First show!!

[Ken Hering]

We just finished our first show, had a little rain ,which puts a new meaning to getting your feet wet....but the show was ok...How do you keep the kids from playing with the pens???....while the parents are standing right there...

 

[firewhatfire]

I turned some tops and colored them with a sharpie. Kids like colors and having something to do helps also.

 

[dennisg]

I started asking the youngsters for their credit cards. Then let them know if they aren't old enough for a credit card then they aren't enough to handle the pens. The parents usually get the hint.

 

[Ruby pen turning]

I don't know because there is always the possibility of a sale. My wife and I find it unbelievable when we see parents just standing there watching there kids pick up multiple pens with prices on them between $45 and 60 dollars. They just stand there waiting for them to get done playing with them so they can go terrorize another vendor.

 

[cwolfs69]

i almost encourage the kids handling them. not the top of the line items of course but the cigars, slims, executives, etc. i use it as a tool to show the utility, durability of the pens to the parents. the kids at the shows have a little weight with the parents also. a good bit of my sales come from the kids wanting a pen. and because i mention multiple pen discounts, the parents often buy one for themselves as well. i have never had a child damage a pen but what the parents bought it from me.
i dont discourage it, i encourage it. sales tool all the way.

 

[TellicoTurning]

We just finished our first show, had a little rain ,which puts a new meaning to getting your feet wet....but the show was ok...How do you keep the kids from playing with the pens???....while the parents are standing right there...

I don't think you can keep a kid from touching and handling the pens short of locking them away... when I see kids reaching and touching the pens, I take the initiative and show them the pens... open the roller balls and let them touch, then put it back... usually the parents will appreciate your (my) interaction with the kids and then tell them to "not touch"... sometimes it even works and the kids will mind :biggrin: ... I was a kid once and know that I could not just look at things, even today... I want to touch and feel....

I've also had some success with this method in that parents will see my interaction with the kids and they will take a look and sometimes buy....

If the kids are just grabbing and not really behaving, then I tell them flat out..."don't touch the pens".

 

[CSue]

There are 3 things I do to prepare for shows where kids will be possible customers, too.
1) Renassaince Wax - I put it on all the products I will have at the show. Brings a soft cloth . . . fingerprints and some goo come off quite easily.
2) make sure the 1st row, "kid level" are the inexpensive pens and things.
3) always have a selection of stylus (both types) with a tablet or PDA with games available for kids so I can direct them to something they have chance to harrass their parents to buy for them.