
I was thinking about offering these products to my guests at my April shows.

Can I take pre-orders from them and then place one large order with all of the pins under one person's name.

How would I go about charging shipping to each customer for that? Would I just eat the cost of the shipping myself?

What have others's done in the past for something like this?

Any advice?
 
You could take up orders and submit them as a catalog show. I would do them as a seperate order and have them pay the additional shipping on them. they could always combine orders to save on the shipping. Warranty would probably not be much of an issue on these products.
 
I start to take pre orders now in April when I am at a show the orders will go to 1 address the April host she can seperate them and give them to the guests that came to her show. ( I will get her something free for doing this for me) as soon as I get enough for a caddy show they will go in and I will get them to each host .
 
Here are a few order forms that I have. I think I got one here and I got one from my director. One has additional fees in it for the products to cover shipping... all of the prods will all go on one guest order since warranty won't really be an issue.

I think instead of a free SBRC if they buy all 3 I'll give the HWC pin - I bought several so that might be a fun give away if they get them all.

now let's see if I can add and attachment!!) I think I did it, we'll see!
 

Attachments

I was thinking about using this form to collect orders at a booth this weekend. Any suggestions on how to inc S&H? Can I collect multiple orders and submit it as one order to home and split the shipping amonst all the individual orders?
 
Last year I did preorders. Just calculated the tax and rounded up to the nearest dollar for shipping. Then I submitted the orders under the current host's name and got the orders back to that host to give to her guests. It worked out pretty well, and the price was covered by rounding up the total.
 
thanks wadesgirl that makes sense.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are pre-orders and how do they work in direct sales shows?

Pre-orders are orders taken before the actual event or show takes place. They allow customers to reserve products that they want to purchase, ensuring they get the items they desire. As a seller, you can collect payment or a deposit for these pre-orders, which can help you gauge interest in certain products and manage inventory effectively.

How should I handle shipping for products sold at shows?

Shipping can be handled in a few different ways. You can choose to ship products directly to customers after the show, include shipping costs in the price, or offer local pickup options. Make sure to communicate your shipping policy clearly to customers during the show to avoid any confusion.

Can I offer discounts for pre-orders at my shows?

Yes, offering discounts for pre-orders can be a great incentive for customers to commit to purchasing before the event. You can create special promotions or bundle deals that apply only to pre-orders, encouraging attendees to take advantage of the savings.

What should I do if a product I sold is out of stock?

If a product is out of stock after a customer has placed an order, communicate with them promptly. Offer alternatives, such as a similar product or a backorder option. It's important to keep customers informed about their order status and provide solutions to maintain their satisfaction.

How can I promote my shows to increase pre-orders?

Promoting your shows effectively can increase pre-orders significantly. Utilize social media, email newsletters, and personal invitations to spread the word. Highlight featured products, special offers, and the benefits of pre-ordering. Engaging visuals and testimonials can also help attract more interest and encourage early commitments.

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