Here's a pic of my booth. My sweet coworker came with me to help.
I had framed prints, mousepads, magnets....
notecards, mini frames and unframed prints...
And guess what, I still have pretty much all the same! I really don't think I will do another craft show. I can't handle the rejection over and over and over. Better to sit it in a store and get a check at the first of the month.
22 comments:
Darlin', I think your stuff looks fabulous! But I know it's tough. I was just at a holiday craft bazaar and most people were just looking. I think people are cutting back this holiday. I felt so guilty walking through their booths and not buying anything (or not looking at some of the booths.) They looked so hopeful! Don't give up, there has got to be another way. Check out Etsy.com! It is a great way to sell homemade wares and a lot of people sell their photography. I've boughten stuff from there and it seems like vendors do pretty well.
Have a great weekend!
Too bad , that sucks. I would have thought people would have snapped up your stuff like nobody's business.I know I would! Sure would have around here!Maybe the economy
Your pictures in the barn wood frames look wonderful - but it seems like crafts / garage sales etc just don't go very well.... now put it in a second hand store and it will sell here.... I'm going to check out the etsy stores... good luck... I love your stuff..
Pshaw... what do people know? I would have bought something, and I will continue to buy through your site, until you bring it on over here. Which is a HINT, in case you didn't know.
I LOVED seeing 'my' chaps photo, which to tell you the truth, looks wonderful all framed and hung over the fireplace. I debated hanging it in my bedroom, but I would have had to crane my neck to see it. So this way, everyone gets a good ol' gander at that gorgeous bum!
Don't be discouraged by your first show seriously! I can count years that I sat at my aunts art/photography booth here and twiddled my thumbs. It's about getting your art/name known, not making a ton off of it for the first wile. Everyone loves the picture you sent to me for the pay it forward. Everyone wants it but no one gets it. It's right above my computer reminding me to care for the needs of my animals (and myself) every day.
That is too bad, I love your stuff and as soon as I get to the point of redoing my house I will be ordering alot of prints from you, so hopefully you will have them for sale still. Don't give up selling them! I love the pics you take they are just gorgeous! It takes time, before you know it you will be a household name:)
I think people are just more stingy this year than other years. For what its worth...I still think your stuff is great!! Im thinking in a few years we might redo Jack's room in a cowboy theme...if this is the case I hope you are still selling your pics!
Times are lean and you're probably better off selling in stores and online where people take the time to REALLY appreciate your work!
What a bummer!! I had my fingers crossed for you. Was there a lot of people there? Did you talk to other people with booths? How did they do?
Hi, I've done alot of these sales, actually made a living that way for awhile. Nothing wrong with your set up or your merchandise, in fact it is very attractive. Your problem is in your second picture. You are there for a limited amount of time to market your product. You need to be doing just that. I'm sorry to say that if you are just sitting there ignoring your potential customers by reading the paper, talking to other crafters or friends you are wasting your time. It maybe hard at first but you must greet people approaching your booth. Something as simple as "How's it going?" Just get their attention, have a comment you can make about your products such as "have you noticed how I have done such and such" Sometimes if you can have some kind of little demo of something to get attention. You have to find a way to get them stopped and looking at your stuff doesn't really matter how. Once they are there you get to explain your stuff, and build some desire to purchase. When it looks like they are almost decided a little nudge like " would you like a gift box" or some such can often close the sale. Sorry I guess I got a little carried away but now when I go to a craft sale t is just one of my pet peeves that people go to all that trouble and expense and blow it at the sale.
Anita
I have to admit that I rarely buy anything at craft shows... I love attending them and browsing, but unless something is extremely unique I just don't buy. I attended one here in Roanoke a couple of months ago and the only thing that tripped my trigger were some handmade felt tree ornaments. I think it must be difficult for any of the vendors to make a lot of $$, but at least they are getting their name out to the public. So onward and upward my dear... I'm sure someone loved your wares but like me was just out looking. Don't take it to heart, okie dokie! It's just these economic times.
Di
The Blue Ridge Gal
Anita, I appreciate constructive criticism, however, the pictures were taken before the doors were opened to the public. As well, that is not me sitting behind the table with the newspaper, that was my helper waiting for the show to start. I did not just sit around visiting with friends, other vendors and ignoring the patrons. I didn't get up at 4:45am and drive over 2 hours to not try to sale my stuff. I don't blame any "behavior" on my part for the slow sales. Thank you.
Wow. That stinks. Your crafts are amazing, and if I had money to spend this Christmas, I would certainly buy some! Your pictures are amazing, and you're very talented.
It's the lousy economy! Your stuff is good.
Helen
Don't give up!! A good way to also get your name out there is selling your photos to Magazines- (illustrators are always in demand in those glossy rags- ask Juli Thorson!) Then the tag line at the end of the article says Photos taken by -your name here) and prints can be purchased at yourname here.com
I thought your booth looked great, very appealing..I would have stopped. I believe that people are just not purchasing like they were. I was at a sale recently..I came back with one item..just because it made me giggle out loud. Years ago I would have had many items..so I don't think it is your fault or your stuffs fault either. As you said stick with your little store and get your check at the first of the month:)
Your booth looked great Kit! I had that trouble in the 80's myself. Mom and I used to try that and people will pass by nice stuff and buy junk! Seriously!!!! It is so weird and it is just like you can't figure them out!
Mom made collector quality teddy bears and they just do not want to pay for quality things. That is just the way it is. Don't let it get you down and I would not take it personal, but that is bs because I did... :)
I totally understand. My first year at Cowboy Christmas. I was so excited to be accepted! They have a jury, and either they like your stuff & let you in , or they say no. It was so exciting, the set up the other vendors, the opening morning! The flood of people that came through. The worst part was the part where people walk in, look around, smile and walk out! My heart just can't take it. And no I didn't just sit there either. I spoke up, entertained the prospective buyers. I had many people take my cards, several people say they would be back...I had quite a few sales. It is hard to sit there with all your talent,time and feelings laid out with your items for sale. Do not let this one show discourage you. You have talent, your products are great. You just have to find the "market" for them. With this economy as bad as it is right now, it is just not a good time for sellers. Hang in there sista, we are not only alike but we are in the same boat.:)
Hang in there girl, your products are quality, your booth looked great. It's all in the timing.
I love your stuff! I did a few craft shows and pretty much vowed not to do anymore. I'm not a pushy salesperson and while I can talk up my stuff, I'm not the kind of person spending the whole day selling it. Keep at it - it seems like you found your niche in the local store.
I love your work, it is beautiful. A great table, and set up.
Do you have a Etsy shop?
Jen
WOW Kit....I think the booth looks AWESOME!!! I would definitely been drawn straight to your booth! And I love the variety that you provide, smaller ones for smaller budgets and so on...NOW I have done craft shows before as well and quite frankly it does stink!!! Have you looked into doing any booths at some big rodeo's?! Lots of money rolling through there!! That's where I will be this weekend LOL!! Rodeo set up, I will let you know how that goes ;)
But don't give up, your pictures are awesome and you have SOOO much talent!! As soon as I make some money back from my "retail" ventures I will definitely be buying some of those pictures for myself!!
Post a Comment