Taste of Home Cooking Show: Boost Your Sales with These Tips and Tricks

[pampchefrhondab]

I just signed up for one in a small town close to me. They will be handing out 900 goodie bags!! I think I'll supply recipe cards w/a coupon stapled to them. Anyone have a great idea for the coupon that would get people to call me? What has worked for you before? I've tried giving a free clasic stone for having a show and it didn't work, but these people all like cooking!

One other concern, even though this town is right next to mine, it is long distance to call. I was thinking about getting an 800 number for people to call me. What do you think of that? Or should I not bother since so many people have cell phones these days?

I do have to provide a prize, but no problem since I won my shopping spree last year.

 

[PaulaP]

I am doing one in my town in November as well. I was going to recipe cards and attach business card or coupon. I am looking for a good idea for the coupon too. Thanks in advance!!

 

[cbord]

All shows within my driving distance were this week. I will check calendar and plan for 2008.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I just signed up for one in a small town close to me. They will be handing out 900 goodie bags!! I think I'll supply recipe cards w/a coupon stapled to them. Anyone have a great idea for the coupon that would get people to call me? What has worked for you before? I've tried giving a free clasic stone for having a show and it didn't work, but these people all like cooking!

One other concern, even though this town is right next to mine, it is long distance to call. I was thinking about getting an 800 number for people to call me. What do you think of that? Or should I not bother since so many people have cell phones these days?

I do have to provide a prize, but no problem since I won my shopping spree last year.

I wouldn't go to the expense of an 800# - most people have cell phone calling plans or internet phone service now, so that long distance calling isn't the big expense it used to be. Also, if it is being held close to your home, odds are some of the people who attend will also be in your local calling range - so only a portion of the people who get the goodie bags would be long distance.

Plus - and I hate to put a damper on your plan - but probably 99% of those people will never pick up the phone to make the call. I would concentrate more on the contacts you make, and the phone #'s you get from people who visit your booth.
My business Mantra once again (thanks Belinda!) "It's Not Their Job To Call You, It's YOUR Job To Call Them!"

 

[Chef Kearns]

Just from personal experience...

Think about anytime you've ever visited some type of expo or something and got a goodie bag filled with vendor coupons and information. Now, how often did you actually go through all of that paperwork and read the stuff you got? Honestly, I remember doing it only once. I set some aside planning on calling the people later, but never did. I forgot.

I said that to say this, I no longer give them anything for the goodie bags. Whatever I would've stuffed in the goodie bag I use for handing out at my booth. That way I don't have that expense twice. I hand out material to people I've talked with. They are more likely to read it because they know where it came from.

Also, you may need to check with the people running your particular TOH becuase even though another PC doesn't have a booth they could still buy a small package that would include just stuffers. However; as I indicated in my earlier paragraph most people don't go through that stuff. You just have to be vigilant and call all of your contacts back within a few days. I overwhelm myself if I say withing 48 hours (with my 4 kiddos and hubby gone it is just not possible to do it in 2 days) so I give myself a week to get all of the calls done.

GOOD LUCK!! I hope this is successful for you guys!

 

[pampchefrhondab]

Thank you so much for the advice! You're right, I've not gotten calls before from recipes I've given out. Focusing on my booth would be the best thing to do.

Now, what is the quickest way to get people through the line? I don't want to miss anyone who wants info. Should I pass out mini-catalogs? Maybe I should pass out recipe cards w/coupon stapled and info. on how to see the catalog on my website?

 

[pamperedgirl3]

You know, I was thinking of getting a ton of full size catalogs to pass out, but maybe I'll just pass out minis. I did a bridal fair earlier this year & passed out I don't know how many catalogs & never got a contact from them. If anyone asks for a full size one, I'll tell them to make sure they fill out a door prize slip indicating they'd like a catalog. I'd hate to waste all that money on catalogs if nothing's going to come from them.

 

[Addie4TLC]

You know, I was thinking of getting a ton of full size catalogs to pass out, but maybe I'll just pass out minis. I did a bridal fair earlier this year & passed out I don't know how many catalogs & never got a contact from them. If anyone asks for a full size one, I'll tell them to make sure they fill out a door prize slip indicating they'd like a catalog. I'd hate to waste all that money on catalogs if nothing's going to come from them.

Good point! This fair sounds interesting. I've done several "festivals" with dreadful results as far as booking and recruiting. Like you gave out tons of catalogs for nothing!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I did this booth last year and they called me yesterday to see if I want to do it again this year. The cost is $275 and we have to be set up by 3:30 and can work the booth until 6. Then they do the show. We can't tear down until after the show. Last year ALL the leads fizzled - NO ONE would return my calls - so I am not sure I'm going to make this investment again. The most excited people already were my customers...

We also put things in the goody bags and got absolutely NO response from that. lol

...I don't know.

PS: I do several fairs per year and always get at least a few shows from everyone so it's not like I don't know how to do a booth or follow up. lol

 

[pampchefrhondab]

Yes, full size catalogs would cost way too much money! I will just give people who ask a mini catalog w/a sticker on them stating, "To see our full catalog Log On to "my website." I also think the mini catalogs are easier to carry. I also have some full size old catalogs. I usually tell people, "I've been so busy with people interested I've run out of new catalogs, but here is a small catalog w/all our new products." "You can also see a full catalog on-line at my website." They usually just want to see the new products anyway and are okay w/that.

Wow Beth you spent a lot for no results. Luckily the booth is only going to cost me $25. My director called me today and has about 500 old recipe cards she is going to give me for the goodie bags or to use at my table. Hopefully I will get at least one booking! Then it should grow fromt there!

 

[Cindycooks]

I said that to say this, I no longer give them anything for the goodie bags. Whatever I would've stuffed in the goodie bag I use for handing out at my booth. That way I don't have that expense twice. I hand out material to people I've talked with. They are more likely to read it because they know where it came from.

at the TOH show I did 2 years ago, we did not have any choice. All vendors were required to put something in the bags and contribute a door prize. I put a flyer with a recipe and a coupon (for what, I dont remember)...I got no phone calls, no emails, nothing from this.

I did do a drawing at my booth for a $25 gift certificate and the person that won this used it towards an order that was around $90. I got a couple bookings, one which lead to a guest who had a $600 show and signed up. She has since gone inactive but shows from this original show keep going.....

It was worth it - it was fun and I especially enjoyed seeing the TOH show live. I'd do it again with sharing booth space (it was $225). It has been here or in Jacksonville everyyear but not this year!

 

[lorilynn]

Advertising oportunityWell, I just found out I am too late to get a booth at our TOH, in November. However they said I could still participate by advertising at the show. They have two options:

1- coupon in goodie bags they hand out to everyone. They do all the printing and pay for the paper, it would be a liittle bigger than business card size and would appear on a page of coupons with other business'. The cost $75. I was thinking of doing a coupon for a FREE Cooking class if I did this one.

2-Insert in goody bags. I would have to provide 1,100 pieces of "whatever" I wanted to put in the goody bags. Cost $60 + my cost of paper printing of 1,100 ect... On this one I was thinking of doing a full page flyer with a recipe that they would hopefully want to hang on too and also maybe coupons for Free Class and %off a first or large order.

What are your thoughts? Would something like this where I would not have actual contact with the guests, be worth the money?

I have to get my stuff to them by mid month if I am going to participate in either program.

Thanks in advance foryour help

 

[Chef Kearns]

Loilynn--In my opinion NO. If there will be a PC person with a booth there, especially not. If you do choose to do this I think the $75 option is the better way to go. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[sfdavis918]

Loilynn--In my opinion NO. If there will be a PC person with a booth there, especially not. If you do choose to do this I think the $75 option is the better way to go. Good luck with whatever you choose.

I agree. I also think this would kind of be stepping on the other PC person's toes.

 

[lorilynn]

I agree. I also think this would kind of be stepping on the other PC person's toes.

From what I understand from the promoter of the event there is no one from Pampered Chef at all. I live in kind of a remote area and in my town I believe I am the only active PC person. I know there is one in a neighboring town 60miles away but I guess she declined the invite. I understand there is only room for about 15 booths and they all went quickly to local stores and business.

thank you both for all your input.

 

[ngoodtaste]

(this got really long; I rarely get on here, but was looking for a particular flyer and saw the post about the Taste of Homes)

I have done the Taste of Home Cooking Shows for 4-5 years. YES, THEY CAN BE EXPENSIVE . . .I have pd $50-$500, plus a door prize on stage &/or at your booth (I have a Tastefully Simple friend and often we 'traveled like Thelma & Louise' and did them togehter and split the cost - it has worked fabulously! BUT, occasionally the sponsor will not let 2 companies share, so you have to ask if you are gonig to do it.) She says I have the hard lines, she has the soft lines! She talks about using our stone for beer bread, etc. uses my SA at her disply for dips, etc. We just split the booth down the middle AND - sometimes you have 1 - 8' table provided & sometimes you have a 8X8 or 10 space with no or 1 table included. I have done these for so long I have tables, collapsible bookcases for each corner of the tables to build vertical space - great when you only have 1 table, a hand cart that lays down so I can put everyhting on it and make 1 trip with it and then my rollaround. I use cheap white sheets from Walmart to cover the tables to the floor - always put in L or U shape to back of booth, so people will come in.

MY BIGGEST PET PEEVE about any booth - - - PLEASE< PLEASE< PLEASE EDUCATE/TRAIN your consultant to ASK 1st if there is a PCer! There are many sponsors who do not care if there are more than one of any company there - from experience it is really unprofessional and of course not as many leads, when you've invested the $. I have signed up months in advance and when I get there find a cons that called 2 weeks before a show & got in. . .

My biggest tip - JUST ASK! if they are going to make exclusive. IF NOT, then I ask if they would at least give me the courtesy of telling them they have someone but can give them my # and they can contact me, in case we can work something out - which normally I have 1 of my cons go with me.

They have 2 programs - 1 long(2 hr)/1 short (1 1/2hr) that always run over an hour or more!!! They usually open the doors 1-2 hrs before the show starts, so you awnt to be there an hour before that to set up AND YES womeone line up 1 hr ahead so sometimes we have to get them out of the way to get our stuff in. Not to judge people, but alot of older women are there standing in line at this time!

ALSO, depending on the venue - school gym/auditorium, conv ctr, etc. you have to ask fi you can tear down once the show starts. AGAIN, let me tell you from experience - they do usually take a quick 10 min break about 1/2 thru but they give away all kinds of door prizes, so most do not leave or they just go to the bathroom. AND afterwards since they always run late, those peopel are out the door, so no need what so ever to stick around, but sometimes you ahve to if you are set up in the same room/area as the cooking show!

I HATE PC's DPS from this spring as I did 2 TOH and got bacially nothing due to no options on the slip - so not useful at shows either (was told they did not know we did not like them so continued using them this fall - let them know!) So use my own.

There are some that only have maybe 12-24 booths for people to look at and when the doors open up an hour or more before the show, there isnt' much to do - YEP< the PC booth is always packed!!! BECAUSE these people come because they like to cook! The biggest one I did was 50+ booths and 1600 attendees. Just did one with 1300 and it gets too crazy if you only have a small area for a booth. They bascialyl just go by to grab a DPS to fill out and yuou really dont' get much time to talk to people. They herd in when the doors open and don't stop until the show starts!

I LOVE DOING THEM. I do long distance ones too, so when I get recruit leads - I tell them I have show/booking leads in their area, when they start their business.

Good luck, I have booth pictures that I've done this fall at festival, if you want an idea how I set up (similar to what I do for TOH/Fair,etc.) but not sure how to put on here.

B >:0)
Independent Sales Director, New Consultant Trainer, Wedding Registry Coordinator

 

[ngoodtaste]

FYI: Sorry jsut thought of this after seeing some other replies. . .
I cannot say that we have gotten much results from ad in paper or things in goodie bags! Our best leads are at the booth. In past printed 2 flyers on 1 sheet of paper so I could cut in half - one side booking info/benefits, other cons. info. . .usualy a discount coupon and a seaonal recipe. BUT by time you copy and if you ahve to drive them to location or mail as i have several times going long distance it was not worth it. The newspaper ad has broughtin maybe 3-4 orders in the 4-5 yrs I've done them.

Some require a specific amount in a door prize ex: $30 (I put a certificat wiht a catalog as someoen else mentions and occasionally noone called to redeem it with me, so not out anyting) BUT always do a $25 gift cert at my booth and occasionally the person I call to tell them they won does not call me back, but not often!

Some sponsors have ala carte menu for booth, ad, goodie bags, etc. and other have them in levels, so look at what you get for the price!

You are only going to have 1 hr - 2 max to see/talk to people and it's over!

 

[BethCooks4U]

I did a taste of home cooking show last year and got some leads but way not worth the $250 I paid. We split the booth and none of us really had many good leads. All of us had done many other booths so it's not like we didn't know what we were doing.

I put informations and a goodie in every bag (about 1100) and got not one response. Another PC consultant also put something in the bags. Don't know if she got anything. Both of our ads were in the newspaper/flyer they handed out to everyone.

As the person who paid for the booth I didn't think it right that she could advertize too but whatever...

I chose not to participate this year partly because no one was interested in working the booth with me. I also chose not to put anything in the bag and not to advertize on the bag because I didn't get results last year AND if a PC consultant does do the show I wouldn't want her to feel that I was infringing on her. The booth takes time and more cost.

 

[pamperedgirl3]

I'm doing my local TOH cooking school & I'm trying to figure out what to bring to this--paperwork-wise. Instead of bringing large catalogs, I'm planning on passing out our holiday mini catalogs. But I'm not sure how many to get (I was told last time there were 1150 people there), and I'm not sure if I should hand out anything else.

For those of you who have done this, what all did you bring to pass out & how much did you bring?

Thanks!!

 

[pamperedgirl3]

I'm doing my local TOH cooking school & I'm trying to figure out what to bring to this--paperwork-wise. Instead of bringing large catalogs, I'm planning on passing out our holiday mini catalogs. But I'm not sure how many to get (I was told last time there were 1150 people there), and I'm not sure if I should hand out anything else.

For those of you who have done this, what all did you bring to pass out & how much did you bring?

Thanks!!

Anyone????

 

[Chef Kearns]

Unlike NGoodTaste, I choose not to do a drawing at this booth. I choose not to because like she mentioned people swarm the booth looking for DPDS just to win a prize. You do not get authentic leads just a bunch of people wanting to win something.

I said that to say...For this event I would wear my apron or have a secret stash of mini-cats or flyers. This way you control how many and to whom you are passing them out. The last time I worked one I made the mistake of making my stash too visible and within 15 minutes over 200 recipe/coupon cards had disappeared!! Did anyone ever call me? Nope! I like to make as much of a connection as possible with the people then ask them to fill out the information slip (my own DPDS) so that I can follow up with them at a later time then I hand them the mini-cat or recipe/coupon.

Okay, you were looking for specific numbers. I would have about 50. I say that because I don't give one to everybody, just those I've spoken to. Or someone who is very deliberate about wanting one.

 

[Evelynt]

at the TOH show I did 2 years ago, we did not have any choice. All vendors were required to put something in the bags and contribute a door prize. I put a flyer with a recipe and a coupon (for what, I dont remember)...I got no phone calls, no emails, nothing from this.

I did do a drawing at my booth for a $25 gift certificate and the person that won this used it towards an order that was around $90. I got a couple bookings, one which lead to a guest who had a $600 show and signed up. She has since gone inactive but shows from this original show keep going.....

It was worth it - it was fun and I especially enjoyed seeing the TOH show live. I'd do it again with sharing booth space (it was $225). It has been here or in Jacksonville everyyear but not this year!

So cindy I just have to ask...do you ever run into Nicholas Sparks????

 

[pamperedgirl3]

Unlike NGoodTaste, I choose not to do a drawing at this booth. I choose not to because like she mentioned people swarm the booth looking for DPDS just to win a prize. You do not get authentic leads just a bunch of people wanting to win something.

I said that to say...For this event I would wear my apron or have a secret stash of mini-cats or flyers. This way you control how many and to whom you are passing them out. The last time I worked one I made the mistake of making my stash too visible and within 15 minutes over 200 recipe/coupon cards had disappeared!! Did anyone ever call me? Nope! I like to make as much of a connection as possible with the people then ask them to fill out the information slip (my own DPDS) so that I can follow up with them at a later time then I hand them the mini-cat or recipe/coupon.

Okay, you were looking for specific numbers. I would have about 50. I say that because I don't give one to everybody, just those I've spoken to. Or someone who is very deliberate about wanting one.

Thanks. When I did a bridal fair earlier this year, we did have a drawing, but they could only get the drawing slips by talking to us. So I didn't have a ton of people fill them out, but those I did were more accurate leads.

 

[pamperedgirl3]

Wow! Thank you jenniferlynn & pampchefrondab for your great ideas & info about this event! I just got home from my city's show tonight & just looking through the drawing slips, I have a lot of leads! I had one of the other vendors come up when we were packing up & tell me she was interested in joining! I can't wait to call her tomorrow--my only recruit so far was a kitnapper in February! I have 5 people who checked they want shows--one after Thanksgiving, one for January, one for March or April & one who didn't check anything. The last one is actually a referral for a friend. The friend told her she wanted to have a show but didn't know a consultant! I need to think of a referral gift for the friend. I also had 4 who wanted a bridal registry or shower--I think they all wanted showers. Plus I had over 200 other slips that either wanted to put on my monthly newsletter, a catalog or didn't check anything. Wow!!

My table was pretty much what pampchefrondab did for her event recently. Just about everything was from our holiday mini catalog. I had a lot of Simple Additions out & told people that they were on special this month. Many people LOVED the dots plates & bowls! I had the trifle bowl with ornaments in it, the three tiered stand had pretzel wreaths in it, & several gift sets from the mini. I had a piece of ss & exec cookware, a couple of stones, the coating tools set.

So thanks again for those of you who gave advice for these types of shows! So far I'm feeling very positive about the experience! I had at least 10 people in my booth at a time the entire evening--and most waited a pretty long time to sign up for the drawing.

 

[sburnside]

So if someone is stepping on my toes, should I proceed with a Taste of Home booth? It's a local show for me and I made the initial call last fall for a TOH show this spring. There were no other PC consultants signed up and it was to be exclusive. Since this is a first, they didn't have details just a running list. They were to send something out in January.

I called this week after hearing that another PC consultant would be having a booth at the show. Apparently the lady who initially was in charge no longer works there. They still had my contact information and details are to be in the mail by the end of this month. However, now there will be another PC consultant there and the booths are no longer exclusive. The other consultant lives about an hour away but this show is in my county, just 20 minutes away where I do the majority of my shows.

So my question... do I do an ad, join the booth with the other consultant, get my own booth, put flyers in the bags?

I'm frustrated with the situation but want to build more clientele in my local area.

 

[pamperedposey]

So if someone is stepping on my toes, should I proceed with a Taste of Home booth? It's a local show for me and I made the initial call last fall for a TOH show this spring. There were no other PC consultants signed up and it was to be exclusive. Since this is a first, they didn't have details just a running list. They were to send something out in January.

I called this week after hearing that another PC consultant would be having a booth at the show. Apparently the lady who initially was in charge no longer works there. They still had my contact information and details are to be in the mail by the end of this month. However, now there will be another PC consultant there and the booths are no longer exclusive. The other consultant lives about an hour away but this show is in my county, just 20 minutes away where I do the majority of my shows.

So my question... do I do an ad, join the booth with the other consultant, get my own booth, put flyers in the bags?

I'm frustrated with the situation but want to build more clientele in my local area.

I would try to split shifts with her, especially if it's expensive. If she doesn't want to share the space with you, just let her know that your other option is to get your own. She would probably rather work with you than against you. Just explain the situation.

 

[sburnside]

I don't think shifts would work since it's just a couple hours. Most people stop by the booth while waiting for the TOH show to start. What have others done who have shared a booth? Does it work well? Do you keep the contacts given directly to you? Do you do another drawing within the booth? If so, how do you split those contacts? Any advice would be helpful.
TIA

 

[cmdtrgd]

I did a booth today for 8 hours. 6 of those hours were with one other person. Basically we traded off who would talk to the next person. However, if I was still talking to a person when it was my "turn" she would get the next one(s) until I was done with that person. Does this make sense?

 

[pamperedposey]

I don't think shifts would work since it's just a couple hours. Most people stop by the booth while waiting for the TOH show to start. What have others done who have shared a booth? Does it work well? Do you keep the contacts given directly to you? Do you do another drawing within the booth? If so, how do you split those contacts? Any advice would be helpful.
TIA

We have always used different colored door prize drawing slips. So at the end of the shift if you were giving out yellow those were the ones you took with you.

 

[sburnside]

I like the idea of colored door prize slips! Why didn't I think of that? Some solutions are so easy when someone else mentions it.