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Let's talk about
different kinds of craft shows and their success.
First and Foremost...before we begin, I just have to say how much I
dislike any craft show that advertises itself as a "craft show with
handmade items," and
then includes
sleazy inexpensive imported items as well.
I stay VERY clear of these shows, as believe me, your handmade items are
not appreciated at these shows. I feel I have spent a great deal of
time creating, sewing, quilting, buying fabric and supplies, and making
the work, that I am not going to have someone in the booth next to me
selling dolls or ornaments made in mass production from China that you can
buy at the local 5 and Dime store. I just simply will not go into
these shows and pay a high entrance fee.
Craft shows and
Flea Markets combined:
I have given these
shows a chance over and over again, and they just simply don't work for
me. Possible because people going to flea markets are ready to
bargain and deal and get things they want, at a great price or discount,
and they feel good about that. Then they come over to the "craft"
area and feel as though they are paying full dollar and there is now
bargaining. Of my experience with this it simply is not cost efficient for
me. One very large outdoor show was great for me in all my years of
doing show, one, that's it. So I stay clear of these type of shows.
Indoor Church or
School Craft shows:
These can go either
way for crafters. I have had about 50% great shows and 50% bad
shows. Most serious crafters don't even touch these shows.
They go for the large juried shows which I will talk about next. Some
school and church shows are very well ran, and very well advertised.
If you get outsiders and the support of the school or church friends and
family the show is usually good. Amazing, one of my best shows every year
is a local church near by that only cost me $20.00 for a table but the
church has so many members and they offer games, breakfast, and lunch to
go along with, that the crowds just keep coming in all day long.
Unfortunately, the only way you will know if a local church or school show
is good for you and your craft is to try it. If a church or school
show cost me $50.00 to get in and I only do $200.00 in sales, I am NOT
doing that show again. Other crafters may say, $200.00 is a lot for
me, so yes, I will do it again. It all depends on what you
consider a good show. My rule of thumb is: what ever the show cost me for
the table, my sales should be 10 times that. Example: if a show cost me
$50.00 for the table, then my sales better be $500.00 or more or I don't
return to that show. If it cost me $100.00 for the table then my
sales better be $1,000. plus.
The
"Juried" Craft show:
These shows have
pretty much worked for me 100%. They have never failed me yet. I get
into as many juried shows as I can. I usually have to pay a little
more for the table, (usually $100.-$300.) but they are worth it if you
have the right craft. Juried shows are where I sell the most crafts, therefore
I make the most $ from juried shows. Juried shows will NOT
allow the
inexpensive
mass produced junk that you may find at a local craft bazaar,
which lets the customers know that everything is handmade whether
it's a doll, quilt, jams, wood, or candles, it was made by the artist.
Your serious shoppers will go to these type of shows who are looking for
that perfect handmade gift.
Outdoor Craft
Shows
Weather obviously
plays the biggest role in outdoor craft shows. I used to only do
outdoor shows because I sold so much more at outdoor shows. You
usually have so much room to set up your display and with all that room
there is so much you can do to your display. Plus everyone is in a good
mood if the weather is comfortable and you can bring the family along and
strollers, unlike indoor shows with tight spaces. Just beware and keep
track of the weather and have a back-up plan if the weather does not
cooperate. But in general, outdoor shows are pretty good and I myself as a
crafter and a shopper prefer to go to outdoor shows.
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NOTICE THE 2
VISA/MC SIGNS I HAVE DISPLAYED ON MY TABLE AT THIS INDOOR CRAFT SHOW
AT A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL. ALWAYS MAKE IT CONVENIENT FOR YOUR SHOPPERS. |
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