Open House

mezz replied:

I have held several open houses but they have been sales. Also I'm selling jewellery so it's quite easy to do that. I do know people who have done linen sales this way though. Here's some suggestions.

I sent out personal invitations to everyone I knew. That way I eliminated that 'ik' factor of the strangers.

Give a prize or something to the person who brings the most friends with them. That way you get people you don't know but they are friends of people you trust so it feels better. I always have a lucky door prize. This way you get to talk to everyone that comes and this enables them to feel comfortable in asking questions later. Have a friend on hand who can also ask them if they'd like something to drink. A further conversation and makes them feel wanted.

First time I did it (I did it with a friend) we set 2 times and so people rocked up right on those times. Now we just have all day and people come and go as they like. I would suggest though, for yours, that a starting time would be great.

You are not forcing people to buy. This is not a party, so no 'alright let's play a game now' games and things I guess and no sales pitch, just a short introduction about why this is on and how you love the products and wanted people to know the opportunity is here for them. Just allow people to wander around and see for themselves. Set things up with the prices in writing and that way people can look over things, talk while they do it etc. It is sociable. Visual is all important. You didn't say what you sell so can't help there but make your room look really spesh.

Maybe you could make up some gift packs for sale on the day so people can buy as presents or just a sample for themselves. You could give prizes to people who choose to participate in competitions set out along your walls or something to get them to look more closely at your products. This way they are not being forced into participating but can still play with the friends they bring.

Also have some your catalogues set out and have the benefits of holding a party written out for them. Maybe you can do a book, if you have photos of previous parties??

Anyway, this is a start. Hope it helps.

mezz

Janine replied:

Hi Claire,

Anything is worth a shot at this stage I think. I have jsut had my business launch 2 weekends ago. Not a flash out come but I figure that because I am a consultant for 2 unkown party plan companies it was take a lot more hard work and promoting to get out there and start the bookings rolling in.

I sent and handed out about 50 plus invitations plus also around 20 a catalogue too. The response for the ranges were fantastic but response to actually repling and showing up was very little. i only had 4 show on the day. I was disappointed to say the least but now looking at whats is still coming out of the event I think I have done well especially on a limited budget.

On the day I got 1 party for both companies. Plus $155 in sales for Story Felt and $80 in sales for Saucy Fish. A week on I have had another booking for Sotry Felt,1 $40 order for Story Felt plus 1 casual showing of the Story Felt range to a Daycare mum on Wednesday. I have also had interest from my daughters school's guidance counseller and also another interested comunity group both for Story Felt. Prior to the launch I had 2 really keen ladies for Saucy Fish Parties (I have to get them booked this week) plus lots of interest from others inregards to Saucy Fish.

I think even though the actual launch was a bit of a fizzer I am still getting leads, bookings and orders just from handing out invitations. I figure I did not have much to loose by going ahead and trying to get my products out there. I as a little bit funny about having strangers through the house too but on the day I did not have to worry about this as the 4 who showed I knew.

I would suggest give it go and try and have you open house in a part of hte house that is not as easy accessed to you personal space. I held my launch downstairs in the entertainment room. We have a 2nd bathroom downstairs so there was no need for anyone actually going up stairs.

Anyway - give it ago and see what comes out it. Good luck and keep us posted on how you go.

Cheers

Janine

ClaireHogan replied:

Ooops   Sorry ladies, I should've mentioned that I'm a Jour Consultant. Gorgeously fashionable and affordable jewellery is what I sell   

marina replied:

HI

I would suggest an open house as this is how I  got my initial start, but i would be wary of inviting complete stangers.

Ask family members to bring along a friend, ask your neighbours to bring a long a friend etc.Maybe invite ladies who you know, like your hairdresser, the lady that serves you coffee, etc.

What you want and need is to be introduced to people out of your immediate family and your friends and family can help you do that.

Now from that you should get a least 2- 3 bookings and then this is really all you need for you to make a new start with the business. Those 2 new bookings should get you going !!

I really do stress that the only way to continue the bookings is to get them from your parties and if you do run out then you need to find out way as this really should not happen

I started 15 months ago with an open house and I am still going very strong today with bookings.

let us know how you go and do not give up.

cheers

marina