Trunk Show Information

This was sent out as an e-mail, but I'm posting it here, too!

TRUNK SHOW
Gallery in the Virtual Labs
7pm (EST)
Monday, November 23

A trunk show, in real life, is when a group of crafters get together and have a small show for people they invite or whoever happens to come by and see. It works almost the same in the virtual labs, only... well, it's virtual!

I'd advise coming around 15-30 minutes early, and getting settled, and start chatting up your deals and what you will be offering. Invite EVERYONE. The more eyes, the more likely a sale.

Which brings me to my next point, think up some kind of discount or sale to offer to people in attendance. Free shipping, BOGO, 10%/15%/25%/however much percent off. It'll be a great way to encourage multiple sales and make people want to stay and buy more.

What will you actually do? Well, I will be allowing other members to to on their webcam (but PLEASE REMEMBER to wear headphones, you get horrible echo if you don't!). If you don't have one, that's totally ok, you don't need one. I just feel like it makes it a little easier to communicate! We will be taking turns, probably in a 5-10 minute frame, of showing off items (via item cards) and you will explain what sale is being offered, who it would be a great gift for and if there are any other items in your shop that would go well with it.

If you're offering discounts in the trunk show, I don't really advise against changing the listing, in case other buyers are in your shop and they might get a deal on not knowing. If someone is interested, my best advice, is just to refund them back through paypal. If you're offering BOGO, either select an item everyone will get (a free gift sort of deal) or tell them to pick out an item and reserve it for them.

Feel free to announce in your shop the Lab Rat Trunk Show, I will be! I WOULD wait until maybe Saturday evening or Sunday afternoon to announce it, or else people may wait and get a discount rather than just buy the item. I've gone ahead and typed up and example, if you'd like to just copy and paste:

LAB RAT TEAM TRUNK SHOW
Looking for some great holiday gifts, along with some holiday sales?
Come to the Etsy Virtual Labs Monday, November 23 at 7pm (EST)
Art, jewelry, baby items, paper goods, crochet, vintage and so much more!
Everyone is welcome!
Look for the Gallery, in black.
http://www.etsy.com/virtual_labs.php

Here, is an example, of what you might do, should you attend:
- prior to, talk it up with everyone (in person, on twitter, on your blog, facebook, in your shop).
- Enter room, about 20 minutes early. Chat with everyone about the 15% off all items you have going on tonight.
- itsa turns cam on, selects you to go.
- you annouce your sale, give a link to your shop, and soon, people start putting in item cards from your shop.
- you mention something would make a great gift for those ever elusive teenagers or a Mother In Law.
- someone sees something they want, they purchase it. (yay!)
- you (after doing the happy sale dance, it's required) refund them the 15% back through paypal.
- you pick the next person to go!
- No sale? Bummer. But you still get to pick the next person.

If you have any other question, don't hesitate to ask! Nothing is too silly or stupid.

Can't wait, hope you can make it!