Would you go back?

[Former_Member]

Would you go back to a craft show if you didn't make your money back? I have been selling at a night market that happens monthly and my first 2 times it was pretty good, not great, and the last two times I have sold zero. I had signed up for this month but I emailed the organizer and told her that I wasn't going to do it and that she could open my spot to other vendors. She emailed me almost right away asking me if everything was ok, and I emailed back saying that I wasn't making any money and couldn't continue doing this market without making money, and I thought part of the problem is that they do it the last Thursday of every month when people are basically broke, and after that she didn't email me anymore. This market is well-marketed and A LOT of people go, but they don't buy anything, and I know I'm not the only seller experiencing this. It's hard selling makeup at craft shows as it is but I can't keep taking hours from my FT job to do this market and not make money. Do you think I'm right in my thinking?

[TheEnchantedWren]

Perhaps it will get better when Spring really gets here?

We are building up a local market here and we are struggling to keep vendors while we get things really hopping. We lowered the booth fee in order to keep our vendors coming back. Perhaps a group of you could talk to the organizer about doing something like that?

[HeartofOneCreations]

Eva, since your score is tied 2/2, it sounds like you'll need to evaluate each venue. I've only been doing shows since Oct. 2012, but my first show, I sold one bracelet...but it was a very small "expo" of women...would I go back there this year? Yes, because I support the event, sponsors & attendees. Plus, my jewelry designs have evolved, my displays are better, I know what to promote & how, etc. So I would anticipate a better outcome.

The last show I did in Feb. was at a church bazaar and I didn't sell one thing! Even though I have a range of styles & price points. I was unpleasantly surprised! At out-door events, I have a tent, 3 large tables, one small table & chair for my "office", banner, jewelry displays, etc. and I do all set-up and tear-down myself (except getting help from neighbors with tent). It's a lot of work, and with no sales plus entry fee (no greater than $50 so far), I am losing $$, so wouldn't go back to smaller, less promoted events.

But I am grateful for them for the experience w/o the pressure of dozens or 100's of people at my booth (this last one was my first windy day, so lots to learn there!...decorative duct tape is all I can say!)

If I were doing an in-door show with one table, an easy set-up, low entry fee, I may very well try an event more than once even if sales were low or zero. Hope some of this helps!

[Former_Member]

i sure know how you feel. I think we all have participated in shows that did not turn out well. If it were me I would not go back. You attended 4 times with 2 of those shows with no sales. Cut your losses and move on.
Find other shows that are worth your while. You have a great product line and you deserve to find the quality of shows that will bring in revenue. Sounds like this show is just not the right fit for your items.
keep your spirits up and research your area to find the right shows that will allow you to make a profit.
It will happen.

[ElectronicGirl]

it kinda sounds like you already cut your ties with that organizer.
stand by your decision and look for other opportunities. ;)

[Former_Member]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! IF they invite me back :) I may go back after September. My deal-breaker is the amount of time I need to take from my full time job; I'm just basically leaving my vacation time there and it's so not cool... Maybe when I am able to quit my job I can do that sort of thing.

[GreenEarthPottery]

Lots of other opportunities out there.

[julsofparadise]

Eva - I know exactly what you mean, I have done quite a few shows and I;d say most of them I only made back about half of the rent. And I only do shows under $50.

Linda's description above sounds exactly like me...I do all the set up myself, tent, 3 tables, 2 shelf units to stand on tables, 4 heavy tubs of stuff to haul,
I even get up on a ladder and attach a grass skirt valance across the front of my tent.

Add in all the advance preparation and yes, doing shows is very time consuming.

I agree with you, if the show was on the last friday, it might make a difference.

I have been going to a lot of shows as a shopper/observer and I talk to a lot of vendors. I have not met many who say they are doing very well. Many say there are lots of people out enjoying the day but not buying. I still think its a sign of the times. Last show I did my neighbor and I laughed and said everyone kept their hands in their pockets all day. I still enjoy doing shows tho.

Really, after doing this or any show a few times, you just have to go with your gut feelings.

Good luck to you and I hope it gets better for us all!

[TheRoamingPeddlers]

Eva, it's probably one of two things. Either it's simply not the right venue for what you are selling or you have yet to come out of your shell as a vendor.

Attitude is everything! A shining, happy attitude draws shiny, happy people :) In the beginning, we didn't do so well either at shows. But as you start making more sales, your energy heightens and gets the ball rolling, as long as you're standing behind a good product, which it looks like you are.

A lot of it comes down to how you interact with customers. We have learned how to connect with people and really talk to them in a relaxed way. It's difficult at first, but we do really well at festivals now, so it has really paid off.

And try to avoid the downers! Stick to the vendors with the positive attitudes. Sometimes the whole show has a negative feel, and when that happens we don't go back and we instead look for ones that resonate with us.

Hope this helps!

---Krystal