Re: My first show

On 9 Nov 2005 15:34:45 -0800, "robo hippy" <reedgray@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Thanks, Reed...
I just printed this out, it's a primer for those of us that hope to do shows
eventually...
Not many folks would share this their experiences so willingly.. maybe it's
because turners are just nicer folks? *g*

>Big Pete,
>Shows are never predictable. When first starting, go to ones that are
>closeby so you don't have travel and lodging costs. If you do travel
>some, try to have friends there so you can stay with them.
>
>The pop up type of tents set up easy, pack up easy, and provide shade
>which can be a life (and product) saver. The quality and price of tent
>is directly porportional to the amount of protection you get if it
>rains (I did one summer show in Seattle and it poured over night. About
>10 booths collapsed. The E-Z Ups just poked holes in the tops of the
>canopys. The Caravans turned into pretzels, and the whole booth
>collapsed). For outdoor shows be prepared for any seasonal weather,
>sun, rain, wind, heat, cold. For indoor shows, bring lights.
>
>Some shows allow choice of booth sites. Priority is given on first paid
>basis usually. It also helps if you have seniority. Some shows like to
>mix it up for every show. I have found it is helpful to be in the same
>spot or same area every time if possible. I figure that for each new
>show that I do, it helps to do it for several years. A lot of people
>who go to them come back, especially if it benefits a local art center,
>or charity group. They will come back, and tell their friends.
>
>Avoid first time shows. These seldom pan out because they don't have a
>reputation.
>
> Look for shows that have a good advertising budget. Lood for
>attendance figures'10,000 minimum (these are often padded).
>
> Avoid shows that allow manufactured goods, pick ones where the maker
>is the seller (we can't compete with manufactured prices)
>
>. Food, wine, beer, and entertainment shows. These can often end up as
>shows where people come to have fun, and not to buy.The better the
>food, the better the customers.
>
> Just because a show is good one year, doesn't mean it will always be
>that way.
>
> Have a LOT of stock. If they like your stuff, they need to find the
>one they like the best. If you want to do $3,000 in sales, you need 2
>to 4 times that amount in inventory.
>
> Display is a science, I like shelves because I can put more stuff out
>than I can on a table. I like to have a lot of different things out in
>price ranges from $10 to $500 to $2,000. You never know what will sell.
>Bring 'art' and 'utilitarian; pieces. Usually the practical pieces sell
>better for me, you just never know what will sell.
>
> A show that caters to tourists is good. A statistic that I read once
>said that the second biggest spending spree next to Christmas is
>vacation time.
>
>Ask other people there about which shows they do, and which shows to
>avoid.
>
>Try to have some bargain pieces, like the ones that get some dents and
>dings in them, and you don't want to take the time to repair them, or
>the ones that just don't sell and you are tired of hauling them around.
>
>
>robo hippy



mac

Please remove splinters before emailing
.

Relevant Pages

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    (rec.crafts.woodturning)
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