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I pretty much restrict myself to workshops in my own home. I am teaching a bunch of beginners, so I started at the beginning. Each class, we add something new, and the cards get increasingly difficult. My customers love it. But I have ALL BEGINNERS. They were all friends of mine, and so they are giving me honest input on what they like/don't like. They all like the classes as opposed to demos.
I like to do classes. I have a monthly card class at my house. People sign up for which cards they'd like to do and how many. I charge by the card. They get to learn new techniques as they do the cards, and they all seem to enjoy it. (Nobody has quit coming yet! :-) ) It takes away the pressure to buy, but engages people in the creative process--which of course, is very rewarding.
You might want to check out the demos-only forums here on SCS. (See the sticky at the top of this forum.)
Art is intended to provoke an emotion from a total stranger. If you�ve succeeded in this, consider yourself an artist. Paper Shanks Blog. Love me or hate me, you are still talking about me
As a newbie the workshops rock!! I want to see, learn, and do myself. Not just someone selling me something. If I use it and like the affect I will probably buy it!!!!! If you just tell me about I probably won't. I myself like hands on.
I've been to so many parties now that it gets old having to listen to the sales pitch. I just want to get in and get stamping! I enjoy going to workshops since you usually learn something a bit more complex than you do at the parties and there is more opportunity to get creative with your project.
There are a lot of demos whose "party" patter is just that, a speech and a demo. There are a whole bunch of demos, though, who offer "make and takes" at their parties, where guests get a "totally hands on" experience.
I have to say that parties are good for one thing especially...the hostess gets STUFF, lol! If you have a long list and a short budge, having a party is the way to go...discuss it with your demo and see about having your party BE a workshop!
As a customer, I would much rather go to a workshop than a party. I like to actually make cards and try different techniques and at some parties, even though there are make n takes, they are pretty simple. Just thought I would throw in my two cents.
I pretty much do workshops only. I'll do a party if someone requests it, and I'll mention it during SAB time. But I prefer doing workshops. I'm mostly a hobby demo, but I'm starting to offer once a month workshops. I'm sure when I don't have young children I'll increase that schedule quite a bit (if I'm still a demo then, which I can't imagine not being one! LOL). I also like doing workshops because it's guaranteed money; I request payment 2 weeks in advance so I can order any extra supplies I might need and have time to prepare.
Looking at this thread I was thinking - what's the difference? Party - workshop - same thing. Then to hear some descriptions of party I'm thinking - YUK. Who would enjoy that? As a buyer, I've only gone to what I would guess would be called workshops - but - we have a hostess so it's her 'party' and she gets the benefits. Like Betsy just described. We all get to make cards, we don't pay a fee, and yes WE ORDER STUFF! LOTS OF STUFF! Because we just have to have it ALL! It's a nice time to get together, make something, have fun, and our demo is GREAT! She's not hard sell - she doesn't have to be, her work & the product do all the talking! So, whatever it's called.... It's win win for sure.
Betsy, I totally took the budge as being 'short' for budget
I love parties, but my demo does make and takes at her parties. When I am a demo (before year end hopefully) I will do the same. I like hosting a party because it's at my home (my demo is in the next town), I serve FOOD. I can display my scrapbooks to people who like to see them, plus I get hostess rewards.
I do like workshops too. I don't have to prepare anything. But I find the extra effort for a party does have it's rewards.
Then stampers group is good too. It's the same people that come. There's show and tell and we get to see what everyone else is working on. Plus you get hostess benefits too.
I like it all but parties are my favorite.
__________________ Taryn
"Forget regret or life is yours to miss." - Jonathan Larson
The way I look at the difference, is that with a class or workshop, the demo provides the place, and gets the pople to come, however with a party there is a hostess who provides the place, usually some refreshments, and who will get hostess credit. Guests attending a party pay nothing but there is some expectation that they will place an order - with a workshop there is a flat fee.
What exactly do you mean by parties? I demonstrate and do make n takes for all my hostesses. I try to show new techniques and ideas. I call them workshops. The hostess invites her friends. She provides snacks/drinks.I don't charge fees for those. I also do technique classes and stamp camps in my home. I charge for those.
You're right. Whether it's called a party or a workshop, the Hostess gets benefits if she has invited the attendees. When the demo offers technique classes or stamp camps and charges a fee, that is what I was referring to as a workshop (erroneously !)
I don't know if you know what I meant, but I do -- sorry to cause confusion.
I enjoy workshops. I have always had reps that I tell I want to host a "workshop" basically. At my parties (2 a year usually) we usually do one scrapbook page, and one or two other things, at least one card. So two to three items. I will actually provide the materials for the "other" item. Like last time we did glass bead pens as my choice. For the last year I have had a stamping group that met once a month. My friends would come and learn some new technique. Then they could also go to a workshop hosted by my friends who are reps to purchase and make things.
__________________ Proud Air Force Wife Andi Wrenn
Parties vs. Workshops
