What Can You Expect at Bladenboro's Beast Fest This October?

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Discussion Overview

The thread centers around participants sharing their experiences and plans for attending the upcoming Beast Fest in Bladenboro, NC, particularly focusing on festival booth setups, cash-and-carry items, and strategies for engaging with potential customers.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, expresses excitement about their first festival booth and inquires about cash-and-carry items.
  • Another participant shares their experience of successfully selling leftover items at a previous event, noting that smaller items sold quickly.
  • Several users mention bringing a variety of small items, including crocks and Halloween cookie cutters, while questioning the value of bringing heavier stoneware items.
  • One participant notes that they do not keep items on hand but focus on bookings, using drawings to attract interest and successfully booking multiple shows at past fairs.
  • Another participant discusses their strategy of keeping their table simple and showcasing new products, which led to significant sales.
  • One participant shares their plan for an upcoming fair, emphasizing a more streamlined approach after learning from their first experience of bringing too much inventory.
  • Another participant mentions using small bags for host folders and preparing packets ahead of time to save costs on catalogs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of bringing cash-and-carry items, particularly heavier stoneware, with some participants advocating for a focus on bookings rather than product sales. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach to inventory for festival booths.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to festival booths, reflecting a variety of approaches to engaging with customers and managing inventory.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants preparing for upcoming fairs or festivals may find the shared experiences and strategies relevant to their own planning and execution.

RuthV
RuthV
Messages
60
I'm doing my first festival booth October 27th! Bladenboro, NC is having it's first "Beast Fest"(playing up an old news story from back in the 1950's when some unknown creature, possibly a big cat such as a panther, was killing smaller livestock and animals or it could have all been a hoax). Do any of y'all do "cash-n-carry" type items? I've already got a give away prize(a cranberry crock with a few small items in it) set up as well as a free gift for anyone who books a party on the spot(Twixt-It clip). I'm making a list of items that I want to promenately display. I'm excited to be doing my 1st booth.:balloon: Any other suggestions?:D
 
Do you have anything on hand for cash & carry products?? I took some leftover HWC items last week & sold a bunch! I didn't order anything, cause I really wanted to get rid of some of the stuff I've accumulated...smaller items seemed to go faster for me!
 
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  • #3
I've got a few extra crocks, packs of Twix-it clips, a box a various small items, a dozen Season's Best. I figured I'd take alot of small items(mini whips, can strainers, corn butters, etc.) before I restock for my November-December parties. What about stoneware items? Is it worth taking some cash-n-carry stoneware items other than the cranberry crocks? Oh, and I got some of the Halloween cookie cutters.
 
I brought some stoneware & didn't sell any...it's pretty heavy to lug too!! I'm not sure I'd bother~maybe, if you'll have someone else with you, leave those in the car & have a list of what you have...if they're really interested, they'll wait a few minutes so you can run out & get it for them (as long as you're not packed super far!!) That being said, someone will ask you for what you don't have with you, no matter how much you take with you!! JMHO!
 
I don't keep anything on hand. I have order forms and usually leave with a least $200 in sales. My main goal at fairs is bookings. I have two drawings. One for some gift and the other for a free cooking show. When they are filling out the slip, I ask if they were entering for the free cooking show. If yes, I book them right there and give them a free cooking show (I bring the ingredients and utentials, etc.). I give them the host packet and place it in a dollar tree gift bag, with PC clear label on it. They are carrying this around the fair advertising for me. I booked 6 in one day at my last fair. It works. I keep the table simple, with new products, my tool turn about for people to pick up and look at items. And I showcased the mix n chop. I sold many. My drawing bowls were the trifle bowl. I also showcased the current host specials and my flip chart with the yummy food.
 
lockhartkitchen said:
I don't keep anything on hand. I have order forms and usually leave with a least $200 in sales. My main goal at fairs is bookings. I have two drawings. One for some gift and the other for a free cooking show. When they are filling out the slip, I ask if they were entering for the free cooking show. If yes, I book them right there and give them a free cooking show (I bring the ingredients and utentials, etc.). I give them the host packet and place it in a dollar tree gift bag, with PC clear label on it. They are carrying this around the fair advertising for me. I booked 6 in one day at my last fair. It works. I keep the table simple, with new products, my tool turn about for people to pick up and look at items. And I showcased the mix n chop. I sold many. My drawing bowls were the trifle bowl. I also showcased the current host specials and my flip chart with the yummy food.
Click to expand...

Great tips!! Thanks!!:D
 
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  • #7
Great ideas and suggestions! Thanks!
 
I have a fair on Nov 3rd. I'm planning on showcasing the kit, the 8" executive pan, the 10" SS pan and some SA. That's it. I'll have a bunch of the Holiday Mini-Catalogs to pass out, and plan on doing a drawing for a free cooking show. Since I also have a small batter bowl here in the house, I think I'll offer that also as a drawing prize. I will also have some catalogs just in case. Last year, my first one, I took way too much of everything! Not doing that this year.
 
I do the same as Julie but I discovered last week that a host folder fits just perfectly in our small PC bags that come with an order - and I have lots left over,and since I was out of the clear labels from Merrill, this saved me some money! I have a fair next Saturday and I am making lots of packets up ahead and putting them on those bags and tying a festival bow on the handle.

they are providing me with two round tables! I'm going to showcase the kit as well on one of them and the other do it up all holiday with ideas from the holiday mini-catalogs. I have flyers from here to pass out and some mini-catalogs IF THEY ASK for a catalog. In the past, I've wasted so much money giving out catalogs and no one calls. So I have the mini's and recipe cards with my info to draw them to my website. I like the idea of a drawing for the free show but booking it right then and there, hadn't thought of that! I have an extra family QSP that it going to be the extra door prize.

Ruth - where is Bladensboro? I thought I knew where everyplace in our state was!!! Good Luck with your fair!
Edited so say - DUH - Bladen County - should have known! Not too far from me!
 
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Frequently Asked Questions

What dates will Bladenboro's Beast Fest take place in October?

Bladenboro's Beast Fest is scheduled for October 20-21, 2023. Make sure to mark your calendars for this exciting event!

What activities can attendees expect at the festival?

Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities including live music, food vendors, arts and crafts, a parade, and fun games for children. There will also be contests and demonstrations throughout the event.

Is there an admission fee for Bladenboro's Beast Fest?

No, admission to Bladenboro's Beast Fest is free! This makes it a great opportunity for families and friends to enjoy a fun-filled day without any cost.

Will there be food available at the festival?

Yes, there will be plenty of food options available at the festival. Local vendors will offer a range of delicious foods, including barbecue, desserts, and other festival favorites.

Are pets allowed at Bladenboro's Beast Fest?

While pets are generally not allowed at the festival for safety and health reasons, service animals are permitted. It's best to check the event's official guidelines for any specific rules regarding pets.

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