Creating custom items on-site at shows

[Former_Member]

I did my first craft show recently, and my next one is coming up soon. My wire wrapped rings were my best-selling item. I have a sample of each ring out on display, and have a sign out stating that the rings will be custom made the day of purchase in any size (and I have a ring sizer in case they don't know their size). I'd tell them to shop around and come back in 10 minutes to pick up their ring. It was a big hit! Only problem I had was keeping up with the orders. It takes me about 5-10 minutes to make each ring, and there were times when I was getting really backed up and had difficulty juggling other customers. I even had a friend there to help, and still felt too busy at times. (I know, this is NOT a bad problem to have!) I'm wondering if anyone else does custom orders on-the-spot, and how you handle it.

I don't think it's feasible for me to make every style of ring in every size, so that's not really an option for me. I think I'd end up wasting a lot of materials. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[SomeKindOfPretty]

I do the same thing! I had one show just like this early this past Spring. My husband was there to check people out while I made rings. While making rings, I was able to talk to other customers. We made a killing at that show. Since then, I haven't sold nearly as many rings. Which is fine by me, I have been able to sell the rest of my inventory.

I would just bring a buddy to every show (it really helps!) and when you start getting overwhelmed, just write each order down. When they see how busy you are, they tend to understand. But I would say, just keep it up!

[CarolBradley]

I saw a neighboring vendor do that at a show. She also had a large basket of maybe 50 rings already made. Shoppers would pick from the basket and she also made custom rings as needed. Quite a few people bought rings from the basket too.

[Former_Member]

Do fingers have a more popular size? Make more of those sizes for the show to cut down on needing to make so many custom.

[RoyGBivandCO]

I embroider names on bandanas on site at shows which is popular. At large events I have a helper take the order. I have an order form made up with color size font etc so the selections only need to be circled on the form. I only offer a few color choices of thread and bandanas and two fonts to keep things manageable. The helper takes payment then places bandana and order in re-sealable clear plastic bag which I return the completed bandana too. This works great to keep me organized and efficient!