Tips for Hosting a Small Guest List with Future MIL: Handling Flaky Invitations

[jrb0328]

my very first show is being hosted by my future MIL. shes been a little flaky lately and her guest list consists of 6 people - thats all. i know that not all 6 people are going to show - and theres no getting her to invite more. what should i do?!

 

[JAE]

Will she let you call them so you can talk to them yourself about inviting a friend to come with them? Otherwise, if you send out the invites, put on there "Bring a friend, get a gift!"

 

[BethCooks4U]

Tell her to ask everyone to bring a friend who was not invited. Maybe offer a gift for those who do. I often offer $1 off shipping for both the one who brought the friend and the friend.

 

[jrb0328]

i dont think she will want me calling them but i will suggest bringing a friend. what should i give as gifts?

 

[JAE]

What Beth said or I give a twixit clip or Citrus Peeler.

 

[BethCooks4U]

You could give them a Season's Best or one of the other door prize items on the supply order or a twixit or as I do give something off the shipping.

I like to do the shipping because if they don't order anything I'm not out anything.

 

[JAE]

I like to do the shipping because if they don't order anything I'm not out anything.

That is very true, especially if someone brings a person under 18 who probably won't order anything.

 

[jrb0328]

the shipping, if its sent to the hostess is 4$ flat correct?

 

[JAE]

the shipping, if its sent to the hostess is 4$ flat correct?

Yes, regular shipping is $4.

 

[jrb0328]

i just want to make sure that i am clear on this - if i were to offer free shipping, i would pay for that? so if i had 2 people order and they brought a friend i would pay the 8$ shipping?

 

[JAE]

I wouldn't offer free shipping. Yes, you'd be paying for it, but Beth was saying that she offers $1 off shipping. So you're only paying that $1 for the person who brought a friend and the friend, if they order something.

 

[jrb0328]

I like that idea because like Beth said, you arent out anything if they dont order

 

[wadesgirl]

Outside orders will really help this party out! I've had very fun profitable shows with a low attendance, it just means your MIL will have to do more work herself!

 

[purrbal]

My very first show was only the host, her mom, her friend and myself. It worked well for me because it got that first show off my back and those jitters gone.

 

[Nanisu]

You know, it will be what it will be. Just consider it a training show, do your best, SPARKLE anyway, and just consider it training that you get paid for! And then work your best to get referrals from this group if not bookings.

 

[lkprescott]

Exactly.. my first two shows only had two people... actually one show had one guest and the host and that was IT! It still qualified and I learned a lot. That's what the first few shows are all about.... learning. At least that's how I looked at it.

 

[wadesgirl]

You know, it will be what it will be. Just consider it a training show, do your best, SPARKLE anyway, and just consider it training that you get paid for! And then work your best to get referrals from this group if not bookings.

Some of my best shows have had low attendance! I had a party where no one showed up and the host worked her butt off to get $500 in sales!