booth at county fair...bad idea?

[KTravis]

I'm contemplating renting a booth in a county fair that runs for 6 days. My plans are to set up some inventory and to produce custom items at the fair such as name key chains, puzzles, hearts with names ect... Also thinking about taking peoples pictures and using coyote software to create portraits, kinda like the photo booth but with wood but with possible lighting issues this is probably not going to happen.

I should hear back tomorrow on whether or nor they will allow my scrollsaw in the booth. She seems pretty positive but it must go through the process.

Travel time is only about an hour each way and I will have someone else to help in booth so I can focus on cutting ect...

Any way I'm not sure if this is a good avenue to pursue or not.

Advice of the pros is most welcome!!!
Any ideas for good sellers is appreciated also.

Thanks all!

[Jediscroller]

These types of venues are typically not the best setting though with you doing the keychains and names and such you may do ok. People are typically there to spend their money on food and games and not really to buy stuff. That being said, I do know a few folks who do well at a couple around here so if it's not too much money it might be worth a shot.

[JohnB]

G'day Kip,
I've found Kevin's take on this to be pretty accurate.
I set up a stall at the local Fair a few years ago, and covered costs only just.

BUT, it wasn't a loss as I did hand out bucket fulls of cards and spoke to hundreds of nice people.

I think that people that go to these types of things take along a budget that they are prepared to blow on junk and just having a good time. Buying something memorable or lasting just doesn't enter the equation.

Good luck, and I truly hope you prove me wrong and do OK.

[justjimmyb]

Kip
Two things come to mind on shows like this your talking about.
1. High booth fee.
2. Six long days of trying to get good people like yourself to put money they don't have into your pockets. Lots of dead time at shows like this.
As far as good sellers butterflys.
Also have of stuff $6 to $12 dollars.
It's always best to take your saw when you can.
I can go on all day,but most people don't want to hear me talk.
Jimmy
jbar850626@aol.com

[wood-n-things]

I've seen scrollers at large fairs before. If you are a fast sawyer you can keep em coming back. Get paid up front before you start those keychains. You may be surprised how many say I'll take one of ....and you turn your back to design the pattern and they are gone ...

Most of the ones I see are doing names and key chains..$1.00 a letter.

[KTravis]

Thanks for the advice. I'm inclined to agree this isn't a great outlet. They will allow me to use my saw onsite and provide indoor booths with waist high curtains between stalls. They have around 25,000 in attendance on a good year. The booth rental is only $125 for the week so I'm probably going to give it a go. I'll let ya know how it goes.

Anymore ideas on low cost items that may sale?

Thanks!

[Jediscroller]

Originally Posted by KTravis

Anymore ideas on low cost items that may sale?

Thanks!

Simple ornaments (tis the season to cut ornaments, fa la la la la la la la la), hehehehe. Seriously though, these are good sellers and as long as they're not too ornate you can make quite a few in a short time in the $5 or so range. You might even be able to offer personalized ornaments. Bookmarks are another good low-cost seller for me. I typically start the season with a thousand or so (mine are all gone already). I sell them for $3 a piece or 4 for $10.

[justjimmyb]

Kevin one upped me I forgot to say book marks. Very good sellers!!!!
Good Luck with the show!!!
Jimmy

[wood-n-things]

125.00 for a week..If you want to commit to a week I'd say go for it. The money is nothing compared to the exposure and learning experience you will gain.

[oily]

Originally Posted by Jediscroller

Simple ornaments (tis the season to cut ornaments, fa la la la la la la la la), hehehehe. Seriously though, these are good sellers and as long as they're not too ornate you can make quite a few in a short time in the $5 or so range. You might even be able to offer personalized ornaments. Bookmarks are another good low-cost seller for me. I typically start the season with a thousand or so (mine are all gone already). I sell them for $3 a piece or 4 for $10.

Keven, What stock do you use for bookmarks? Oily