If you do craft shows what is the farthest you travel to set up a booth?

[new2woodwrk]

I ask because the closest craft shows in my area are 2+ hours away, some as far as 4 hours.

Also, what would you say would be an avg charge for a booth at these shows - i know they are all different, but on avg for a single booth set up.

Thanks in advance

Edited March 27, 2018 by new2woodwrk

[WayneMahler]

The farthest I have traveled was to another state. Spend 4 days there plus on to get there and one to get home. Set upon Thursday, show was Friday thru Sunday then drove home Monday. Total spent that trip was about $1500 and pulled in a little over $5000. So worth it but a ton of work and little rest. There are other big shows closer and they average about $500 for a week end bring all your own stuff, tent etc. Charge extra if you want or need electric. All the other shows we do are spread across the board no real average so to speak.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I do not think you can fairly compare one crafter to another in any circumstances when it comes to selling. We are all different in the product we make, the perfection of the product we make, the target of the audience we are after, the area we are selling in, and so on. Being in Fla. it is a tourist state so maybe you have to focus on things that may interest tourists. Summer fairs and shows are tougher to sell at and do not command the attendance as does fall shows. Someone may live on a bordering state so can hit a few states within an hour or two to get to. 

 

I suggest this all the time for people looking to do craft shows. Do your homework in your area Go to the show prior to doing the show and see for yourself the story and talk to the organisers and maybe a few crafters if they are willing to talk to you. But seeing is believing. This goes for any show you are wanting to do. See what others are selling and pay attention for anyone in your range of selling items. See how the crowds are. See if people are actually carrying packages. If it is a fair or sidewalk thing they are there for the fun and not the crafts. Tough to sell at those shows. Also hone your selling skills. You have to be outgoing and not afraid to mingle with customers. Be a used car salesman and state facts and use all tricks. The more shows you do the more tricks you learn and develop on your own. Sell yourself.  

[dgman]

I know this doesn't help you, but, I do two shows a year. The first one is a very large street fair. It's only about 15 minutes away from me. The second is a two day Christmas Botique in November. It is about Five minutes away. Both shows are about $195 each.

[Iguanadon]

Hi Jes,

I stick to my state (NC) but I travel up to 2 1/2 hours from home particularly for 2 large (GREAT!) events where I used to live and I can stay with friends to cut down on costs.  I travel up to an hour for a few events around me and most of my events are within a mile. I did 28 events last year.

As you know booth fees vary.  For me it's anywhere from $20 to $250.  I just got accepted yesterday to the $250 one that takes place in August.  I rent 2 booths ($500) so I can set up a certain way that improves my sales.  As mentioned, do your research and if possible visit the event before signing up unless it's an absolute slam dunk sure thing.

I have a 2 day event tomorrow and Saturday that is excellent and will be my first time as a vendor.  Looking forward to diving back into events, it's been a long winter.

Iggy

Edited March 29, 2018 by Iguanadon

[rjweb]

Iggy, 

have a great event this weekend, sell out and get many orders, RJ 

[Jim Finn]

I have driven 2 hours to a two day indoor show once.  Never again.  I found that the second day of a show only nets me about 20% of the first day.  I do two outdoor shows each year and one of them is one hour away.  The other is here in Lubbock.  Cost per space is $85.  at one and $55 at another.  I also sell at out local outdoor farmers market about 16 Saturdays in the summer.  That is only $15 per space and it only lasts three hours. (a good thing)  About one half of my yearly sales happen at the farmers market the other 1/2 at the other two events. 

Edited July 25, 2019 by Jim Finn

[ike]

I ueseally do chows any further than 25 miles.

IKRE