I am having a home show for the first time and would like to hear your do's and dont's. I've done shows at events but want to make sure my first at home show is a success. Thank you.

I like having shows in my own home. I feel more comfortable, and I can set things up the night before and not be rushed.  Take a photo of your displays before the guests come. 

At my first show, a friend and I did it together at my house (she sells Mary Kay).  She made up the invites, and our mistake was that we did not make it clear enough that they could show up at any time between x & y time.  So they all showed up at the same time and the place was jam packed, making it difficult for me to talk to every guest since there were probably more than 45 at one time.  Also, I spent so much time writing up receipts and taking money that I didn't really get to spend as much time as I would have like with each customer to talk up why I use sterling and only purchase lampwork beads by self representing artists, etc.  So the next time I had my 18 year old daughter take the money and write up orders. 

I served finger foods (nothing gooey) and drinks so the ladies could mingle and not feel pressured to just hover at the tables.  It worked out very well.

Oh, and I spent way too much time answering the doorbell, so the next time I make a cute sign to let them know they could walk on in.  I also tied up my dog in the back yard so she would not jump on everyone.

I have not done this yet but I'm thinking about giving out shine cloths for each purchase over x amount, and maybe work up later into more incentives to buy more, such as a free pair of earings for purchases over $100 etc.  Also, I may give a percentage off for anyone who brought a friend that makes a purchase.  Something to think about.

Other tips: Wear a piece of your jewelry, put a business card with each purchase, put each piece in a special anti-tarnish ziplock baggie and explain it's purpose to the customer, purchase inexpensive but nice decorated paper bags for them to carry their purchase home, remember to explain your money-back guarantee or exchange policies if you have them, ask them if they would like to sign up to receive invites to your upcoming shows or receive emails when you have new pieces ready for sale.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!  Alice 

Thank you for all of the good points in your reply to Peachtree. I hope to have home shows in the future and you're ideas definitely will put me on the right track. Thanks.