Had a mini-show on Sunday - success!

[sachbvn]

I was invited to a last minute (10 or 14 days notice, so not really LAST minute I guess) show on Sunday.

It was held in a grade school gym, no entrance fee, but they asked for a percentage of your sales. This was used as a fundraiser for the grade school.

I say show, but it was one of those deals where a bunch of "vendors" come in, set up displays - some have "cash and carry" but many just took orders. All sorts of stuff from Avon, Tupperware, Longeberger Baskets, Miche Purses, those little light-bulb heat pots that melt scented wax, etc...... needless to say I was the ONLY thing what-so-ever craft related.

A friend was going to be there so that's the only reason I really went - it cost nothing to enter and didn't interfere with my schedule at all - it went from 12:00 - 4:00pm so it was pretty short.

Well - I'm glad I went, it was a success. I sold 4 bottle stoppers and like 8 pens I think. I had agreed on 10% of my total sales, plus I donated two items for raffle prizes - they only wanted to take one, but I talked them into taking the second - which by the way, everyone wanted to win! Not tooting my own horn, but it's true - several vendors came to me and told me that they hoped to win my pen or bottle stopper.


I don't know how many people came yet but I'm guessing no more than 200..... I really have no idea. I will find out, but not sure right now.

So...... this kind of made me realize..... I don't wanna be caught with my pants down at my next show which usually draws 10,000 people over 2 days. I just ordered more stoppers from Ruth Niles, and some boxes from Mannie.

I've got some pen blanks glued up and trimmed - just need to be turned, finished, and assembled. I need to make some more though.

OH - FYI - I recommend trying the stabilized spalted sycamore from Woodturningz - (or if you are lucky enough to have your own) I've made two cigar pens out of them and they both sold immediately.



Zac

[sdb777]

Sounds like exactly the correct place to sell!

Everyone was there to support the school, and the cash was flowing....and some of it ended up in your pocket!



Scott (toot away, you deserve it) B

[Ruffnek]

Way to go, Zac. That many sales with only 200 people attending is fantastic.

[maverick31]

thats excellent news zac. glad to hear it paid off for ya.

[rdabpenman]

Way to go Zac!
Any photos?
You know what they say, "No Pics, Never Happened" ;D

Les

[Doug B]

Fantastic Zac! With the economy the way it is right now, that is a real good show result. Congrats!

[deepsplinter]

Don't ya love it when a plan comes together!

Even if it's a last minute plan. (10 or 14 days notice, so not really LAST minute I guess)

[sachbvn]

Thanks guys,

Yep - here is one picture I took of my table.... ok - don't laugh.... I feel like the kid whose pants were WAY too short. They had tables already set up for us.... I put on my table cloth and realized that they were using 8' tables and the table cloth was cut for the 6' table I normally use! I just went with it, I had my table in the car but decided - what the heck.

If it were an actual "craft show" where I was expecting sales, I would have switched the two.



Thanks!
Zac


Ok....WTH? Now there is no "browse pictures" button when you reply to a thread. Uhh......? Well I used Tim's tinypic.com and loaded the picture anyways.


Zac

[triplefreak]

Good on ya Zac!

[sdb777]

Zac,

The cards under the items....what kind of card stock are you using, or is it just the normal paper?
Also, what size font are you using?


Just wondering....has it helped sales or is it still to early to tell?



Scott (good looking table none-the-less) B

[rdabpenman]

Nice selection of items Zac!
I like that you used description cars for your pens and bottle stoppers.

I give each of my pen customers a description card with pen style, plating, barrel material, type of finish, how to care for the pen, type of refill and instructions on how to change the refill.

Les

[sachbvn]

Hey guys, this one is straight from our friend Doug - the cards are actually business cards and on the back I stick a couple Avery labels that I print off the computer, they are a real good size to fit in the orientation that they are.

I have wood type, kit style and color, ink refill, pen # and then price. I think it's "6 font but can't remember, might be bigger.

It helps me keep track of everything I make and sell, and helps people browse without having ask a question on every pen, I wouldn't mind answering questions but sometimes people don't like asking, they just want to look. I put each card and pen in their own bag and that is how they travel to shows and are stored at home.

Pretty good system I think, and it probably helps sales because it clearly adds a professional loom to your table.


Thanks!
Zac

[boodrow]

Zac glad u made some coin, Great lookin setup , gives me some clues on maybe doin the same thing this fall if I can talk Cody into it. One word of advice , tell the lil woman that the coin u made is still tryin to recover expenses , maybe that way u can keep it all in ur pocket
Boodrow

[jb34]

Wow what a win win deal. You made some money, and you also made money for a really good cause. Great way to spend an afternoon. Plus you got to talk to a lot of people and spread the word about yourself. Hopefully you get some orders from the people you talked to.