Getting ready for my first show

[Former_Member]

I am so excited. The show isn't until march 22ndI But, I've been organizing and packing things up so I won't be up doing it the night before.

I just received the banner and business cards from Vista Print and they turned out awesome. I ordered my shopping bags today and can't wait for them to get here.

I have learned a lot from all of you. I will make my list and check it twice,

I'm going to have a drawing to get names & addresses for a mailing list. Any pros or cons on that?

Anything else that will make my booth stand out and draw a crowd?

Thanks to all.

[LizArti]

Sounds like you're on the right track!

You're product is so cool, unique and colorful, I'd just rely on that to be the attraction. Plan your display carefully to best show off your work. Do a mock set up well in advance of the show. Post pics here if you want input.

As for a drawing, I wouldn't bother. Just put out a mailing list sign up.

What sort of show is it? Indoor or outdoor? How big is your booth?

Best of luck to you!

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Congratulations on doing your first show! :) You'll be coming back and sharing your experience afterwards, right?

[Former_Member]

Love your items! So talented! Good luck and come back and let us know how it goes! I agree about just a form they can fill out with email or something. I am going to try that out this year also. I gave away something at a show before and got a lot of people to stop by just to sign up but didn't buy much.

[Former_Member]

Thanks for all of your responses. It's an inside show. My booth is 6 x10.

I think you're right. I'll just put out a mailing list sign-up. Great idea, 'cause I really didn't want to give anything away. LOL

I will be back and let you know how it goes. Wish me luck.

[SugarSidewalk]

Deb,
Love your items - SOOO pretty. Stunning colors! If I were doing a show, I would want to be near you :D

Agree on the mailing list. :)

Be sure to take booth photos!!

Best of Luck to you!!!

[Former_Member]

Thank you, Hope. We would make good booth mates.

[OutOfTheWoodsUSA]

https://www.etsy.com/teams/7718/questions/discuss/13750005/page/2

[Former_Member]

Good Luck, Deb! Your items are beautiful and I hope you sell out!!

[Former_Member]

Well, I'm back with news of my first show. It was a total flop as far as sales go. I did sell 2 items and made my booth fee and u-haul cost. I made a few new contacts and was invited to another show.

My booth was beautiful and people were amazed at my things. I guess they just weren't my target market. Lots of new mothers and baby strollers. It was an awesome venue and very well planned. .

The place was packed with talented vendors, but I didn't see anyone selling anything.

I did learn that shows are not for me. I never worked so hard in my life. My things are so big and heavy that it just isn't worth it. It was like moving. I did have fun. My aunt and sister helped and they thought my prices were too high and while I was away marked some things down. They just don't know how much work is in my items and they're not my target market anyway. Kind of hurt my feelings.

I am working on getting a booth space on our quaint little courthouse square and also trying to get some wholesale customers.

My hat is off to you that can do shows. We set up for 5 hours and it took 3 hours to pack up. I was exhausted.

Thank you for all your encouragement. Good luck to you all.

[SomeKindOfPretty]

Do you have any pictures of your booth?

[Former_Member]

They're on my aunts phone. I'll have her e-mail them to me so I can post them.
Thanks for asking.

[Former_Member]

I am about to do my first show on Saturday and I am hoping it all goes well.
I would be so upset if a member of my family messed about with my pricing.
Hope you are successful in getting a booth space.

[Former_Member]

Good luck on your show. I hope you sell a lot and have fun.

[Former_Member]

Deb, don't give up on doing shows... you learned a lot from this experience and that's a value that you can take with you to other shows/venues... And yes, set up and tear down are the worst parts of doing a show but it's so important that you really can't take any shortcuts on doing it right...

Perhaps the show you were in was not the right one for your product but you made some new friends and made some great contacts and can now go forward and find the right show... I think your things are gorgeous and I do believe you would do awesome in an outdoor showing with the sun glittering and shining through your plates.

And don't listen to your family about your pricing... you know what they are worth so go with it... Hugs and hope things go better at your next show...

[LizArti]

Have you considered selling your work in consignment shops? Or wholesale, like you mentioned might work out better for you.

It must be so hard to pack up, set up, etc with work like yours. I don't know how glass, ceramic, etc artists do shows!

Although... if you find a couple of good shows, you could really do well. Have you looked for any "art" shows in your area?

[BettieKawaii]

Agreed done give up on shows yet! Yes they are alot of work, but if I didnt have shows I couldnt get by on my Etsy shop. It is my main source of income. They can be extremely profitable! What better way to get out and interact with your customers than to sell in person? Maybe walk a few other shows before you make your mind up. Try a show that is well publicised. There are many available and many styles ranging from upmarket to flea market you just have to choose carefully! I would be pissed if my friend or fiance marked my things down.

[Former_Member]

I don't know if this picture will load. I'll try.

https://img0.etsystatic.com/042/0/8844157/il_75x75.580875282_ps97.jpg

[Former_Member]

Well that didn't work so well. I'll have to figure it out.
Thanks everyone for your support.