When Do You Hand Out Catalogs at a Show?

[dianevill]

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

 

[chefbilyeu]

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.

 

[pamperedbecky]

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!!!

 

[chefbilyeu]

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.

 

[pamperedbecky]

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.

I guess if that IS happening, I haven't been aware of it. Who knows! 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!

 

[dianevill]

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

 

[cookinthehouse]

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

 

[AJPratt]

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.