The Reality of My First Show: 4 Attendees and Few Sales

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses the experiences of participants regarding their first shows as Pampered Chef consultants, focusing on attendance, sales outcomes, and personal reflections on the challenges faced during these events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of inviting 30 people to their first show, but only 4 attended, resulting in low sales despite a good presentation.
  • Another participant mentions that low attendance is common, noting their own experience with a fundraiser where attendance was also low, but they remained positive about future opportunities.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of host coaching and personal invitations to improve attendance and sales at shows.
  • Another participant reflects on their own discouraging experiences but highlights the importance of persistence and learning from each show.
  • One participant expresses gratitude for the support received from others, feeling reassured that they are not alone in facing challenges with attendance and sales.
  • Several participants recount their own initial struggles with attendance but ultimately found success in subsequent shows, indicating a learning curve in the process.
  • One participant notes that despite low attendance, they achieved significant sales and bookings, viewing their experience positively.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the impact of low attendance, with some participants expressing frustration while others maintain a positive outlook and emphasize learning from the experience. No clear consensus emerges regarding the effectiveness of specific strategies for improving attendance and sales.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal anecdotes about their early experiences as consultants, highlighting the variability in attendance and sales outcomes at shows. The discussions reflect a range of emotions, from frustration to optimism, as they navigate their new roles.

Who May Find This Useful

New Pampered Chef consultants or those experiencing similar challenges with show attendance and sales may find these shared experiences and reflections helpful in understanding the common hurdles faced in the early stages of their business.

D
DebbieSM
Messages
289
I had my first show last night and it was not very good. I invited 30 people, and 4 showed up. People whom I spoke to and said they were coming did not show up. The presentation went very well but I did not get very much in sales. I had the show myself and I invited mostly people I do not talk to all that much because I wanted to put my name out there. I guess it was a bad decision on my part. 3 people did say they would look through the catalog and order something. I have another show on Saturday so hopefully that will go much better.
 
I know that it is very frustrating to have only that many people show but you have to remember that only 1/3 of the people you invite will show! I had a school fundraiser last night and the host told me that 10-30 parents would be there. Well only 10-15 people actually showed up and noone knew that it was a PC fundraiser! They just thought that it was their usual monthly meeting! So, needless to say that no-one brought their checkbooks and I left there with $42 in sales! Ugh! I am sure that they will collect more orders but I am not discouraged! (I think my husband is more upset than I am!) At least I got my name out there and I did something completely out of the box for me! I am still looking at it completely positive and you should too! You got your name out there and people got to see the new products! Better luck at your next show!
Kristi
 
I understand you are frustrated....we have all been there. When you do an open house, it is imperative that you HOST COACH YOURSELF. If you are new, ask your recruiter/director to host coach you. You have to make personal invitations and let them know that you are going to teach them how to make ______. Make it sound like it is something they can't miss.

Look at it this way, you did get your name out there and you got to practice your show in front of a small group where it was less nerve racking.

NOW....get on the phone and CALL ALL THE PEOPLE that came and thank them. Let them know that you appreciate their coming and their order. ASK THEM IF THEY WOULD BE INTERESTED IN HAVING THEIR OWN SHOW!!!

Call all the people that did NOT come! Tell them you are sorry they were unable to make it, but would they like to look at a catalog?? Ask them since they were unable to make it, would they like to have their own show so you can teach their friends how to make the _____.

This show is not a total loss...you just need to follow through with your BIG MAC calls (Big Morning After Calls).
 
I think we all can relate to what happened to you. I was getting discouraged after a party that was not so good and on my way home I listened to a CD of National Senior Executive Directors promotion speeches and I heard Carol Radu. She said that you cannot give up after one bad show or one bad month or one bad year you have to go back out there and do it again and again and not give up.

I know that I have had shows were 100 people would be invited and 3 showed up and then a show were 20 were invited and 19 showed up. Stay focused and you will do great!! Start preparing for your next show and keep your head up!!!! :cool:

Ginger Phillips
Independent Pampered Chef Future Director
418367
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
Thank YouI thank all of you for your feedback. It's good to see I'm not alone, that this has happened to other people in some way. It makes me feel better about it. I did call my Director first thing this morning, and she basicly told me the same thing. I am remaining focused. And I'm thinking postive about my next show. Thank you all so much for your encouragements!!!
 
The big pictureIt's really hard for my husband to see the big picture and he gets concerned when I have a low show or low attendance but we really need to be aware of the larger view of our business. Here are a couple ideas:

When you have low attendance at the show show
1. host coach her to get outside orders and bookings - then recruit her!
2. use it as a learning experience - work more on the host coaching before the show with your next show

When sales are low at a show
1. do mac calls to ask if anyone wants to book a show or add to their order
2. look at the total show sales from all shows that resulted from the show and average it all together (don't forget to consider any recruit that you wouldn't have met - even if it was off a show 3 shows later!

I had one show that I drove 70 miles one way and it was $60 in sales (then we could do a show with 5 orders and no minimum $$). Anyway, I did get one booking from that show. That show was $600 and 2 bookings which were $400 and $1200 and so on... That first $60 show was so worth my time!
 
My first two shows were a complete disaster. I invited 50 people to my own show and had one guest show up. I did have $200 in sales and had 6 bookings from my family and friends but I felt like a complete idiot. My second show was my neighbor. She had 7 confirmed guests. Not one person showed up or called to cancel! Needless to say she was miffed. She personally visited everyone who was invited to her party and came away with $400 in sales and one booking. My third show (I was extremely nervous at the thought of another failure) was also at a friend's home. She was a teacher and had invited quite a few people. She told me that she expected around 8 people. There were 18 people there. Her show was over $800. needless to say things have improved tremendously. I have now done 9 shows and have had success at all the rest. My two shows in May so far are both over $600. Hang in there. I heard through the grapevine that March was a hard month to sell. Good luck to all and thanks so much for all the helpful tips. They do work!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
I just wanted to let everyone know that my first show, even though only 4 people showed up I did end up with $250 in sales, 2 bookings and 1 recruit. I will keep my chin up, and hope for the best with the other shows booked for this month. I have a total of seven shows.

Thanks,
Debbie
 
DebbieSM said:
I just wanted to let everyone know that my first show, even though only 4 people showed up I did end up with $250 in sales, 2 bookings and 1 recruit. I will keep my chin up, and hope for the best with the other shows booked for this month. I have a total of seven shows.

Thanks,
Debbie
Click to expand...

Congratulations on your VERY successful show! While I'm sure you would have loved more sales you DID get TWO bookings and A RECRUIT!! from just 4 guests!! That is awesome! Keep it up!
 
Debbie...I'd say that was VERY SUCCESSFUL! CONGRATS!! WOW...you got a show and 2 bookings PLUS a RECRUIT! You are on your way to Future Director! Did she sign up or just getting info??
 
Well.. I finally had my kick off show last saturday and I was stressed out about how many ppl would actually show up. I only been here (cali) for 8 months and only knew one person. Well I invited 30 ppl and only 7 ppl came. I was still optimistic because in my mind i'm thinking maybe all will buy atleast 100.00 in products each. Well...I was horrified to see that not only did I only sale 268.00 but not everyone ordered! I knew the presentation was good and the food was fabulous because they ate everything! Anyway, I ended up booking 4 ppl from that show and have 1 recruiting prospect. So one of those shows was the following day! My one friend called her friends and family. They all said they would come. 10 ppl came. Sales were over 500.00 I got 2 bookings and a compliment from a guest who stated she had been to many starter shows and was impressed by the quality job I did in my presentation! Now I don't feel like a loser. :D
 
Last edited:
  • Thread starter
  • #12
Ginger,
She did sign up. It was someone I had invited and the day of my show she called me and said that she was sorry she couldn't make it but she was wondering if I could get her started. I think she thought I was doing this a lot longer than I was. I immediately set up a date to meet with her, and I have also brought her to one of our monthly meeting befor she signed up. She sent in her agreement on Sunday.

Thanks for the support,
Debbie
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I only have four attendees at my first Pampered Chef show?

Having a smaller group can actually be beneficial for your first show. Focus on building relationships with your attendees, engaging them in conversation, and showcasing the products effectively. Use this opportunity to gather feedback and understand their needs, which can help you tailor future shows.

How can I increase sales with a small number of attendees?

With fewer attendees, it's important to create a personalized experience. Highlight the products that resonate most with your guests and offer special promotions or bundles to encourage purchases. Consider hosting a follow-up online party or offering incentives for referrals to boost sales after the show.

Is it normal to have few sales at my first show?

Yes, it's quite common for first-time hosts to experience lower sales. Many factors can influence this, including the comfort level of attendees with the products and their buying habits. Use this experience to learn and improve for future shows, as sales often increase as you gain confidence and refine your approach.

What can I do to prepare for my next show after a disappointing first one?

Take time to reflect on what worked and what didn’t during your first show. Gather feedback from attendees to understand their preferences and interests. Consider enhancing your product knowledge, improving your presentation skills, and exploring different marketing strategies to attract more guests for your next event.

How can I keep my motivation up after a slow start in direct sales?

It's important to remember that every business has its ups and downs. Set small, achievable goals for yourself and celebrate each success, no matter how minor. Connect with other Pampered Chef consultants for support and inspiration, and remind yourself of your passion for the products and the joy of helping others discover them.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

First Cooking Show Success: Nerves, Recruits, and Sales!
  • dessertMama
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
9
Views
2K
ShelbyMichalek
Successful First Show: $815 in Sales!
  • janicemccabepchef
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
1K
brandynichoal
Success at My Party Swap Show: $401 in Sales and 4 Bookings!
  • Becky0216
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
4
Views
1K
Wildfire
I Had a Show Tuesday Night - About 75 People Invited - 8 Rsvp'd - 2
  • jcwarr
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
5
Views
2K
pampered1224
Did I Just Make $1,288 in Sales at My First Show?!
  • Alanna1
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
1K
LI Chick
Frustrating Show: A Vent Session from a New Poster in Direct Sales
  • pamperedberry
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
7
Views
2K
Sheila
Dealing with Disappointing RSVPs: The Reality of Party Planning
  • ChefDaynaDos
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
12
Views
2K
pampcheflynda
How Close Am I to Reaching My Sales Goal?
  • HealthNut
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
13
Views
2K
BlueMoon
Maximizing Sales: Tips for a Successful First Show and Catalog Launch
  • Bill Faber
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
1K
mscharf
When Do Registry Sales Show Up? Upon Shipping?
  • ChefetteDuJour
    • Pampered Chef Shows
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Back
Top