Life and Craft Shows are Unpredictable

by Ruby

Hi, I'm Ruby.

I shared a story with you about last Christmas season's success.

This year I share with you my quasi-success.

I planned for so long to be in the same craft show as last year but it was sold out. I tried another show - sold out. I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I asked my dance teacher if I could sell my jewelry. She said yes and on the first day I made $41.00. Day two: $16.00. It was okay but not what I had in mind.

I saw an ad in the local paper about a craft sale that was being held at a place called 'odd fellows hall' (nice name, huh?).

I thought it was the break I was dreaming about and the table rentals were only $5.00! Now that I look at that I think: wow! The table cost was about 56% of the total profit that I made. I made $9.00 if you were wondering (but then you minus the 5).

I think the only reason that they bought my stuff was because they felt sorry for me.

Comments for
Life and Craft Shows are Unpredictable

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How to find out the quality of shows?
by: Carolyn

I sure feel for you. I recently did my first show at a highly promoted "high end juried show" - well I think the jury needed new glasses to start with and well obviously high end is open to interpretation. Booth fee was $325, plus $25 application, plus 10% of sales...oh and it was out of town, so hotel for 4 days etc etc...well I sold a total of $400 in 3 long days. Definitely looking for ways to vet the shows ahead of time.
I'm looking into finding links to reviews etc, I'll share what I find with the group.

Random sales
by: Shelby Hill

I do so understand the feeling of working up to an event and making next to nothing.
One thing I never hesitate to do now is to send invites to all my customers when I do a show.
That is no guarantee for sales though!!

bad craft shows
by: Lisa

I agree, these show ask for high table fees and don't advertise. In this economy, I am looking for a venue to sell so I can feed my family. I wouldnt mind a percentage of sales, if they forgo table fee, as long as it is reasonable.

bad shows bummers
by: Anonymous

I always say for one bad show there are two good ones out there--in other words DON"T GIVE UP!
Why not have your own show?
A great venue for shows is apartment complex 'clubhouses', large office building lobbies. Call up places in your area, you would be surprised how many places are looking for some sort of event they dont want to plan.
Buying local and handmade crafts is so big right now. There is help in numbers get together with other artists and jewelers to plan events. The more people the more pontential.

Planning Ahead
by: Cathy

You said you "planned so long" to be in the same show, but yet it was sold out, which means you didn't get your money in on time. Take note of when things are due. Get in touch with the person running the show to make sure you get an application for next year and save your money. Jewelry spots fill up fast, which means you need to get your money in as soon as you get the application. It's not just enough to have the jewelry made, you have to plan ahead on the business side, which isn't as fun. Good luck for next year!!

Recommendations from Other Vendors
by: Cindy C - Mountain Beads & Wire

I've been in some good and some bad shows. The best ones were ones to which other vendors directed me -- not necessarily other jewelry vendors! The best recommendation I've had to date was to a high school Christmas market -- low booth fee, very high "buying" traffic -- recommended by a barbeque sauce vendor at a craft show that turned out to be a "bust" for us all! Talk to any vendors you can at shows when things slow down -- ask them where they've had success, what shows were well run, how the traffic was, fees, etc. Those have been my best tips yet!

"How to Make Friends and Influence People"
by: Helene

Hiya, Ruby. Two words ~ Social Marketing. Make buddies through forums and blogs. Cultivate these friendships with helpful comments and observations you've made on their websites. Chat up THEIR successes. It doesn't take long before a few of them become a daily 'habit'. People love to be complimented and it won't take long before your kindness is returned in triplicate.

Ask these forums about shows they've done and how they rank these shows. When you get a good show that's out of town, invite yourself to stay with the buddies during the show. Of course, you've already vetted these online buddies so you aren't putting yourself at risk. You still need to use your brains.

Read the trade magazines for shows: in the classifieds at the back of these magazines.

Blog about shows: the good the bad and the ugly.

Join a local beading society: many have yearly shows and many are well attended. Get a table at these shows. And chat up the other vendors.

The whole idea is to make friends by being a friend and, through social marketing, learn about the annual show schedules.

Booths book a good year in advance so if you didn't get into a show this year, ship out your registration right away for next year.

Well, that's what I think.
Helene ~ Glass0Beads.etsy.com

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