When Do You Hand Out Catalogs at a Show?

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Discussion Overview

The thread explores various approaches to distributing catalogs during shows, with participants sharing their personal experiences and preferences regarding the timing of this practice.

Discussion Character

  • Opinion-based
  • Anecdotal
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, typically hands out catalogs at the beginning to allow guests to browse and discuss products before the show starts.
  • Another participant shares their experience of waiting until the end of the show to distribute catalogs, noting that this approach reduces chatter and increases participation during the demonstration.
  • One participant mentions that giving out catalogs at the beginning has led to increased sales, as guests engage with each other about the products.
  • Another participant expresses concern that having catalogs too early might lead guests to second-guess their purchases, as they may cross off items on their order forms by the end of the show.
  • One participant recounts a situation where they initially tried waiting to distribute catalogs but ultimately decided to hand them out early to encourage conversation among guests.
  • Another participant suggests consulting the host for their preference on when to distribute catalogs, considering their experience from previous shows.
  • One participant describes their method of placing a folder with the order form, catalog, and survey slip on chairs, allowing guests to look at the materials during the show without interruption.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the optimal timing for handing out catalogs, with some participants favoring early distribution and others preferring to wait until after the demonstration. No clear consensus emerges.

Contextual Notes

Participants share varied experiences based on their individual shows and guest interactions, reflecting personal preferences rather than established practices.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for insights on catalog distribution strategies during shows may find the shared experiences relevant to their own practices.

dianevill
dianevill
Gold Member
Messages
2,499
Hi Everyone,

I'm just curious as to when you all hand out catalogs to guests. I usually hand them out (along with the specials, order forms, etc.) within a few minutes of arrival so that guests can browse and chat about products before the show starts. I'm starting to think about waiting until after the demo so that I have everyone's attention during the show (well, mostly everyone's attention - there's always the "gabber"), and so that I can answer product questions after the demo. At least once during every show, I'll have a guest paging through the catalog and then ask multiple questions totally unrelated to what I'm doing, and I have to stop to find the page number or explain the product (of course I don't mind explaining a product, but it does throw things off a bit and takes more time). What are your thoughts?

Thanks,
Diane
 
I used to hand out the catalogs and order forms at the beginning of the show. But now I find that I get more participation in the show if I wait until the very end of the show. I actually find that this also cuts down on the chatter through the show also. I still give them the order forms at the beginning of the show, and have them fill out the top. I then tell them that if they hear me talk about anything during the show that they'd like to have, they can mark it on their wish list.
 
I give mine out at the beginning. I KNOW I've sold more things this way...or actually the people sitting next to each other sell them to each other! I think once the food is served, other things start to take center stage and they may not "chat" together about their favorite products. It's all personal preference though!!! :)
 
Becky,
I guess I've gone back and forth on this quite a bit, because I see your point also. Do you ever feel though that they talk themselves out of buying stuff if they have the catalog in their hands too long? I have seen too many order forms with things crossed off by the end of the show.

I guess its personal preference...you'll just have to find you're own way, and see what works for you.
 
chefbilyeu said:
Becky,
I guess I've gone back and forth on this quite a bit, because I see your point also. Do you ever feel though that they talk themselves out of buying stuff if they have the catalog in their hands too long? I have seen too many order forms with things crossed off by the end of the show.

I guess its personal preference...you'll just have to find you're own way, and see what works for you.
Click to expand...
I guess if that IS happening, I haven't been aware of it. Who knows! :confused: It would be interesting to go back and forth between the various methods and seeing if it makes a difference in sales. I know that lots of my shows have guests who've been to numerous shows. They want to see what's new right off the bat so they know what to look for in the demos. But, you're right...it's all personal preference! :D
 
  • Thread starter
  • #6
Uh...Thank you?Thanks Becky and Rebecca. You two are the voices in my head that are saying the same things, which is why I can't decide what to do ;) ! Last night I was going to try waiting to give out the catalogs until after the demo, but the first three people to arrive just sat there and stared at each other - no conversation, even when I tried to engage them. So...I gave in and offered them all catalogs, and they all looked very relieved! I think I'll stick to giving them ahead of time, at least for now.

Thanks again for your input!

Diane
 
catalog ideaWhat if you asked your host which she/he thought would be better since, most of them booked off of another show so they might have some insight just a thought :)
 
I place folder on the chais with the order form, catalog, and survey slip in it. I don't mind if people are looking while I'm doing the show.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I hand out catalogs at a Pampered Chef show?

You should hand out catalogs at the beginning of the show, ideally as guests arrive. This allows them to browse the products while they wait for the presentation to start, making them more engaged and informed during the demonstration.

Should I give everyone a catalog, or only certain guests?

It's best to give a catalog to everyone who attends the show. This ensures that all guests have the opportunity to see the full range of products and can refer to the catalog during the presentation and afterward.

Can I hand out catalogs during the cooking demonstration?

While you can hand out catalogs during the demonstration, it's more effective to do it beforehand. This way, guests can follow along with the products being used and take notes on items they are interested in as you demonstrate them.

What if I run out of catalogs at the show?

If you run out of catalogs, you can offer to send digital copies via email or direct guests to your online catalog. It's also a good idea to have a few extra catalogs on hand or to plan for a follow-up with those who didn't receive one.

How can I encourage guests to take catalogs home with them?

To encourage guests to take catalogs home, you can highlight special promotions or exclusive offers available in the catalog during your presentation. Additionally, consider offering a small incentive, like a raffle ticket, for anyone who takes a catalog and fills out their contact information.

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