Former_Member
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Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Okay so we all have different amounts of inventory -- for instance, jewelry peeps will have WAY more inventory than me, b/c it takes me longer to do things and sometimes well, I just take up more space.

Anyway ... I wonder if someone could try to answer my question. I am going to a pretty big show in October (in my opinion it's NOT my league -- 7000 people go through it every other year but my husband's grandmother knows the head person and she essentially got me an "in"). I am worried about the amount of inventory I have -- and the time I have to make it. I have about 40 items (I have lots i have not put up on Etsy yet b/c I have been preparing for shows). I would like to have 50 -60, and hopefully that might make me a little more confident. I have lots of little items and then I will have some larger items ... does this sound like a good ballpark? My family thinks maybe taking orders would be good -- but getting into Xmas season -- I would rather not take too many orders from this show.

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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Coming from someone who want do his first show till the middle of Sept. it sounds like a good mix to me. If you get in a bind you could do what I'm planning on and that would be to deactivate some of your Etsy items to add to your show inventory.
Taking orders at a show that close to christmas with possible orders backed up from your store here could really put the extra level of stress for the holidays.
Just a thought.
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Depends on the crowd and if they are buying,and what their interests are.
7,000 people, that could turn out to be a very good show for you.

I find that many here are going about things in the opposite manner than I have.
I do shows and list my left over inventory on the internet.
Most here list on the internet and then decide to do shows.
Either way , sell it here or sell it there, it's sold.

That being said, if it's a real good show- not to get your hopes up, you could come out of there with with a real nice chuck of change, if they are a buying crowd, and this event isn't an eating festival.
Notice I put qualifiers on that.

I looked at you shop, I have fiber items, too. They do well that time of year.

Your best selling item will most likely be your coasters, because everyone can use them. They are very well done, and look very professional

If you sell out of some items and it starts looking thin , just put up a nice table display that represents what you do, pass out business cards, and take orders.
Make sure your table is full of something, a vase of flowers, a small dish of wrapped candy, if you have holes from selling out..
Drive the customers to your web store.
.
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

I'm working on building inventory for a number of larger shows in the fall and I am making as much as humanly possible. I have been stocking up, during the slow weeks of August, on my main inventory items so that I can focus on my seasonal items through September. I prefer to overstock so that I don't have to constantly work on restocking between weekend shows, which are my main source of income. It's hard to answer in real numbers of items but I making large storage bins of each item in anticipation of those shows.
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AvesDesign
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

I agree with brushcreek on the coasters. I love those and they will sell out rapidly. Create a sample bag of different colors to take orders from and don't sell those. Create an easy order form and give a small discount for ordering them. That way, if the buyer can wait, the discount will be a reward for leaving your supply and waiting a week or two for their order. Then, if you don't sell out, you can fill your orders from what is left over.... Just an idea.
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

brushcreek, I work like you do and stock for shows and then list later here. I keep things in my shop especially when applications for new shows go in because many I'm applying to are accepting websites in stead of photos now. (thanks goodness)

Gloria, It's so hard to know how many things you'll need. I work like Barb does and create like crazy since things take longer to make and I go into show season stocked and then replenish throughout the rest of the time. If I were you I'd make as much as you can, concentrating on items everyone will be drawn to and can afford to give as gifts. If you don't have enough, do a dance! If you have too much, you can list here in your shop.

There are so many variables with shows. I can never decide what's enough and end up over preparing usually.
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

I don't feel like you can ever have too much inventory. I have found that people prefer to buy something readily available vs. ordering and having to wait. Plus, unless they pay in advance, they may just forget about it and not order from you anyway. The tip to give a discount on all orders is a great one, just make sure they pay you first! Good luck!
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

A good idea might be to offer free shipping on prepaid orders you take at the show, for items that are sold out, depending on the size and cost of the item.
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Oh wow, thanks for all the tips everyone ... I am getting really nervous about this show. I have to ship everything in 2 weeks (has anyone ever done this??) ... thanks SO much about the coaster comments ... I will definitely make more of those. I have been making flowers and I actually bought clips and some ribbon for bands so I can have a basket of flower clips and flower headbands to sell. I have only put on a couple new listings on Etsy lately so I can keep my inventory high for the fair. I am also working an order for my friend who doesn't need it until Nov/Dec but I want it done before the fair in case I end up with a huge number of orders (although, I am going to have to cut it off at some point if that's the way it's going to turn out).

Thank you!!
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

I haven't had to ship my inventory prior to a show before. That would be nerve wracking for me because I'm always working and adding to my inventory.

Can you share the details on how and why you're shipping your inventory. Since that may come up for others in the future, your experience is invaluable!
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

I know people who have done it because the show was so far they had to fly in.
Sure cuts down on the profit.
Then you have to make arrangements to ship what's left back.
Depending on your products, it might not be practical.
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

I have looked up many other artists, and it seems like they are from KC area or close to ... they might be bringing their products over instead of shipping them. I don't know why we have to ship -- perhaps because of set up but I want to set up. I probably wouldn't even be IN this show if it wasn't for my husband's grandma :) -- the booth price was steep for me, but she paid for it -- she knows the organizer of the event. Fortunately, my product is VERY light -- so I am hoping I can ship it pretty cheaply.
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Oh, and we take our stuff back home the same day, we don't have to ship it back home.
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Wow sounds like a great opportunity Gloria! I wish you the best of luck.

I am actually doing my first huge show in November, and I had the exact same question. What helped me was that I actually went through last years list of vendors for my show and contacted a few of them that were around the same field as me. I make plushies and stuffed characters, so i reached out to similar artist. Not all of them were friendly cause they do see you as competition, but if they arent a part of this years show then normally they are pretty nice in giving you amounts.

It also depends ont he size of your items and the variety. I was told since I have so many different items to only make about 7-10 of each then take orders for the rest. That way I have a good amount and it keeps people at my area longer. not that I am going to bombard people with so many things, I plan to have a section off where half is regular inventory the other half is holiday so that people just shopping for gifts can go straight there.

thats a great idea Barbra regarding free shipping for all show orders. I will have to keep that in mind for my show coming up. :) let us know about your event and how it goes! best of luck! :)
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Goody, which show are you doing in November? Are you still doing Little Known Craft?
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

I am doing Designercon in November. Its like a toy con meets graphic design. Since Graphic design is my major and creating characters is a collectable form its perfect show for me :) it's a 2 day event this year @>@

I am hoping to to ALKC again but at this point I cant afford the fee cause im using all of it to make new items for the upcoming show. there's a free show I do over here closer to me though and i get alot more traffic than at the other shows. but i will always go and support :)
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Thanks GoodyJar -- that's good advice ...uh, wish I could even dream of 7 to 10 items of each category, but oh well. I have around 10 to 15 bracelets -- but that's about it when it comes close to that number. Maybe the headbands. Anyway, I just found out that the shipping of my items was a miscommunication on their part. I DO NOT have to ship which makes me do a happy dance today b/c it gives me another 2 weeks to make things. I will be out of town traveling -- but sometimes I get some stuff done when I am traveling b/c i don't have chores to do at home then or work. I also don't have to put my shop on vaca mode ... which is good b/c I am just now getting some orders to trickle in.

Pretty happy today :)).
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

thats awesome! I wish you the best of luck Gloria in your event :)

Posts some pics you have the time. ^^ have a great day!
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

***UPDATE***

THE FAIR WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!!!! Thank you so much for all the advice. I had a TON of fun ... it was cooller so everyone wanted hats and scarves and I sold about 1/3 of my inventory plus have made lots of connections. I am so thankful all my hard work paid off. I was actually giddy last night. :)
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

So glad it worked out great and letting us know how the show went for you..
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Awesome!
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

So happy for you, Gloria!!!
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Great news Gloria! Now that you've gotten your feet wet, the next show will be much less stressful. Now, relax and prepare for the holidays, LOL!
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Former_Member
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Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Glad it went so well for you, Gloria. =D
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AvesDesign
Inspiration Seeker

Re: Detailed question about inventory at a show.

Great news Gloria! I am glad you had such success.
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