First Craft Show is history

[MikeDingas]

I appreciate all the encouragement and input received with my other post about my first show coming up. Here's my results.

Got lots of nice compliments. One lady asked if I was the painter. My puzzlement soon vanished as I realized she thought the scrolled art was painted. I pulled one off my display to show her.

Sold 5 items for a total of $90. Not a great showing so I'm glad it was a one-day event. Not that many patronized the craft exhibits and there were lots of other area activities to draw people to other events. At least 4 other events had crafts exhibits and many had children-oriented things going on.

Interestingly, not one of my religious theme pieces sold except for a letter opener with 3 crosses in the handle head. Interesting because this was a church sponsored event. On the upside, I got more interest in my photo portraits and jigsaw puzzles. If they follow through with their interest, I'll get 4 or 5 orders for photograph jigsaw puzzles and 3 orders for photo portraits. That's a potential increase in sales of somewhere around $500 give or take $100. These folks took business cards so I'll just have to hope they contact me.

I feel pretty confident about 4 of these. But you know how that goes. One lady (church member I think) with 2 young girls was pretty interested in my 12 Days of Christmas ornament set and said she'd be back to buy one. Never happened.

I wouldn't quite call my day 'fun-filled' but it was interesting and talked with as many people as wanted to hear me speak about my cuttings and process. I think I may have done better than some other vendors, too.

[JohnB]

G'day Mike,
One down - plenty to go.
At least you're $90.00 bucks better of then you where at the start.
I must admit that it can be pretty disappointing putting in a whole day twiddling your thumbs just to bring in $90.00 (not counting production time). When that happens to me I can't help but think of what I could be doing at home rather than where I am at the time.
Last year I did a fair at a play group - now what better place to sell toys????
Hundreds of people came through the gates, I got hundreds of complements and sold nada, nothing, zilch. Mind you if I'd have sold my business cards for a couple of dollars each I'd have came away happy

Your next one will be better for sure.
You are now experienced

Keep on keeping on mate

[Steviegwood]

Hi Mike, now that the first one is out of the way. I am sure that you have some new ideas for your next show. I learn something new at every show I go to whether I am a vendor or not. My last show had five follow up on custom portraits so I would not be surprised if you get some calls on those. The main thing is if you had fun and it was worth while. Glad to hear that you made some sales. Steve

[Plaquerd]

Mike
Glad to hear you sold some work and I'm sure gained some insite and experience from the show.
I have done shows with mutiple activities going on. I didn't do well at those. Seems people have "too much" to do or look at and it takes away from the "craft" show side of it.
I demo at every show that will allow me to and give all the demo pieces to the people watching. It seems to attract people's interest and I know I've made many sales that I wouldn't have made if not for the demonstrating. When people see you actually doing the work it seems that they understand and appreciate more about what goes into each piece.
Dave

[minowevie]

Mike, I admire anyone who puts there work out there to sell. all the touching, and questions, and,putting your work out there on display. to be judged. the setting up, and travale,time. Making so many things in ditto. that you might get stuck with, I don't think I could do it, for a living, I am glad for me. I can do this for a hobby, For now.
hope your next show is more benafishal, your friend Evie

[MikeDingas]

Originally Posted by Plaquerd

Mike
I demo at every show that will allow me to and give all the demo pieces to the people watching. It seems to attract people's interest and I know I've made many sales that I wouldn't have made if not for the demonstrating. When people see you actually doing the work it seems that they understand and appreciate more about what goes into each piece.
Dave

I've got some plans for a manually operated scollsaw that I would love to make and use for demos as you've suggested. The model is foot powered by a cord which I want to modify to using a 3-speed bycycle drive or the peddle drive of early sewing machines. It's another 'to do' list addition. It would certainly attract attention.

[Daryl185]

Mike congrats on your first show and also congrats on your first sales

[NC Scroller]

Mike, sounds like you enjoyed yourself which is the main key. The $90 is gravy. Yes you will not get rich scrolling and doing shows but if it keeps you in wood and blades you are ahead of the game.

[popsshop]

Mike - Now you have your feet wet and can never have another "first show". Keep it up and they will buy.

Regarding foot pedal saw - sounds great.

[Doc249HMCS]

Congratulations Mike!
My wife is encouraging (for the lack of a better word) me to do a show. I really enjoy doing the scroll sawing and wood turning, but I get scared when thinking about doing a show. Sharing your experience is a big help.
Lots of questions when doing a show ie; how much do you bring. variety of items, set up tables. Do I except cash only, credit cards(and which ones). How much do you charge? That is my biggest problem.
Again, my congratulations to you.
DonO