WAHM Forums

Hi Ladies! I'm in the process of arranging to do a Family Expo show in April and I'm trying to figure out now, what I need to do to prepare - particularly anything I might need to order, so it won't be some last minute craziness.

It is going to be a 2 day, indoor event, free to the public. They are expecting 40 vendors and 1000 people per day. I am waiting to hear back on whether I can get electricity to run a simmer pot. My plan is to have a SO&CP 16oz jar out front and center to begin speaking with people and to also have a simmer pot with Hot Apple Pie in it for those who find SO&CP too strong burning at the far of the table. I'm just not sure how much inventory to have on hand, and what inventory to have on hand. I can afford to get whatever I need, and know it will sell eventually, but I don't want to be left with a house full of product (no room for it).

I have decided against doing baskets or votive roses, or anything of that sort. I'm just going to stick to 16oz candles, maybe Signature Scents and Spa Sations candles, simmer pots and Mia Melts, with the greatest focus on the 16 oz jar candles.

I'm going to have a candle drawing box, and I'm hoping to possibly have a portable DVD player to play the new presentation DVD, opportunity packets, and lots of scent samples attached to business cards (Hot Apple Pie, French Vanilla and SO&CP).

For those of you who have done this type of event, I would appreciate any suggestions you have, including table setup, etc. (I will have a 6 ft table), # of different scents (for both the candles and the Mia Melts) and amounts based on popularity, etc., whether to sell or give away votives (I have the holders from Cudge.com), and anything you think I might be forgetting.

TIA!

I would stick with the best sellers in the 16oz jars. I sell alot of angel wings, slate and stone and socp and the bayleaf and cloves.Also carry some bakery type scents, as they still are good sellers in the spring and summer months.. I would also get mia melts maybe in different scents than your jars. I also carry a few of the signature scents. If you have some type of shelf that you can put some of your jars on that would be great, to create some height on your table to make it look more attractive. Also you may have a few of the simmer pots and plugs in's to show. Dont go over board, but keep it simple and nice. As to burning 2 different scents, In my opinion, you are going to counter act the scents, one scent is plenty.. I burn a candle and a simmer pot, but always in the same scent.. I love the smell of the bayleaf and cloves, I will be burning that this weekend for my show.. Good luck at your show.. You will have a great time.. I have so much fun doing them..

Hi! Thanks for your suggestions. I'm taking notes!

I just want to clarify that I do not plan on burning the candle (Since, it's an indoor venue, I don't think they would allow it.) My thought was that I would let them smell that while I'm discussing our candles with them, but if the scent is not for them, I thought it would be better to have something more subtle in the simmer pot, so I figured I would go with hot apple pie. Of course, I'm open to feedback and other suggestions on that as well.

Thanks again!

Sounds great! I think focusing on mostly 16 ounce jars, melts and simmer pots is great. And dop try to get some plug -ins too. They are a big hit and very resaonable prices. Sometimes people aren't going to these events with much more than $20-$25 to spend so if they can get a plug in PLUS a bag of melts, that should make them happy.

I'd also suggest catalogs with a small scent sample attached to hand to people so they can go home still smelling the fab scents. You can also have a pile of catalogs(without samples) on the table for those people who just grab anything that is free ..lol.

I've only done a handful of events with our candles but I've done probably over 40 when I used to work with my Aunt ( various items)

If you give anything free, maybe a melt in a small bag..labeled of course. Or you can do an hourly drawing for a votive, bag of melts, half bag, something like that if you choose.

Other quick tips:
Keep smiling,
stand in front of the table, (be approachable)
hand out the brochures
and have fun!

~Debra

Anne-Email me at FlickerScents@comcast.net
Instead of giving out a catalog right away, I ask people if they have a computer. I then give them a 1/2 page flyer titled, 'There is a new candle in town". I tell them to view my online catalog and store. If they are local I have a 10% off their first order of 25.00 or more at the bottom.

Jennie, the flyer is such a great idea! Thank you for sharing that.

Anne, you are getting such great advice. I am going to have to see what is going on around here to get in on some vendor fairs.
I had asked one of the local reps how much success she had with these, and she really did not have much success, so I had written them off. However, I am convinced now that the person working the event makes all the difference in the world. I go to many fairs here in town, and I know that the tables I go up to are the ones where the rep or owner is engaged with people (not just sitting on his/her rear watching people go by). So, you will make the difference, and your enthusiasm and smile will be contagious and will be a huge draw. Then once people smell our product, well, they will be sold!

I am glad you asked your question, and I am excited now about these events thanks to the great advice you have been given!


Let us know how it goes. I think you will do great!

Melissa

I always have plenty of catalogs with scent samples attached. I feel the catalog gives them something to look at on the way home or even a couple of days later.My experience is that having that catalog in their purse, or pocket is like having a reminder that they are interested in buying something. I have had several sales days or even weeks after giving out catalogs. Just my 2 scents worth.
Jackie

Debra - Thanks for all the great input. I actually ordered a bunch of the plug ins when they first came out and were on sale buy 6, get 2 free, because my partner in the Julie Ann Jones Amazing Party Experience class told me they were a great seller for her and she was so happy the company was finally carrying them. Hadn't even thought about those, so I will definitely bring more of them than the simmer pots.

Jennie - I'll be sending you an email shortly.

Melissa - I will definitely keep you posted. Did you ever do anything with the salons? That's still on my to do list.

Jackie - Do you give the catalog to everyone? I usually just give them to buying customers in their bags, and then give business cards with scent samples to everyone else. I have the company card with the Free Candle Drawing info on the back of it. (Debra - I'm assuming this was what you do also, since you mentioned having the catalogs with no scent samples on the table for the people who just grab anything.)

Thanks for all your help everyone, and please keep the ideas coming. I've got a lot to learn!

Oh and any tips on getting parties booked from the event, other than the standard drawing slip, would be appreciated as well!:D

I wouldn't say I give them to EVERYONE.But I do give them to people who seem even a little bit interested. I can usually tell by making small talk with them and by watching them. If they don't want a catalog, they will usually say No Thanks. No harm,no foul.