Are Craft Shows Dead?
Sunday July 30, 2006
I receive lots of comments from crafters week after week discussing the demise of the traditional craft show. While I know there are still plenty of great events out there, they are becoming few and far between. Lots of times, I think the market becomes over-saturated with shows, spreading that important customer dollar too thin. For instance, in Nashville, TN there is a major craft fair almost every weekend of the year. When you have that many markets locally, sales are bound to be affected.
Comments
Many of the successfull craft shows I’ve been to recently have crafters who have new and creative items. So many crafters continue to make the same items year after year and can’t understand why people aren’t buying. Just how many pet food bowl racks do they think people need?
I’ve been to shows literally from one side of the US to the other. The ones that had folks actively buying were the ones that permitted participants to sell little to no purchased fillers and had crafters who offered wares where folks would say, “Wow, that’s neat - haven’t seen that before!”
My opinion is that thre are a couple of things happening. First of all gas prices……it dictates how far we travel for a show, and we’re going to make money. A lot of the olt time vendors are not doing as many shows as they once did because of the travel.
Then the customer has to decide whether or not to spend the money on gas to atend the show,,,,,,,then pay fee to get in?? Not much money left for him to spend on the inside with us.
And lastly, the promoter is disappointed because so many of the oldies didn’t return and their show is not full, so at the last minute they’ll let ANYONE in to fill up the area. Ok, maybe first year the customers spend a little money, but mostly on the imported/cheap stuff, the the second year they don’t feel they should bother because the show “isn’t what it used to be. I’m afraid it’s a wheel we’re all on and don’t know where to get off first. Good Luck.
I have to agree with Marsha. The promoters are losing good quality crafters because of the costs. We pay $350.00 for a booth, then we have gas prices and hotels not to mention food and so we have to make at least $550.00
up front to cover expenses. I do some real quality shows in the midwest but the promoter is having diffuculty in filling them and the shoppers are dwindling year after year in some areas.I think the facilities have gotten greedy and keep raising the rental costs of their buildings. I think the promoters are not willing to take in a little less so the bottom line is either we suck up the costs, fill in with resale items or we drop the shows. Vicious circles!! I do not have resale items in my booth and I hear comments every show from customers who notice and most do know the difference. Especially when they find they same things at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Ben Franklin or at 6 other booths at the same craft show. Why pay to enter a Folk Art show if you can buy the same thing elsewhere with no admission fee. Wise up crafters! Or should I say Resalers? I try each year to have a completely different handmade inventory which keeps my sales up for the most part. I only carry over a handful of items each year that were really good sellers . But only for one year. If the customer sees the same thing year after year they won’t even come into your booth. Luckily we are not saturated with shows in this area but the lack of good reasonably priced facilities in some areas keeps us from moving into good market areas. I think when the “little,fly by night, make a quick buck promoters” finally throw in the towel the higher quality shows will still prevail.
I’m severely cutting back on shows this year for two reasons, 1) gas prices–too expensive to get to shows, and 2) no sales once I get there. It seems most people aren’t buying hand crafted, artisan-made item at shows–my items are unique, no vendors have any items that compete with mine, all mine are hand crafted, hand sculpted, hand painted and are moderately priced (I get lots of compliments but few sales). At most shows I haven’t made my booth fees back much less travel expenses, profit or living expenses. Other vendors with hand crafted items at the same shows aren’t selling either, so my situation isn’t unique–and my items aren’t overpriced (in fact underpriced for the time and work involved). There are several troubling trends I’ve seen at the shows. 1) promoters are allowing imported items in at shows they list as “hand made, handcrafted by artists and craftsmen”. I’m tired of setting up across the aisle from vendors who don’t have one single item they have made but every item they are selling came from China, Korea, Vietnam, etc. These cheap items do sell–they price from from $1.50 to $5.00, an expensive item is $15.00. I even exhibited at one show where the promoter’s wife had a booth beside mine with her jewelry items still displaying a “made in China” label. That show had required photos of my hand made, hand crafted items before I could exhibit. (That was my first and last show with that promoter in that town). 2) Many people are coming to just look and spend a couple of hours walking around.
One other disturbing thing that has occurred in several shows I’ve been in this year is the promoters decided to not advertise to “save a little money”. One two-day show had only approximately 20 visitors over 2 days. When none of us exhibiting were selling, one vendor asked why there were no people only to find out (on the second day) that the promoter didn’t advertise the show. So, the promoter got her money up front from the vendors but the vendors had no one to sell to because we were there incognito. I won’t be doing those shows again either. This “trend” of lagging sales isn’t unique to the shows I’ve been in–I have a crafter friend who sells to a different audience, different market, totally different items who hasn’t made her show expenses at many shows this year either. What’s the problem and the solution? I don’t know but I do know I’m cutting back on shows and trying to find different methods to market my products. Vendors who have been in the “show business” for years have told me this trend of declining sales and increasing quantities of imported competitive products has been going on for several years. If this trend isn’t reversed, local artisans and craft people will be pushed out of the market. Perhaps I’m unique but I can no longer travel to shows where I don’t make my booth expense back, much less my travel expenses or any profit whatsoever.
I agree with Marsha and Lisa. I’m so tired of the buy and sell items. Especially when the shows say “ONLY” Handcrafted items. Also when your required to send slides of your work and you find yourself next to a person who is selling stuff similar to yours that was purchased in China.
The economy is hurting us. Gas prices, electric bills, etc.
I have decided to only do 1 show a month next year cause I can’t afford to loose money anymore.
It really is getting difficult for crafters. I know, because I am director of an arts and crafts show. However, our booths are extremely limited, tightly juried both before and during the show, for ONLY exhibitor-made goods. NO filler or re-sales will be tolerated. we do kick exhibitors out for slipping initems we have not approved. We do have people coming from far away because we have cultivated a reputation for being a very good show, with a friendly staff, and well-run organization. I hope we can continue. Yes, I do symphathize with crafters and fine artists–it is getting tough. But, like one comment above, if you keep your sales items current, new and “with it”, you make the sales. Oh, yes, you also cannot sit on your duff and watch customers go by. You MUST interact with them to make the sales and multiple sales.
I live just outside of Nashville and would like to know where all these shows are every weekend of the year?
You can “interact” all you want to at shows–if there are NO people you aren’t going to sell, period. I don’t sit in the back of my booth crocheting–I’m out front not being a pest but speaking to people, “interacting” with people and my sales don’t reflect that. Vendors beside me are out front or are visible at their booths and they have the same experience. I’ve done shows in commercial business for years before going into my artisan business–it isn’t that I don’t know how to show, how to set up a booth or how to interact with people. Cheap, imported products are killing a lot of shows, promoters aren’t pulling in the people or the people coming don’t have the money to buy after paying $4.00 to park, $8-10 to get in and $10.00+ for food. After all that, they are “just looking, thank you”. Another thing I have learned sadly by experience is NEVER do a show that is a BBQ cookoff, a balloon festival, a music festival, or a show having music starting up in the afternoon or playing into the night–been there done that and not again. My crafter friend was told by a promoter at a balloon festival that the artisans and crafts people where just there to “entertain” until the balloon festival got started. If we are there to “entertain” then we should be paid for those services by the promoters.
I have Been in the Craft Shows for 15 years,They are getting to where ,The Booth fees are too high .some towns want a fee for ,that day also.I will only do a few local shows ,that are close to home and ,dont raise ,their fees too much ,All crafters should stop paying these fees and sort out ,the ones that are bad ,list them on ,(craftlister.com) where we can all see.And they will stop this.All My Items are Handcrafted,
I am a customer and a fine artist. I discovered early that my work does better online and in galleries than in shows. It does not look as good outdoors as it does on a wall. As a customer, I might be of use, though. I don’t buy much at craft shows anymore. If you buy gifts, it’s hard to tell what people will like, or, to be harsh, what they will consider junk. You know the old saying about trash and treasure. The last show I went to I bought those towel things you hang on the fridge door. You can’t buy those, and they need to be replaced. I’m too lazy to make them, and they’re cute. I also bought some handmade folk art toys, including a paper airplane shooter. They were unique, and the guy who made them was funny. He let us play with them first. I have LOTS of real quilts that were handed down in my family. I don’t need any more. I can’t wear regular jewelry. It makes me break out. Nobody wears pins or broaches. They leave holes in your jackets and sweaters. Hand dyed silk scarves are pretty, but nobody wears scarves either. I like ceramics, but how many big pots do you have room for and, as gifts, uh, I hate to tell you how many I have seen in thrift stores. My daughter is 26 and is not going to have kids, (thank goodness) so I don’t need any of that stuff. I have a digital SLR and sell stock photos online, so I don’t need any framed photographs. I may walk around a craft fair next weekend with my husband, and go to lunch, but I will be one who says “Just looking, thanks!” It won’t be because of the gas prices, or even the imports. I lot of us are getting old and just have too much stuff. There is a farmer’s market downtown here once a week, and vendors seem to do pretty well. They may not make huge bucks, but they don’t have to pay for hotels or much gas either. Our town isn’t even that big–100,000. Maybe the answer is more local and cute, but practical stuff (that is needed, used, and wears out) rather than gift items.
Craft shows aren’t what they used to be but I still find them successful. Primarily if it’s within diving distance—still cheaper than a hotel! It also seems that the more difficult the jury rules and application process is the higher quality of product and customer. It pays to research the area and what the customer base would potentially be. I also make sure that I have some products that generate dollars and aren’t too expensive. Then I hope that there will be repeat business. Using a past customer mailing list does bring in repeat sales as well. If someone loves your product they will return next year and bring a friend! So, while the Craft Fair is getting a bit anemic and sickly there are some very healthy venues!
I agree that many crafters seem to have the same item year after year. I believe that you have to change your inventory to encourage repeat business.
I also think that the promotors are hurtiing our sales. Again the high costs of booths, electricity, parking, and admission fee. I recently went to a fair and if the vendor did not wear a badge, she would have to pay the entrance fee.
The biggest problem that I see is crafters not sharing information about the shows with each other. Craftlister gives free membership time for every comment left. I frequently get frustrasted when I attend a show and everyone seems to know that the promotor doesn’t advertise or that there is a high admission fee, etc. It would really help if people would take the time and let everyone know.
The other problem that I have is with crafters leaving early. When customers see crafters packing up or talking bad about the promotor or other crafters, they get frustrated and feel that the show is bad. Of course, they tell others not to attend and we have less customers.
Let’s not take the easy way out and blame the economy and the promotors for everything. Remember the crafters have contributed to this problem also. It’s time to work together and fix it instead of complaining all the time.
I am a relatively new crafter, and while a couple of shows have been tough, others have done well. I usually make a profit, even if it’s only a little, but the after-show sales along with the contacts you make can more than make up for a “less than stellar” profit from a single show. I plan on continuing to try different shows in the N Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas area, and I’m sure that I’ll end up with a good “circuit” established. Anyone that has suggestions on a show that would do well with premium scented candles (”Yankee” style), I would sure appreciate your feedback. Good luck to everyone in the up-coming Holiday selling season!!
There’s a lot to be said for hometown shows. They are good “bread and butter” opportunities to cultivate local customers who want to be able to find you all through the year.
With the holidays coming up, look for a few well-established Christmas Boutiques. These are often quite surprising for sales, especially when located in a private home or historic building.
Boutique shows usually offer lower entry fees, then take a percentage of sales. I have been selling at crafts fairs for over 25 years, and am now also a promotor of a Christmas boutique. The entry fees collected pay for publicity. Lots of publicity. When a promotor is earning a commission from your sales, you can count on aggressive promotion, a good crowd of affluent customers, and all the attention to details that help to enhance sales. If you don’t make money, the promotor doesn’t make money.
I will be coming back to the Georgia (metro Atlanta area) wanting to do shows within 50-100 miles of residence, any good shows known about, info would be appreciated.
I agree with much of whats been said. In the Chicago Il. area sales have been down. Mainly because the shows are made up of people with imports. The promoters are desperate. They have begun letting low quality work in the shows and many of the Arts and Crafts shows are nothing more than flea markets. I am so disgusted. I create all my own work and I spend time and care to create a beautiful product. I get loads of ouu and awws but my sales have not been what they use to be when all the vendors had handmade items. They ask for a business card to get to me later and then go buy cheap rings and figurines from the people selling imports. I am really disgusted.
I agree with all the above also. I do one show a year and that one has been going down hill year after year. I live outside of Dickson, Tn. The customers here would rather go to walmart or other stores and spend enormous amounts of money, lets say for pillows. I can’t get $3.00 for a large pillow all embroidered. I make all embroidered shirts, etc. and I can’t get $5.00 for them. The shirts cost more than that. Is there a answer to all of these problems? I sure would like one. I would love to do shows every weekend but they just don’t pay like they used to, people don’t buy like they used to.