Maybe this isn't the correct forum to post this, but all of you were so supportive of my greenhouse project and my getting into plant rental that I have to pose this project to you. Here goes.....
Monroe has a Home Show every March, and i have asked about a booth for my plant rental and overwintering business. The cost of the booth for Friday, Sat, and Sunday is $375.00. I am weighing the pros and cons of shelling out this much money.
CON
Alot of dough
2 1/2 days of my time
Hauling stuff up there (it's only a 10 mile trip to town, so not that big a deal)
Trying to make an attractive display on limited $$
PRO
Lots of people attend
I spent $500.00 on display ads in a paper last year and got 1 client, this would be alot cheaper and more people would be aware of my business.
Get out of some barn time........
It would be fun!
In the long run, it could be the cheapest advertising I could buy.
The money for the booth isn't really a big issue, I have that and more saved towards the purchase of needed plants, pots, etc. for the rental business. So, what do you think? This is SO not like me to be so undecided about anything......jeez, you'd think I'm incapable of making a decision. :>)
HELP!
Need inputs from my friends here at DG
Anna, it is not easy to give an advice. Here in Germany, it is very hard to get the attention of people at this time of the year because many container plants cannot be presented the way, they should be. People want to see flowers! Thats what I know from a friend, who owes a nursery. He presented only plants in good shape and had a large amount of cataloges for people which were interested.
I hope you do it!!And I hope it is a great success!!!!
But that is just me,I Root for what ever you do Anna!!
Reach for the stars!!!
Go for it!!
Alice
Monika, this would not be for selling, just for exposure. And I am not going to have "flowers" for my rental plants. I am only going to offer "Tropical Green Plants" in my rental business (tho if someone would want to rent a blooming brug, I wouldn't be adverse to hauling it around, provided it wasn't my 7 footer!!!!) One reason I didn't actively pursue this part of my business last year is that I wasn't ready, didn't have enough green stuff ready. I still don't have alot, but if I get enough interest and have enough lead time (even a month would work) I can have more things for use.
If you can dream it you can do it..there is risk in every thing you do.. have to take them now then. blessings good luck..
Anna, I hope you don't mind me jumping in here. Many years ago I had a wholesale business selling cut out paper lampshades. Even though I went to many stores, my business stayed slow until I tooK the plunge and went to a trade show. My booth was very minimal, but I had lamps and shades to show and that's what people wanted to see. Plus, these people knew what would sell in their stores, so they made valuable suggestions on additions and changes. I eventually sold my business at a nice profit.
The point I'm trying to make here is, during the homeshow, people can see the quality of your plants, the type of containers, the size, etc. Plus, you get to discuss with them the lighting requirements, where they envision the plants to go, etc. You are putting the plants in their offices, etc. in their minds eyes. It sounds like a perfect opportunity.
If you do decide to do it, be sure and have a give away plant, thus enabling you to get their names, addys, and send them a postcard thanking them for coming by your booth.
Just my two cents worth.
Anna, my daughter and son-in-law own a dj business and do lots of bridal receptions, bar mitzpahs, proms, etc. There are several bridal fairs here each year and booths usually rent for around $1,500. Sounds like a lot of money, but they always book at least 10 to 15 weddings while at the bridal fair, and quite a few more during the next few weeks afterwards. They pay for the booth with 2 to 3 weddings, plus they always get word of mouth advertising as a bonus. Go for it. It might be the best advertising you could ever get.
pins2006......right now I'm wanting to concentrate more on the rental part for special occasions, tho I hope to get into rental for offices and that sort of thing. My inventory isn't scaled for long-term right now, and I think I need some "one-day" events to get some cash coming in. Then, hopefully, the other parts will mesh and it will work. I've been working on this aspect of my business for a year; I wanted to get the greenhouse up and running and having overwintering plants for others for a year, I think I can branch out to better use my facilities when I have no "boarders"--in the summer, I mean. (I hope this is all making sense the way I describe it.)
Sorry that I didn't know what aspect you are currently looking into. It sounds like a great thing to do! I still think the show would be great exposure for you - just change the theme. I'll be following this thread with interest.
By all means, do it!
............ I would have pamplets attatched to every entry for the Grand Prize plant you will be drawing for. Somehow out of the way so you can hand them out?? Maybe a small sign?? This should elimate most of the peeps that just pick up everything then toss it. UNLESS you have a ton of pamplets to give out =)
............Don't do a winner must be present drawing, I would never go for these. If you can, a drawing one hour before closing each day might be nice.
.............Getting attention of the atendees at the show who may never have thought of your business, getting in thier face, so to speak. These are the people that would 'not' have looked for your printed advertising. Plant that idea and they will spread it around.
AND........ For Effect..........Set The Stage.
.....How about playing a very subtle jungle/nature sound tape that is just enough to be heard . I would put a vaporizer( the old fashioned type=cheap) of some kind behind a couple of the biggest plants along with a small up-light (cheap) .
...........
The fee for your space is really reasonable, it's the personal effort that will make it or break it. Wish I was closer, I'd love to help.
JMHO
§hirley
I think it's a great idea. I agree with Monika, most people are drawn in by flowering plants. You need something that will get their attention, even if you have no plans to use them in your buisness. You should be able to find blooming plants at Walmart or Home Depot. Mass them together for a dramatic effect.
I'm so excited for you! Lots of luck.
Kristi
I think it is a good idea, would be better if you could actually sell plants there. They have a spring garden show/sale at the fair grounds here in my town and I was thinking about inquiring about a cost of a booth there to sell brug cuttings, I have so many of them. I usually sell on Ebay, but I might could sell almost all of them in one weekend this way.
MaryinLa......I don't think anyone can sell at this HOme Show. I think it is strictly for information and just looking so no-one feels pressured. In a way, I think that is a good idea.
Anna, I think it would be a great way to get your name and service out there at least... hopefully you would be able to make up the money you use for the booth in "sales" later on.
I wish ya bunches of luck and success!
I say go for and best of luck to you!!
Your own Pros and Cons in the first posting seem to indicate you have made a good decision already! Do it!!!
Best wishes,
John
Good Luck Anna, with whatever you decide.