Open House?

Kat_D replied:

I'm thinking of doing the same thing, if I can get my husband to agree! I'm going to watch this thread, too. :)
I'm thinking a Mystery Hostess deal, and definitely booking incentives, too - perhaps a lucky dip box that people who make a booking can pick from.

- Kat

danigirl replied:

Yeah, good idea.
If I'm doing a party and no ones picking up on the booking bids, I have 3 little
paper bags with a voucher in each that they can pick at random when they book.
This way they have something extra, but if the party doesnt hold I dont loose out
if I gave them more product straight away.

mj replied:

With FAC we actually a few open houses throughout the year, I am rewarded with sales (of course), a fun time with friends, and get a beautiful pin/brooch!!

Every person who attends get a lovely gift, at this years April open house my guests will receive a beautiful gold key holder that opens up and hold a few keys!!

I have gifts on the table for people who spend over $100.

I have booking gifts for people who book a future show.

And a draw for everyone who purchases on the day!!

Food, and drinks, heaps of fun!!

Tamara_Stardustkids replied:

I'm also thinking about arranging an open house.

So, I'm going to keep an eye on this thread for ideas too....

I do have a few questions to those how have held them before...

* How long do you "Open your House" for?

* Have you found it to more successful on a day over the weekend,

   or do you plan them around holidays such as Easter, Christmas, School/Uni holidays?

* How much notice did you give people? And how did you word your invitations?

Thanks in advance,

Tam x

danigirl replied:

Im glad I posted this thread as there's some great ideas coming out of it!
Tamara- if you like I could email you a copy of my invitation later on?
Also I have a "real job" full time so my hours are limited.  This is my second open house and just basically make it from 7pm onwards, drop in anytime so that way no one really has  the thing of 'Oh I cant
go because Ill be late..." etc etc.

lrbeautyshop replied:

I WOULD BE INTERESTED TO SEE WHAT OTHER IDEAS COME OUT THIS
AS I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO HAVE A OPEN HOUSE TOO SOON..

THE IDEAS WOULD BE GREAT TO SEE..

JOYCE
FM DISTRIBUTOR
ID 12006365

Kirstin replied:

My tips:

1. PERSONAL invitations, not a group email or text message. Get on the phone and call everyone! If you can, say something like, "I really hope you can come, because there is a new product, xyz, which you are just going to love because... xyz reason." (eg It will work really well with your decor/I know how much you love cinnamon/it's exactly what you need for the dogs etc) People are intrigued when they think that you have chosen something specifically for them so they are more likely to come and see what it is.

Flattery also works!!! (eg Could you bring some of that DELICIOUS slice you made on Thursday?  )

2. Limit the stated time of the event to 1 and a half hours. Of-course some people will stay longer, but it saves you sitting around waiting for guests who never turn up. Short and sweet!

3. Give them an incentive for coming on time... eg 10% off purchases in the first 30 mins. Or lucky door prizes for the first 12 guests.

4. When people say they can't make it, offer them a party of their own! Or at least ask if they'd like a catalogue so they can place an order.

5. Remind everyone two days before the event. There is nothing more irritating than hearing some say "Ohh, was that yesterday? Oh I wish you'd reminded me, I would have LOVED to come!"

6.  Remember what we always say to hostesses: "Don't go overboard with the catering". Something really simple is easier for you and less intimidating for potential hostess.

kateesther replied:

This sounds great.

As I have just started out and have to organise my first few parties to get started this is a great way to get people to have a look at the product.

Thanks for the helpful ideas Kirstin

ArmCandy replied:

Well this is a great thread for advice!  All of my parties are OPEN HOUSE parties =)

I would stick to 1 1/2 - 2 hours for a time limit.
Most people come within the first hour anyways.  So even if you say a 2 hour time window- most people are done shopping and things wind down around 1 1/2 hours into it.

I would do a mystery hostess for sure!  I would also give them more entries into the drawing for certain things
- Bringing a guest
- a ticket for every $50 (or whatever number you want) they spend
- Showing up to the party
- extra tickets for booking a show
- tickets for letting you talk to them about your business opportunity
etc...

For invitations you need to do the following:
2 weeks before the show CALL EVERYONE and personally invite them.  Kristin had great ideas earlier- with saying, "Hi ______.  I'm inviting to an open house I'm having on______"  It will be open house style- so you can come and go as you please.  I am having a drawing for a mystery hostess-  would YOU like to be the hostess and get ____(whatever your benefits are)?  (everyone will say YES)...   Great- well I am having a drawing and you can earn tickets.  Details will be on the invitation I am sending out- so watch for it in the mail.  The party is going to be a ton of fun, and I'm really excited and am looking forward to getting to see you there!"  Even if they dont answer the phone- leave that message on the machine.

then about 10 days before the party (mail them out the next day after you make the personal calls) send out an actual invitation- restating what you've already said (ie that its open house, come and go as you please.. mystery hostess and the benefits) and then explain how they can earn the most tickets!  Again, let them know you're excited to see them there and really looking forward to it.  Also put the location and time....  and if things are going to be cash and carry put that too!  People LOVE cash and carry!

the day before the party/open house call EVERYONE on your list.  (and your list should be 40+ people).  Call them even if a day or two ahead you've spoken to them about it-- people still will forget.  CALL EVERYONE THE DAY BEFORE and say, something like,
"Hey Martha, I'm calling to remind you of my open house tomorrow from ___ to ____pm.  I would love for you to be drawn as the mystery hostess, so make sure you bring a friend or two with you!  I'm really looking forward to seeing you tomorrow from (repeat the time again)." 


Ok- now onto some other things.  Open-house can be 'trickier' because you aren't doing a presentation where you can "sprinkle" in things about bookings/recruiting etc...  This is where if you are shy- you really have to step out of your shell.  You need to make sure you personally connect and talk one on one with EVERYONE who comes in.  Greet them at the door- let them know how things are working- what specials you have etc...  then when they are shopping around listen for "red flags" to talk about bookings or whatever- or if you can tell someone is looking at a product and kind of going "what the heck is that" you can hop over and explain in detail all of the features and how it will benefit them.  This will help your sales dramatically!  This is also where open houses get tricky- because you are busy one on one with everyone- and trying to check people out etc...  I did an open house with my mom and sister last weekend and they had invited over 80 people- so they had an awesome turnout- but holy cow- i couldn't even say hello to new people coming in because i was sooo busy writing up orders etc....

Hmm trying to think of other things-  and can't off the top of my head!
I will add more when I can think of more =)

Lilygirl_wytch replied:

What a fantastic idea!  and great advice from armcandy let us know how you go.

ArmCandy replied:

Finally getting around to posting back- I've been swamped =)  SUPER BUSY time of year for me =) 

The party was awesome!  It was my highest sales party to date!  WOOHOOO!!!!!!!!!