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

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores the timing and format of open houses for new Pampered Chef consultants, focusing on whether to hold them on weekdays or weekends and the effectiveness of different approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a new consultant, is uncertain about whether to host a regular show or an open house and seeks input on timing for better turnout.
  • Another participant shares their experience of hosting open houses on Saturdays, noting a successful turnout and sales figures.
  • A different new consultant expresses a desire to showcase their kit and connect with neighbors, considering an open house format with prepared recipes.
  • One participant recounts their experience of poor turnout due to lack of personal invitations and plans to hold multiple open houses at different times to increase attendance.
  • Another participant mentions using a Mystery Host show as an incentive to attract attendees, sharing their past success with this approach.
  • One consultant suggests that hosting an actual show might be more beneficial for sales and bookings, sharing their own successful experiences with this format.
  • Several participants emphasize the importance of personal invitations and follow-ups to enhance attendance.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the best format for an open house, with some participants favoring regular shows for better engagement and sales, while others prefer the open house format for its casual nature. There is no clear consensus on whether weekdays or weekends are better for hosting.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and strategies related to hosting open houses, highlighting the challenges faced by new consultants in unfamiliar areas.

Who May Find This Useful

New Pampered Chef consultants looking for insights on hosting open houses and determining the best timing and format for their events may find this discussion beneficial.

daricsmom
Messages
10
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
 
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
 
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?!
 
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!
 
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 :)
 
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!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Thank you to everyone for your ideas!! Thanks Chrissy
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best day of the week to host an open house for Pampered Chef?

Generally, weekends tend to be the best days for hosting an open house. Many people are off work and have more free time to attend. However, consider your target audience and their schedules, as some may prefer weekday evenings.

Are weekday open houses effective for Pampered Chef events?

Yes, weekday open houses can be effective, especially if you target specific times, such as after work hours. This can attract guests who may not be available on weekends. It’s important to promote the event well in advance to ensure good attendance.

What time of day is best for a weekend open house?

The best time for a weekend open house is typically in the late morning or early afternoon. This allows guests to attend without conflicting with evening plans. A time frame between 11 AM and 2 PM often works well for most attendees.

Should I consider holidays when planning my open house?

Yes, holidays can significantly impact attendance. It’s best to avoid scheduling open houses on major holidays or holiday weekends, as many people may have other commitments or travel plans. Instead, consider hosting your event a week or two before or after the holiday.

How can I determine the best time for my specific audience?

To determine the best time for your audience, consider conducting a quick survey among your potential guests or past attendees. You can also analyze attendance trends from previous events to identify patterns that may indicate preferred days and times.

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