Why Am I Struggling to Get Bookings Despite High Sales at Shows?

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores the challenges faced by Pampered Chef consultants in securing bookings despite achieving high sales at shows. Participants share their personal experiences and strategies, expressing both frustrations and successes in their efforts to increase bookings.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, reports a high sales average but struggles to secure bookings despite actively promoting hosting opportunities during shows.
  • Another participant shares their experience with a "Book-to-Look" deal, emphasizing the importance of making the offer exciting to potential hosts.
  • Several users mention the effectiveness of asking for referrals and networking with local businesses to generate leads.
  • One participant notes that they had success by encouraging hosts to promote bookings to their friends, leading to additional bookings from their shows.
  • Another participant discusses the potential of participating in local fairs and events as a way to meet new contacts and generate interest.
  • One consultant describes a recent successful show that resulted in multiple bookings, attributing their success to increased comfort and confidence during the presentation.
  • Several participants express solidarity, sharing that they also face similar challenges in obtaining bookings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the effectiveness of various strategies for securing bookings, with no clear consensus emerging on the best approach. Some participants find success with specific tactics, while others continue to struggle.

Contextual Notes

Participants share a range of experiences, from high sales at shows to difficulties in converting those sales into bookings. The discussion reflects a variety of personal strategies and local market conditions.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for peer experiences and ideas on how to improve their booking rates may find this discussion relevant.

P
PamperedK
Silver Member
Messages
1,126
My sales average is great - I think my show average is $600 or so. I've only done a few shows but I can not get bookings! I am asking everyone and I'm talking up hosting throughout my shows...but no one wants to book.

I have a show tomorrow, and then my show schedule is MAR18, APR15 and SEP13. I'm screwed! If I don't get any bookings tomorrow I do'nt know what I'm going to do...I can't put flyers up in my building any more, I've exhausted my List of 100...I had an open house, I've read over the 118 ways to get bookings and I can't find many more that I can do without spending money I don't have.

What will I do?
 
I'm doing a Book - to - Look "deal." *see attached, The ONLY way to see what the prize is, is to book a show, and the only way to get the prize is to host a qualifying show. I have preselected dates/prizes that work with my schedule so the potential host has to book what I have available. I can accept reschedules, but only within a certain amount of time.

Keep doing good on your shows! :D
 

Attachments

  • Thread starter
  • #3
amcclanaghan said:
I'm doing a Book - to - Look "deal." *see attached, The ONLY way to see what the prize is, is to book a show, and the only way to get the prize is to host a qualifying show. I have preselected dates/prizes that work with my schedule so the potential host has to book what I have available. I can accept reschedules, but only within a certain amount of time.

Keep doing good on your shows! :D
Click to expand...

I've tried this, but I do need to talk it up more. My Book to Look isn't that exciting, I guess I should work on that.

My host tomorrow is supposed to have a lot of people so I really hope I can get some bookings from her.
 
I had the same problem. Just talk to everyone you meet..."pamper" a business, or ask for referrals. I've just started asking for referrals, and I've gotten 3 leads...one booking for sure. Keep trying...I know how you feel...been there. Make it all about your hosts!!!! Things should turn around. Don't give up hope.
 
You're not alone Andrea! I'm having the same problems. Can't seem to break out of the circle of people I'm in right now. I keep trying though...
 
Call local schools to see if they are having Spring carnivals/fairs, etc where they may be selling vendor space. It's a great way to make new contacts and their charges are usually very moderate like about $20-25.

Also, you can put a batter bowl (or fish bowl) in a locally owned restaurant and offer a free lunch for 2 drawing and runners up will win a free Pampered Chef party. You'll have a bowl full of business cards to call or email! Good luck!!
 
Do you know other people in direct sales.. Like Tastefully Simple or something that you could swap shows and cross sell items with and help one another out? There's a great thread today about Tastefully Simple and some discussion about how that has helped some people broaden their customer base. Stick with it and keep coming to CS for encouragement and help. We're all pulling for you!
 
Try to see if there is a fair going on anywhere. I was about to go inactive last yr in Aug and I did Taste of home booth and I hae been going pretty strong since. good luck with your show tomorrow
 
Also be sure to mention the booking benefit to the host and what she will get if her friends host a show. Tell her to mention to her friends that they need to book a date if they are just thinking about it, otherwise it won't count for her.
I have a show on Tuesday, with a booking already, because I told the host to tell her friends. She got the booking, not me. I also had a catalog show that had two bookings off of it.

I figure that it gets the idea in the host head that she wants people to book off of her show, and she tells her friends. She knows them better than me, and she knows who may host, and how to approach it.

They come to the party with the thought on their mind, because the host already mentioned it. I also tell them if they decide not to have the show, it is better to mark it down and change their mind then to tell me three days after we close it. I then hope they keep the show. Hope this helps.
 
If you can't put flyer up in your building can you slip flyer under peoples doors? Or why don't you have an open house and do it a s a meet and greet so everyone in the building can get to know each other? I live in a condo and i am thinking of doing this.
 
Do your customer care calls and ask for their help with referrals or tell them about theme shows you are thinking of trying. Try offering power cooking demo. As stated above, fairs are an excellent source. Hold an open house with Spring products. Cary a catalog toote withyou wherever you go.
 
How about hosting your own show and inviting everyone you know? Let them know they would be the first to see our new products and give away the hostess benefits to a lucky winner.
 
Make out of the box calls. Call everyone who orders from the show after they receive their orders and see how they are enjoying their things and ask them if they want to host a show.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
Well, I don't know what happened, but...my show yesterday had 11 guests...I got 3 solid bookings (2 from one person), 2 catalog shows and 2 maybes. One of the maybes said "probably" and one said "yes" but she wants to book off of one of the other bookings because she's better friends with that host and wants her to get credit for it.Everyone was really excited about the Cutting Board Host Special! I feel much much better now! I feel like I was more comfortable and I was sure to include more about hosting throughout my show. I still forgot about my Book to Look - I need to highlight that part in my show outline.Thanks for all your help - I'm still going to use some of your suggestions. I want to get up to 2 shows per week!!
 
Way to go, Peg! ;)
 
That's awesome. I think sometimes we get into a funk and guests realize that we are nervous about asking and that makes them nervous about saying yes. Having a place to go with your fears and troubles like chefsuccess to just vent and get ideas really helps to release and start fresh and show confidence.
just my thoughts.....
 
That,s great!!! Hopefully I will have the same luck on the 28th .I also what to do 2 shows a week.
 
Great job!! I am having the same problem, getting bookings! I had a party (my largest 14 guests and over $800 in sales!) and got NO bookings!! I even offered free shipping to anyone that booked a show!! Zilch! I am doing 24 bookings in 24 hours now. I am in the proccess of getting up all of my phone numbers so I can start calling away! Congrats on your bookings!!
 
Winnipegk said:
Well, I don't know what happened, but...my show yesterday had 11 guests...I got 3 solid bookings (2 from one person), 2 catalog shows and 2 maybes. One of the maybes said "probably" and one said "yes" but she wants to book off of one of the other bookings because she's better friends with that host and wants her to get credit for it.

Everyone was really excited about the Cutting Board Host Special! I feel much much better now! I feel like I was more comfortable and I was sure to include more about hosting throughout my show. I still forgot about my Book to Look - I need to highlight that part in my show outline.

Thanks for all your help - I'm still going to use some of your suggestions. I want to get up to 2 shows per week!!
Click to expand...

Woo Hoo that is awesome:D Don't you feel great now? You should be so proud, what a turnaround!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I struggling to get bookings despite high sales at shows?

High sales at shows indicate that customers appreciate your products, but bookings require a different approach. It's essential to engage with your audience and create a sense of urgency or excitement about hosting a party. Consider incorporating more interactive elements during your shows to encourage guests to envision their own events.

Am I asking for bookings in the right way?

How you ask for bookings can significantly impact your success. Instead of a generic request, personalize your approach. Ask individuals directly if they would like to host a party, and highlight the benefits they would receive, such as free products or exclusive discounts. Tailoring your invitation can make it more appealing.

Are my follow-up strategies effective?

Follow-up is crucial in direct sales. If you're not following up with guests after the show, you may miss out on potential bookings. Reach out with a thank-you message and include an invitation to host a party. Make sure to follow up within a few days while the excitement from the show is still fresh in their minds.

Am I showcasing the benefits of hosting a party?

Potential hosts need to understand the advantages of hosting a party. Clearly communicate the perks, such as earning free products, exclusive offers, and the fun of gathering friends. Use testimonials from previous hosts to illustrate the positive experiences others have had, making it more enticing for them to consider hosting.

How can I improve my overall engagement with guests?

Building relationships is key in direct sales. Focus on engaging with your guests during the show by asking questions, encouraging participation, and sharing personal stories. After the show, maintain contact through social media or newsletters to keep them informed and interested in future opportunities, including hosting parties.

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