So, what are your show plans for the Christmas season?
Did you say you don't have any yet? What are you waiting for? At this point, many of the "better" holiday shopping shows are filling up, if not already filled. Many have application deadlines in July. (You may have already missed applying for some of the more established shows.)
There is a reason why folks sign up this early for these shows. They have winning track records for bringing out the shoppers and generating lots of sales. It's also a good idea to know what shows you will be doing when and to start gearing up your production to be ready for those busy shows.
Which brings us to my next question -
"Have you started working on your holiday merchandise?"
Christmas is only 193 days away. That's only 26 1/2 weeks! I don't know about you, but I usually don't do any shows after December 7th as I find folks are beginning to panic at that stage and are more likely to head for the mall than to stroll a craft show. So, that brings it down to about 24 weeks.
Now, for most of us, summer gets fairly busy both in the sense of craft shows and in family commitments. Our family has several vacation times built into that time period thus causing a dip in production time. It seems each year, I suddenly arrive at September 1st, the beginning of the holiday selling season and realize I haven't produced as much holiday merchandise as I wanted (and needed). Each year, I say I plan to do better next year. (It's a lot like New Year's Resolutions, the same thing repeats each year!)
Better figure out what you're doing when and how much merchandise you need to get together. then, set up a production schedule and STICK TO IT !!!!
So, I'll ask again, what are you doing about Christmas? (Notice I said "doing" not "planning".)
Showing posts with label Christmas Craft Shows. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Christmas Craft Shows. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Working the Shows Wednesday - Boutique Shows
With only two weekends until Christmas, the holiday show season, for most of us, is now over. Surprisingly, for most of us, it has been a good season.
We were all braced for the worst in view of the economy but most of my crafter acquaintances have reported better than usual sales at most shows, even those in the areas of the country most devastated by the financial crisis and unemployment. There were some shows that were cancelled early on due to the economic situation and fear of extremely poor sales. As always, there were a few shows that simply weren't able to produce the shoppers for whatever reasons. This was nothing new. Show veterans find a few of these every year.
I believe people shopped more carefully this year. It seemed functional items sold better than pure art for art's sake items. If it was functional AND cute or unique looking - even better. Folks did, however, seem to want a reason to give the item. It had to serve a purpose of some sort.
Boutique Shows
The last two show I attended this year were boutique style shows. For those unfamiliar with this term, these are shows where the crafter generally drops their merchandise off for a show of multiple days duration. It is a consignment arrangement of sorts. All items are tagged with the price and coded with that crafter's id code. The show promoter (or "owner") then sells the items from one central checkout point. At the end of the show, each crafter's sales are totaled, a percentage is kept by the promoter and the crafter is paid. The crafter returns to pick up any unsold stock.
These are called "boutique" shows as most are set up like a gift shop or boutique with the crafts mixed together in a pleasing manner as opposed to separate displays for each crafter. Most are set up by the promoter (also known as "owner" or "manager") and usually use display merchandise provided by the promoter. In some cases, the crafter will provide some supplemental displays especially if they have a unique craft that requires unusual display methods.
The consignment percentage is set by the promoter but the crafter sets the selling price. In some cases, crafters are asked to work one or more "shifts" during the show's run where they work the show floor or register. The two shows I attended this year ran for one month (November) and for 10 days, respectively.
Run by one woman, the first show has been taking place twice a year for over 20 years. Over this period, the location has changed a number of times but excellent advertising, postcards to a large mailing list and word of mouth by the crafters has kept it alive and well. It's most recent location (for about 4 years now) is way off the beaten path and a little difficult to find but the crowds have managed to come. Return customers look for new items by specific crafters and also have an eye out for something "new and different" each show. There are about 30 crafters who have been participating in this event for most of the 20 years. Every show, there are a few new folks and a few old ones fall by the wayside for whatever reason.
Producing these shows, twice a year, keeps this lady quite busy. There is a lot of paperwork and planning involved. New crafters contact her on a regular basis. She must meet with each one to review their work and determine if it will fit in with her show. She's careful not to have competition in any area of the show. Multiple jewelers must have entirely different types of work. Painters must do different types of products. If you wish to expand what you offer, you must run it past her. Often, she will nix a specific item as it too closely resembles someone else's product. In addition, she does her own craft and must spend time creating. She and her husband are always on the lookout for new display pieces. (The style of the show is a general store type look and she uses quite a few antique pieces for her displays.)
I began doing shows with this lady over thirty years ago and she participated in a boutique style show I helped to run in those days. I remember her having her first "boutique" show in her living room. It ran for three days and we considered it a big success. Like me, she did as many as 40 shows a year in those days. Now, she makes a healthy income off of just these two shows.
The second show is held in the same general neighborhood. They sometimes run consecutively and shoppers go from one to the other. This show is done on a much smaller scale and has a committee of 5 ladies working together to produce the show. They hold shows four times a year in a club's social hall and it runs for anywhere from 7 to 10 days at a time. They are all participants and choose the additional crafters very carefully so as not to compete with any of their own products. There are a total of about 20 crafters involved with this show. This show also started in one of their homes a number of years ago and has been held in the same public location now for about 8 years.
They also use a large mailing list to send postcards. They post handmade signs on key intersections around the community and run small classified ads in the local papers. They, too, have a devoted following. Interestingly, they require their crafters not to participate in the other show in an effort to provide some exclusivity. I used to think this was bad policy and created a bit of animosity but since they draw on the same clientele I can see why they want to offer merchandise that is different from the other show.
Both shows claim to have had excellent sales this year. While the larger show said sales were about the same as last Christmas, the smaller show noticed a fair increase.
I hope you were able to enjoy excellent sales, too, and are now ready to devote yourselves to your own holiday events.
This will be the last Working the Shows Wednesday post for a while but as the Spring show season approaches I'll bring the series back. For now, we'll all just take a breather.
We were all braced for the worst in view of the economy but most of my crafter acquaintances have reported better than usual sales at most shows, even those in the areas of the country most devastated by the financial crisis and unemployment. There were some shows that were cancelled early on due to the economic situation and fear of extremely poor sales. As always, there were a few shows that simply weren't able to produce the shoppers for whatever reasons. This was nothing new. Show veterans find a few of these every year.
I believe people shopped more carefully this year. It seemed functional items sold better than pure art for art's sake items. If it was functional AND cute or unique looking - even better. Folks did, however, seem to want a reason to give the item. It had to serve a purpose of some sort.
Boutique Shows
The last two show I attended this year were boutique style shows. For those unfamiliar with this term, these are shows where the crafter generally drops their merchandise off for a show of multiple days duration. It is a consignment arrangement of sorts. All items are tagged with the price and coded with that crafter's id code. The show promoter (or "owner") then sells the items from one central checkout point. At the end of the show, each crafter's sales are totaled, a percentage is kept by the promoter and the crafter is paid. The crafter returns to pick up any unsold stock.
These are called "boutique" shows as most are set up like a gift shop or boutique with the crafts mixed together in a pleasing manner as opposed to separate displays for each crafter. Most are set up by the promoter (also known as "owner" or "manager") and usually use display merchandise provided by the promoter. In some cases, the crafter will provide some supplemental displays especially if they have a unique craft that requires unusual display methods.
Most of us like doing these sales as they have our merchandise out there in front of the world while we're off doing something else. Most are run by crafters themselves who are also showing their own work and are, therefore, concerned about making the show a success. They appreciate the merchandise and handle it with care. The only drawback is that you have a sizable amount of stock tied up, usually during a prime selling period. The good points are your work is on sale 7 days a week for the duration, you're not hauling displays in and out and not spending down time sitting there waiting for a sale.
The consignment percentage is set by the promoter but the crafter sets the selling price. In some cases, crafters are asked to work one or more "shifts" during the show's run where they work the show floor or register. The two shows I attended this year ran for one month (November) and for 10 days, respectively.
Run by one woman, the first show has been taking place twice a year for over 20 years. Over this period, the location has changed a number of times but excellent advertising, postcards to a large mailing list and word of mouth by the crafters has kept it alive and well. It's most recent location (for about 4 years now) is way off the beaten path and a little difficult to find but the crowds have managed to come. Return customers look for new items by specific crafters and also have an eye out for something "new and different" each show. There are about 30 crafters who have been participating in this event for most of the 20 years. Every show, there are a few new folks and a few old ones fall by the wayside for whatever reason.
Producing these shows, twice a year, keeps this lady quite busy. There is a lot of paperwork and planning involved. New crafters contact her on a regular basis. She must meet with each one to review their work and determine if it will fit in with her show. She's careful not to have competition in any area of the show. Multiple jewelers must have entirely different types of work. Painters must do different types of products. If you wish to expand what you offer, you must run it past her. Often, she will nix a specific item as it too closely resembles someone else's product. In addition, she does her own craft and must spend time creating. She and her husband are always on the lookout for new display pieces. (The style of the show is a general store type look and she uses quite a few antique pieces for her displays.)
I began doing shows with this lady over thirty years ago and she participated in a boutique style show I helped to run in those days. I remember her having her first "boutique" show in her living room. It ran for three days and we considered it a big success. Like me, she did as many as 40 shows a year in those days. Now, she makes a healthy income off of just these two shows.
The second show is held in the same general neighborhood. They sometimes run consecutively and shoppers go from one to the other. This show is done on a much smaller scale and has a committee of 5 ladies working together to produce the show. They hold shows four times a year in a club's social hall and it runs for anywhere from 7 to 10 days at a time. They are all participants and choose the additional crafters very carefully so as not to compete with any of their own products. There are a total of about 20 crafters involved with this show. This show also started in one of their homes a number of years ago and has been held in the same public location now for about 8 years.
They also use a large mailing list to send postcards. They post handmade signs on key intersections around the community and run small classified ads in the local papers. They, too, have a devoted following. Interestingly, they require their crafters not to participate in the other show in an effort to provide some exclusivity. I used to think this was bad policy and created a bit of animosity but since they draw on the same clientele I can see why they want to offer merchandise that is different from the other show.
Both shows claim to have had excellent sales this year. While the larger show said sales were about the same as last Christmas, the smaller show noticed a fair increase.
I hope you were able to enjoy excellent sales, too, and are now ready to devote yourselves to your own holiday events.
This will be the last Working the Shows Wednesday post for a while but as the Spring show season approaches I'll bring the series back. For now, we'll all just take a breather.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Working the Shows Wednesday - Mid-Season Show Assessments
Normally holiday merchandise starts to move in mid-September but this year didn’t seem get rolling then. It looked to be a fairly poor season. Crafters made forecasts based on those sales and the general economy.
Mid-October shows were still rocky. There were a few bright spots among some dismal reports. While most were still doing some outdoor shows, the weather was definitely acting up and affecting some of those events.
November has brought a change in the markets. People have begun to buy and they have REALLY begun to buy. I’m getting a lot of nice reports from established crafters doing a number of established shows.
----------
One friend scrapped several shows due to weather issues. Extreme winds can do a lot of damage to both merchandise and display equipment. One of those she left early on the first day of a 2-day show had seemed to start off well but the winds picked up and ran at a steady 25-30 mph by early afternoon when she pulled the plug. At that point she had covered her expenses but was fighting a losing battle with the weather. Many of the exhibitors had already gone for the day. The weather did not let up and they did not even attempt to set up on the second day. So, basically that one was a wash.
Her product line is mostly fabric and includes both practical household items as well as stuffed toys and animals which are predominantly designed as “collectibles.” She makes a few toy items also. Some products are priced in the $5 range as “bread and butter” type sales but they do average more in the $20-$35 area.
Her next show is a long one, beginning the first of November and running through a 3-week span. (Still going at this posting.) Sales have been steady - not overwhelming but not bad, either. In her part of the country (extreme Southwest) this is still an outdoor event so weather still plays a factor. There will be some “closed” days due to weather so she won’t be able to assess the success of the show until next week. She‘s thinking this is the best she‘s done there in the three years she‘s been doing this show!
She snuck in an extra one day show amidst the long one and says sales were great! At that show, she mainly had a number of her smaller less expensive items and quite a few tree ornaments. Folks were definitely there to shop.
**Latest update from this friend - she is amazed at her sales this year. The best she’s seen in the six years she has been living and selling in that part of the country! She’s starting to run out of stock and is frantically working to stock her shelves! She’s asking, “What recession?”
-----------
The same weekend as that first show, another pal in another part of the country (upper Midwest) did a 2--day show that was fantastic! This particular area of the country was one of the hardest hit by the recent economic crisis and recovery there will take years but folks were out and not just attending the show but buying in full force. She’s been doing shows for many years and declared this a very successful and profitable weekend.
This crafter does mostly painted wooden items ranging from tree ornaments, to household décor items, toys and a lot of seasonal pieces. Her prices range from $5 through about $45 for the most part.
Her next show, a smaller one was also a resounding success. She’s been very pleasantly surprised. Luckily, she and her husband/partner have worked steadily through the last few months and, although the house looks like a warehouse, they have had no trouble keeping stocked for these great sales. They can keep up by working at a reasonable pace between weekend shows.
They are currently gearing up for the “BIG” show they do over the Thanksgiving weekend. Hopefully the big sales will follow them through that event, too!
----------
Yet another acquaintance (this one in the Southeast) began showing at a weekly one-day market November 1st and will continue exhibiting there through the holiday season. The opening weekends for her have been very successful forcing her to frantically work to restock. She amazes me with her production pace! Her products are all fabric creations and range from $5 through $100 (some even higher). She has been more than pleasantly surprised by her success there.
She also has another craft show (not part of the weekly market) scheduled for this week and has been gearing up for what she anticipates to be higher sales. A recent transplant, this is her first selling season in that part of the country so she does not have an established following there.
----------
Rounding out this week’s reports is one from yet another friend in the New York City area. She’s completed several street type festivals and one boutique style show within the last few weeks. Her items are more high-end, ranging from $45-$250 (utilitarian fabric creations) and sales have been “satisfactory” but not overwhelming. She has, however, made many contacts and has received some follow-up orders. A true assessment can’t be made until the holidays are over as folks tend to go home and consider purchases of this size before making the actual transaction.
----------
Last week I told you about the big Autumn Festival in Omaha. I witnessed many sales being made at that event and they seemed evenly distributed among the various crafters. No one type of item gobbling up all the sales.
-----------
This is not to say there have not been a number of duds among these gems. I’ve also heard from a number of folks reporting none or very dismal sales at more than one show. Quite a few of the older, established shows were canceled this year for whatever reasons. (I have to assume the economy has made a few blows.) This left many veteran artists and crafters searching for new venues.
Many of us are still waiting for the swarm to hit our online shops. I’m holding out judgment there until after the Thanksgiving weekend. Personally, I am trying to gear up for that anticipated surge. In the meantime, I am working my way through the sales coming from many of my repeat customers who have kindly started their Christmas shopping early.
Here’s wishing y’all a busy sales season starting now!!!
Mid-October shows were still rocky. There were a few bright spots among some dismal reports. While most were still doing some outdoor shows, the weather was definitely acting up and affecting some of those events.
November has brought a change in the markets. People have begun to buy and they have REALLY begun to buy. I’m getting a lot of nice reports from established crafters doing a number of established shows.
----------
One friend scrapped several shows due to weather issues. Extreme winds can do a lot of damage to both merchandise and display equipment. One of those she left early on the first day of a 2-day show had seemed to start off well but the winds picked up and ran at a steady 25-30 mph by early afternoon when she pulled the plug. At that point she had covered her expenses but was fighting a losing battle with the weather. Many of the exhibitors had already gone for the day. The weather did not let up and they did not even attempt to set up on the second day. So, basically that one was a wash.
Her product line is mostly fabric and includes both practical household items as well as stuffed toys and animals which are predominantly designed as “collectibles.” She makes a few toy items also. Some products are priced in the $5 range as “bread and butter” type sales but they do average more in the $20-$35 area.
Her next show is a long one, beginning the first of November and running through a 3-week span. (Still going at this posting.) Sales have been steady - not overwhelming but not bad, either. In her part of the country (extreme Southwest) this is still an outdoor event so weather still plays a factor. There will be some “closed” days due to weather so she won’t be able to assess the success of the show until next week. She‘s thinking this is the best she‘s done there in the three years she‘s been doing this show!
She snuck in an extra one day show amidst the long one and says sales were great! At that show, she mainly had a number of her smaller less expensive items and quite a few tree ornaments. Folks were definitely there to shop.
**Latest update from this friend - she is amazed at her sales this year. The best she’s seen in the six years she has been living and selling in that part of the country! She’s starting to run out of stock and is frantically working to stock her shelves! She’s asking, “What recession?”
-----------
The same weekend as that first show, another pal in another part of the country (upper Midwest) did a 2--day show that was fantastic! This particular area of the country was one of the hardest hit by the recent economic crisis and recovery there will take years but folks were out and not just attending the show but buying in full force. She’s been doing shows for many years and declared this a very successful and profitable weekend.
This crafter does mostly painted wooden items ranging from tree ornaments, to household décor items, toys and a lot of seasonal pieces. Her prices range from $5 through about $45 for the most part.
Her next show, a smaller one was also a resounding success. She’s been very pleasantly surprised. Luckily, she and her husband/partner have worked steadily through the last few months and, although the house looks like a warehouse, they have had no trouble keeping stocked for these great sales. They can keep up by working at a reasonable pace between weekend shows.
They are currently gearing up for the “BIG” show they do over the Thanksgiving weekend. Hopefully the big sales will follow them through that event, too!
----------
Yet another acquaintance (this one in the Southeast) began showing at a weekly one-day market November 1st and will continue exhibiting there through the holiday season. The opening weekends for her have been very successful forcing her to frantically work to restock. She amazes me with her production pace! Her products are all fabric creations and range from $5 through $100 (some even higher). She has been more than pleasantly surprised by her success there.
She also has another craft show (not part of the weekly market) scheduled for this week and has been gearing up for what she anticipates to be higher sales. A recent transplant, this is her first selling season in that part of the country so she does not have an established following there.
----------
Rounding out this week’s reports is one from yet another friend in the New York City area. She’s completed several street type festivals and one boutique style show within the last few weeks. Her items are more high-end, ranging from $45-$250 (utilitarian fabric creations) and sales have been “satisfactory” but not overwhelming. She has, however, made many contacts and has received some follow-up orders. A true assessment can’t be made until the holidays are over as folks tend to go home and consider purchases of this size before making the actual transaction.
----------
Last week I told you about the big Autumn Festival in Omaha. I witnessed many sales being made at that event and they seemed evenly distributed among the various crafters. No one type of item gobbling up all the sales.
-----------
This is not to say there have not been a number of duds among these gems. I’ve also heard from a number of folks reporting none or very dismal sales at more than one show. Quite a few of the older, established shows were canceled this year for whatever reasons. (I have to assume the economy has made a few blows.) This left many veteran artists and crafters searching for new venues.
Many of us are still waiting for the swarm to hit our online shops. I’m holding out judgment there until after the Thanksgiving weekend. Personally, I am trying to gear up for that anticipated surge. In the meantime, I am working my way through the sales coming from many of my repeat customers who have kindly started their Christmas shopping early.
Here’s wishing y’all a busy sales season starting now!!!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Working the Shows Wednesday - Autmn Festival - An Arts & Crafts Affair
We extended our Omaha stay by an extra day so I could attend the 27th Annual Autumn Festival - An Arts & Crafts Affair. I’ve attended this fantastic show in the past but have not been in town for the last three years so I really wanted to get there this visit.
Held at the beautiful and roomy Quest Center in downtown Omaha, this show features 400 artists and craftspeople and runs for four days. This year’s dates were November 5-8. An admission fee of $7 per person is charged but discount coupons abound. It seems two coupons are included in the daily paper for at least two weeks prior to the show and post cards are filled out by each attendee which serve two purposes. First, hourly door prizes are drawn from the post card boxes qualifying winners for $30 gift certificates good at any booth at the show. Then, the post cards are used to notify shoppers prior to the next show and serve as discount admission coupons when presented at the door.
The show is well attended on all four days. We went on Thursday and arrived about a half hour after the doors opened. We had about a ten minute line to get in at that point. It looked like a march for a cause to see the women (yes, it was mostly women) coming across the road from the parking lots. (Quest Center has plenty of parking available for a nominal fee.) Folks came prepared to shop, equipped with those fold-up shopping carts, large tote bags with wheels and some even brought along wheeled luggage to load their merchandise! 
This show features the best selection of affordable crafts I’ve ever found at a large show. Just about any craft you can think of is represented and none strike you as overpriced for what they are. In fact, I wonder how some can be sold for the prices they are marked. There were quite a few items I felt I had the talent and skills to make if I desired but did not feel I could produce one for the selling price. One can accomplish a lot of Christmas shopping here as well as decorate the home with all sorts of unique holiday themed pieces. The place was mobbed and folks were buying. One often had to wait in line to pay for purchases. It took us well over four and a half hours to walk the show !
A great selection of food is available but does lean to the pricier side. Choices include American BBQ like ribs, chicken and such, Greek specialties, Philly cheese steaks, Indian and Asian foods, and Mexican selections as well as pastries, salads and more. The one strange aspect is that most of the food vendors do not offer beverages. You must get your meal and then find another stand to get a drink. This is complicated when you are also balancing your many purchases while maneuvering through the crowd. Soda pop- is only available from one stand and there is a fresh lemonade stand. One or two of the others offer versions of iced tea at a premium price per cup. There was a specialty coffee vendor with cappuccino available. There is light entertainment throughout the day all four days and there is a sizeable seating area available near the food vendors. We were able to find seats at a table fairly easy this time but in the past have experienced difficulty locating a seat.
Regularly ranked in the Top 100 Shows by Sunshine Artists, the event is produced by Huffman Productions, Inc. out of Boys Town, Nebraska (which is actually a part of Omaha). The Huffmans both come from a craft background and have the advantage of seeing the craftsman’s perspective as well as the promoter’s point of view. Their exhibitors are treated well and return year after year. They are happy to learn you are a returning customer and eager to show you the year’s new merchandise lines. (We have purchased personalized ornaments for the children in the family each year from the same crafter and look forward to the new designs.)
I have considered doing this juried show in the past, if I could get in. However, I have hesitated as it is a long show and sales volume is so great I have doubts as to whether I could produce enough merchandise. I would also need to rent a larger vehicle to transport my merchandise cross country. Many of these sellers travel in a large RV and tow trailers, too.
It is an expensive show to do. As with most premier convention center locales, the space rental is sizeable. If you can’t support minimal expenses of $700 to $1000, don’t even think about it. The average tends to run closer to $1,500. I think the venue is fairly priced for what it is and for what the promoters deliver. (You are paying for a top-notch show.)
While not an issue for us, if you do not have a live aboard vehicle, lodging is a major consideration as the show is held in downtown Omaha and convention type prices prevail. I spoke with one gentleman who claimed the best hotel rates were at the casinos across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa (about a 15 minute drive) but I have to wonder about the practicality of staying in a casino. How much profit might one be tempted to risk?
If you are just looking for a great show to visit and shop, consider one of the Huffman’s shows. They also do a Spring Festival at the Quest Center (April 9,10 and 11, 2010) as well as shows in Minneapolis, the Chicago area, and Sioux Falls, SD. You can check out their website at www.hpifestivals.com.
Held at the beautiful and roomy Quest Center in downtown Omaha, this show features 400 artists and craftspeople and runs for four days. This year’s dates were November 5-8. An admission fee of $7 per person is charged but discount coupons abound. It seems two coupons are included in the daily paper for at least two weeks prior to the show and post cards are filled out by each attendee which serve two purposes. First, hourly door prizes are drawn from the post card boxes qualifying winners for $30 gift certificates good at any booth at the show. Then, the post cards are used to notify shoppers prior to the next show and serve as discount admission coupons when presented at the door.
The show is well attended on all four days. We went on Thursday and arrived about a half hour after the doors opened. We had about a ten minute line to get in at that point. It looked like a march for a cause to see the women (yes, it was mostly women) coming across the road from the parking lots. (Quest Center has plenty of parking available for a nominal fee.) Folks came prepared to shop, equipped with those fold-up shopping carts, large tote bags with wheels and some even brought along wheeled luggage to load their merchandise! This show features the best selection of affordable crafts I’ve ever found at a large show. Just about any craft you can think of is represented and none strike you as overpriced for what they are. In fact, I wonder how some can be sold for the prices they are marked. There were quite a few items I felt I had the talent and skills to make if I desired but did not feel I could produce one for the selling price. One can accomplish a lot of Christmas shopping here as well as decorate the home with all sorts of unique holiday themed pieces. The place was mobbed and folks were buying. One often had to wait in line to pay for purchases. It took us well over four and a half hours to walk the show !A great selection of food is available but does lean to the pricier side. Choices include American BBQ like ribs, chicken and such, Greek specialties, Philly cheese steaks, Indian and Asian foods, and Mexican selections as well as pastries, salads and more. The one strange aspect is that most of the food vendors do not offer beverages. You must get your meal and then find another stand to get a drink. This is complicated when you are also balancing your many purchases while maneuvering through the crowd. Soda pop- is only available from one stand and there is a fresh lemonade stand. One or two of the others offer versions of iced tea at a premium price per cup. There was a specialty coffee vendor with cappuccino available. There is light entertainment throughout the day all four days and there is a sizeable seating area available near the food vendors. We were able to find seats at a table fairly easy this time but in the past have experienced difficulty locating a seat.
Regularly ranked in the Top 100 Shows by Sunshine Artists, the event is produced by Huffman Productions, Inc. out of Boys Town, Nebraska (which is actually a part of Omaha). The Huffmans both come from a craft background and have the advantage of seeing the craftsman’s perspective as well as the promoter’s point of view. Their exhibitors are treated well and return year after year. They are happy to learn you are a returning customer and eager to show you the year’s new merchandise lines. (We have purchased personalized ornaments for the children in the family each year from the same crafter and look forward to the new designs.)
I have considered doing this juried show in the past, if I could get in. However, I have hesitated as it is a long show and sales volume is so great I have doubts as to whether I could produce enough merchandise. I would also need to rent a larger vehicle to transport my merchandise cross country. Many of these sellers travel in a large RV and tow trailers, too.
It is an expensive show to do. As with most premier convention center locales, the space rental is sizeable. If you can’t support minimal expenses of $700 to $1000, don’t even think about it. The average tends to run closer to $1,500. I think the venue is fairly priced for what it is and for what the promoters deliver. (You are paying for a top-notch show.)
While not an issue for us, if you do not have a live aboard vehicle, lodging is a major consideration as the show is held in downtown Omaha and convention type prices prevail. I spoke with one gentleman who claimed the best hotel rates were at the casinos across the river in Council Bluffs, Iowa (about a 15 minute drive) but I have to wonder about the practicality of staying in a casino. How much profit might one be tempted to risk?
If you are just looking for a great show to visit and shop, consider one of the Huffman’s shows. They also do a Spring Festival at the Quest Center (April 9,10 and 11, 2010) as well as shows in Minneapolis, the Chicago area, and Sioux Falls, SD. You can check out their website at www.hpifestivals.com.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Working the Shows Wednesday - Do you know how close Christmas REALLY is?
Christmas is coming and it will be here before you know it. There are only 21 weekends left till the big day. Do you have all your Fall and Holiday shows lined up? If not, now is the time. In fact, it’s a little late to register for the really popular annual events. Better get moving.
Next question - How much holiday merchandise do you have ready right this moment? (You only get half credit for those left-overs from last Christmas that didn’t sell and didn’t work for anyone on your personal gift list.) You can’t sell it if you don’t have it to show. Set up a production schedule now and get cracking.
If you are on Etsy, you may have noticed those Sellers who are participating in the Christmas in July promotion. At this point, I can safely say, they have a leg up on me. I have begun producing Christmas items but I haven’t started marketing them yet for 2009.
To get your full listing price value (4 months of exposure) on Etsy, you need to get your items listed by early August. Check with the Post Office and find out the “Ship by dates” and note that in your shop announcement. This will be especially important to those who need to ship overseas. If your items are custom-made and take some time to produce be sure to set realistic cut-off dates for holiday orders. At least two of the big commercial gift shows attended by retailers occurred this past week. Store buyers are lining up their Christmas product line now. Have you talked with any brick and mortar shops you deal with about what they might be interested in this holiday season?
Me, personally? I’m working on gingerbread men this week. How about you?
So, while you’re stretched out there on the beach house, sketching out your Christmas designs or at least thinking about them, drinking a HUGE margarita (or such), why not wear a Santa hat? It’ll put you in the mood and confuse your neighbors!
Next question - How much holiday merchandise do you have ready right this moment? (You only get half credit for those left-overs from last Christmas that didn’t sell and didn’t work for anyone on your personal gift list.) You can’t sell it if you don’t have it to show. Set up a production schedule now and get cracking.
If you are on Etsy, you may have noticed those Sellers who are participating in the Christmas in July promotion. At this point, I can safely say, they have a leg up on me. I have begun producing Christmas items but I haven’t started marketing them yet for 2009.
To get your full listing price value (4 months of exposure) on Etsy, you need to get your items listed by early August. Check with the Post Office and find out the “Ship by dates” and note that in your shop announcement. This will be especially important to those who need to ship overseas. If your items are custom-made and take some time to produce be sure to set realistic cut-off dates for holiday orders. At least two of the big commercial gift shows attended by retailers occurred this past week. Store buyers are lining up their Christmas product line now. Have you talked with any brick and mortar shops you deal with about what they might be interested in this holiday season?
Me, personally? I’m working on gingerbread men this week. How about you?
So, while you’re stretched out there on the beach house, sketching out your Christmas designs or at least thinking about them, drinking a HUGE margarita (or such), why not wear a Santa hat? It’ll put you in the mood and confuse your neighbors!
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