Open House - What NOT to do :)

[TartAddict]

Okay, so there's a 100 threads on what to do for an Open House...but none on what NOT to do,LOL. I just had my first Open House, and thought I'd post a little of what I learned.......(some of it is just common sense, but when you're stressed and rushing about...you tend to forget

1. Don't put free samples of products out and tell people, "Oh, just grab a couple". I had free "mini" tarts available when people purchased tart warmers. I had two different women grab HANDFULS. Be sure to have a sign telling people the specifics (TWO free samples with tart warmer purchase, again, common sense, but something I forgot).

2. If you don't want kids running amuck throughout your home (and trying to eat various products, LOL), DON'T tell your friends, "Yeah, it's okay if you bring your kids". I even had a kids craft table set up so they could make a Mother's Day gift while the moms shopped. I didn't matter, they ran amuck anyway, LOL.

Okay, those are my starters. If anyone else wants to chime in, maybe this will help someone with future open houses

Oh, one last don't.....don't try baking cookies to serve during the open house. I had a batch in the oven, got sidetracked by a customer, and my fabulous smelling house had instantly turned into a burnt peanut butter cookie house, LOL.

D

[Lorrie]

Good thread. I know at one time some one suggested not serving alchol unless you want the people to stay for sometime:)

Don't try making products the night before. Use this time to set up everything and make sure you have enough order forms.

[logcabinmomma]

Don't start a pot of coffee right when people get there- the coffee smell covers up all the candle smell!!

-Kristi