Have You Sold at BeadFest?

Frit Diva · #1 2008-10-26, 9:53pm

I am thinking seriously of selling at the Santa Fe Beadfest in March. Anybody have info about Beadfest in general or the Santa Fe one in particular? Thanks in advance for any info you can share!

Jo

beadsoncypress · #2 2008-10-27, 3:56am

Beadfest event are well managed, large, get a good crowd. I saw more buying from the few suppliers that attended. (every lampworker there wanted MORE!!) There are always tons of tables of imported beads (like 10 to 1) vs. the artist booths. I heard from a couple of artists in PA that they did quite well, but not like years past. I only bought.....still paying off the CC's....

Frit Diva · #3 2008-10-27, 7:50am

Thanks for the feedback! I posted this question in the Family Room a few days ago and got no response at all.... kind of made me wonder if Beadfest was such a great idea! I have attended the one in Santa Fe, but it's been several years... it may have even been under different management then, not sure...

Jeri · #4 2008-10-27, 1:13pm

Like Susan, I can only speak to the one in Pa. I had a good show there (selling lampwork beads) and it was better than last year. I like the management, but have no idea what Santa Fe is like. Good luck, come back and tell us about it.....I have family in New Mexico, this could be an excuse for a road trip. Jeri

Frit Diva · #5 2008-10-27, 2:49pm

Thanks for the response Jeri~ the booths in Santa Fe are about $900 and tables at a second venue are about $500. My plan is to split a booth since I think the main venue is the place to be. Were the rates comparable in Pa., and did you feel your sales were proportional to the cost of the booth? (Personally, if I can't at least triple my booth fee in sales, I don't feel like a show is that much of a success. Of course the target is 10X the booth fee in sales!) Also, most of my shows are art shows and I'm accustomed to selling primarily simple finished jewelry... a pendant/focal/vessel on a nice cord and presented in a gift box. I also do some more elaborate necklaces with lampwork components. I'm assuming that Beadfest is primarily loose bead sales? What was your experience with that? Thanks again for answering!

Jo

Jeri · #6 2008-10-27, 4:24pm

HI - I have a share of a very big booth, and I pay about $400 for the space I have (the main vendor in our booth is all sorts of beading supplies and tools and books.) I can't say for sure what I earned, but I felt it was a good return on the fees. Yes, it was all loose beads, but I think you should talk with vendors from that specific show, to get a better feel of it. I would always include a little finished stuff, you never know!! Jeri

Frit Diva · #7 2008-10-27, 4:40pm

Jeri ~ Thanks so much for sharing that info!

Jo