Purse parties are quickly taking the place of the Tupperware parties of decades passed. Designer and hand-crafted handbags are all the rage with style-oriented consumers. Capitalize on the hunger for trendy totes by hosting a social gathering to showcase your best pet-themed merchandise.

Purse parties, as with their plastic pre-cursors, usually require an up-front investment in samples, through a distributor specializing in shipping to individual dealers who take orders. Companies specializing in assisting the party holder, offer incentives, such as free product for selling high numbers of units.

If you like the idea, you may want to consider starting it as a side business. But, if you just want to attract buyers to your retail space to purchase products already on your shelves, you can make your own rules.

Simply call it a “purse party” and invite your regular customers to gather for a formal presentation of your best products.

Take a few lessons from the purse party industry and consider including the following at your event:

• Issue formal invitations to your customers, encouraging them to bring friends.
• Consider advertising the occasion as a fun event Online.
• Make sure to raffle off at least one product to generate interest in the event.
• Consider a one-time-only discount to draw more guests.
• Create an attractive display with your products at the front of the party space.
• Allow for an open space for the presentation with ample, comfortable seating.
• Offer light snacks and drinks. Refreshments encourage lingering behavior.
• Make small party favors, encouraging your gests to shop again.

Attending a few purse, candle or Tupperware parties in your area can be a great way to get ideas for staging your own event. Look for fun opportunities to welcome trendy shoppers to your space. Consider creating a few pet-themed games or ice breakers to warm up the crowd and encourage them to bring their own pets along for the party. <HOME>