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Garden of Roses!

Join us in Nashville for Rally 2009!

DESIGNER BOOKING TIPS AT PARTIES

In need of a quick party to fill an open date or cancellation? I have been using a QUICK DATE RED BAG at parties since returning from Rally and results have been fantastic!

I have a SHINY red bag with boa feathers glued around the top rim and lots of stuffed tissue and a large silver star hanging from the handles that says -"Whoop De DOO - 25%" in bold black letters. Inside are the actual hostess packet and a smaller bag filled with additional items. I can then give the future hostess the items and re-use the bag at my next party.

The bag is visibly placed in my display but I don’t mention it during the presentation. I play the envelope game shared by Karen Phelps at Rally. I then encourage them to ask me any questions about my business or display. Usually the 1st or 2nd question is “What’s that red bag about?”

I respond with “Glad you asked! I have an opening next week on _______ and when someone books on that date tonight I will increase her FREE products from the normal 20% to 25%! I will send you an e-mail invitation to send out to your e-mail buddies and supply you with some previews to hand deliver to your friends and family. To help with the party I’m also providing some refreshments!” (I supply a box of brownies or one of the cookie mixes and dip mixes from our line.) I have 1 special date - who wants it?” Note: It must be an in-home party.

Last week I had two who wanted the opportunity and since they were friends they were excited to turn it into a Nutty Buddy Party!! After talking about the bag, I then shift them back to asking the normal questions similar to the Ask Me game on the Web.

The additional 5% of my profit is worth it because I would not have had a party plus I am saving the postage. I coach her later and always provide an extra incentive like a jar candle to get 10 guests. I stress the importance of reminder calls and getting her friends excited to see the Super Bonus Buy! I also offer a jar candle for getting a pre-booking.

I have used it 3 times and booked the date successfully at each party. The sales have been over $350 at each of the parties. For those at 40% profit - you just made over $120 for a night you were going to sit at home!! The envelope game has proved to be good for bookings as well. I am averaging a minimum of 3 per party.

Annette (TX)