Struggling to Get Bookings in a Small Town: Any Advice?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The thread centers around the challenges faced by participants in securing bookings for Pampered Chef shows, particularly in small towns. Several participants share their personal experiences and strategies for overcoming slumps in bookings, while others express their concerns about the effectiveness of various approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses frustration over a lack of bookings and cancellations despite efforts like offering free shows and calling potential customers.
  • Another participant shares their experience of overcoming a slump by reaching out to past customers, suggesting that familiarity can lead to more bookings.
  • One participant mentions a successful fundraiser show but notes that most of their successful bookings come from areas far from their home, contributing to their current frustration.
  • Another participant describes a strategy of party exchanges with other consultants to expand their client base.
  • One participant questions how to manage guest expectations when hosting multiple types of product parties, expressing concern about overwhelming their friends and family.
  • Several users mention the idea of hosting a larger event with multiple consultants to attract more attendees and generate bookings.
  • One participant suggests using local advertising methods, such as flyers and drawings, to attract new customers and bookings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for securing bookings, with no clear consensus on the best approach to take in small towns.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences specific to their local environments, emphasizing the unique challenges of working in economically challenged areas and the dynamics of personal networks.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to consultants facing similar challenges in securing bookings, particularly those in small towns or economically constrained areas.

Morvin
Morvin
Messages
269
ok I have hit a very bad slump and I can't seem to work my way out!! I live in a small town that is ...shall I say economically challenged!! (that is being very polite!!:o ) I feel like I am working very hard and getting no where:eek: !! I can't get bookings and when I do they cancel:mad: !!! I had a booth at the fair and called everyone and gave them a free show and I still can't get any takers!! even when I offer to pay for everything!! I would really like to get some leads in the surronding areas. I have an opportunity to have a booth this weekend but I can't find a sitter. It just feels like everthing is working against me!! :( :(
sorry I just needed to get that off of my chest!!:D

Heather
 
Hi Heather,

I can't help but notice your best show is $6735?!? Was that a fundraiser? Have you been doing customer care calls? You've obviously done well in the past and have a customer base!! I was in a slump July and August (after a really good JUNE too!) and I started calling customers from over a year ago...got quite a few bookings that way. I still have many to follow up with, but I've found those are the easiest ways to get bookings. They like PC products, they (sort of) know you and they usually won't hang up on you!

Keep your chin up and good luck!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
yes it was a fundraiser. I have had several shows 1000 and up but never in my area it is usually in an area three hours from where I live. It is where my parents live and I have pretty well tapped that area out for a while. I guess that is why I am so frustrated because I have done very well and for the past 4 months or so I just can't get anything!! But thanks for the support and advise I am going to start going thru names and numbers.

thanks
Heather
 
Heather,
I will tell you what I did for myself...... I was finding myself in a slump too... so what I decided to do, is I googled direct sales compaines..... IE Tupaware, Home Interiors, Simply Tastefull, etc.... and what I offered the other consulants that sell those products...... was a party exchange what a party exchange is.. they host a party for you and you host a party for them to help build your clients etc.
 
Leah,
I've seen you post this suggestion a few times and I've been meaning to ask... How did you do that without all your "guests" feel like you were always inviting them to a show? Or asking them to buy something from you? I just did this - a former Host (twice) was a CM consultant. So, I had one and it was a very successful show - great turnout at my house. But I couldn't imagine doing one next month for Tupperware, then one for Tastefully Simple, etc. I usually only host a show (other than PC) once a year - and they are good ones. Just curious....
Thanks!
Joanne
 
I have been wondering this also! My family tires of buying PC all the time, so I can only imagine how weird it would be to be peddling all different products all the time to my friends and family. It would be nice to always be reaping host benefits though!
 
I did something similar to this last spring. I joined in with friends (and friends of friends) from Arbonne, Longaberger and Southern Living @ Home and we did one big Mystery Host Open House. Each of us gave away door prizes and we each gave away our host benefits. It was great. I got 8 bookings from it and a lot of new customers.
 
My secret is ....... is that all of my friends aren't all intrested in what type of show I am hosting....... IE scrapbooking generall that is jsut people from church, etc.... I rotate my guest list..... I know it's kind of hooky but it works.. and I spread the shows out to one a month......And I don't always do a home show... Book shows are great!!
 
Last edited:
Leah,
Got it. I guess I don't have as many friends as you do!!! :D
Joanne
 
Joanne, Between my family and friends... I could have three home parties a month and probley four of them would be the same people at each of them... I live in a small town and I have friends that like something that other dont and vice versa. :D
 
I would suggest hosting your own show, only don't just invite people you know. Run an add in the local paper, print flyers and put on doors (especially in any new subdivisions) offer drawings every hour (do something really small...bamboo tongs, a couple of twixits, citrus peeler) maybe do one drawing of a bigger item to draw people there, but mostly small stuff. Be willing to take orders and bookings. If you don't think that would work atleast try the flyers on doors in any new subdivisions. Just make it a letter introducing yourself and what you do. I wouldn't waste leaving catalogs. put the host benefits on it and maybe offer Book a show with me and receive an extra $15 free product value. (You can place that on their order and use their discount, so it doesn't actually cost you $15.) Good luck.
 
Oh I forgot....When you say book a show with me give them a deadline like say book a show with me by Nov. 1 and receive.....
 
Leah- does anyone get offended that they didn't get invited to one? It would be just my luck that I would find enough people to rotate the guest list, and then someone who was invited to a Body Shop party is hurt that she wasn't invited to the Home Interiors party!! But if I give invites to everyone for each party, they will be overwhelmed and think I expect them at every one!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective ways to promote my Pampered Chef business in a small town?

Promoting your Pampered Chef business in a small town can be challenging, but effective strategies include hosting local cooking demonstrations, participating in community events, and leveraging social media platforms to connect with potential customers. Consider collaborating with local businesses to cross-promote your products and services, and don't underestimate the power of word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied customers.

How can I leverage my existing customer base for bookings?

Your existing customers can be a great resource for bookings. Reach out to them and ask if they would be interested in hosting a party or gathering. Offer them incentives, such as discounts or free products, for hosting a successful event. Additionally, encourage them to invite friends and family to expand your reach and increase the chances of securing more bookings.

What types of events should I consider hosting to attract bookings?

Consider hosting a variety of events to attract different audiences. Options include cooking classes, themed parties (like holiday or seasonal events), and online virtual parties. You can also host fundraisers for local charities, which can draw in community members and create goodwill while promoting your products.

How can I use social media to increase my bookings in a small town?

Utilize social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to showcase your products, share cooking tips, and post engaging content that resonates with your audience. Create event pages for your parties and encourage attendees to invite friends. Regularly interact with your followers by responding to comments and messages, and consider running promotions or contests to boost engagement and interest.

What should I do if I face rejection when trying to book parties?

Rejection is a normal part of direct sales, especially in a small town where people may be hesitant to host parties. Don't take it personally; instead, ask for feedback on why they declined. Use this information to refine your approach. Keep a positive attitude and continue reaching out to new prospects. Persistence is key, and each "no" can bring you closer to a "yes" in the future.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Effective Newspaper Ad Ideas for Small Town Businesses
  • jordanleigh1743
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Bookings in a Different Town: Advice for Cheryl Mackey
  • cmackey
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
5
Views
2K
JoyfulChef
Small-Town Life: Getting Show Bookings & Attendance
  • Tig
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
16
Views
2K
noelskitchen
Struggling with Booking Shows in a Small Town? Any Ideas?
  • lrnchef
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
2
Views
2K
pchefsharron
Struggling to Get Bookings? Let Us Help You!
  • ChefAmandaWason
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
20
Views
3K
caremmel
Struggling to Get Bookings? Any Suggestions?
  • Kay Alderfer
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
6
Views
2K
lisagoins
I Am [I]Struggling[/I] for Bookings, and Really Want to Hold a
  • cookin to the top
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
6
Views
1K
etteluap70PC
I Can't Seem to Get Any Bookings or Sales
  • pattikake45
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
9
Views
6K
Tara-Ann
Struggling to Get Bookings? Need New Ideas!
  • chefHLM
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
13
Views
3K
Crystal Patton
Small Town Struggles: How Can I Grow My Business in a Rural Area?
  • pattidailey
    • Pampered Chef Bookings
Replies
12
Views
2K
Tanoi
Back
Top