First show results

[sachbvn]

To start off with, I was prepared to not sell anything because - this isn't exactly the right venue for what we do....this was a "flea market" with a little bit of everything. I think there were only two true vendors, me and a lady selling homemade baking mixes and stuff like that "gourmet kitchen.....something or other"

When I arrived Sunday morning, I was thinking......oh god - I'm for sure not going to sell anything....still - I was ok with it.

90% of the stuff being sold was pure chit....like.....you could get a whole box full of chit for 5 bucks, no problem. It was bad....

Well - I ended up selling a few things, covered my costs, and made a little money. Would I go back.... probably not unless it was a big "before Christmas" kinda thing....

I sold three pens - but I only count it as one legit sale, because I knew two of the people who bought from me - the third person was a complete stranger.

I sold one bottle stopper, and one keychain.

Fun? - yes.
Successful - eh, somewhat...at least I came out in the right direction.

Here are a few pics of my table.... I TOTALLY need to incorporate some type of signage on the front of the table, I only had biz cards on the top that explained who I was and what I was selling. People kept thinking I was a pen collector selling and trading pens.... then some people thought the pens were plastic....I suppose I contribute the plastic thought to the shinyness of the pen, and their ignorance

OH....BEST PART!! People took quite a few business cards - sure, some will totally throw the card away or lose it, never think about it again - but I had several people sound very interested in contacting me later - one of the ladies said she had a daughter getting married and thought the bottle stoppers would be great, she will be in touch. Who knows?

SECOND BEST THING (maybe even the actual BEST) I met a few real nice guys - woodworking guys, they do pens - but weren't selling them here, one of the guys is older - but guess what?? He also does friggin' blacksmithing!!! How awesome, huh? I have his card, he makes knives, draw knives, (I think even chisels, etc.....

The second guy was real cool and talked to me about a wood turning club that is in a town about 60 miles away - he belongs too.... really cool, active, club - they own their own building and have several lathes.... only $25 a year member dues! He offered a ride since we live close and would be traveling the same direction - I may check this place out.

So...yes - it was a success!

Thanks,
Zac

[maverick31]

on the plus side you did sell a few things even though it was a flea market atmosphere. Glad to hear it was somewhat successfull. your set up looks good, have you thought about the next show you want to do?

[Doug B]

That is a great looking display table Zac! That is going to work much better when you find the right place.

The thing about these type of shows is that you never know until you try one whether it will have the right kind of customers or not. I've had several that were very similar to yours...it's all part of the learning experience.

I like the blue cloth you chose for the table - good choice of background color. It looks like your pens and stoppers really stand out against that background.

Congrats on your first!

[Joe Lyddon]

Glad you came out OK.

Yes, I agree on the Signs needed...

Maybe a banner attached to the table cloth at the top edge going all the way across the front of the table?
"Pens n Stuff"
"ALL HAND MADE!"
Exotic Woods... Pens from $nn... Bottle Stoppers from $nn...
Custom work available too!
... etc.
... as an idea...

[sawduster]

Good on ya, Zac!! Never know, till you try. Might be worth another go or two there if there were a few folks interested as they might come back especially to look for you. And maybe they even told a friend or three.

Nice display, though a sign or banner would likely be helpful. Maybe something like "Zippin Zacs Plumes de Grace" or something. ;D

[boodrow]

Good for u Zac , u got ur feet wet now , Its just a matter of findin the rite show at the rite time of the year. And the set up looks mighty nice. Well its in ur blood now , u know that someone else thinks enough of ur talents to purchase it.
Boodrow

[sachbvn]

lmao Jerry - I don't wanna come off as a "confused" (as in hair dresser) pen maker... lol (Zippin Zac's Plumes de Grace" - WTH? lol

Thanks for the words of encouragement - I may try it again.... only 20 bucks so.....eh - not a big loss if it doesn't go well. I do, however, NOT have to drive anyone special so - really.... 20 bucks is my only cost.

Funny you should mention it Jerry - several folks were asking where I would be next.....

Zac

[boodrow]

Zac I strongley encourage u to go to the woodturners club. U will met lots of nice willing to help people there. Our club has a library to check out books videos and dvds for free. The cost is 36 dollars a year. We also get discounts from some of the suppliers , 15% from hartville tool. So to me the money is well spent and have a good time at the meetings. Forgot to post in the ealier one.
Boodrow

[sawduster]

I was just spinnin a little sort of combination of coup de grace and the saying "the pen is mightier than the sword". While plume is actually "feather" in French, feathers were the early pens, and plume sounds much better to me than does stylo.

Of course you must go a little nasal with either of those words in order to get the full affect.


Maybe "Zoomin Zac" would be a little catchier. ;D

[sdb777]

You had a good time.
You covered your expenses.
Your set-up was impeccable.
You met some nice guys.

If there was a down side, I don't know what it would be. Sounds like fun. I've sure wasted twenty bucks on stuff that didn't pay off with the things you gained!


Scott (congrats for you) B

[Ruffnek]

Congratulations on a successful show, Zac.

[scottd]

Sounds as if you did OK. Hopefully this is a small step toward bigger things.

Congrats,

Scott