William's Arts / Crafts Business Blog October 2007 Archive

Booth Fees: How much is Too Much?
We have attended shows that cost $10 for a 10 x 10 space. We have also attended shows that cost over $1000 for that same amount of space. What's the difference? ... Read More

Sunday October 28, 2007 | permalink | comments (7)

Advertising for Shows
A show promoter's number one job is to get customers to the show. What is the best way a promoter can advertise a show? Television and radio advertising can be very ... Read More

Sunday October 28, 2007 | permalink | comments (2)

Sales Representatives or Rip-Offs?
I'll have to admit that we have never had much luck in paying someone else to promote our products. And a few times we have even had merchandise never returned or ... Read More

Sunday October 28, 2007 | permalink | comments (0)

Pricing Your Crafts - Simplified
Decide how much you (or your employee) will be paid per hour to produce products. Multiply this hourly rate by the number of hours a week that will be spent producing ... Read More

Sunday October 21, 2007 | permalink | comments (1)

"Occasional Sale" Tax
When you attend craft shows for a living full or part time, you must collect, report and pay sales tax. However, if you only sell one or two items a year, ... Read More

Sunday October 21, 2007 | permalink | comments (1)

Theft and Fraud at Shows
The busy Fall shows are upon us! Lots of people and (hopefully) lots of sales will be taking place during the next several weeks. But watch out! There are a lot ... Read More

Sunday October 21, 2007 | permalink | comments (0)

Wal-Mart Show Mentality
At a show recently, I heard an all too familiar comment from a shopper speaking to a friend browsing a booth: "You can get some of these at Wal-Mart for ... Read More

Sunday October 14, 2007 | permalink | comments (15)

Inventory Control at Shows
A great question pulled from a recent discussion in the forum is about how to keep track of sales at shows. When we were big into the retail scene, we ... Read More

Sunday October 14, 2007 | permalink | comments (3)

Online Marketing "Don'ts"
I'm always amazed when I receive an obviously canned email asking for a link to a site. Or a spam message from a show-promoter trying to find new vendors for ... Read More

Sunday October 14, 2007 | permalink | comments (0)

Craft Show Survival Kit
Being prepared is not just for Scouts! Make sure you have a good little "survival kit" of necessities with you when you take to the road for craft shows. These things ... Read More

Sunday October 7, 2007 | permalink | comments (13)

Web Site A Necessity?
There's an informative discussion going on right now about the necessities of having a Web site. Not so much for selling, but for a type of online brochure for people to ... Read More

Sunday October 7, 2007 | permalink | comments (0)

Alternative To Canopies
The outdoor show season is quickly coming to a close. However, there are still a few outdoor events happening and if you do not have a canopy the weather could ... Read More

Sunday October 7, 2007 | permalink | comments (1)