Should Catalogs be Distributed at the Beginning of the Show?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores varying approaches to distributing catalogs during Pampered Chef shows, particularly whether they should be handed out at the beginning or later in the event. Participants share their personal experiences and preferences regarding this practice.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses concern that handing out catalogs at the beginning may reduce guest participation during the interactive show.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using catalogs during interactive shows to engage guests in finding items, suggesting this approach could satisfy the host's request while maintaining interactivity.
  • Several users mention that they provide catalogs upon arrival but instruct guests to set them aside during the interactive portion, finding this method effective.
  • One participant notes that they prefer to wait until after the demo to distribute catalogs, believing that it keeps guests more focused on the show.
  • Another participant shares that their sales increase when catalogs are available early, as it helps guests remember what they want.
  • Some participants agree that having catalogs available at the start does not hinder the flow of the show, while others find it beneficial to delay distribution until later.
  • One participant reflects on the importance of balancing host requests with personal comfort and show format, suggesting experimentation with different approaches.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the timing of catalog distribution, with some participants advocating for early access while others prefer to wait until after the demo. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share their experiences from various interactive show formats, highlighting the diversity of opinions and practices within the consultant community.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on managing catalog distribution during shows may find this discussion relevant, particularly those interested in balancing host preferences with interactive engagement.

TrishPCMommy
TrishPCMommy
Gold Member
Messages
221
I have a host who informed me today (show is Saturday) by email:

"One thing that I do want to be sure of at the party is that we hand out the catalogs in the very beginning of the party. This way the people can look at them during the demo and get some ideas. I have found that if they have more time to browse they will find more and have more questions. So that is the one really big thing that I wanted to do different from (previous host's) party..."

:eek:I've only done the interactive shows. Am I mistaken to think if I hand out the catalogs at the beginning that I will get no participation? :grumpy:They'll be busy going through a catalog instead of participating, right? Plus, it's a Cold Stone Show... they're going to have to make their ice cream combo!

Re: Host Coaching, she was at a previous show I did and it had "been a while" since she had been at a PC Show but she's a "good Host". I told her during our 1st call and 2nd call about how I would have the guests interacting with the tools and the "try before you buy" style of Show that I do. Now, this surprise!

How do I appease her (especially this late in the game) and still do an interactive show? BTW, I also asked her a few weeks ago if my new recruit could come to the show so my recruit could get more experience seeing an interactive show. The Host said "no problem"... now I've got my recruit coming to see...??? (I'm not sure...):eek::grumpy:
 
I do interactive shows and the guests have their catalogs. I use the catalogs to have guests look up the pages the items can be found on and give out "bucks" for the first to find it while someone else if using the item. This could please you host and still do the hands-on approach you are looking to demonstrate to your recruit.
 
I only do interactive shows and I have my clipboards out & available from the moment that the customer walks through the door. They will open the catalogs & flip through them while other people are still arriving but I've not found them to be a distraction at all. Once I do my intro & explain that this is an interactive show, I instruct all the guests to go wash their hands so we can get started. Everyone always stands up, puts their clipboard down in their seat & goes to either the kitchen or bath to wash ... then we do the demo. I've never had the catalogs get in the way. As soon as we get a break (foods in the microwave or oven) most of them will start browsing the catalog again while we go around the room, have everyone introduce themselves, name their favorite PC item and explain why it's their favorite. ;)
 
When I do an interactive show the people still get catalogs as they arrive. I just instruct them to leave the catalogs as they gather around the table for the interactive part.
 
I want my catalog at the beginning of any party that I go to so I the same at my shows.
 
pamperedlinda said:
I want my catalog at the beginning of any party that I go to so I the same at my shows.
Click to expand...

Same here. I feel like I'm being held hostage if I'm not given the info up front.
 
I don't give them the catalog until after the demo. I do an interactive show and I usually have everyone standing around a table/countertop. When we go to sit down, I have them pick up a lapboard and pen on the way back to their seat. I don't consider it as keeping the catalogs away from them -- we're just too busy before then.
 
raebates said:
When I do an interactive show the people still get catalogs as they arrive. I just instruct them to leave the catalogs as they gather around the table for the interactive part.
Click to expand...

That's what I do too.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Thank you for your feedback ladies!!
Jeanine, what you do/describe is how I usually do it.
I'm not too comfortable with the catalogs in hand and I'd like it to flow naturally for my recruit; I was hoping to practice some of the things I learned at Conference too, but not with catalogs in hand.
I will do Rae's & Deb's approach in hopes of keeping the Host happy... with the goal that the guests will leave the catalogs to come participate...
Thank you
 
lockhartkitchen said:
I do interactive shows and the guests have their catalogs. I use the catalogs to have guests look up the pages the items can be found on and give out "bucks" for the first to find it while someone else if using the item. This could please you host and still do the hands-on approach you are looking to demonstrate to your recruit.
Click to expand...

Ditto. This is exactly how I run my shows, only I give out tickets for a door prize drawing. I tell guests in the introduction that it's an interactive show, and they will be participating in the cooking. I don't find anh problems with this format.
 
My thought is this: Certainly, we want to appease our hosts, but the bottom line is that it's your business, and your show format...and you need to be comfortable during the show.

Contrarywise, it doesn't hurt to try new things just to see what works best for you. See if giving them out at the beginning helps your sales or not...then you will know for next time and you will be able to tell your host, as the expert, that you've found that a certain way works best.

I've tried many different things...handing them out at the beginning, and the middle. I've had success at both..so I decided to compromise a little. I don't do interactive shows except for inviting guests up to try the tools...it doesn't always go over well. I find that I, many times, have trouble talking and preparing at the same time. I also find that if guests do NOT have catalogs right away, I have more of their attention....SO. I start off by having the host introduce me, then I thank the host, and the guests for coming....I share my story, talk about the business and the specials....then, I hand out my lapboards (catalog side down), and have them looking at more recruiting info., then when I'm ready to begin the recipe, I have them flip the lapboards over, and fill out their receipt and begin browsing the catalog. If I have something important to say....I make sure to get everyone's attention, usually by using a bicycle horn, or by clanging on a glass or piece of cookware.
 
my show sales seem to be higher when people get their catalogues near the beginning - that way they remember EVERYTHING that they want!
 
I've never had problems with giving out the catalogs when guests arrive! I don't give them out, they are in a stack.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Should catalogs be distributed at the beginning of the show?

Yes, distributing catalogs at the beginning of the show allows guests to familiarize themselves with the products and can spark interest in items they may want to purchase.

What are the benefits of giving out catalogs early?

Giving out catalogs early encourages guests to browse and engage with the products, leading to more informed questions and discussions throughout the show.

Will distributing catalogs at the start distract guests from the presentation?

While some guests may look at the catalogs instead of focusing on the presentation, it can also enhance their experience by allowing them to see the products in context as you demonstrate them.

How can I encourage guests to pay attention while looking at catalogs?

You can encourage guests to jot down questions or items they are interested in as they look through the catalogs, which can lead to a more interactive and engaging discussion during the show.

Is it better to wait until the end of the show to distribute catalogs?

While waiting until the end can work, distributing them at the beginning often leads to a more engaged audience and can increase sales as guests are already thinking about their purchases during the presentation.

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