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Some of these ideas need to be updated as CM products change.
Most of this file was compiled by Nancy D.
I will send a press release to our local paper. I do NOT expect any response ...but it's FREE. I will also hand out invites to neighbors. (Nancy D.)
Invitations with specifics about free crop and about donating food/coats mailed to my mailing list.
Flyer on subdivision bulletin board, elementary school and church bulletin boards. (Jean Gifford)
Used CM invites and will send a postcard early followed by calls the week of the Open House. Also included invites in home class handouts. (CMCRhonda)
I used our plat map and invited everyone in our township with a CM invite. I've also publicized it in my newsletter and my email list. (Bobbie in Iowa)
I will give an "instant Memory Keepers Club Reward" by giving a 10% discount on all purchases and orders that day. That will cut down on my paperwork later...
Door Prizes. A chance to get something for free.
Albums on Parade. Come show off and get ideas.
Complete display of products. I will ask my unit for stuff to borrow!
(Nancy D.)
See the new stuff.
Get some exclusive Thanksgiving/Fall stickers and die-cut if you bring a friend
No charge for crop that night (seats are limited; must call in advance)
Sharing our Thanks...no charge, but please bring a food item for our local community aid center.
Also sharing our thanks...taking donations for "Coats for Kids"...Cub Scout Pack is helping sponsor this, and there will be camping stickers for anyone who donates a coat. (Jean Gifford)
Wish List registration, free crop, goodie for attending, extra points towards 2000 Points Challenge, my famous lump dip and free cropping! (CMCRhonda)
I will clearance old products. (KristenNH)
Attend Open House and receive:
*Exclusive gift with a non-perishable food item for the Food Bank (kit from corp or leftovers from NSD)
*Exclusive gift with purchase of $50 (squares from corp)
*Free gift-wrapping
*Chance to win door prizes
My OH is the 2nd Sat. in Dec. and have the morning reserved for gift purchasing - last year I couldn't keep up and recruited DD to answer questions and DH to do gift wrapping. (Canadian Cropper)
My customers LOVE wish lists! I had nearly $600 in orders last year and 10 lists filled out. I also do door prizes (Sentiments, a year of crops ($50 value), leftover stuff like NSD kits. (Bobbie in Iowa)
For those who bring a friend...
They and the friend will get a die-cut/sticker grab bag worth at least $5.00.
These are overstocked die-cuts and stickers. I put a card with the retail of each item so there would be no
doubt it was $5.00 worth. I also threw in paper squares, a couple of HC triangles (colors no one chooses).
Here's the list:
Die-cut and Sticker Grab Bag Contents
1 sheet of 123 stickers $1.00
4 Regular Die-cuts (.30 each) $1.20
4 Mini Die-cuts (.25 each) $1.00
2 Studio Stickers (.40 each) $0.80
2 Regular Stickers (.60 each) $1.20
Total $5.20
Bonus: ShortCuts Paper and/or misc stickers
I put them in 6x9 white envelopes and printed Die-Cut/Sticker Grab Bags, A $5.00 value, Sale Price $4.00 each or 2 For $7.00 (Frog Lady)
I will give a goodie to everyone who comes, plus an extra to those who RSVP AND attend.
Door prize tickets will be given for RSVPing (2), bringing a friend (1 per friend), bringing an album for Albums on Parade (1).
Door prizes will be "New and Rare Creative Memories Products". (new stuff...plus discontinued items).
I will make up a couple of sets of Crop Talks as door prizes.
Congrats Kits will probably be used as goodies, too! (Nancy D.)
I have a couple of ladies "on the fence" about signing as recruits. I will ask them to help out that night,
and in return, they will get to "shop like a CMC" for that night...30% discount in return for their help.
I'm using the Borders crop talk. I won't be "teaching" it, but EVERYONE will get one...inexpensive for me, and people who have not been to a workshop may not know what they are missing.
I'll also have a Christmas Wish list available. (Jean Gifford)
I'm giving the combo just for attending.
I will have everyone draw a sucker out of the Styrofoam tree and the color of the tip will dictate their discount for the evening. Most will be 10%...a couple 15%, and one 20%.
In addition to the discount, I will be offering the ShortCuts2 for purchases of $50+ (after discount, before tax). They can get the additional ShortCuts2 sets with each additional $25. I will throw in a crop at some point.
My grand prize will be free cropping in 2001. They will be able to earn tickets throughout the evening for different things. (CMCRhonda)
I do tickets. I also give Door Prizes (this year it will be Chizzlers - I used the new Congrats Kit, for my Croptoberfest door prize).
I will also use the ShortCuts2 for sales, and Idea pamphlet Scheduling gift this year. (KristenNH)
CHRISTMAS WISH LIST
To my Christmas Angel,
Christmas time is coming near,
What to get me? Have no fear.
I'll be happy whatever you do Because I know it came from you.
But if I need to plant a seed
Here's a list of things I need.
Just call (consultant), it's really easy To give a gift that will really please
me!
NOTE: I deleted the lists because they were outdated. Look at order sheet and put things in the correct category.
Perfect Stocking Stuffers (all $10 or less!)
Additional Gifts (for $10 or less)
Gifts for $11-$30
Gifts over $30
(PS in GA and Jean Gifford)
I'm giving a decorated binder with a complete set of Crop Talks. (Dana in NJ)
Baskets to display product. Display board out of peg board that DH made.
Cello bags to make 'grab bag' type things to sell slow moving products.
I will use every flat surface with crates (disguised) to create different levels of products to keep it 'eye catching'. (Nancy D.)
I have a CM tablecloth, so that's always on my "central display" table.
Snap packs for sale, and snap pack made up in a Sentiments album for show. A "sale table" of discontinued merchandise.
Artificial fall leaves scattered artfully around ;o) (Jean Gifford)
When the come in, there is a "Sign in" table (they sign in on a pre-decorated, lined page for my Career Album). There are also brochures, recruiting info, and handouts on that table.
Other displays:
* Discontinued Items
* New product
* "Theme" table (baby, wedding, Christmas, heritage, travel and school albums with accessories).
* Table with prizes for drawings
* Albums on Parade
I put price tags on EVERYTHING at my Open Houses. Much easier for shoppers. (KristinNH)
I'm making up one of each of the snap packs in a sentiments album. I'll take orders for those who want to buy one completed as a gift. I also will display the Sentiments book from last year (Jean Gifford).
I'll be doing displays of wedding, heritage, school days, travel, and baby albums.
Living room will also have albums on parade.
Family room will have product for sale. (Janet in OR)
I will have Xmas stockings hung on the fireplace with CM stuff showing out the top. (CanConsultant)
Idea courtesy of my downline Nicole Baxter...
Christmas theme. Twinkle lights and "pine" garland around the stair banister. 4' fake trees with RSVP gifts and other goodies on them for decoration. Guests can choose one.
Candles burning and Christmas carols playing softly.
I will give a 'gift w/purchase' to RSVP'ers. I will punch a hole at the ziploc end and use a ribbon to tie it to the tree and put each person's name on 'her' goody.
On the other tree, I will put little goody bags with stickers or die-cuts and put a price tag on them. A way to move old die-cuts. (Nancy D.)
Displays of new product, Thanksgiving paraphernalia (Jean Gifford)
Mine is Dec. 8, so my house is all decorated for Xmas. I play Christmas music and have a fire. (KristinNH)
Poinsettias for each section of tables
Small Christmas tree decorated with sticker/die-cut packs, rulers, pens, adhesives. (Canadian Cropper)
I have gift bags with tissue paper scattered around the house for decoration. Customers can choose one with a purchase. Also, I have a wreath with "stocking stuffer" supplies decorating it - adhesives, die cuts, sticker packs, etc. Christmas potpourri, candles, soft Christmas music. (Barb CA)
Decorations...Holly, Candles, ABC door hanger with bells on it, a wreath decorated with small CM items. Also, will put out Open House banner and a sign that has "Walk-Ins Welcome". (Carol in IL)
Had a sign that said:
The Party is Here!
Creative Memories
Open House
Come on in!
Walk-ins welcome!
11am to 3pm
We live in a "no-soliciting community" so I can't hand out flyers, but the sign was okay on my property.
It was a last minute idea to put "Walk-ins Welcome".
The sign was thick poster board about 20 x 30...I used Design lines stickers (confetti and party ribbons) to decorate the board. Red and black pens for writing. (JL in KS)
This is from my upline, Jacqui Grimes.
Here are the coupons I used for NSD this past year. They were not all my original ideas, but not sure where I got them!
Please note: All coupons must be redeemed during their designated month. Coupons may not be combined or used in conjunction with other specials. Discounted items do not apply to Memory Keeper's Club and coupons must be presented at time of purchase. You need to pre-register for free or discounted Workshops.
January: Start the year off with a BANG! Purchase any album and get a set of Page Protectors at 30% off!
February: You are truly the Heart of My Business! This is the month to start those journal page letters to the ones you love. Or, start writing your yearly birthday letters! To help you accomplish that, purchase a pack of Lined Page
Refills and receive a Gold Pen FREE!
March: Thanks for "Sticking with CM"! To show my appreciation, when you purchase a Tape Runner, Tape Runner Refill or Photo splits, you may buy a second one at 30% off! Limit 2.
April: Let's all Spring into action! Add color and brightness to your album pages. Purchase any pack of ShortCuts and receive a pack of large triangles FREE (80 triangles). To make sure that I have enough on hand, please let me know in March if you are going to redeem this coupon. Thank you!
May: I am counting on seeing you for National Scrapbook Day! Bring this coupon with you to National Scrapbook Day and receive a special gift!
June: Just as the wild flowers of summer are starting to blossom...color your words on your album pages. To help you add color, when you purchase 4 sets of ABC/123 Stickers, you will receive the 5th set FREE!
July: Remember a friend, share a workshop! Two for the price of one - 2 people can attend the same workshop for the price of one! Advanced reservations required, as seating is limited.
August: Summer Vacation Special! Purchase any Combination Pack to use on your vacation pages and receive 2 pieces of paper and 2 die -cuts FREE! (Great vacation packs are Tropical, Travel and Wilderness.)
September: Back to school and back to scrapbooking! FREE School Days Sticker Pack with the purchase of School Days pages!
October: It's no trick - only a treat! Buy any 5 sticker strips and get the 6th (of same value) FREE! (Limit 10 free sticker strips.)
November: As we give thanks this month, I would also like to thank you for your support, loyalty and patronage. Bring this coupon to my Holiday Open House and receive a special Thank You gift!
December: Happy Holidays! My holiday gift to you is a FREE workshop during the month of December! Come and spend uninterrupted time to catch up on this year's pages or get a head start on your Christmas pages. Pre-registration required,
seating limited.
Happy Birthday to you! One FREE Workshop and one FREE die cut during your birthday month! Pre-registration required, so call to reserve your space the month before your birthday month to make sure there is seating available. (CMCRhonda)
Alternate coupon ideas:
Purchase a pack of 12 X 12 refill pages and get 5 sticker strips free!
St. Patrick's Day Special - Attend a March workshop and get 20% off any album.
Spring Madness - Buy a Decorative Sticker Pack and get the Wilderness or Christmas Sticker Pack FREE!
Say it with WORDS! - Purchase 3 sets of ABC stickers, get one set free. Limit 2 free sets per coupon.
Enjoy the summer! - Buy 1 large die-cut and get 1 mini die-cut free. Limit 5 free per coupon.
Celebrate your pages! - 20% off either refill pages OR page protectors.
Remember a friend, share a workshop! - Two people can attend the same workshop for the price of one. Advanced reservations required.
Back to School Time - $5 off every purchase of $50 or more.
It's no trick! It's a treat! - choice of Celebration, Primary, or Vacation die cut packs for $3.50
Thank you again for your business. - Purchase an album and get 25% off refill pages or page protectors.
Happy Holidays! - My gift to you, my valued customer, is a FREE workshop. Come spend uninterrupted time to finish those holiday gift albums. (Carol in IL and CMCoreen)
Last year I gave a Coupon Book. Probably 5 people redeemed ANY coupons, and only one person has consistently redeemed them. This year, everyone who purchases at least $25 at my Open House will receive a Preferred Customer Card, entitling them to a special offer each month. The offers will be mentioned in my newsletters, so I can make them up "as I go", and use them to get rid of discontinued products, etc. Plus, all they have to keep track of is a card (the size of a postcard). (Michele)
Easy finger food.
M and M's...Christmas ones if I can find them. Peanuts, mixed nuts...
Cookies...probably just buy those!
Soda and hot cider. (Nancy D.)
Pumpkin Pie, Whipped topping, coffee, iced tea, cider. (Jean Gifford)
Cheese, Sausage, Crackers
My Lump Dip and chips
A couple different quick breads from mixes (CMCRhonda)
Christmas cookies, Chex mix, Hot, spiced cider (KristinNH)
Help yourself table with disposable napkins, cups, plates in a Christmas theme and placed nearby a garbage can!
*Nacho/Tortilla Dip
*Christmas goodies (some homemade)
*Christmas candies (hard)
*Hot Apple Cider
*Punch
(Canadian Cropper)
Finger foods that aren't too messy. M and M's. Pretzels (plain and honey mustard) and cookies. Hot spiced cider to drink. (Janet in OR)
Hot Cinnamon Tea, Gingerbread Cookies, other Christmas cookies, coffee, nuts and mints. The tea creates a nice smell that adds a festive mood. I also play Christmas Music. (Carol in IL)
Fresh Baked Cinnamon Rolls, Coffee, Apple Cider, Candy. I buy frozen cinnamon rolls from Wal-Mart let them rise and bake just before everyone arrives...It smells wonderful...The package even comes with icing...(Susan LifesAPage/TN)
I moved the recipes to the Cooking file.
Put up tables with nice tablecloths and put one of each product on display. Kept the others close by for sales. Had everyone register to win door prizes. I did mine at Christmas, so I put Christmas die-cuts, stickers and paper together and wrapped them nicely for the give away. Served punch and cookies. Had my albums on display. Last workshop I did, I put the new paper, stickers and die-cuts in plastic sleeves and taped them to my sliding glass door. I used dry erase markers to write on the door. Everyone could see what was new and what the prices were without having to ask. I have tried the open house by itself and during a workshop. I had a better result during the workshop. Several people that stopped by, had never seen a workshop before, so they got to see one in action.
I promote my "Albums On Parade" event with brochures and in my newsletter 1 month before. I publicize it as an "Open House" the opportunity to see many different theme albums and page ideas. I borrow albums from my customers and write a bio that gets displayed with each album, stating who did the album and the theme and point out something special to look for inside. A lot of people bring cameras...and also feel honored when I ask to borrow THEIR album for the day.
I serve a mixture of sweets and snack...hot cider and coffee but all of this MUST stay upstairs AWAY from the albums. I have a drawing for a FREE specialty album...Each person to attend receives a ticket. If they bring a friend they receive another ticket...if they brought 2 friends...2 tickets...etc. The friend has to be someone they're introducing to CM! My husband picks the winner from a glass bowl at the end.
I made a big poster-board Santa. It said 'Santa's Wish List' and had ruled paper attached where people could write their name and what CM products they wanted for Christmas. I gave everyone who wrote something down a business card to give to their husband and wrote on the back FREE GIFTWRAPPING TOO...Give me a Call!
The turnout my first year was TERRIBLE...6 people who were already customers...Second year I doubled my attendance with 12 people and one new customer...Third year 27 people, 2 new customers and 3 people I hadn't seen since I taught them 2 years before...Not to mention over $450 in sales! I hold this event in the beginning of Nov. as that's the time of year most people are out on the craft-fair circuit anyway!
Paper with a mint attached "Your precious photos are worth a mint - what are you doing to preserve them?
Here are some things that help make your open house fun for your customers.
1) Holiday music playing in the background.
2) A variety of finished or "in the works" albums for them to look through. If you don't have much yet, borrow from your upline or customers. (I give them a goody for lending their album as well as an extra chance to enter my drawing).
3) My first year I went all out and did a variety of Christmas cookies and breads. My second year I went to Dunkin' Donuts. It was easier and went over just as well. I also have hot-spiced cider on the stove. It makes the house smell wonderful. I offer milk, pop, coffee, tea, etc., too. Just make sure that you keep the food away from the albums.
4) Have a drawing. It doesn't have to be expensive. My grand prize this year will be a year's worth of free workshops. It's a value to the customer of at least $72, but it really doesn't cost me anything. Other prizes could be single workshop certificates, pack of Christmas stickers, borderline rulers, old crop talks, etc.
5) Make copies of idea handouts and leave them around for people to pick up for free.
Try to have special goodie bags for everyone. A good way to use discontinued items and things that are not selling well. If you make too many bags you can use them as prizes later at workshops.
Have several small and one grand door prizes. You can give tickets for a variety of thing so people who participate more will have more chances to win. For example one ticket each for: giving an RSVP; bringing a friend; for each album brought for "Albums on Parade"; just for coming; each $25 in purchases; for each workshop they registered for at the OH (have to pre-pay); for booking a class (5 tickets); etc.
If you are new and don't have a lot of inventory try to borrow one of each item - then take orders.
Have a few "specials" - like buy an album, get free protectors. Try to have enough specials, prizes, goodies, etc. so people will enjoy the open house and return again but not so much that they wait each year for the open house before they buy anything.
For height, arrange CM packing boxes covered with aluminum foil on your table. Set displays on top of the boxes and also mount some pre-decorated pages on the sides of the cubes. Be sure to have a variety of completed albums (with page protectors, of course) for people to flip through. Have tools for people to try, with paper and extra photos. Have business cards set out, and cards for people who want to be contacted. Also have product for sale wrapped in cellophane and bows.
Have a "TRY ME" basket. Put some scissors in, as well as some scrap paper, corner rounder, and maybe some callipens. People love to try things. Make them feel like "Hey, I can do this!" (Lori J.)
Add more blank lines as needed before printing
GOALS
What's in it for me? (What do I want to accomplish for my business by holding
an Open
House?)
1.____________________________ 4.___________________________
2.____________________________ 5.___________________________
3.____________________________ 6.___________________________
What's in it for them? (What reasons will my customers have for coming?)
1.____________________________ 4.___________________________
2.____________________________ 5.___________________________
3.____________________________ 6.___________________________
ATTENDANCE
I plan to have ______ or more attendees (10% of your customer base or mailing).
DATES/TIMES
My Open House will be on _____________________ from ______to_______
PROMOTIONAL PLANS
I will begin announcing my Open House date in ___________ (month) via:
classes/workshops newsletter phone other __________________
Further Open House details will be outline in _____________ (month) via:
classes/workshops newsletter phone other __________________
I will send a promotional postcard/make follow-up phone calls in __________ (month).
DOOR PRIZES
Every attendee will receive:
item my cost
_______________________ _______
General drawing prizes:
item my cost
_______________________ _______
_______________________ _______
_______________________ _______
Special or Grand Prize drawing:
item my cost
_______________________ _______
Ways customers can earn drawing tickets:
__________________________________ ___________________________
__________________________________ ___________________________
__________________________________ ___________________________
POTENTIAL HELPERS (good customers, potential recruits, friends, family)
_____________________________ _______________________________
DISPLAY IDEAS
New Product Specialty Albums
Career Opportunity Gift ideas/Specialty kits
Coordinator Display/signup CTYD Display/signup
Door Prize Display Albums on Parade
Tool Display (to try) Old Hand-outs
Idea Book Pages(pre made) Shopping Set-up
EXCLUSIVE OPEN HOUSE ONLY OFFERS:
______________________________ ____________________________
______________________________ ____________________________
______________________________ ____________________________
WORKSHOP IN PROGRESS ATTENDEES:
______________________________ ____________________________
______________________________ ____________________________
______________________________ ____________________________
SIMPLE, ALBUM-FRIENDLY REFRESHMENTS:
___________________________ __________________________
___________________________ __________________________
SUPPLY CHECKLIST:
___ Order-taking supplies/change ___ Shopping bags/baskets
___Decorations/music____________________________________________
___ Display/outdoor signs ___ Drawing tickets/basket
___Career Packs ___ Coordinator Packs
___ Sign-up sheets ___ refreshments
___ attendee/drawing gifts ___ Name tag/Shooting star/CM T-or sweatshirt
(Compiled by Carol Sue Ellis)