Craft Shows

[tjcebula]

So I'm sure that some of you talented people in here have done a craft show or two, my question is how do you know how much to bring and how many of a certain portrait or artwork, I have a some months out, there is a craft show to which I'm going to try out its a 3 day event, I'm kinda confused on how much I should make big objects, small complex easy, ect any help out there?

[heppnerguy]

Sorry that  I can not really help you very much as I do not care to do craft shows myself but I have read a lot of posts on this subject and if i recall correctly, you will want things that will catch the eye and bring people into your booth, however the higher items that are priced $25 to $30 seems to move a little slower than the lesser expensive things, But then it really depends on what the crowd is like. The things that really move are the lessor expensive pieces, under $20 so be prepared to have enough on hand to bring in the money. Sometimes someone has a certain item that sells like crazy for them and perhaps you will discover one that works well for you. Some people have small items that sell for under $5 and they seem to move quickly. remember to keep in mind that if you are traveling to do the show and staying over night in a motel between days, that you need to also consider the costs of motel, space rental, gasoline, eating out as expenses you need to recover before you even  start to make any money.  I know that you will get many answers from people who love craft shows with some really helpful hints for you.. Good luck    I think one of the big things to keep in mind is that you need to consider your display looks uncluttered and clean with a good assortment to attract a lot of different people and that you are not caught without your 'movers' for the 2nd and 3rd day

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[amazingkevin]

Be a car salesman at the craft shows .They can sell anything,lol enthusiasm works big time.If you see something you like , make me a good deal offer and you'll soon be the proud owner!

[ike]

I have a craft sale tomorrow  and I am not very excited about it. It's too early for one but my entered this one for me. I have not had much luck  tilll September or  October that's the time people are thinking about Christmas. Now haw much should you take Now I try to keep the price under $20  over that amount they-are not  very interested . I do have a couple of items that go good  for $25 an $35. I specialize in Nativity  scenes. They go good in this area. It's hard to say at this time of the year just look at the item and say would you buy this and for how much then Then mark it down little  it took me  several years for me to get a buying base.Oh yes don't get too excited about I will be back I want to look around first.If I had 50 cents for each one I would be rich. Just take what =you got  and hope for a good sale. A 3 day event will take a lot if you have a buying crowd,  Good luck

IKE

[ike]

It don't hert to give a discount for multiple sales,

ike

[sullyscroller]

Bring big stuff, little stuff, high stuff, inexpensive stuff ,and lots of it if possible. Don't crowd it all in your booth at once and be ready to talk your butt off !!!!!!!! I have done close to 25 shows per year for almost 10 years and some are great while others not so much. Keep notes about your likes and dislikes for each show to refresh your memory next year. Good luck and God Bless. My first show is in 2 weeks then it's off to the races for us till we quit for the year in November.

 

sully

Edited April 10, 2015 by sullyscroller

[terrylee]

I got one tomorrow and this is number 6 I done this year,I been doing then  past 6 years now ,One of the reason I do then to meet different people,being lock up in my shop, I get out. No,I leard thru the years to bring high and low price things and make our table stand out with a nice table cloth.Next thing is not to overload our table  with lot of stuff ,keep it simple.Make sure is price and don't get into the face of customer ,just say : if have any question let me know.Let our work you do sell it self.I hope this helps       

[edward]

Crafts shows in the spring aren't anything to brag about, I only do two one was good and the other not so good. Items under $25 sell decentI thought my interactive plaques will sell for $30 but they didn't. It all depends what people are looking for, with Mothers day comming and Fathers day, you should have somethuinbg for both, just an idea. It also depends on the area, some are better then others. Most of the shows I do I'am the only scroller and still have a hard time selling. This is only my opinion . edward

[Jim Finn]

I also do over 20 sales a year. I have been doing this for over seven years now.  I do not do, two or three, day sales at all. I am usually the only wood worker there and I think I usually out sell almost all the other vendors .  I find that wall hung items do not sell for me,(Intarsia and crosses)  I do much much much better selling toys and boxes.  Almost all priced $20 or less.  Spring sales are the worst for me.  I expect sales to be pretty good, for me, at a series of weekly sales starting near the end of June through Christmas.  Every year I sell more and more. I eventualy sell all that I make. 

Edited April 11, 2015 by Jim Finn

[LarryEA]

There you have it and I found it interesting.

[jamminjack]

I agree with Larry.   Very interesting indeed.   It brought back a lot of memories, some good and some not so good.

 

Good Luck tjcbula.  The craft circuit awaits you.....

[Lucky2]

Cut until you figure you have enough, then cut that much again. Stack cutting really helps get your stock built up, and when you set up your table have a one color table cloth to place under your work. I find that a table cloth with multi-colors is distracting, good luck.

Len

[ike]

Just take all you have , if it's a good show you will need it. 

IKE

[tjcebula]

Thanks to all whom gave your input on this , Yes I have some months ahead of me so I have time to get things / Items done, I will take bits and pieces of all your advices and its greatly appreciated, Like mention this is my 1st one I will see how this goes and determine whether to continue this craft show thing, or keep to what I'm currently doing, I just don't want to make this a job to which I will not enjoy it anymore, Again Thank for all your inputs

[WayneMahler]

Craft shows can be tough. I take objects from $5 to $325. When I set up I keep a single color under my work. Normaly black as it shows the wood off. People get tired of looking down all day, raise your products up a bit. I use shop built stand-ups to hang pieces. Don't just sit there when a customr walks up to look. Stand up greet them and be happy they stopped to look. Be proud of your work and offer to answer any questions. I also don't put evrything out, gets too cluttered and people lose interest quickly. I have done shows that I barely made my table fees and other shows where I made 4 digits. The fall season is normally better then the spring with Christmas but taking advantage of the spring holidays can be rewarding also. Don't make a judgement n doing one show. If it don't go as expected you could lose on shows that do well. If it does really great, you may be in for a dis-appointment in shows that don't. One thing I have learned, the better shows advertise generously and draw bigger foot traffic. Some of the shows I do have 45,000 - 75,000 people per day. They are well established, hard to gt into but so worth the effort. I also advertise I do custom work, which generates a lot of extra income. Talking to other vendors in your area helps find out which shows are good and which are not so good.

Best of Luck

Wayne

[heppnerguy]

Nice input, Wayne. It is difficult to go through a lot of effort in hopes if making some money only to dive. Some good advise in this thread. Craft shows are not the desire of all but can always be a good experience if you like the contact with people. It is really rare that people can turn a hobby into a get rich situation. But it does happen. An example in scrolling and intarsia are the few pattern makers that do very well selling patterns. If you are considering craft shows then go out there and have fun and be thankful you have developed a love that others are willing to praise, buy and enjoy.

 

Dick

heppnerguy

[ike]

I just did a craft show and did $10 over table. The people were enjoyable I have had other shows when I have made $300 to $400 . The trick don't worry about making money just enjoy yourself'

IKE 

[Jim Finn]

"

.... An example in scrolling and intarsia are the few pattern makers that do very well selling patterns...."

 This shows you where the money is: Selling to other crafters!

Edited April 14, 2015 by Jim Finn