Tips for Hosting a Successful Long Distance Catalog Show?

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Discussion Overview

The thread discusses experiences and tips related to hosting long-distance catalog shows, particularly focusing on communication and organization between consultants and hosts. Participants share personal anecdotes about their successes and challenges with such shows.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, notes that successful long-distance catalog shows often depend on effective communication with the host.
  • Another participant shares their experience of a smooth show due to a responsible host who communicated well and facilitated online orders.
  • Several users mention that poor communication can lead to delays and complications, emphasizing the importance of setting clear deadlines for orders and payments.
  • One participant describes their positive experience with a catalog show hosted by a family member, highlighting the ease of sending materials and using online tools.
  • Another participant mentions the usefulness of having a website for managing orders and facilitating communication with guests.
  • One participant discusses their approach of having guests write checks to the host for out-of-state shows, which has worked well for them.
  • Another participant shares that they frequently conduct out-of-state catalog shows and find them comparable to local shows, stressing the need for ongoing communication.
  • One participant notes that they provide hosts with catalogs and order forms, and encourage them to utilize social media for promotion.
  • Another participant mentions using incentives to motivate hosts, sharing mixed sales results from previous shows.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the ease and effectiveness of long-distance catalog shows, with some participants sharing positive experiences while others recount challenges related to communication and organization. No clear consensus emerges on the best practices for managing these shows.

Contextual Notes

Participants' experiences vary based on their individual circumstances, including the nature of their relationships with hosts and the tools they utilize for managing orders and communication.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants considering or preparing for long-distance catalog shows may find these shared experiences and insights relevant to their planning and execution.

B
barbara_anne
Messages
86
One of the guests that placed an outside order on a past cooking show is interested in having a Catalog show. I have never met this person and have only talked to her a few times via telephone. Has anyone had a "long distance" catalog show and do you have any tips and/or suggestions to help make things run smoothly?

TIA
 
Out of state catalog shows have gone two different ways for me. One that I have had was a complete breeze...very responsible and excited host who was a great communicator with me, and all of her guests ordered online via my website, making everything super easy!! All the payments were taken care of for me, and it was a breeze! The other, however, was not such a good experience. Poor communication with the host. Very delayed closing, and waited forever for payment from her to finally get things wrapped up. It all comes down to how well you communicate with your host though. Set up deadlines for receiving orders and payments, and make yourself clear throughout all your conversations, and you should be fine! Speaking from experience though, just make sure that your host knows that since she is in another state, you will have to wait to receive any check payments from her before closing the show. I wouldn't cover anything yourself, especially not knowing this person personally and her being in another state. Having to rely on the mail is going to delay things a bit, so be prepared! Good luck!!
 
hi there! I just started in November and my sister-in-law held a catalog show for me as a starter show. She lives in NC and I'm in NY. I sent her a packet of books and outside order forms, the information for the website. She had a great show, worked well! I would say it's the same as a local catalog show. She did have people that don't live next to her who also placed orders on the website. hope this helped you a little! As a newbie I'm not sure if maybe I too missed something but I personally think it went well! As I mentioned I sent her a bunch of books, the outside order forms with the months specials on them (via email) and of course the host specials. Well I hope this was helpful!
 
If you have a website, that is much easier! I had one in my first few months in too and it was a great success! I sent a packet with books, order forms, and DETAILED instructions on ordering. Lots of communication with the host and that helped!
 
I am doing my first out of state catalog show in March.. I am in Ohio and my sister in law is in Minnesota.. She is a lil nervous but I am very excited. I am sure it will go well. I told her communication is the key to a good show. I also reminded her to never under estimate who might want to buy from her. So I am sending her a package of catalogs just as soon as we get the new ones. I wish you luck on yours.
Oh BTW I have already set her up on the website to get started.... Make sure to explain it to her how to do it on the website..
 
I do out of state catalog show ALL the time (we are military all our family and lots of friends live across the country). They are just the same as a local catalog show..I would also say to stay on top of your host and use the website as a big tool. I also encourage she either submits the orders for each guest on the website or gets me their order forms as she gets them (they can email, fax, or over the phone). Just continue to be in touch with them. Good luck
 
Almost all of my catalog shows have been out of state..I mail a few catalogs and OOF's, and then set up the website. They post on FB and share with family and friends. Funny most of my hosts don't use the website tools though. I'd email clearly defined info on closing, shipping, etc.
 
If guest are not using credit cards I have the guest make checks out to the host if its an out of state catalog show and then I have the host pay for the balance of the show using her own credit or debit card and works great. I currently have an out of state catalog show going on right now. This host is great she has done 2 shows before and this works out great for us.
 
I got a catalog show tic tac toe form somewhere around here. It has a few extra incentives to keep the hostess going. My aunt in Washington has done 2 catty shows for me (I am in Texas) and they went well. The first was about 450 in sales and the next was barely 150, but sales are sales.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a long distance catalog show?

A long distance catalog show is a type of direct sales event where the host shares a catalog with friends and family who are not physically present. Instead of gathering everyone in one location, the host collects orders through the catalog and may use online tools to facilitate communication and showcase products.

How can I promote my long distance catalog show effectively?

To promote your long distance catalog show, utilize social media platforms, email, and messaging apps to reach out to potential guests. Create engaging posts that highlight featured products, share personal testimonials, and offer incentives for orders. Consider hosting a virtual event or live demonstration to generate excitement.

What tools can I use to facilitate a long distance catalog show?

Utilize online platforms such as Facebook groups, Zoom, or Google Meet for virtual gatherings. You can also use email newsletters to share the catalog and updates. Additionally, consider using online payment systems to make ordering easy for your guests.

How can I keep guests engaged during a long distance catalog show?

To keep guests engaged, create interactive experiences such as live cooking demonstrations, product showcases, or Q&A sessions. Encourage guests to ask questions and share their own experiences with the products. Offering fun games or contests can also increase participation and excitement.

What are some tips for following up with guests after the show?

After the show, follow up with guests by sending personalized thank-you messages and reminders about placing orders. Share any special offers or promotions that may be available. Additionally, encourage feedback and ask if they have any questions about the products to maintain engagement and build relationships.

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