What Essentials Should I Take to a Show?

[Bill Faber]

Hi everyone, this might seem like a strange question. But being that I have only been doing this for 5 months I feel like I take the whole kitchen with me when I go to a show. I have way too much stuff. What do you take? How do I decide and take less stuff? I come to someones house and I have two big bags and then I have my catalog tote another bag and finally the bag with the food that I buy for the host. I look like I am moving into someones house. Its insane. I need HELP!

Thanks everyone

 

[Chefstover2]

Bring only what you need for your recipe, plus perhaps any items that will show future host specials for months you wish to book. For instance, if your March isn't full enough, bring a piece of Bamboo to show. Keep it simple and people will feel less intimidated...perhaps even be interested in the business!Good luck!

 

[pamperedlinda]

I only bring what I need for my recipe. No matter what you take, someone will always want to see something that you didn't bring.

 

[esavvymom]

I have to say...I used to bring quite a bit too...but lately, because I was tired of hauling it around and then having to wash it all (with cold/flu season, after people handled it and of course- "some houses").Anyway- now I bring what I need for my recipe and whatever is currently on special and coming up next month. I sometimes bring a few of the new products also (if they aren't too big). It hasn't hurt my sales...in fact, I think my shows did better! I am able to set up, therefore spend more time with the host and be ready for the guests when they arrive. Clean up is faster too. I try to bring one crate (I use the old PC Crate)- or consultant tote, and then lighter/smaller things can go in 1 reusable grocery bag. And it saves my back and load/unload time! So try it a few shows and see how you like it and how it goes.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I only bring what I'm using for the demo, plus cookbooks, a few spices, and always my TTA packed full. Plus my paperwork tote.
However, I tend to only do demos that use a ton of products...so here is how I pack:Old Red Crate (what I got when I signed on):
DCB w/ trivet
TTA Packed full
spices, sauces, sprinkles, and any food items I am bringing for the demo.
10" skillet
Towels and Hot Pad/Mitt packed around DCBConsultant Tote (the one you get now when you sign on)
SS Bowl Set
Mesh Colander Set
ERMC set
Stackable measuring cup set
Prep Bowls (a couple of both sizes)
Med Bamboo Tray (in pocket)
UM (in pocket)
Large Grooved Cutting Board
Stackable Cooling Rack
Med. Bamboo Bowl w/ giveaways in itCookbooks go in my paperwork tote. (I use the cranberry striped tote I earned a while back.)

 

[raebates]

I bring the newest stuff (or at least of sample of each), my TTA, the spices, the cookbooks, and the guest & host specials. I also ask the host if there's something in particular they want me to bring. I can carry everything in in two trips. I'm a hands-on shopper, so I try to accommodate others like me.

 

[ChefBeckyD]

I bring the newest stuff (or at least of sample of each), my TTA, the spices, the cookbooks, and the guest & host specials. I also ask the host if there's something in particular they want me to bring. I can carry everything in in two trips. I'm a hands-on shopper, so I try to accommodate others like me.

I also do this. It seems lately, the most requested item for me to bring is the pineapple wedger...when they ask me to bring it, I let them know that if they have a pineapple on hand, I will also demo the wedger at the party.

 

[pamperedpartridge]

I bring the products I am using for demo, my tool turnabout full of stuff, a few cookbooks, and usually a peice from each line. I always bring the DCB, (but that is usually in my demo) I bring a peice of bamboo, a metal sheet pan, (I think feeling the quality of that peice is great), a peice of cookware, the food chopper, (everyone loves that thing). Batter bowl, a cutting board, knifes in TTA, (usually these are key in my demo), and every once in awhile I borrow the stainless bowls from my mom in law and bring those. This all goes in the consultant tote we recieve with our lit, I also bring a little crate to put my dirty dishes in and usually carry my DCB, and briefcase in that. I carry all of my paperwork in the pocket of my consultant tote of my briefcase.

 

[pjpamchef]

I use to bring all the spices as well, until once I noticed someone open one and stick their finger in to taste it :O
I found a 7 day a week am & pm pill dispenser (14 spaces) at the dollar tree, and put a couple tsp of each. Used a labeler to identify, I am actually selling more!!

 

[wadesgirl]

I have 4-6 recipes picked out for every season so my kit is usually packed with the stuff to make the recipes. I have the old crate, TTA tote, DCB in the small envelope and for the recipes that need it, the trifle bowl. Then I also have the cranberry bag we earned with all my paperwork, my laptop and my black HWC bag that is my purse. If there is a host/guest special that I don't have already packed I will bring those also. So for January I brought the platter and bowl. Guess I'll have to think of what to bring for February.

 

[Bill Faber]

Thanks everyone that is so helpful. I will certainly organize for my next show.