Things I've Learned From Doing a Booth/Table

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Discussion Overview

This thread focuses on experiences and insights shared by participants regarding their participation in booths or tables at craft and vendor fairs. Various tips and personal anecdotes are exchanged, highlighting both successes and challenges faced during these events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, emphasizes the importance of a simple display to avoid overwhelming potential customers.
  • Another participant shares their experience of using a drawing to engage visitors, noting that they targeted interested individuals rather than offering it to everyone.
  • Several users mention the value of taking notes on prize slips to track interactions and interests of potential leads.
  • One participant highlights the need for a prepared pitch when engaging with potential recruits or hosts to avoid fumbling during conversations.
  • Another participant notes the effectiveness of using eye-catching items, such as a shiny meat tenderizer, to attract attention at their booth.
  • Some participants discuss the logistics of handling replacement part orders, with varying experiences regarding customer interactions and fulfillment processes.
  • One participant suggests providing children with engaging activities at booths to keep them occupied while parents fill out forms.
  • Several users mention the importance of labeling cash and carry items clearly to avoid confusion over pricing.
  • One participant advises being respectful when sharing booth space with other consultants to maintain a positive environment.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best practices for booth displays and customer engagement, with no clear consensus emerging on specific strategies. Participants share a range of personal experiences and preferences.

Contextual Notes

Participants share insights based on their personal experiences at various fairs, with a focus on practical tips for improving booth effectiveness and customer interactions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants participating in vendor fairs or similar events may find these shared experiences and tips beneficial for enhancing their booth strategies.

My best results are when I setup a single table and setup Just The Starter Kit, with some cash & carry items* on the other end.

I've done the 'make it look like your business' and setup a whole industrial kitchen (the market i do has a rolling steel countertop w/ wire shelves under, I supplied 2 industrial kitchen baker's racks on wheels, but it repeatedly took me 45+ minutes to setup and at least as long to tear down-- nobody bought the stoneware / bakeware / "stuff".

I'm SO excited about the 2 sauces this season--they are ideal for the crowd that shops this farmer's market.

*cash & carry items work best when wrapped in a cellophane bag w/ twixit clip on top. If it looks like a "gift", they can either 'be good to themselves' or 'buy it for a friend', and it's ready to give! I put my business card in the bottom, then some Easter grass, then the item, and a twixit that matches the eastergrass on top.

I do pamper my market guests and myself, by laying a cheapo foam puzzle mat underneath (- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices) or find one on craigslist, plus I put down a carpet remnant I got for $10 on top of it. LOOKS nice, feels great - and I don't have to worry about it getting gross; it's outside!

I do have a recipe/contact card liek the following:
 

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We gave out recipe cards and hershey's kisses, which drew the people in, and old catalogs. We had our info (alternating) on everything we gave out, but I never got ONE call from anyone who saw me at the show. ALL my shows and leads came from either booking a date at the show or me calling them. Follow up is SO important, because 99% of customers do NOT call you, but will be happy to talk to you if you call them. I still think its best to have your info on everything you pass out, but don't expect that to really get you customers. :)
 
pamperedchefqueen said:
We gave out recipe cards and hershey's kisses, which drew the people in, and old catalogs. We had our info (alternating) on everything we gave out, but I never got ONE call from anyone who saw me at the show. ALL my shows and leads came from either booking a date at the show or me calling them. Follow up is SO important, because 99% of customers do NOT call you, but will be happy to talk to you if you call them. I still think its best to have your info on everything you pass out, but don't expect that to really get you customers. :)
Click to expand...

Good point! I've handed out literally thousands of flyers with my name and info on them at trade shows and I've never had a call...BUT my online sales have increased, so that could be why. Plus, you never know when someone will ask them if they know a PC person and they say "I have a flyer here somewhere that I got from a PC lady" You never know!
 
I do have a recipe/contact card like the following:
Attached Files
File Type: doc PC Booth Handout with Coupons(2).doc (1.01 MB, 37 views)Scott, what do you give them if they email you within 48hours, and do you think putting the pamperedchef.com website on there might make them order from home office instead of from your own website? oh and thanks so much for sharing!!! I am TERRIBLE at making my own flyers etc. and am SO GRATEFUL for those who make them up and share. :)Mary
 
I have a couple of HWC booths in May. Does anyone have special tips for that? I got some great ideas from this thread and I would love to learn any ideas specific to HWC.

Thanks!!
 
caraighan said:
have you ever done a booth with another consultant and the other consultant is ALWAYS sitting down!

Last time I felt guilty because I had a lot of leads and she didn't. But, then I was always standing and she was always sitting! I talked to everyone because I was standing. And to beat it all, the chair where she was sitting was at the back of the booth behind the back table!
Click to expand...

that is her loss. I say don't pay the money to do a booth unless you are 1. READY TO WORK and 2. GOING TO MAKE FOLLOW UP CALLS within 48 HOURS!- NO EXCUSES!!
 
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  • #37
Ok...so I did a few booths in May, and amazingly, learned even MORE things.(1) When someone hands me their drawing/contact slip, not only do I glance at their name and see whether they selected anything in recruiting/booking, etc, I ask them "What is the best time to contact you?" and then I make note of it on the slip. (2) To try to get folks to book a date at the booth, I had "party in a bag" incentives. It contained the utensils, plates, napkins, an old Season's Best, and the Host Packet- plus a coupon for a Free Cooking Show, and currently a $15 gift certificate (to use at their show). If they say yes on the slip, or when I ask them, then I try to get that date and use the bags to entice them there. So far so good. If I got "Maybe", I did the same thing - "If you are interested, I have a Party in the Bag today. We can pencil in your date today and I'll call to confirm later." I've had decent luck in converting them to 'yes' and on the calendar.
 
esavvymom said:
Ok...so I did a few booths in May, and amazingly, learned even MORE things.

(2) To try to get folks to book a date at the booth, I had "party in a bag" incentives. It contained the utensils, plates, napkins, an old Season's Best, and the Host Packet- plus a coupon for a Free Cooking Show, and currently a $15 gift certificate (to use at their show). If they say yes on the slip, or when I ask them, then I try to get that date and use the bags to entice them there. So far so good. If I got "Maybe", I did the same thing - "If you are interested, I have a Party in the Bag today. We can pencil in your date today and I'll call to confirm later." I've had decent luck in converting them to 'yes' and on the calendar.
Click to expand...

Just thought of this

You could buy a gift bag that goes with a "Theme Party" Mexican bag for a Mexican party and then have about 3 different mexican recipes cards inside for them to choose 1 recipe, etc.

That might just get there attention also

Now what other ideas can we come up with

:chef:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #39
I saw someone post in another thread that they were using a beach pail.
 
I just joined this group today but I'm super encouraged by the topics discussed. I've been a consultant for 9 months now and still feel so new. Our team has just started doing Saturday Markets/fairs. I like the idea of standing because I understand that it's more... friendly, I guess. What about when the Market is slow? Would you still stand? Also, how do you set-up your booth? We have our table pushed to the back of the wall with product all over it, displayed nicely. On one side, we have our 2 chairs, the other side has a kitchen cart with the drawing , Cash & Carry and Catalogs on it. I like that they come toward you but I'm wondering if that also scares them?? Not many of them REALLY look at the products. Many smile and walk on or if I say : "Would you like to enter our drawing??" , some look at you like your scamming them. So maybe I need to change the way I approach them?? Help me out please! :)
 
First off welcome Kristin. This site is a great resource.

One suggestion is to ask them if they would like a free recipe card (with your info on it!). If you are wearing an apron you can keep them in your pocket. Maybe ask them if they are sweat or savory, baker or cook, or some other question to engage them a little as you determine which recipe card to offer them.
 
pamperedchefqueen said:
I do have a recipe/contact card like the following:
Attached Files
File Type: doc PC Booth Handout with Coupons(2).doc (1.01 MB, 37 views)Scott, what do you give them if they email you within 48hours, and do you think putting the pamperedchef.com website on there might make them order from home office instead of from your own website? oh and thanks so much for sharing!!! I am TERRIBLE at making my own flyers etc. and am SO GRATEFUL for those who make them up and share. :)Mary
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I love Scott's coupon flyer too and have the same questions...anyone know or do something similar and want to share?
 
This is probably a stupid question but I need to get started- how did you find the fairs to do booths in? Does it help the business?

(I just had a baby two months ago- I had to stop doing shows four months ago due to being on bed rest- now I am getting back into business- I have four shows booked throughout the next two months but would like to book more!).
 
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  • #44
Porchechef said:
This is probably a stupid question but I need to get started- how did you find the fairs to do booths in? Does it help the business?

(I just had a baby two months ago- I had to stop doing shows four months ago due to being on bed rest- now I am getting back into business- I have four shows booked throughout the next two months but would like to book more!).
Click to expand...

Check out this thread...it has tips on where to find them.
 
whiteyteresa said:
Just thought of this

You could buy a gift bag that goes with a "Theme Party" Mexican bag for a Mexican party and then have about 3 different mexican recipes cards inside for them to choose 1 recipe, etc.

That might just get there attention also

Now what other ideas can we come up with

:chef:
Click to expand...

Does anyone else have an idea for another 'Theme Party" Bag ? ? ?

I have a setup on Saturday and I thought that this would be a great eye catcher

I am thinking of putting in a red bag, red plates, cups, plasticware, napkins. I would then add my 3 recipes for dips that go into the CRANBERRY mini baker - I love those recipes.

I want to have 3 different bags so now I need one more.

Please HELP

Thanks

:chef:
 
  • Thread starter
  • #46
What if you do a red-white-blue theme? Dollar stores may have a variety of great items- bags, buckets, or something that may strike your interest.
 
Thanks for directing me to that area!
 
What I offer if someone contacts me within 48 hours, are a free show ( Tomato Basil Squares ) where I supply the food, or a (previous season) Season's Best cookbook. I get all their contact info, mail them a mini catalog and have had a handful of repeat customer sales from this. Two different folks asked to buy the current Season's Best, and included other things in their order.
 
Getting names is the most important. To get them to fill out a slip, I may or may not have a drawing going. Depends on the booth. If not, I just say, would you like to receive my monthly newsletter? We have a clearance outlet that I update you on! It gets them most of the time :). If I'm doing a gift certificate, I'll tell them that as well. My drawings are always a gift certificate so they pick out their own stuff.

I have increased my number of customers that I send my monthly email to dramactically since doing booths. My business practically runs itself now when it comes to bookings. My WONDERFUL runs of shows (where I do one and people book, book, book, from it and the ones booked from it) are from expos. They are looking for a consultant. I get that a lot. Everyone knows about PC, but no one has a consultant! I get calls from people who get my email (that have never had/nor intend to to have a show) so that they can order or they have a friend who wants to order b/c they have a consultant (ME). My only contact really are the newsletters!

As for a successful booth, I know cash n carry really works well for me. It draws them in b/c at a craft show they are ready to leave with the product. I also offer free upgrade to direct shipping. I do not want to deliver things that aren't close. I'll offer them free shipping if they can pick it up or I can get it to them easily.

The biggest thing is attempt to keep it simple. I have my simple and not so simple set ups. Depends on the size of my booth. I don't find that I have to make anything look nicer or more inviting (but I naturally do have a nice looking booth...but mostly with product, not extra decor). I have PC and that's enough. I always am one of the busier/most popular/most successful booths. Even when others say that it was slower, I will have the same sales as the year before.
 
Things I have learned...

Indoor is always better than outdoors.

Was at a three day, Thurs, Fri and Sat festival this past weekend. Friday morning I got a call from the vendor beside me telling me to be prepared, most everyone's booths/tables were all over the parking lot, but mine was still standing. It took me an hour to reset it, but hey, it was still standing. That day, they closed the fair at 3 because of bad weather coming in. Satuday morning, I arrived to this. See photo

The tent is trashed, it took 3 guys with a roll of duct tape and stakes to get it to the point where it was standing, but not very well. It made it thru the day, without sides, and like I said, just barely staying on the ground.

All this being said, a few weak maybees, two recruit leads, 1 who would not leave her contact info and 1 mix n chop sold. Not one of my better adventures!
 

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PamperChefCarol said:
Things I have learned...

Indoor is always better than outdoors.

Was at a three day, Thurs, Fri and Sat festival this past weekend. Friday morning I got a call from the vendor beside me telling me to be prepared, most everyone's booths/tables were all over the parking lot, but mine was still standing. It took me an hour to reset it, but hey, it was still standing. That day, they closed the fair at 3 because of bad weather coming in. Satuday morning, I arrived to this. See photo

The tent is trashed, it took 3 guys with a roll of duct tape and stakes to get it to the point where it was standing, but not very well. It made it thru the day, without sides, and like I said, just barely staying on the ground.

All this being said, a few weak maybees, two recruit leads, 1 who would not leave her contact info and 1 mix n chop sold. Not one of my better adventures!
Click to expand...


Oh Carol! How did your products fair? Did you loose anyting?
 
Things got wet, but all products were intact. Even the bread crock that I used to hold utensils. But it was an adventure.
 
Just had to report on my booth at the Farmer's Market that I have for the summer. Everything went pretty good for the first night.

I will definitely continue to hand out recipe cards.

You definitely get a different crowd at Farmer's Markets than home and garden type shows. I liked the fact that the leads we did get for the most part were not just signing up for the give away. I still feel a little overwhelmed by all the stuff you have to take but I think it will get better as time goes on.

At the one I'm at they encourage samples, demonstrations, etc. If you can get into a Farmer's Market that lets you do those things I think it helps.

Judy:)
 
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  • #54
*giving a bump since we are getting into this season (I've got one end of the month, and every month through Halloween- hopefully through December after this week!)*
 
Whenever a booth is shared with another consultant in our cluster, we always put our initals on the drawing slips. At the end of the event we go through and sort out the leads by initals. We then look over the slips and we share our leads that are closer to the other consultants home, so we don't have to travel along ways. We are pretty much scattered over the Dallas - Ft. Worth Metroplex and North, so it works out great for alot of us.

I keep small suckers for the kids to have. I always ask parents before I ask the kids if they would like one. This kinda breaks the ice and gives me an opportunity to ask a few more questions, without seeming to aggressive.

I offer a FREE KITCHEN SHOW to everyone who books a Kitchen Show with me at my booth or gets back with me with info they received at my booth. Everyone is always a winner.
 
When you say "free cooking show", do you mean you supply the food for the recipe you make at the party? Or is that just a clever way of saying that you'll come and do a party for them? Thanks!
 
My advice: Keep in contact with the registrants/don't completely write them off! I just had a lady contact me to do a show for her! She got an email from me about Kick Off!

Everyone I contact I mail them a SB cookbook.

ETA: I called everyone after every event. Most of the time, I get nice people, but sometimes I get people who don't know who I am! (Um, how did I get your #?) It can be discouraging, but worth it to keep in touch!
 
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  • #58
SuzcookinPC said:
When you say "free cooking show", do you mean you supply the food for the recipe you make at the party? Or is that just a clever way of saying that you'll come and do a party for them? Thanks!
Click to expand...

Most of us mean we'll provide the food for the recipe. (I just make sure to specify 1 Demo Recipe- so someone doesn't think I'll bring ALL the food they want...not a caterer.)

Since they are getting that $15 Hospitality Bonus as part of their Host benefits, it's a $15-20 value usually.
 
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  • #59
*Bump* for the Spring/Summer booth season! :)
 
I'm doing a booth on Saturday and I am SOO pumped. Trying to get more sales for SAT in - so I have host packets ready for catalog shows and cooking shows, and a printed out calendar with highlights for free dates.Last one I did I had my drawing for a $25 gift certificate that goes up to $35 if they book a party. My winner is having a party next month, and is potentially setting up a registry with me as well so she'd have a bridal shower too!My only issue is that I don't have any signs or anything - I have to invest but have been waiting on it. All I have is product, printouts, and me in my apron, looking lovely and trying to draw people in - hopefully that'll be enough :-)
 
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