HOW TO PROMOTE AND RUN A SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE JIGSAW PARTY

While the goal of a jigsaw party is to sell product, it is also to open the marketplace for you, to educate your customers of jigsaw opportunities beyond what they might have previously considered.

A note re the list of ideas below: we are not suggesting you do all of them. Rather, consider this a list from which you choose what you think will work best for you.

1. Start planning around two weeks out.
2. Have the stock. Make sure you have a good range of jigsaws. Go deep into the Ravensberger range from Modern Brands as well as the pop culture jigsaws from several of our preferred suppliers.
3. Determine your key offers. We suggest:
   1. 25% off for everyone who helps you complete a jigsaw in-store. This could include placing one piece in place.
   2. Buy 2 get one free, or similar – with some price restrictions.
   3. A prize draw of a reasonable jigsaw, around $80 in value, at the end of the day to the winner. Every customer goes in the draw.
   4. Create a sign with your offer. Email help for a copy of what we used. Put the sign up in-store.
4. Consider a social responsibility engagement along the lines of: For every 4 jigsaws purchased, we will donate one to a local community centre to encourage brain health. (If possible, name the centre and work with them beforehand.)
5. Depending on your area and your space, you could consider a team competition. Call for groups of four to nominate to come in and complete a, say, 500 piece, jigsaw. It could be the fastest team wins or you have the top two in for a jigsaw-off on the day. This idea is more for those who like activities on the day.
6. Run the party on a Saturday. We suggest 12 noon to 4pm. However, choose time and day of the week that best suits your needs.
7. From two weeks out on social media run a series of jigsaw related posts such as these – be sure to include a photo of a jigsaw with each:
   1. Always having a jigsaw on the table for the family to do is a treat. It encourages conversation and working together.
   2. Doing jigsaws is good for brain health.
   3. Jigsaws bring out the best in people.
   4. Jigsaws are a great way to build successful teams.
   5. You are never too old or too young to do a jigsaw.
   6. The world would be a better place if politicians did jigsaws when they met.
   7. If you ever feel overwhelmed, do a jigsaw.
   8. Each piece you place in a jigsaw is a step forward.
   9. Find a calm place when you do a jigsaw.
   10. After dinner every night, before everyone goes their own way, take a few minutes to put some pieces in a jigsaw, together.
   11. Next time you visit a friend, take a jigsaw. Wonderful conversation flows.
8. Create an event on Facebook with the details. Boost the event post to at least 40km radius to your shop. Yes, people will drive.
9. Dress the shop:
   1. Consider signs that educate people about jigsaws. Email Help if you would like some of these as we are likely to make some available – signs you can print that educate people about jigsaws.
   2. Have a major jigsaw display facing shoppers as they enter the business.
   3. Have a table setup nearby where a community jigsaw can be done by all customers. Choose the jigsaw that is right for your local area, one that could be reasonably completes in the day.
   4. Place jigsaws with newspapers.
   5. Place the prize jigsaw at the counter with a sign.
   6. Have fresh-baked cookies near the entrance. Everyone loves cookies.
10. Run discount vouchers too as these provide an opportunity to get shoppers back after the event.
11. In the week before the event run several boosted posts about the event, again reach outside your usual area to attract shoppers. See the suggested posts above – add a note about the event.
12. Do not limit attendance. The goal of this simple party idea is to maximise attendance and sales revenue.
13. Have fun!

On the day, have a greeter to say g’day as shoppers enter. Make sure the greeter understands the value of jigsaws from the mental health perspective and more (see above).

A key goal is to educate people about jigsaws, to grow prospective shopper population. While sales are important, education is more important in growing long term sales.

Take photos. Use these on social media.

Listen. People will tell your stories. Ensure you listen to them.

We think a simple party like this can be fun at least twice a year.