Results of Craft show

[edward]

Had My first fall craft show yesterday, and didn't set the world on fire, only made a little over $100, traffic was fair, and a lot of people just seem to walk on by, and alot stop in the booth, and just looked. Couldn't display as much as I wanted too, as it was pretty windy, had to lay the items down, so they wouldn't fall over and break. Not many people carrying bags. Another show in two weeks, hopefully it will be better. Sorry no pictures, wasn't worth taking.  edward

[Scrappile]

Sorry it was a disappointing show.   I have never done one, but it seems it would be a lot of work although fun.   Hope your next is more successful.

[Phantom Scroller]

Sounded like you had fun anyway did the knee hold out alright Ed. Roly

[rjR]

Although some do well at craft shows; I never have!

 

The last one I ventured the guy beside me sold ZERO!

 

I have been invited back-- will not vendor that show again; might   -consign--  deciding about that>

 

I have done easily as well during the neighborhood garage sale weekends.

 

Godd luck on your next one and Please do let us know.

[Scrolling Steve]

Edward if you came away with 100 profit after the cost of the show ...not a total loss....As my grandmother used to say " Better  than a sharp stick in the eye".. :)

[amazingkevin]

Had My first fall craft show yesterday, and didn't set the world on fire, only made a little over $100, traffic was fair, and a lot of people just seem to walk on by, and alot stop in the booth, and just looked. Couldn't display as much as I wanted too, as it was pretty windy, had to lay the items down, so they wouldn't fall over and break. Not many people carrying bags. Another show in two weeks, hopefully it will be better. Sorry no pictures, wasn't worth taking.  edward

One table really doesn't do us justice for sales,The weather kills sales too.Hopefull they will tell their  friends what they saw and you'll have more sales in 2 weeks.Load up!

[don in brooklin on]

A good friend of mine used to do all sorts of sales and his advice was.

 

Make sure you have lots of business cards available as he quite often got a commission after the show. (he did a lot of scroll signs, personalized key chains, etc)

 

He used to have make a lot of little toy cars that he sold for a toonie ($2 in Canada eh).  People looked for a an item to buy their kids and it drove traffic.  In that light, Steve good had a email a couple of weeks ago on a traffic builder

http://www.stevedgood.com/panvent.pdf

 

Good luck at your next sale.

[ike]

Craft shows are fun to do. I enjoy the people as much as I enjoy selling, I usually don't pay over $25 table fee,most are $20 table fee.If I go to a craft show and sell $100 worth that leaves $80 after table and the material would be about $15/$20 material. I came home with $60 more than I left with and I had a good time at the sale . What more do you want I only do this for expenses and enjoyment. I am happy. besides that it is still tember and the sales will get a lot better, in late Oct and November

[Jim Finn]

What has worked for me is:

 (1) Find something the folks will buy,

(2) learn to mass produce it quickly and,

(3) find a cheap place to sell it. 

      I pay $15 for a space at a farmers market and sell ten to thirty $20 boxes every Saturday, throughout the summer. I also sell cheaper items there. Then the big sales in the fall, but the space rent is a lot more at those.

[DWSUDEKUM]

Edward 

You made money past the entry fee and the gas to get there and that is good.  You met and talked to potential customers for your future shows and that is good.  While you may not have been able to pay the rent with this one show ( seldom happens by the way ) You have made some very valuable contacts and exposure.  It took a bit over 3 1/2 years of being persistent doing craft shows before I had people coming to the show hoping I would be there so word of advise.  Be patient, talk to the folks that walk by, stop in and see what their interests are.  Weather can play a big factor in attendance as well.  I had an outdoor one cancelled because it had rained every day for a week before the show and the grounds were a swamp.  Still sounds like you had a decent time.  Keep plugging away and may you have better sales at the next show.

 

DW

[WayneMahler]

Edward selling $100 isn't bad. You didn't lose money and some of the shows I have done, cost me more then I made. If your thinking of doing this, keep a log of the shows, so you can look back and read the results. Having a bad show isn't saying that all are like that. Getting people to stop in and look is a good thing. They may not buy today, but remember a piece they seen and look for you at another show. I have people that got shows just to stop and say hi and see whats new. They have also referred their friends to me who purchased items. Keep your display simple and uncluttered, they can see more with less. Important pieces I raise up so people don't have to look down, and they can see it easily or even draw them into my area so they look at more. I have been doing shows for several years, talk to other vendors and they will help with good shows and ones to stay away from. You will also learn as you go. Good job on your first show. Keep the faith, be persistent and most important, have fun.

[Jim Finn]

I agree with what Wayne said.  The longer I do selling the easier it gets. I have been doing it for seven years now. When folks tell me I have talent I say "No, I have perserverance" I keep doing a thing over and over untill I get it right.  I also perserver at going to shows  and trying to sell. I have learned what sells and what does not.