Organising appointment-only viewings of a collection

Appointment-only viewings let you show a new collection to each visitor properly: time to try pieces on, discuss sizes and alterations, and take orders without a crowd. Decide whether each slot is for one client or a small group, set the length so there's time to try on, prepare the showroom with pieces in several sizes and a comfortable fitting space, and have a simple way to record orders. Invite existing clients first, then open slots more widely. A calm, well-prepared viewing does more for a small label than a busy open day.

Hang the collection in a clear order — by look, by colour story or by piece type — with each style available in several sizes. Prepare a private fitting space with a large mirror and good light. Have fabric swatches, colour options and care information within reach. Offer water or coffee, and keep the space tidy between appointments.

Leave a short gap between slots to put pieces back on the rails, note orders and reset the room. Back-to-back appointments feel rushed, and the next visitor shouldn't walk into the previous client's try-on.

Tell the story of the collection briefly, then let the visitor explore. Suggest pieces based on what they already own from you or what they say they need. Offer alterations where possible, and be clear about what's available now, what's made to order, and when it will be ready.

Record each order with size, colour, alterations, delivery or collection date and contact details, and confirm it in writing the same day. Say clearly when and how payment is taken, using your own system.

Send a thank-you note with any pieces the visitor liked, and book fittings for made-to-order or altered items. Note preferences for next season: colours they gravitated to, sizes, what they didn't find. That knowledge makes the next private viewing even more personal.

Private viewings work well in the days after a collection is finished and photographed. Open a first block of slots reserved for existing clients, announced personally, then a second block for new visitors a week later. Keep a few slots in the following weeks for people who couldn't come at launch and for fittings on the first orders. Spreading the viewings over two or three weeks keeps the showroom calm and lets you give each visitor time.

For loyal clients who live far away, a video viewing can work: show pieces on a model or a mannequin, describe the fabric up close, and follow up with the exact measurements of each piece. Offer to send items on approval if your terms allow it.

Some visitors like to share their try-on on social media. Decide whether you're happy with that before the launch, and say so politely if some pieces aren't public yet.

On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page. Create services for individual and small-group viewings, and open slots for each at their length; for groups, set the number of places, and each visitor books one place. Repeat slots each week on chosen weekdays until a date, or open specific dates around a launch. Visitors book online without an account and receive a confirmation email; the optional note is a good place for sizes or pieces they want to see. When a slot is full, it disappears from your page. Send your booking page link to existing clients first, then share it more widely.

Durations and prices are examples: set your own. Clients can't move bookings online: they contact you, you reschedule or cancel from your bookings list and tell them yourself, since Book doesn't email clients about changes. Book costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract. It doesn't take payments.