Vendor/Expo Shows

[jennlovesvintage]

what has your experience been with vendor/expo shows. I know they are probably not the best venues for selling items, but what about for getting people interested in your company and generating leads.

I really don't think my friends and family are going to be interested in doing parties for me to get me started, they have pretty much already said just that....so I would prefer to do some vendors shows where I could meet and talk to new people and maybe make contacts for parties that way

thanks

[littledb]

I love these. I'm actually highly addicted! You are right, they are wonderful for the leads. I do sell a lot at them, but it's built up and I have customers follow me around now. :-)

Have you had your own party?

Good luck!

Debbie

[skcandles]

I personally have not had a lot of success with these... But I know others that have had great luck!

[apbnash]

I've had markets where I've sold nothing and markets where I've sold hundreds and so it is hit or miss from a sales perspective. I had just about written them off but then decided to keep doing them as long as the fee was no more than $50. They are a great way to get your name out there and I have booked parties from them and even met a consultant lead. I generally do about 6 per year, which is the right number for me. They are good to have in a slow month to help get a few sales but the home party is definitely where it's at in this biz. If you have not had a launch then I would for sure do that at your house and invite tons of people. Even if your close friends and family won't host a party there will surely be others who will gladly do so to help get your started.

[amyl177]

I haven't had much luck with selling products at these but I love vendor shows for bookings and recruits. It's a great way to get new bookings when you have run out of the family and friends.

Good luck! If the price is right, it's certainly worth a try.

~Amy

[Rachel~Jewel Kade Stylist]

I have done 2 craft shows and while I didn't get a lot of orders, I booked 3 parties and signed 2 women onto my team. I say that was a success!! They really help with getting the word out about your business especially if it's new to the area.
The only negative is that you put a lot of effort into packing up, setting up, being there all day and then tearing down and unpacking. If it's not a good turn out then it can be discouraging. Just know that with this business comes the ups and downs.

I would do a business launch party to help get you going. Also lay out your brochures at local salons and such.

Good Luck and work hard!
Rachel

[TastefullyMI]

Depends on so much, Jenn.
The cost being a HUGE factor and then really sit down and think "what do I want most from this table" and work it to that end.

I typically want bookings so I gear my table and what I do/say to that goal. I've done fabulous public venues and equal amounts of stinkers but overall it's not been so bad that I wouldn't do them again. I'm just more choosey now.

Good luck to you!

[skcandles]

Originally Posted by Rachel~Jewel Kade Stylist

I have done 2 craft shows and while I didn't get a lot of orders, I booked 3 parties and signed 2 women onto my team. I say that was a success!! They really help with getting the word out about your business especially if it's new to the area.
The only negative is that you put a lot of effort into packing up, setting up, being there all day and then tearing down and unpacking. If it's not a good turn out then it can be discouraging. Just know that with this business comes the ups and downs.

I would do a business launch party to help get you going. Also lay out your brochures at local salons and such.

Good Luck and work hard!
Rachel

And for me, the packing and unpacking isn't a big deal. I've had no luck getting sales, parties, or recruits... lol... but I am working on rethinking how I do events.

As for costs, I can find all day events for 20 or 30 bucks, which are the ones I typically do. Traffic varies depending on how much the advertiser does.

[BusyBee]

could you share how or where to find the vendor events? thank you!

[TastefullyMI]

Your local paper in the community calendar. It's also smart to get in networking groups with other direct sellers. I'm in two and we do "event shares" at every meeting so we can heop each other get into different venues.

skcandles - I WISH we had venues for $20-$30 bucks, you're so lucky. If you pay $50 that's the lowest you'll find around here for anything decent. Most of my best venues are between $100 and $200 per table and many are well over that. Considering I live in the highest unemployment rate you would think all things would come down a bit but that's not really been the case.

Good luck finding some new venues, Olive.