How do you define "A GOOD SHOW"?

[bearfretworks]

....or what would it take to make you do the same show again?

I'll save my thoughts for later......

[Jediscroller]

It depends on the price of the show. For those costing less than $100 or so, to me a good show is 10X booth. From $100 - $200 or so I look for at least $1000, above that, about 5 times booth is good. Of course, if I spend $1500 - $2500 on a show, I'd be looking for at least twice the booth fee for me to consider it worthwhile.
A couple examples, one show I do every year costs me $35 but I always make about $500 at it so it's worth it to me (it's a 1 day, 6 hour show). Another show I do costs me $125 and I'll typically make around $1000 and have done as much as $2300 (this is a 2 day show that runs from 10 - 5 both days). Both of these are good shows IMO.

[groverd]

Doing shows as a "hoby business" as opposed of trying to make a living. To me first and foremost must be "Fun" and pay for itself. We only do 4-5 a year and when they become "work" we will quit doing them!! The best ones are the fun ones with good people running it and we make Kevin's kind of money!! and we do do that kind!!

[markdavd]

What makes a good show? It's a lot more than just the money. Meeting people, making contacts and just having fun.

The sales for my highest show was around $650.00, and the entrance fee was around $120.00. If I had sold out of everything, I would have been lucky to have $1000.00 in sales. A good show for me is 3-4x the booth fee, and I'm happy with that.

For the hobbyists just starting out, don't let a slow start discourage you. Don't assume you'll make 10x the fee. To support the numbers Kevin listed above, you'll probably need 2-3 x that in inventory. Look at what you're bringing to the show. If you sold everything, how much would it be? It's hard for a part time / hobbyist scroller to accumulate that enough finished stock to support $1000.00 shows.

[Pajaro]

I have only done one show, but came out ahead of expenses, good show to me and will do it again in the fall.

[Janette]

We have one show we do every year just because we like it. It's an excuse to go to the coast and get out of the house for a couple of days. Generally we'll make a little over our expenses. Normally, it would have to be much better than that.

There's one show I consider a good show money wise, but it's hard. Oktoberfest. 4 long 12 hour days dressed in costume and listening to the Chicken Dance 13++ times a day. We skipped it last year but after the break, we're ready to do it again.

[Jediscroller]

True, when I started out I didn't do those kinds of numbers. But after 6 years at it, it's what I expect. I try to maintain between 10K and 15K worth of inventory. If I sold out, well, I guess I'd be just a little worried about the next show, hehehe. I do not do this full-time but I also value my time very highly. I normally only do between 15 and 20 shows a year (depending on my mood) though last year I cut way back as I was just plain tired. I stack cut everything possible (mini-clocks included). If I spend 20 hours in the shop, I should have around $1000 of inventory built up so it really doesn't take all that long to build up the necessary inventory. Granted, I wish I had a lot more as I could sell a lot more than I do but there's only 168 hours in a week and I like a few off for sleep. I recall reading many moons ago that you should have ~10 times the inventory you hope to sell. This is why I haven't ventured into some the the very large shows as I would need in the neighborhood of 100K of inventory.
FWIW, in some cases, it only takes sales of a few pieces to do over $1000. The show that I did $2300 in I had a total of 5 sales.

[bearfretworks]

Great responses folks, thanks!

I consider a "craft show" (not juried) a good one if I gross $400 per day or more. Juried art shows I consider "good" if I get a 10 - 1 or better return. What is really interesting to me is what sells where, and what does not.

For example......I cannot sell a wood turning in my hometown...it is strictly scrollsaw work at local craft shows. Out of town craft and juried shows I sell a good mix of turnings and scrollwork. For scrollwork..some area's like puzzles, others ornaments, others scripture word art.

I guess the bottom line is to have as varied a product line as possible.

Here's hoping you find buyers where-ever you set-up this summer!

Again, THANKS for sharing.

[Ramjet]

I used to sell folk art years ago at Xmas Fairs and was happy that someone thought it was worthy of buying . These fairs didn't cost much and as a hobbiest I was happy if my booth was paid for .I enjoyed meeting people and explaining how something was made .
My wife has a card table at our local market in which she sells dish clothes , scrubbies and this year she is going to see how her spinning tops sell . I put a few scrollsaw baskets in last year . Some sold ,more of a curiosity .
I have a question re overcoming stage fright .When I'm at a show I see sellers with either a glazed look on their eyes and a dead pan expresion .I know it is hard to look enthused all the time but how do you keep an approachable look .
Roger

[Jediscroller]

Originally Posted by Ramjet

I have a question re overcoming stage fright .When I'm at a show I see sellers with either a glazed look on their eyes and a dead pan expresion .I know it is hard to look enthused all the time but how do you keep an approachable look .
Roger

Just have fun! If you're enjoying yourself, so will your customers and they're far more likely to buy.