Well it was a very small show. There was about 15 vendors there including myself. And since it was on a friday, i guess I didn’t do to bad. The booth only cost me $17.00 We all just split the costs of the ad, she put out. After said & done I made my booth $ and paid for what I ate while I was there. And I still came home with about $300.00. I know she is going to the show again next year, so we will know more about it earlier. I was also invited to a couple of other show also.
-- Tim, Missouri ....Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the heck happened
7 comments so far
ellen35
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2439 posts in 1598 days
#1 posted 882 days ago
This is how it starts… I hope you had plenty of business cards handy. My first craft show… people took cards (and bought a bunch of stuff) and I got calls all winter long for small stuff. It all adds up. I could never make a living doing it but it is a great way to meet people and make contacts.
Congratulations on your first adventure.
I think the best part is to ooohing and aaahing over the items… worth more than money… well, maybe not but it really is nice to see your work appreciated by the general public.
Ellen
-- Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
Spoontaneous
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1014 posts in 1496 days
#2 posted 882 days ago
Tim ~ I’ve been making stuff here and there for 30 years or so and have never done a Craft show. With my new bandsaw (woohoo!) I hope to get enough stuff (mostly spoons) made up and do a show in the fall. I was juried in to one show when I lived in KY but I had to ‘pull out’ at the last moment due to some life changes. I haven’t even researched yet all about the tents, tables and the such. Glad to hear that you came home with some change in the pocket. That has to be encouraging.
-- I just got done cutting three boards and all four of them were too short. (true story)
Chip
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1904 posts in 2258 days
#3 posted 882 days ago
I’d say that’s a great result for a first time on such short notice. And I’m sure all of the experience gained is invaluable. Congratulations on a wonderful effort Tim.
-- Better to say nothing and be thought the fool... then to speak and erase all doubt!
closetguy
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744 posts in 2058 days
#4 posted 882 days ago
I’ve gone to big shows with 200+ vendors and came home with less than $300 for the weekend. That’s not bad for a small Friday show for a $17 investment.
-- I don't make mistakes, only design changes....www.dgmwoodworks.com
sedcokid
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2500 posts in 1764 days
#5 posted 882 days ago
I have never done a show either but I am glad you had a good experience there. Is there any one item that sold better then the other? I may consider doing one there are several good shows in our area.
Congratulations!!!
-- Chuck Emery, Michigan,
Greg The Cajun Box Sculptor
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3762 posts in 1474 days
#6 posted 882 days ago
That sounds encouraging for a show…especially a first one and a small one day show at that.
I have not done shows before but just commission work. I recently applied for a booth at the new Orleans Jazz & heritage Festival in May and June and will find out around mid January if I am juried in. Looks like it would be fun since I have been to the fest numerous times as a paying customer but not as an artist.
The fest gets aound 400,000 to 500,000 visitors…so it should translate to some business if I am juried in.
-- Every step of any project should be considered your masterpiece if you want the finished product to reflect the quality of your work. http://www.FineArtBoxes.com
TopamaxSurvivor
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13192 posts in 1841 days
#7 posted 880 days ago
That is a good start. I organized a show of 125 traders for 2 years. they can be a lot of work!! Trust me.
-- "some old things are lovely, warm still with life ... of the forgotten men who made them." - D.H. Lawrence Wake Up America!! Please read; http://www.commondreams.org/view/2009/01/26-0
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