This is the second of a two-part series on how to plan your own Christmas Open House, step by step. Click here for tips on Step 1: Plan Your Fun-Filled Event.
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Promote, Promote, Promote.
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Get the word out about your open house via postcard mailings, email newsletters, Facebook and Twitter. For inspiration, see the postcard Patricia Jane & Co. sends out (at right).- Include your open house information on your website. Invite customers to bring a friend and double their own chances at your door prize drawings.
- Place an ad in your local newspaper or request a story on your open house in the social or business section.
- Put a large sign in front of your store and small sign at the register. And make sure employees invite customers when they ring up each sale.
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The Day of the Event – Have Fun!
- A staff member at the registration table should first greet customers with a warm smile, then encourage them to sign up for the drawing and take a “Wish List” to fill out while they browse. This is also a great time to mention your sale merchandise and free gift wrapping.
- Let your staff handle running the store. Relax, enjoy your guests and be available to answer their questions.
- To build excitement, draw the winners for your door prize(s) while there is a crowd. Make sure you get pictures of the customers who win the door prizes. Publish these on your web site or local paper.
- Thank customers for coming as they are checking out and as they leave. Collect their Wish Lists, let them know you’ll keep them on file, and encourage them to tell family and friends about the registry.
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Follow Up.
- First, put up a thank-you sign in the store. If you have the time, send personal notes or postcards. If you send a thank-you email, create a group recipient list first so your customers’ email addresses stay private.
- Post your photos on Facebook with comments about the event.
- Organize your Wish Lists in a binder alphabetically and keep them current when purchases are made.
Jump start your holiday sales with a Christmas Open House this season. Start this annual tradition now and watch your business grow. We’d love to hear your open house success stories!
Buffie Baril & Kathy Green
Marketing Dept.
Nashville Wraps
I have heard of this idea “wish list” before but this will be the first time I will try it. For the wish list I am going to use Post Cards. I really like the idea of having door prizes and for them to win a door prize they have to fill out a wish list.
Also what I have seen done on the wish list, the consumer has to put some one else name and address they want the wish list mailed to. I filled out a wish list in a business before and then it was mailed to my mom.
Thanks for the idea about the door prize and hope you like the idea about adding another person’s mailing address.
I used your idea about promoting and sent out “Save the Date” postcards back in Sept. I had a much better turnout at my Holiday Open House this year! Thanks for the tips Nashville….keep them coming. You have won my continued business and loyalty.
Peggy, I think next year I’m going to open my home studio for an open house too. In my life outside of Wraps, I do art with paper. I can decorate the studio for Christmas, serve cookies and my Mom’s Russian Tea recipe, advertize in the local paper and introduce some new folks to my art – might even sell some too. 😉 If nothing else, I bet I meet some new friends.
Thank you so much for all of the helpful ideas! Wishing you a busy holiday season!
Thanks for the idea. I never thought about holding an open house. I use your products in my bakery and in my craft gifts I carry. I will try to set one up early in December. Thanks again.
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas to you and keep the ideas coming!
Thanks for the ideas. You’ve given me inspiration. Merry Christmas!