theBest Time for an Open House???

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various experiences and opinions regarding the timing and structure of hosting open houses for Pampered Chef products. Participants share their thoughts on optimal durations, scheduling, and promotional strategies.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions that hosting an open house can increase sales and bookings, asking for opinions on the best times to hold such events.
  • Another participant shares their experience of keeping the event short, suggesting a duration of 1 to 1.5 hours to encourage attendance.
  • One participant agrees, noting that a 2-hour block worked well for their event, with most attendees arriving shortly after the start time.
  • Another participant prefers not to label their events as open houses, instead inviting guests to a cooking show to encourage commitment to attend.
  • One participant expresses concern about attendance for their upcoming event, discussing strategies for advertising and order collection.
  • Several participants mention alternative promotional ideas, such as distributing order forms with catalogs in their neighborhoods.
  • One participant highlights the importance of timing, noting that scheduling around children's nap times can be beneficial.
  • Another participant shares a past experience of hosting an event before a holiday, indicating that it resulted in a decent turnout.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best duration and structure for open houses, with some participants advocating for shorter events while others prefer longer time frames. There is no clear consensus on the optimal timing for these events.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to hosting open houses, reflecting a variety of approaches and considerations based on their individual circumstances.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on hosting open houses and those interested in exploring different strategies for promoting their events may find this discussion relevant.

J
jbechtel
Messages
43
I've heard many of you say you've had success with hosting your own open house to increase sales and/or bookings. What time worked best for you - weekday evening, weekend afternoon, weekend evening? Is 2 or 3 hours better? I was thinking of Sunday afternoon 1-4 or 4-7 - If I have it over dinner hours I don't want people to assume they will get dinner meals. What's your opinion? What's worked for you?
 
I would make it short - 1 to 1.5 hours. If people think they have 3-4 hours to go, it will slip their minds and they won't come. If they know they only have a short time to look at the new products, those interested and excited will come. I'm having mine on a Tuesday night from 6-7:30. On the invitation I said: Please join me for a fun evening of sneak peaks into new celebration shows and new products, while enjoying a little sample of “Dine Out at Home!” drinks, friends, and great Pampered Chef kitchen products. Make sure to stock up on our discontinuing products! 60 products will be gone as of September 1!!!
That way they know that it won't be dinner and I hit the old products, new ones, and get them excited about the new recipes.
 
I agree. I did mine from 1-4. Most ppl were there by 1:30 b/c my flier said "live demo at 1:30"...I had 1 or 2 ppl stop by at 3 but that was it. Most ppl were gone by 3 so even just a 2 hr block is fine.
 
I've had a few of my own.... Grand openings and spring previews. I dont' list them as open houses but list the time it starts only which is usually 2pm on sundays. That way they don't feel obligated to stay any certain amount of time! And can leave when they feel like it!
 
I also do not say open house , people can then tell you oh i may come buy , i say your invited to a cooking show please RSVP by such and such date that way the have to commit if they are comming or not. the open house thing is so unformal people do not have to say if they will make it or not, a show they kinda hafta say yes or no. Iam doing one next week , i got a really good response so far !
 
i am thinking of doing my first one next sunday. i have my flyer made up (with the help of one i got from here and just re-arranged for me). i am making up invite list now. i am just worried i will do all this and no one will show up. i am adveritising to get their order in first to get the products before anyone else. what happens though if i do not get enough orders to qualify as a show? i know i can do an individual order. but i would want to combine them into one b/c of the shipping.....then what would i do about giving them each a receipt for the warranty?
 
I don't know if this is the right spot to put this reply--but one of my newbies said with the surplus of her spring catalogs she was going to put an order form in each and put in newspaper slots of mailboxes in her neighborhood --I can't have an open house right now as I am having a jewelry party for a friend who has had 2 PC partays for me--so I can't invite the neighborhood twice---so I am going to try this idea!!

Just FYI:D
 
Last edited:
Chef susan said:
I don't know if this is the right spot to put this reply--but one of my newbies said with the surplus of her spring catalogs she was going to put an order form in each and put in mailboxes in her neighborhood --I can't have an open house right now as I am having a jewelry party for a friend who has had 2 PC partays for me--so I can't invite the neighborhood twice---so I am going to try this idea!!

Just FYI:D
Click to expand...

Don't put them in the mailbox. That's against the law. Put them in the door, on the porch, etc.
 
Just thought I would let you know that it is illegal to put things in or attatched to mailboxes! Hang them on the doorhandles of their house instead!

On the topic of time- mine is scheduled for noon. It doesn't really compete with afternoon activities, and a lot of my friends and family have little kids that need to nap around 2!
 
Last November, I had one on the Sunday before Thanksgiving from 1-3. I had a decent turnout. I held the orders until the end of the month to get outside/email orders (I told everyone there when I was sending it in). Then I sent the show in on Dec. 1 to count for my December sell-a-thon. I hope they don't do the HELD & SUBMITTED shows only in December this year like they did for June.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year to host an open house for Pampered Chef?

The best time of year to host an open house is typically during the fall and spring months. These seasons often see an increase in social gatherings and cooking events, making it an ideal time to showcase Pampered Chef products.

What day of the week is best for an open house?

Weekends, particularly Saturday afternoons, are generally the best days for hosting an open house. Many people are more available during this time, allowing for higher attendance and engagement.

What time of day should I schedule my open house?

Scheduling your open house in the late afternoon or early evening, around 2 PM to 5 PM, can be effective. This timing allows guests to arrive after lunch and gives them ample time to socialize and explore the products.

Should I consider holidays when planning my open house?

Yes, it's important to consider holidays when planning your open house. Avoid major holidays when people are likely to be busy with family commitments. Instead, consider hosting your event a week or two before or after a holiday to capture the festive spirit without the scheduling conflicts.

How can I promote my open house to ensure good attendance?

To promote your open house effectively, use social media, email invitations, and personal outreach. Create engaging posts that highlight the benefits of attending, such as product demonstrations, exclusive offers, and refreshments. Encourage guests to bring friends for added fun and networking opportunities.

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