Do I Bring It All Every Time?

[HeitziArts]

I've been selling my work at craft shows for about ten years now. In the past, I've always brought everything I make: ceramics, jewelry, and scarves. As I get older, it's become really difficult to drag the ceramics to each show, and I've begun making less of that and more other types of knit work. However, I still believe that you can't predict what will sell, even if you've shown at that craft fair before. What have others experienced?

[Former_Member]

I think bring it all but do not put it all out on the table! Less is more. We tend to put so much out the possible buyer does not see anything. This will save you work too. Just put out a small amount of each item in different colors if possible. Leave the rest in their box under the table. This also opens up conversation as you can mention if they do not see what they want, you have more if they want to see. Remembering to leave open space around groups is a very important design tip for selling. The table should have easy groupings, empty space to next group. Also, try some "call to action" signs around. Our art group has found this really increases sales lately. We use those clear stand alone signs you print out something to slide in. Example: "Best gifts are Handmade Gifts" or "support your local artists" or "Put some bling in your life". ;-)

as things sell you easily replace the display from your tash under the table!

[Former_Member]

well the christmas ornaments only get taken to shows in october-december, hearts take up the slack for jan-feb. If its indoor and I'm limited to only one table I par down and the masks, wind chime and stepping stones don't get brought and the large pendant spinner rack stays home.

[BlackCatStitches]

The first couple of markets I did, I put everything out. Lol, I was just so excited for people to see everything. My tables were way too crowded. Now I keep some items under the tables; things like duplicate hats (I put one size out for display and can pull a different size out as needed), and I display one baby blanket and keep different colours under the table.
I agree, you can't predict what will sell. Ceramics would be so heavy to move! Do you have a hand cart?

[ohmyclumsyheart]

I bring my entire shop - but that is easier for me to do since my jewellery is small and easily transported from home to the venue.

Perhaps if you started with your best sellers and then assessed the market at the fair, tailoring your stock towards what is most likely to sell you can avoid having to take EVERYTHING with you.. of course, you never know what might sell..

You could produce a linesheet and make it available to your customers. Bring a couple of the best selling ceramic items and provide a list, with images and descriptions, to demonstrate the other items you have available to purchase online. Perhaps encourage your customers to check out you website by providing a free shipping code..?

x

[HiveHouseJewelry]

After doing art shows for many years I finally discovered what Brenda was talking about! To much the customer gets confused, to little there is not enough to chose from. But bring it all the fill the sold item spots.

[TremoughGlass]

I'm another one who takes everything. Indeed until recently I definately put everything out - finding ways to display more and more inventory with shelving units and adding tables. I always had a fear that somebody would be looking for that particular something that I had not brought with me and I would lose a sale (sods law). Now I still take everything but I keep about a third of my stock in compartmentalised boxes under the table (they look great) and I always tell customers that if they cant see what they are looking for I have more stock for them to view - its amazing how many people take me up on the offer and it keeps them at my stall longer!

[Former_Member]

It depends on what my space is whether or not I take everything. At several shows, I only have a 6ft or 8 ft table and others I have a 10x10 booth. When I have smaller space, I choose a good representation of what I make and take that with me. I'm always afraid I've chosen wrong and not taken what would have sold, but it's just too difficult to take it all, plus with only one table I can't fit it all underneath. I'm learning at repeat shows which types of journals typically sell, so I may take more leather or vintage. With new shows it's hard to gauge.

At shows where I have a larger space, I do take everything. I stash lots under the tables and I always have people who want to go through all the tubs and find just the right gift. I make one of a kind items, so I can't display it all on the tables. When I pull the tubs out for customers, other people seem to become interested as well.

[Former_Member]

I bring it all every time (of course, my work is small and easy to transport) but I don't put it all out. After every few sales, when there aren't many shoppers around my table, I go out and rearrange things and add some pieces.

[PrairiePrimitives]

If it's not at the show, it won't sell at the show!

[Former_Member]

It depends on the season and the venue. If I have a smaller space (indoor) shows and its the holiday's I bring new items and fewer selection of handmade.

I'm thinking you mean now, our current season?

If I'm doing an event where I know the clients will be generous, yet, cautious of their dollar. I bring both high end inventory and middle end to give them a selections.

If I'm doing a church show, where many of the crafter's are the church parishioners or Mom and Pop vendors I pull back a bit and try to bring lower end items.

I think its about what you feel is appropriate. You can not second guess the customer. You may be very well prepared and then not sell anything or few items. And then it could be good energy in the room and every one sell out.

[dellcovespices]

Sophie from ohmyclumsyheart says

You could produce a linesheet and make it available to your customers.
...........

This is a terrific idea - thank you!!

[Former_Member]

I always have extra. But I keep in perspective for the type of show I'm attending. If I live near by in the same community, I don't bring everything.

If its a three day show and out of town, sure bring every item you've made.
Out of town shows I bring cabs, stones, crystals and rock bracelet sets to work on in the motel room in case I get low on inventory.

Yesterday's show two ladies paid for the largest spot in the church. They had homemade jams and jellies piled in the corners, four stacks high. They didn't sell what they wanted - they were over priced for the event, they were over packaged, and they were playing on their iPads at the display tables facing towards the customer.

I don't believe they wanted to sell. So, next year they won't come. And they more than likely blame the event.

[LizArti]

Heitzi - I know exactly what you mean. One of the reasons I like selling knitwear is that it's SO easy to transport to shows. It's lightweight and you don't need to worry about it tangling or wrinkling. Previously I've sold jewelry and clocks and it was such a headache keeping it all safe and unscathed.