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SOAPMAKING101 CO-OPS/FAST BUYS Cold Process
ADDITIVES CRAFT SHOWS |
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We have been talking about what to take to shows, weights, etc. BUT, we need to talk about just finding out about the craft shows! To search out local shows, check out the classifieds in your local paper. If you see a big add for a local show, farmers market or flea market, rip it out and call them. You will surprised how many have opens right up to the day before. Don't expect the best spot in the show though. Also, word of mouth. You know we always get, "are you going to be at _________ craft show next month?" Ask them questions about where it is etc. (Customers love giving us craft show info!) Call up the Chamber of Commerce and find out who runs it. I have even called up Convention centers and gotten the name of promoters. As for big shows and "away" shows (this is my term for traveling out of state, hotel required shows). Talk to other crafters and ask what shows they just did or where they are going next. Crafters can be a great way to find out about the shows, crowds and money flow. BUT, keep in mind that every craft category has different views (as do the crafters themselves) on these areas. For example: As a ceramic artist, an average shows cash intake was no less then $1500 (this no. would change as the booth fee changed per show) If I didn't do this I didn't go back. As a soaper, I would be happy with this and go back. As a ceramic artist prices ranged from $20-$775, as a soaper prices range from $2-$6. The point is, one crafter may say the show was great for them and another may wish they had never done it. There are a few good magazines out for the crafter to get info on shows. The craft report is one. They have good info on shows, craft business and display and craft show advice. Web site is http://www.craftreport.com. Sunshine Artist is a good magazine also. This has shows for all over the country. Mall shows and outdoor shows, high end and country craft shows, with columns written by crafters about all types of shows. Web site is: http://www.sunshineartist.com Now you have done all this and want to start shows or add new ones. But what if they are bad shows (we all know how this feels). Make it a goal to go to at least 2-5 crafts shows as year as a customer. Walk the show, what did you like about the layout, the crafts shown, where there signs along the road for the show, were there ads in papers, how is the crowd your in, are they carrying bags? Now look for other soapers, are there many soapers, or none in the show. Putting yourself in a show that already has a lot of your craft category is a sales death sentence. Once you start getting info about shows, all this will seem easier. And for the ones who have been doing shows keep checking in to shows you have never tried. Sometimes shows that have been around a long time, will run out of buying public. The community changes, spending changes. We have a local show here, been around forever. But ask any crafter and they will tell you sales are way down. The little town used to be upscale, disposable income, now it isn't and sale reflect it. So if you keep checking into different shows, you will have already gathered info for when you need it. A little craft show homework will pay off in better sales and a more enjoyable experience for you! Carol Kapochus |
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