Storing and transporting your products?

[new2woodwrk]

Would like to pick the brains of those that are working events/festivals etc....

I have Scott's information he posted about his processes but it seems there is one thing missing - how to transport the individual puzzles.

Also would like to know how you all store your individual items.

The issue I foresee is for puzzles to come apart if they are transported in a large container. I've decided to place each one in an individual plastic bag.

Storage for me is a nightmare at the moment but it will get better after I finish a few of my class projects.

I have a bunch of large plastic containers with tops but I don't have much inventory or samples yet so  everything is in small boxes.

Also, when you display your items at these events do you sell your displays or do you have separate inventory you pull out to give to customers?

Thanks as always in advance

[JimErn]

I shrink wrap the puzzles, amazon sells shrink wrap bags is various sizes, a heat gun or blow dryer will work to shrink the bags

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=shrink+wrap+bags&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

I use totes, black ones with yellow tops, heavy duty, I did some measuring first and can fit three end to end in the back of the pickup on one side

https://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Rack-HD5G-4PK-Storage-4-Pack/dp/B079DG4FKF/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=heavy+duty+totes&qid=1579276792&sr=8-8

I sell what is on the table, but then I do not make more than two or three of the same thing, I sell it, and when they walk away I bring out another one if I have it.  Kind of makes them think it is one of a kind, of course some are.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

I do not do those animal puzzles but have done the money puzzles from Steve Good. Those I use resealable plastic bags that fit the puzzle snug. As far as toting I use cardboard boxes as well a plastic storage boxes. Cardboard boxes are much cheaper and when damaged throw away and use another. I have large odd shaped items so I stack and use foam pads to seperate. Buy those boxes of foam strips and they come in a roll. They work great because it cushions the projects and keeps things from bouncing around when transporting. Everything is fragile so caution is always needed. I sell the piece that is displayed because that is the one the customer saw, looked at, and probably held in their hand. I change batteries right there if it is a clock and explain to them how it is done and what battery. Instructions are always taped to the bottom anyway. I explain the movements are lifetime warrenty and just see me for replacement. I then replace item if I have spares or replace with something else. Shelf space is valuable. Have a couple of small flat carts to transport into show. Have been doing this for so long I have a system that works well for me. I have various sized plastic bags and a few boxes for things that are too fragile to bag. Sometimes I will wrap the item in tissue paper to protect it but most time just the bag. Write a receipt with item number on it and description of woods if need be. Helps me with inventory and taxes. Has worked very well for me over 35 years. I am rounding that corner that has the finish flag waving so it can be any year now. Would not have changed a thing all those years. Good luck as you get started and hopefully it will be lucrative for you, but most of all enjoy what you are doing. 

[new2woodwrk]

Thanks @JimErn and @JTTHECLOCKMAN

@JimErn

Thanks - yes I have the shrink wrap and do shrink the duplicates. I have what I call samples and I have what I will call inventory.

@JTTHECLOCKMAN

Foam strips? You mean the ones with tape on one side like this: https://www.amazon.com/foam-strips/s?k=foam+strips

After hearing what you both say, seems I don't need samples and just sell everything from the tables.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

7 hours ago, new2woodwrk said:

Thanks @JimErn and @JTTHECLOCKMAN

@JimErn

Thanks - yes I have the shrink wrap and do shrink the duplicates. I have what I call samples and I have what I will call inventory.

@JTTHECLOCKMAN

Foam strips? You mean the ones with tape on one side like this: https://www.amazon.com/foam-strips/s?k=foam+strips

After hearing what you both say, seems I don't need samples and just sell everything from the tables.

No, this is what I use. Works great for me and what I do. 

https://www.uline.com/BL_856/Uline-Foam?keywords=uline+foam

[new2woodwrk]

4 hours ago, JTTHECLOCKMAN said:

No, this is what I use. Works great for me and what I do. 

https://www.uline.com/BL_856/Uline-Foam?keywords=uline+foam

Ah! Got it! Thanks

[jerrye]

One suggestion if you do use boxes would be to try and get banana boxes. They are usually heavy wall corrugated and are of a telescopic design. It's easy to make spacers to close the large openings in the top and bottom, if your pieces are small enough to fall through. You would get many miles of use from them.

[ike]

I use plastic wrap each puzzle and store them in plastic totes  measdureing 16" wide , 251" long and 7" tall I set the puzzles in 2 rowes . I cary about 45 different puzzlles in 3 totes, one for display and the other 2 for storage and sales, i arange the puzzles alphebetlly . I know there is a better way but I have not found it yet

I*IE

[BadBob]

I shrink wrap my puzzles.

[kmmcrafts]

Interesting topic to me.. thanks for posting.. 

I only store my things in drawers to inventory until I pull the item to be packaged and shipped... If it's a clock then I have to assemble it first... If it's a ornament I have to install the ribbon on it first before packaging.. I used to store them with the ribbon or clock.. but they store much more compact etc without them assembled.. I've been throwing the idea around for the last couple years to do a show.. We have a local show that has pretty big foot traffic for being a show at a school and it's always packed.. I got on the waiting list a few years ago and have had the opportunity to get in on it the last couple years.. I probably need to do it or they'll take me off that list, LOL.. 

[Devin Wilson]

I don't shrink wrap my puzzles. I transport them in  18 gallon storage bins and make layers with cardboard. Here is a pic from my setup this past weekend. All the puzzles pictured plus another dozen or so fit in 2 18 gallon bins. I take the puzzles and wrap them in bubble wrap for the customer and then put it in plastic bag. 95% of the time it's either my wife or my daughter with me so I usually always have a 2 man show I will usually take payment and chat with the customer while my wife or daughter wraps the puzzles. If I was doing it on my own always I might look into doing it different. I did 26 shows last year with the puzzles and so far this seems to be the best way for me.

[Jim Finn]

I make and sell decretive cedar boxes and store them like this picture shows.  I put twenty of these into larger boxes to take to the 20+ sales I do each year.  Keeps them well.

[Iguanadon]

Late to the party, but this is how I transport the ones for display... The duplicates are shrink wrapped and carried in bins, in alphabetical order for easy access.

[new2woodwrk]

39 minutes ago, Iguanadon said:

Late to the party, but this is how I transport the ones for display... The duplicates are shrink wrapped and carried in bins, in alphabetical order for easy access.

Better late than never LOL and your input is always welcome!

Are those cardboards cut up boxes or heavy duty cardboard?

Thanks for the response.

[Iguanadon]

Just now, new2woodwrk said:

Better late than never LOL and your input is always welcome!

Are those cardboards cut up boxes or heavy duty cardboard?

Thanks for the response.

 

Thanks.  LOL

The thicker the cardboard the better.  I had recently bought a new office chair and that box was perfect.  If you have to settle for standard cardboard boxes, double up and make it 2 ply.

[jerrye]

Just returned from Costco with another option. At checkout they ask if you want a box to carry your shopping in. Ask them for a produce (usually fruit) tray instead. They are always heavy corrugated, and often double walled.

Not sure if Sam's and BJ's does the same. This does at least offer another avenue for transporting your work.

[teachnlearn]

I'll throw this in. You can get boxes and customize without special ordering or paying for odd size boxes that are used occasionally. RJF

https://www.uline.com/BL_3401/Carton-Sizer?keywords=box+cutter

 

[amazingkevin]

My first show I had a tractor trailer of wheeled items boxed to bring in the show all at once. Easy in an out. f I remember right I used cardboard to separated items. Maybe even with wax paper in between the cardboard. been a while!

[BadBob]

I shrink wrap puzzles and use stretch wrap for every thing else. I wrapped puzzles until I started making puzzles that were larger with more pieces and it was extremely difficult for me to get them to stay together while I wrap them.  I don't do any shows yet so I just pile them a in plastic boxes until I get an order.