Craft Show Experiences
Sunday August 20, 2006
Since craft shows seem to be failing for a lot of crafters these days, how about sharing your thoughts on good and bad events with others. We have around 300 reviews so far, but could use more. Please let everyone know about the shows you have attended this year so we can help make good choices on good events!
Comments
I need assistance. Where do I go to get help with determining how much inventory I should have per each craft show. I realize the size of the show matters, but I have not done a show of 200 crafters before and planning to participate in one in November. I want to make sure that I have enough for a good show but not over stocked. Thanks
Clair, the number of crafters in the show doesn’t matter at all. What matters is the expected number of attendees/potential customers, and the length of the show. You’ll want to have enough stock for your booth to look full over the whole length of the show, but not so much that it looks jumbled or crowded. Of course, you can always bring more than you display at any one time, so you have stock to fill in as pieces sell. I’ve never seen a good rule of thumb, so I just go by what’s worked for me in the past. For a recent, 3-day show where about 500,000 people were expected, I ended up selling 65% of what I’d brought, and got orders from galleries as well. One thing about selling out of a certain category work: people can’t buy what they don’t see, but if they’re interested in your work, they will buy “what’s left” when they see your booth. So, I’d say, make as much inventory as will keep your display filled over as many days as the show runs, be prepared to talk about your work, listen to what the customers are saying about it, have fun, and sell, sell, sell!
Good Luck.
Michelle
I always look at the shows previous years attendance to get an idea of what I should bring. If that is not available, always bring as much as you can fit in your vehicle. That way, if you need more, you can always run (or send someone to get more)
My husband and I got into crafting 2 years ago. Not the best time, for sure. Things seem to be on a downhill trend. We have had 2 shows so far this late summer, one in Lockport, NY which was wonderful - great weather and lots of shoppers. Another in Newfane, NY it rained most of the day, but there were still some buyers. We have a 2 day show in Youngstown, NY this weekend. The weather is horrendous. Rainy and windy. Have not done this show before, but we are hopeful.
All I can say is we are continuing to pursue crafting in spite of the downward spiral it seems to be experiencing. Hoping for better days ahead.
I have been accepted to my first show next month. It’s a 1 day Apple Butter Festival (yes, I’ve read all the comments about staying away from “food” shows, but the timing is right for my product (felted purses and tote bags). I’ve seen similar bags at other shows, but I think mine are pretty unique, not mass produced or copies of those found in craft books, but I have no idea how many I need for a 7 hour show. And it’s surprising me how much time I’m putting into them for the amount I will probably have to charge here in Ohio! (The ones I saw in NYC were $120 - $160, and I know I won’t be able to get more than $75 for mine). Any words of encouragement from you experienced showers?
I have been making jewelry and selling only to friends and co-workers. I have the opportunity to attend a craft show in town, but I don’t know about the legalities. Do I need a business license? Do I need to collect and pay sales tax? I have no idea what I am doing!
I have now worked four 4 months in selling african textiles(Batiks and tie and dye) and some baskets.The bussiness has not yet moved so well.
I was of the view to diversify my products to jewery,beads,and other african handmade products.What is your view.
We have been teaching classes at national Trade Shows as well as setting up a booth.
I think the most important thing to remember is to know your market.
DO NOT set up “crafts” at a fine arts event. Usually shows will jury vendors, which actually helps both the applicant and the promoters.
I too am starting a quilting/craft business and would like to sell other people’s handmade crafts–giving credit to them–I think I’ll be doing shows as well as online selling…any advice for a budding entrepreneur?