What's the Best Time for an Open House: Weekday or Weekend?

[daricsmom]

I am a new consultant and I am going to have an open house to kick off my new buisness. I am trying to decide if I should do a regular show or just have the open house be like from 4pm - 8pm?? and I was wondering if it is better to have it during the week or on the weekend? I want to have a good turn out so I wasnt sure exactly what to do? Thanks Chrissy

 

[Teresa Lynn]

I always have mine on Saturday from 11-2 I hold it twice a year with each new product season
I had 12 guests attend and sales are at $1,302
I sent full sized catalogs to soem customers and mini catalogs to others
total invited 135
I never do a demo

 

[cookwithlori]

I am also a new consultant and going to have an open house an a couple of weeks to kick off my business. I was wondering the same thing - regular cooking show or just an open house with some recipes already made and showcase my kit (everything you get when you sign up). I was thinking for an open house just having everything sit out would be nice b/c people may come and go through out the afternoon. Plus, I am new to my area so I know absolutely NO ONE (moved 500 miles away) and this might be a nice way to get to know my neighbors. Any ideas or tips would be wonderful?!

 

[ChefGwendolyn]

Lori-
Make sure that when you invite people, you do it in person and follow-up with them to remind them to come.

I too do not know anyone in my neighborhood, I moved a great distance as well.

My first open house I put flyers on my neighors doors (350 of them!), but because I didn't knock on the doors and introduce myself and personally invite them, and I didn't have a way to remind them to come, NO ONE showed up. I will be doing 2 Open Houses this time one on Sunday September 28 from 2pm-4pm and on October 4 10am -12pm. That way if someone can't come to one they might be able to come to the other! I am hoping I have better success this time.

GOOD LUCK!

 

[Hathery]

I'm doing a Mystery Host show for my open house in the hopes of enticing attendees. I just had a party last month, so it's hard to expect the same people to want to come again w/out an incentive

 

[Gina M]

Since you are new - I would suggest doing an actual show - you can still show off the new products and show your enthusiasm for your new business (and therefore get sales and bookings). I've never done open houses - just mystery host shows and they have all gone over great. My sales are generally $700 or more and I always get bookings from them as well. Also, the idea of getting something for free entices my guests to come back year after year (I split the host benefits between two of them and give each person a S/B just for coming) I also raffle off small items throughout the show as well. I've had good luck doing them at 1 pm on Sundays and generally everyone is out the door by 3:00 to 3:30. Good luck with what you decide to do!

I also agree about personally inviting people (if you can) and doing reminder calls - everyone has that senior moment!

 

[daricsmom]

Thank you to everyone for your ideas!! Thanks Chrissy