dansnow Posted November 30, 2014 Report Posted November 30, 2014 (edited) Now I admit, we did make a little money today, but overall today was a pretty big bummer. Today was what we were hoping would be our biggest craft fair of the holiday season. Last year we made almost $1000 for a 6 hour fair. So we were really hoping we'd see similar results this year, but alas, it was not to be. The weather was the main culprit. Light showers/rain moved in just about the opening bell at 10am and continued for about 1 1/2 hours.. Not heavy, but enough to be miserable. After that the rain stopped for the rest of the day, but we did have to deal with breezy conditions. Cold n windy. About an hour before the end a particularly vigorous gust blew through, upsetting some of our shelves and sending quite a few things to the ground. Damage was about $75 in product. It's mostly repairable, but those items were unsaleable for the rest of the day. Then as the final kick in the butt, we had a bit of thievery. We offer a heart shaped tray puzzle, and about 45 minutes before closing we discovered that someone had taken ONE Stinkin' Freakin' piece out of the puzzle. As a fitting finish to the day, we couldn't get our truck next to or booth on break down, so everything from gridwalls to tables to product had to be schlepped a good 150 yards by shear muscle alone. (I'd left the hand truck at home thinking we wouldn't need it!) We're finally home, worn out and achy, and will need to seriously evaluate if we want to risk this show again. Here in Northern Cali in late November you run a real risk of inclement weather, and with the booth rates having gone up, and a rain or shine policy we don't think the risk is worth it. We're gonna really research finding indoor venues for the winter months in the future. Bottom line? Total sales were not quite 2x our booth fee. We met a lot of nice people, learned new things about set ups and what does and doesn't sell. But was not a real good day otherwise. Whew, Rant Off! I feel much better now. This round of coffee is on me! Edited November 30, 2014 by dansnow Quote
rjR Posted November 30, 2014 Report Posted November 30, 2014 Seems to sum up my "show" experience to. I think I ran a net loss on my last one. May try one more may not! Seem todo s well at a garage sale from my driveway! Quote
Scrolling Steve Posted November 30, 2014 Report Posted November 30, 2014 Dan, at least you met some nice folks and learned a few things for the future!.............Life is GOOD! Quote
Phantom Scroller Posted November 30, 2014 Report Posted November 30, 2014 Oh Daniel life is a bummer sometimes, just lift yourself up brush yourself off and get ready for the next one. God bless and stay safe. Roly Quote
edward Posted November 30, 2014 Report Posted November 30, 2014 Sorry your show didn't go as expected, I know what it feels like, one day last year I lost a tent due to high winds, it was anchored down but the wind got underneith and vent the top bars. and a couple weeks ago my ornament display fell over and quite a few broke into pieces. I guess everyone has problems at shows. edward Quote
dansnow Posted November 30, 2014 Author Report Posted November 30, 2014 (edited) This morning we can look back and say hey, we survived it, and made a little money to boot. Yesterday evening we were exhausted, frustrated and generally frazzled. Today we're just tired and achy (which is to be expected at our rapidly advancing ages.) We have made one decision though, no more outdoor venues during the rainy season here. We can't afford to be losing booth fee due to inclement weather. Especially at a venue like this one where the fee was $135 for a one day show! Edited November 30, 2014 by dansnow amazingkevin 1 Quote
amazingkevin Posted November 30, 2014 Report Posted November 30, 2014 Theft and irisponcible breakage kills me.Why they pick it up in the weakest possiable spot escapes me but they do.Kids don't need to be handleing things either ,bad upbringing.If it's not your leave it alone.I know the feeling well about missing pieces.THE NERVE !A common sence craft show is hard to find ?I hate to repremande a custumer or their kids and act like the police ,they should know better or are trying you ? Quote
wombatie Posted December 1, 2014 Report Posted December 1, 2014 Sorry about the show Dan. Sounds as if it's one to quickly forget. Marg Quote
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