Shows

[Whimsey]

I don't know if this is the correct place to pose this question, if not, mods feel free to move it. I would like to do shows this year, my first ever. I thought I had a good buddy that was going to go in with me, but she is very very busy, and can't help me out. What exactly do I need for doing a show? I am looking at indoor shows as I can't afford the expense of a tent as yet. So what do I need to bring with me; how much cash on hand should I have? any info please would be really helpful. Or if there is anyone in the MPLS area that would like to let me go in with them so I can learn the ropes, feel free to pm me.....

Thanks guys you are the bestest....

wilma

[SteveWright]

You need to visit a few shows and look around. See what type of table you like, cover colors, chairs, etc. I use a lightweight folding table with gray covers. I have a bar-height folding chair from Pier one. We usually start with $50 change, unless it is a big show. Credit card sales are 50-90% of our business.

Shows can get expensive, and if it is a bust, you end up working for the promoter. The Milwaukee show costs around $1000 to enter, plus another $100 for the Electrical Union to plug in our extension cord. Big shows like that usually result in the biggest profit.

We entered a show many years ago in Louieville where the promoter had advertised it on the wrong date. The show was the same weekend as a 25,000 person religious conference, one that forbid the wearing of jewelry. You could not park within a mile of the place. $0 in sales, but we bought $10,000 worth of nice beads for about $1500.

We never do a show in it's first year.

Look for a gun show, if you make finished jewelry. The are usually cheap to enter and 1) if the spouse comes with them she is getting something for herself, or, if not: 2) If I go home with this $700 rifle, I better bring a gift home. Bonus: it is usually an eye opener. Need a grenade launcher? No problem, what color you want?

Steve

[SteveWright]

Also, don't discount consignment sales at reputable galleries or art centers. We do that exclusively now and are doing well. Reputable being the operative word.

We give up 40%, but that is probalby not far off expenses for a big show that involves travel and hotels.

We are killing it here right now:
http://www.thegalleryofrockport.com/

Steve

PS. I see you are from Minneapolis, great city. I ate clams in a Chinese restaurant in Dinkytown one summer, and got just what I deserved. What was I thinking?

[Whimsey]

Also, don't discount consignment sales at reputable galleries or art centers. We do that exclusively now and are doing well. Reputable being the operative word.

We give up 40%, but that is probalby not far off expenses for a big show that involves travel and hotels.

We are killing it here right now:
http://www.thegalleryofrockport.com/

Steve

PS. I see you are from Minneapolis, great city. I ate clams in a Chinese restaurant in Dinkytown one summer, and got just what I deserved. What was I thinking?

UT OH not a good thing, like you said, "what was you thinking". Thank you so much for your tips. I see I have a lot to learn. Where do I get the table covers? I know silly question. Hmm the Gallery never thought of that, but then again I don't know if I am good enough for that.
If you are ever in Mpls again, let me know please......

[SteveWright]

My wife got some cheap gray polyester fabric at Joanns on sale for a $1 a yard. That is what we use. Very neutral.

Also, we keep our money in a fanny pack. If you set it down it will likely walk off. If we take it off, we hitch it to one of our tall folding chairs so we can keep an eye on it. Purses under tables are vulnerable.

Steve

[Byrdbeads]

Whimsey you may want to start at some of the smaller art/craft festivals. You can search for them online in your area. Most of them are outside so you would need a canopy (walmart has an ezup you can use to start that is 98.00.) You can also use sheets to make your table covers. I used some discounted curtains that I made fitted covers from that are a heavier weight than the sheets so dont blow as much in the wind (be sure they are washable) My 2 best shows last year, one was 15.00 to set up adn the other was 60.00 and woudl have had double the sales at that one if I was set up to take credit cards (do now). The smaller shows are great to get your feet wet and see what works for you without having the expense of a high booth fee. Make sure you check to see if you need a bus. lisc. and also you need a Sales Tax certificate too. Be sure to get these so you are "legal".

[coyotesfamily]

UT OH not a good thing, like you said, "what was you thinking". Thank you so much for your tips. I see I have a lot to learn. Where do I get the table covers? I know silly question. Hmm the Gallery never thought of that, but then again I don't know if I am good enough for that.
If you are ever in Mpls again, let me know please......
Wilma i bought fabric for my cover and then some wedding veil material in a contrasting color to drape through my table.

(((HUGS))) good luck!