First time selling in person, Help!

[Former_Member]

My little tiny shop got invited to participate in a Christmas pop up shop
and this would be my first time selling in person. My question is how much merchandise should i be ready with ? Im trying to build up enough inventory from now till December 4th but I sell mainly knitted goods and well that takes time! If any one has any pointers, I'll highly appreciate it

Thanks

[WhimsyBits]

As much as you possibly can. You want a display that is pretty 'full' or looks like a good selection. A bare table I think tends to scare people away.

[Former_Member]

@ Dawn from WhimsyBits, thank you !!

[JustMeToo]

I would spend some time making a LOT of the smaller things that are quick to knit, such as the coffee sweaters, or maybe headbands? Small items often sell easier and faster. Good luck with your show!

[Former_Member]

I agree with Carol. Make as wide a variety of items as possible with the corresponding wide variety of prices. Make as much as you can between now and your show. You can't sell what you don't have.

[ThisLittleKittenShop]

be able to at least fill your table/display. if you have best seller here make extra of those as well. you can never predict if you will sell out or not sell much at all. so its up to you how much inventory you are will to potentially keep for after the show (which isnt always a bad thing, then you are ready for the next one )

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

I agree with what was said above, but I would add an idea. Be sure to take notes on what sold and what comments you heard. Hopefully everything will be a wonderful success and next year you will refer back to those notes to see that $15 was a better price point than 10 and red sold better than green - or something like that.

[CoquetteBath]

I always use my shows as marketing exercises. I even review what people buy and I tell them 'why'. And they seem to like the idea that they are helping me determine what to make...

I also usually joke that since there is no 'scratch N sniff' internet, shows help me sell stuff. Which is also true.

[BohemianHollow]

As a fellow knitter I completely agree with "as much as you possibly can"!
When I was first starting out I decided that I was going to make at least 20 of each type of item; 20 beanies, 20 scarves, etc. I didn't always make them all, but it was a good goal for me. You don't have to do 20, but choose a number you like and shoot for it! :)

On a side note, you REALLY need to raise your prices! Especially on your beanies and scarves, those need to be almost double. I know what that yarn cost you and how long those take. And you're work is really good! Yeah, your beanies should be $40, and scarves at least $60, and headbands no less than $20. I know it's scary to charge that much more for things, but trust me, people will want it more if it's higher priced. :D

[Former_Member]

Thank you every one for the magnificent help and pointers. I feel less overwhelmed now that I have recieved all these awesome tips. I'll be sure to let you guys know how it went in the mean while I'll be knitting away. @Carol @Deb@Tonia @Suzy @Cari @Stephan @Dawn thanks again.

[CoquetteBath]

by the way, forgot to mention, beautiful shop!

I did check a few of your listings and I might suggest you list what type of yarn you use. For example, my daughter is vegan. I can't buy her anything with animal on it, such as wool. So, knowing that your item is acrylic (for example) would make me think about buying something.

Also some people are allergic to some fibers.

And good luck. Your photography is lovely!

[Former_Member]

@Cari thank you so much, I'm just a beginner and there is much for me to learn. I will definitely be listing the kind of yarn. Thank you 😀

[Former_Member]

Update: my first pop-up shop went awesome !! What an incredible experience . Thank you everyone for your help .