We have been doing craft shows for more than twenty five years. In the past five years or so, craft shows have become overwhelmed with vendors selling imported, commercial merchandise. So much so that you can hardly find the handmade among the garbage that is being sold. There was a time when these "buy and sell" vendors would try to hide that what they were selling was commercial - they would take the stickers off that say "Made in China", they would remove the commercial packaging, and hide the shipping cartons that it all was delivered to them in from the factory. Not anymore. Now the imports are just put out on display with the packaging and the stickers of origin - and the cartons stacked behind the tables.
We recently did a craft show that we have been doing for twenty years. This is actually the only show that we have done for several years now since the commercial vendors overtook the other shows that we do. As we are sitting in on booth we are seeing people walking by with commercial holiday decorations and kids with plastic toys. One woman and daughter came up to look at my wife's collector teddy bears (which sell for all of $5) and the daughter was deciding which one she liked. There was a discussion and then the mother said, "Ok, if you would rather have the Webkin, we will go back to that booth and buy it now." And then they walked away. Webkin? Craft? Of course not. Webkins are commercial dolls. And they were being sold at this so-called "craft show". I then decided to walk around the show and see for myself. I walked up and down the first two aisles of this large show. On those first two aisles alone there were 28 booths selling commercial items (exclusively). This was the majority of booths in those aisles. Moving along to the rest of the show, the same was found. It was hard to find the crafts and easy to see who was getting business - the guys selling jewelery for $3 / 2 for $5. All of which was commercial. With this there is just no way to compete.
In the past at this particular show we would come away with a profit for the day of several hundred dollars. This year we barely sold over the entrance fee for the show - which means that we gave away all that we sold and then lost money.
We have been told - complain to the show promoter. We have done this several times - and each time we were not invited to come back to do the show while the buy and sell vendors returned. All of the shows that we have done, including this one, are juried to get in. Obviously, whoever is jurying the show does not know what they are looking at OR just does not care. And no one ever comes around to see that what you are actually selling at the show is what was juried. The people next to us were selling commercial candy - in the wrappers. Did someone jury Hershey bars?
This is not just a local problem. The professional craft trade magazines have noted this as well - and not just with local shows but with the large "exclusive" shows as well.
It is a disgrace when someone shopping at a craft show comes up and looks at your craft and says "Oh, is this handmade?" A polite, of course, is the answer, but they look astonished that anyone would actually make things to sell. And in essence, they really don't care. And they certainly do not appreciate the time and talent that goes into the items that need to sell for more than the imports.
No, I don't think I want to do craft shows anymore.
Showing posts with label show. Show all posts
Showing posts with label show. Show all posts
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Trying to Find a Real Craft Show
It is harder and harder to find a craft show that makes sure that all that is being offered for sale is actually handmade by the artist who is selling in the booth. We no longer will do a craft show that we have not seen in advance. We attend many shows - walk through the entire show and count how many people selling are selling commercial imports and the numbers are staggering.
We have stop doing most shows that we have done over the years. The few that we do have remained with a majority of real craft being sold but those shows have their growing share of commercial import vendors. One has to question why even call these craft shows at all. Some shows that had wonderful reputations for many years have now started to call themselves craft and gift show because the majority of vendors are selling commercially made items - known in the retail industry as "buy and sell".
Are there fewer craftspeople? Certainly not. What there are - are more people who are out of work who have decided that it is easy to wholesale purchase imports and sell them at craft shows. Some will be very open about what they are selling - offering them in their commercial packaging with the Made in China stickers in place on the items themselves. Some think they are pulling something on the public and when asked if they have made something say yes - and that something is what was seen on the infomercial the night before being sold for $19.99 and you get two plus all of these extras. Really - one guy insisted he made the pocketbooks with the insides that move from bag to bag - just ignore those packing cartons with the commercial name of the product on them under the table. These people think they are pulling something on the craft-buying public and I guess they are because they are there at the craft show selling and people are buying.
I have been asked why can't the two - real craft and buy and sell items go together at a show. The reason is very simple - there is no way to compete. I can purchase from a catalog at wholesale very attractive jewelery that I could sell and make a good profit for at two for ten dollars. And I have seen vendors at craft shows selling exactly this. Now, if it takes me an hour to make a handmade necklace and it costs me ten dollars in materials, how could I sell that necklace at two for $10 to compete with the import seller? There is no way.
I have been at craft shows - very prestigious craft shows - where a customer will come up and ask if I make what they are looking at in my booth. I have to say "of course" which is the truth - but just that someone is asking me and the rest of the real crafts people selling is an indication that something is really wrong. I have seen other legitimate crafts people put signs up that say, "We make everything that we sell." How sad to have to do that at a craft show.
There had been a problem in some states around what could be called a "flea market" and what should not be and some states passed laws about the use of the name "flea market". When the same has been proposed by the craft community about the name "craft show" it has been ignored.
I wish I had an answer. The best that you can do is let the promoters at a craft show know that the people who are selling are not selling crafts - but you know what has happened when I have done that - the response is " So?"
We have stop doing most shows that we have done over the years. The few that we do have remained with a majority of real craft being sold but those shows have their growing share of commercial import vendors. One has to question why even call these craft shows at all. Some shows that had wonderful reputations for many years have now started to call themselves craft and gift show because the majority of vendors are selling commercially made items - known in the retail industry as "buy and sell".
Are there fewer craftspeople? Certainly not. What there are - are more people who are out of work who have decided that it is easy to wholesale purchase imports and sell them at craft shows. Some will be very open about what they are selling - offering them in their commercial packaging with the Made in China stickers in place on the items themselves. Some think they are pulling something on the public and when asked if they have made something say yes - and that something is what was seen on the infomercial the night before being sold for $19.99 and you get two plus all of these extras. Really - one guy insisted he made the pocketbooks with the insides that move from bag to bag - just ignore those packing cartons with the commercial name of the product on them under the table. These people think they are pulling something on the craft-buying public and I guess they are because they are there at the craft show selling and people are buying.
I have been asked why can't the two - real craft and buy and sell items go together at a show. The reason is very simple - there is no way to compete. I can purchase from a catalog at wholesale very attractive jewelery that I could sell and make a good profit for at two for ten dollars. And I have seen vendors at craft shows selling exactly this. Now, if it takes me an hour to make a handmade necklace and it costs me ten dollars in materials, how could I sell that necklace at two for $10 to compete with the import seller? There is no way.
I have been at craft shows - very prestigious craft shows - where a customer will come up and ask if I make what they are looking at in my booth. I have to say "of course" which is the truth - but just that someone is asking me and the rest of the real crafts people selling is an indication that something is really wrong. I have seen other legitimate crafts people put signs up that say, "We make everything that we sell." How sad to have to do that at a craft show.
There had been a problem in some states around what could be called a "flea market" and what should not be and some states passed laws about the use of the name "flea market". When the same has been proposed by the craft community about the name "craft show" it has been ignored.
I wish I had an answer. The best that you can do is let the promoters at a craft show know that the people who are selling are not selling crafts - but you know what has happened when I have done that - the response is " So?"
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Craft Show Wisdom
It is a disgrace. Craft shows are becoming flea markets. There are more commercial "buy and sell" items at craft shows than there are crafts - it does not seem to matter to the promoters who are running the craft shows or the shoppers. So - what does it matter. The promoters are happy and the the shoppers don't mind. Who is it hurting?
IT IS HURTING THE CRAFT ARTISTS! We spend a lot of time creating the things that we make and sell. We express our feelings, our emotions, and our talent in what we create. It is art. It is art that we wish to share through sale to those who appreciate art. The traditional venues to sell art - and craft - is through a gallery or a craft show. The craft show has been the opportunity for the beginning crafts person to introduce his/her work to the world and seek buyers. As craft shows are being run now, that opportunity will soon be gone. There will be no more crafts at craft shows. The artists and the craftspeople will give up because we cannot compete with a guy selling imported merchandise that wholesales for two dollars and he is selling for $5.
At one time - and this is many years ago, it was hidden. The items would be placed out on display disguised as craft - if asked, they would even say "Oh, yes, I make these." One guy even told us that the same ones that you see in Macy's were made by him. (Right!) Now, it is blatent with no attempt at disguise. The import labels are clearly visible. The commercial packaging is right there with the item. The cartons are stacked under the table - all clearly and commercially marked.
We went to a show recently where only four out of the thirty so-called "crafts people" actually made the items that they were selling. There was a table with AVON. There was a table with Webkinz. There was a table with commercially made and packaged candles. There was a table with imported and still in the package scarves. There was a table with a commercial catalog out for you to pick jewelry from. There was a table with books. These, and many more tables of commercial jewelry. The sign outside said "CRAFT SHOW". The advertisement in the paper - which must have cost the promoter $1,000 - said "CRAFT SHOW". But where were the crafts.
What can be done? Not much. Here is why. This happened to me and I know others that it has happened to as well. Here is our story - we were at a craft show that had a good reputation for a community show. We saw many booths selling commercial items and we went to the people who were running the show to point this out to them. They told us that they did not know - what is not to know - the items are tagged "Made in China". They told us that they would go around and look. If they did or not, it does not matter. All of those booths continued to sell their imports for the rest of the day. Now, the kicker. The next year we sent an application to the show. We were not accepted. We went to see the show and what did we find - even more booths selling imports. If you complain, you are not wanted back. So it is better to keep your mouth shut if there is any chance that you might want to come back again next year. This has not just happened to us, but to others at other shows also!
The promoters get their money on the participation fees. Anyone's money is good to them. And calling it a craft show will bring in different and more people than calling it a flea market.
Why do people buy from these booths? They see something that they like and it does not matter who made it or where it came from - and besides it is a bargain.
If you are a shopping at a craft show and you see commercial items go up to the booth and tell the seller how talented she is and then ask how she make these lovely things. See what answer you get. If she (he) tries to bluff then point out the import tags. If it is admitted that they did not make any of it - ask why they are at a crafts show when they should be at a flea market. I am sure that they will say because no one stopped them.
IT IS HURTING THE CRAFT ARTISTS! We spend a lot of time creating the things that we make and sell. We express our feelings, our emotions, and our talent in what we create. It is art. It is art that we wish to share through sale to those who appreciate art. The traditional venues to sell art - and craft - is through a gallery or a craft show. The craft show has been the opportunity for the beginning crafts person to introduce his/her work to the world and seek buyers. As craft shows are being run now, that opportunity will soon be gone. There will be no more crafts at craft shows. The artists and the craftspeople will give up because we cannot compete with a guy selling imported merchandise that wholesales for two dollars and he is selling for $5.
At one time - and this is many years ago, it was hidden. The items would be placed out on display disguised as craft - if asked, they would even say "Oh, yes, I make these." One guy even told us that the same ones that you see in Macy's were made by him. (Right!) Now, it is blatent with no attempt at disguise. The import labels are clearly visible. The commercial packaging is right there with the item. The cartons are stacked under the table - all clearly and commercially marked.
We went to a show recently where only four out of the thirty so-called "crafts people" actually made the items that they were selling. There was a table with AVON. There was a table with Webkinz. There was a table with commercially made and packaged candles. There was a table with imported and still in the package scarves. There was a table with a commercial catalog out for you to pick jewelry from. There was a table with books. These, and many more tables of commercial jewelry. The sign outside said "CRAFT SHOW". The advertisement in the paper - which must have cost the promoter $1,000 - said "CRAFT SHOW". But where were the crafts.
What can be done? Not much. Here is why. This happened to me and I know others that it has happened to as well. Here is our story - we were at a craft show that had a good reputation for a community show. We saw many booths selling commercial items and we went to the people who were running the show to point this out to them. They told us that they did not know - what is not to know - the items are tagged "Made in China". They told us that they would go around and look. If they did or not, it does not matter. All of those booths continued to sell their imports for the rest of the day. Now, the kicker. The next year we sent an application to the show. We were not accepted. We went to see the show and what did we find - even more booths selling imports. If you complain, you are not wanted back. So it is better to keep your mouth shut if there is any chance that you might want to come back again next year. This has not just happened to us, but to others at other shows also!
The promoters get their money on the participation fees. Anyone's money is good to them. And calling it a craft show will bring in different and more people than calling it a flea market.
Why do people buy from these booths? They see something that they like and it does not matter who made it or where it came from - and besides it is a bargain.
If you are a shopping at a craft show and you see commercial items go up to the booth and tell the seller how talented she is and then ask how she make these lovely things. See what answer you get. If she (he) tries to bluff then point out the import tags. If it is admitted that they did not make any of it - ask why they are at a crafts show when they should be at a flea market. I am sure that they will say because no one stopped them.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Craft Show Tip of the Week
Talking to your customers - yes or no? This is a question that can be debated for weeks, but it has been our experience that the answer is let your customers look without talking TOO MUCH to them. Smile always. Greet your customer with a friendly hello and then let them look. At most tell them that you are there to answer any questions - and perhaps introduce your work - "I make everything that you see!" Then shut up. Let them look. If you talk more they will WALK AWAY. People like to look and not feel that they are being pressured. Talking to your customers - whether you intend it or not, will be interpreted as pressure to buy. So keep smiling, be friendly and welcoming, but keep your mouth shut. Once they have picked out their purchase and begin the payment process, you can talk all you like.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Craft Show Tip of the Week
Make a checklist! Before you go to a craft show to sell, make a checklist of everything that you will need to bring with you to the show. When you are packing for the show, use that list to check off each item as you pack it. This way you will have everything that you need and will not leave anything behind. You will be surprised how hectic packing your car or van for a craft show can be. It is easy to forget even the most important things.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Featured Artist of the Week
This week's artist of the week is a jewelry artist with a shop with an interesting and unusual name.
Here is our interview with the artist:
Describe what you make?
I make a variety of jewelry that I sell on etsy. I have a love affair with bright color and earrings in particular. I also sell supplies in a second shop.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I love to work with just about anything. I'm always looking for something that gives me inspiration- Colors, shapes, textures. I spend my weekends quilting, and often translate inspiration from one medium to another.
How long have you been creating craft?
Since I can remember? Both my parents are crafty in their own ways and have their own workshops/studios. I always loved playing with bits and pieces of things when I was a child and reassembling them into something else.
How did you get started?
My parents and family in general were very inspirational in beginning to make things and be proud of the things I made. My grandmother was an artist and art teacher and was always willing to look at things for me. I started looking at my craft as more than a hobby when I moved to Providence a few years ago and working at a science museum wasn't paying the bills. I started working at a fabric store, and really enjoyed working with helping other people get started and making things.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
antelucandaisy means night blooming daisy and I chose it because I am a night owl at heart. I tried to choose whoops-a-daisy as a second shop name (the name of my blog) but couldn't so I chose shooting star because I'm fascinated with stars.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I love it all.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
The most important things is to believe in what you do and enjoy it. I firmly believe that it shows in your work, and makes other people believe too.
_______________________
Her work is great. You must see it. Go to her shop right now! She also has a blog site that you may be interested in - http://antelucandaisy.blogspot.com
And while you are at Etsy, come by and visit with us too!
Here is our interview with the artist:
Describe what you make?
I make a variety of jewelry that I sell on etsy. I have a love affair with bright color and earrings in particular. I also sell supplies in a second shop.
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I love to work with just about anything. I'm always looking for something that gives me inspiration- Colors, shapes, textures. I spend my weekends quilting, and often translate inspiration from one medium to another.
How long have you been creating craft?
Since I can remember? Both my parents are crafty in their own ways and have their own workshops/studios. I always loved playing with bits and pieces of things when I was a child and reassembling them into something else.
How did you get started?
My parents and family in general were very inspirational in beginning to make things and be proud of the things I made. My grandmother was an artist and art teacher and was always willing to look at things for me. I started looking at my craft as more than a hobby when I moved to Providence a few years ago and working at a science museum wasn't paying the bills. I started working at a fabric store, and really enjoyed working with helping other people get started and making things.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
antelucandaisy means night blooming daisy and I chose it because I am a night owl at heart. I tried to choose whoops-a-daisy as a second shop name (the name of my blog) but couldn't so I chose shooting star because I'm fascinated with stars.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That I love it all.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
The most important things is to believe in what you do and enjoy it. I firmly believe that it shows in your work, and makes other people believe too.
_______________________
Her work is great. You must see it. Go to her shop right now! She also has a blog site that you may be interested in - http://antelucandaisy.blogspot.com
And while you are at Etsy, come by and visit with us too!
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Featured Artist of the Week
Our featured artist of the week is Artangel. Artangel is a painter in the United Kingdom and does beautiful paintings.
Here is our interview with the artist, Angela.
Describe what you make.
I am an artist and the work I have on Etsy is all my original art - mostly acrylic or mixed medias paintings on canvas. I like to experiment though, and there are other artworks in my shop too; oil pastels, aceos, etc. (watch this space!)
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
As I said I love to experiment, my favorite mediums at the moment include acrylic paints, collage (I love using found papers and bits of old artwork), colored pencils, watercolor, oil pastels.
How long have you been creating craft?
I have been painting and drawing as long as I can remember. I first sold my work at the age of 11 (on a very small scale, obviously!). I have been selling online for around a year and have been on Etsy since the end of April - it's a great site and has a lovely community.
How did you get started?
I really couldn't say how I got started painting, as I can't remember a time when I didn't. The love of color, texture and art generally is just inate in me I think. I have had a couple of really fantastic art teachers though, who certainly nourished my love of the subject. I first started considering that I may be able to sell my work online at the suggestion of a friend - thanks Julie!
Where does the name of your shop come from?
My name is Angela so I was thinking of maybe having that involved in the shop title, also I have been told that my style is quite feminine and spiritual, so I thought "angel" would fit with both.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
All my work on Etsy at the moment is original art and each piece is unique. I am always happy to create a commissioned piece to your specifications. Painting gives me such satisfaction that in many ways it is reward in itself, but when someone likes my work enough to actually hand over their hard-earned money for it, it is such a thrill!
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Have faith in yourself and your work - you are unique and only you can produce what you produce. Be proud and keep creating - I firmly believe that art, in whatever form, enriches your life and hopefully the lives of others too.
________________________
Take a look at Angela's paintings at her on-line shop.
While you are there come over and also visit with us -
Here is our interview with the artist, Angela.
Describe what you make.
I am an artist and the work I have on Etsy is all my original art - mostly acrylic or mixed medias paintings on canvas. I like to experiment though, and there are other artworks in my shop too; oil pastels, aceos, etc. (watch this space!)
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
As I said I love to experiment, my favorite mediums at the moment include acrylic paints, collage (I love using found papers and bits of old artwork), colored pencils, watercolor, oil pastels.
How long have you been creating craft?
I have been painting and drawing as long as I can remember. I first sold my work at the age of 11 (on a very small scale, obviously!). I have been selling online for around a year and have been on Etsy since the end of April - it's a great site and has a lovely community.
How did you get started?
I really couldn't say how I got started painting, as I can't remember a time when I didn't. The love of color, texture and art generally is just inate in me I think. I have had a couple of really fantastic art teachers though, who certainly nourished my love of the subject. I first started considering that I may be able to sell my work online at the suggestion of a friend - thanks Julie!
Where does the name of your shop come from?
My name is Angela so I was thinking of maybe having that involved in the shop title, also I have been told that my style is quite feminine and spiritual, so I thought "angel" would fit with both.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
All my work on Etsy at the moment is original art and each piece is unique. I am always happy to create a commissioned piece to your specifications. Painting gives me such satisfaction that in many ways it is reward in itself, but when someone likes my work enough to actually hand over their hard-earned money for it, it is such a thrill!
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Have faith in yourself and your work - you are unique and only you can produce what you produce. Be proud and keep creating - I firmly believe that art, in whatever form, enriches your life and hopefully the lives of others too.
________________________
Take a look at Angela's paintings at her on-line shop.
While you are there come over and also visit with us -
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Craft Show Tip of the Week
When doing an indoor craft show try to visit the location before the show to see the access in and out of the building as well as what you may encounter once you are inside to get to your sales space. There have been occasions when we have arrived and found several staircases that needed to be climbed (with your display, tables, and inventory) to get to the sales area. If you cannot see the space, ask very specific questions about access before you apply. With handicapped access more common now this is not always a problem - BUT not all shows are run in accessible areas.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Featured Artist of the Week
This week's featured artist is a jeweler. Her shop is called dandelionblu.
Here is our interview with the artist and owner of the on-line shop.
Describe what you make?
Jewelry- I like to use vintage Lucite for color, and lots of different metals. I just got into enameling so check back for some new enameled work!
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Metal!
How long have you been creating craft?
I have always made things, be it painted seashells I sold on the side of the road as a kid, to photographs, to jewelry.
How did you get started?
I started making beaded jewelry a couple of years ago to give as gifts. Then started taking metal smithing classes last year after getting thoroughly burnt out by my event photography business.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
I like how it sounds and the words look together. My husband came up with the graphic. There is a double visual meaning to "blu" in the graphic.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That it is ever changing, I love to explore new materials, and ways of designing. I am interested in how things hang and often try to work with asymmetrical designs.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Don't get discouraged or stop making- and you are brave for putting yourself out there!
Visit this shop. You will find some great jewelry there. And while you are there come and see the new additions that we have added at
Here is our interview with the artist and owner of the on-line shop.
Describe what you make?
Jewelry- I like to use vintage Lucite for color, and lots of different metals. I just got into enameling so check back for some new enameled work!
What mediums do you enjoy working in most?
Metal!
How long have you been creating craft?
I have always made things, be it painted seashells I sold on the side of the road as a kid, to photographs, to jewelry.
How did you get started?
I started making beaded jewelry a couple of years ago to give as gifts. Then started taking metal smithing classes last year after getting thoroughly burnt out by my event photography business.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
I like how it sounds and the words look together. My husband came up with the graphic. There is a double visual meaning to "blu" in the graphic.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
That it is ever changing, I love to explore new materials, and ways of designing. I am interested in how things hang and often try to work with asymmetrical designs.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
Don't get discouraged or stop making- and you are brave for putting yourself out there!
Visit this shop. You will find some great jewelry there. And while you are there come and see the new additions that we have added at
Craft Show Tip of the Week
When you arrive to do a craft show do not arrive so early that by mid-day you are already exhausted and just want to leave. Your space is reserved for you. You should know in advance how long it takes to set up and arrive with enough time to set up your booth and displays. For some reason many arrive at 6 am for an 11am starting show - by 1pm they are ready to leave complaining how tired they are.
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Craft Show Tip of the Week
Bring change. You are going to need small bills and possibly coins (depending on the prices of your pieces). Stores often start with $40 in the cash register in ones and fives. That is the minimum that you will need at the start of the craft show day. If you sell high price tag craft you may need a lot more to start. You are better off with fives than tens and twenties. You can always use the fives to make change for anything larger. Never rely on getting change from the booths around you - they need their change for their sales!
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Craft Show Tip of the Week
When you sell your craft you are a business. You have left the world of hobby behind. Businesses - especially businesses that sell - must comply with State and local regulations. Don't think that if you are "just selling at a craft show" and you don't have the business documents that you need, you will not get into trouble. Many shows require these documents to apply. Some local authorities visit craft shows just to check on proper sales tax collection, posting of authority to collect sales tax, etc. Do what you need to do before you do a show - avoid costly penalties.
Sunday, June 3, 2007
Featured Artist of the Week
Our featured artist of the week is Poorlulu and she is a needle felting artist. She creates great little dolls and critters with needle felting. For those who do not know what needle felting is - it is the manipulating of wool fibers to stiffen and grab together. The wool can be molded like clay into shapes with the punching of needles or the agitation of the fibers. It is an old and again new craft that is becoming popular.
Here is our interview with Poorlulu -
Describe what you make and what mediums do you enjoy working in most?
I make needle felted collectibles like dolls and bears. And so as you can probably tell that means I love working with wool roving but I have a soft spot for felt as well.
How long have you been creating craft?
I have only been doing this for about 5 months and I am entirely self taught.
How did you get started?
I got started being interested in this craft believe it or not because of ebay. I did a search for outsider art and loved the needle felting stuff that came up and decided to give it a go.
Where does the name of your shop come from?
Poorlulu is the nickname my husband gave me when we first met - it's the name of a character in a comedy show (Harry Enfields show) from the UK. She is a baby constantly being set upon by her jealous toddler little brother, bad harry.
What would you most want people to know about your work?
I would like people to know that I make everything by hand and with lots of love and thought...and that I can make something just for them if they have an idea.
What words of advice do you have for other artists?
My advice probably isn't the best as I just started but I would say if you love what you do stick with it, don't let anyone belittle your work.
Poorlulu has a website in addition to her Etsy shop. Please give that a visit to:
www.stabbies.com
Take a look at her Etsy shop as well and while there stop by and see us!
Craft Show Tip of the Week
When you do a craft show, it is best if you do not go alone. You need to take a friend, relative, anyone who will stay with you for the day. There is going to be a time during the day that you need the restroom, need to get lunch, need to take time to eat. Some who go alone ask the next booth to watch their booth while they are away - not really so good! Not only are their eyes not always on your things, but if you get customers, they are not going to leave their customers to come and help yours, take money, etc. And if you tell them to just say that you will be back and to wait - forget it. No one is really going to wait for you to return - and rarely do you get people coming back later. Once they walk away, most sales are lost.
So my advice this week - don't go it alone!
So my advice this week - don't go it alone!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Craft Show Tip of the Week
Many ask how do you know if a craft show is right for you. The only way to really find out is to visit the show before you apply to do it the next time it is run - which is usually the next year. By attending the show, walking through with the eye of a buyer and the eye of a potential seller, and taking notice of -
How many visitors are at the show?
How many craft booths are at the show?
Are visitors actually buying or just looking? - you can tell by what they are carrying.
Would your crafts fit into the show?
Are there already many booths selling the same type of things that you will sell?
Who are the visitors at the show? Children? Families? Rich? Couples? etc.
How many "craft" booths are selling commercial, non-handmade items? (Don't be surprised to find many!)
Observe everything that you can. Take notes. Before or after the show contact the promoter or location that hosted the show and find out how much the entrance fee is and get on the mailing list to get an application for the next show.
Sometimes there are several shows run by the same promoter - these shows tend to usually be the same at various locations. By visiting one you can get a good idea of what others will be like run by that promoter. You can visit one and apply for the next which may be just a few months away rather than having to wait a year for the Town Craft Fair to be run again.
This is really the best way to find out. But it is not fool-proof. Some shows will change year to year. What may have been a great show this year, may be a show full of commercial merchandise the next year. But, with show costs as they are - visit the show first!
How many visitors are at the show?
How many craft booths are at the show?
Are visitors actually buying or just looking? - you can tell by what they are carrying.
Would your crafts fit into the show?
Are there already many booths selling the same type of things that you will sell?
Who are the visitors at the show? Children? Families? Rich? Couples? etc.
How many "craft" booths are selling commercial, non-handmade items? (Don't be surprised to find many!)
Observe everything that you can. Take notes. Before or after the show contact the promoter or location that hosted the show and find out how much the entrance fee is and get on the mailing list to get an application for the next show.
Sometimes there are several shows run by the same promoter - these shows tend to usually be the same at various locations. By visiting one you can get a good idea of what others will be like run by that promoter. You can visit one and apply for the next which may be just a few months away rather than having to wait a year for the Town Craft Fair to be run again.
This is really the best way to find out. But it is not fool-proof. Some shows will change year to year. What may have been a great show this year, may be a show full of commercial merchandise the next year. But, with show costs as they are - visit the show first!
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Craft Show Tip of the Week
At a craft show do not haggle with a customer over a price and do not accept an offer of a lower price than what you have decided for your work. Many customers at craft shows do not recognize the difference between a flea market with commercially made and imported items and a craft show with handmade craft. The buyer thinks that haggling is part of the "game", as it may be at a flea market or an antique mart. There is little understanding of what has gone into your creation of your craft - the time, the materials, and your talent. By playing this game of haggling and lowering your price you are devaluing your work - and your worth. Don't do it. Have confidence that your work will sell at the prices that you have set. Understand that if a piece does not sell today, it will sell at the next craft show - or the show after that. If you believe that your prices are "too high" then you need to reevaluate all of your prices and determine if you have set them correctly and fairly.
We have often been offered lower prices and we do not give in! I have seen many craft "vendors" give in - and have little respect for them. Be confident in yourself!
We have often been offered lower prices and we do not give in! I have seen many craft "vendors" give in - and have little respect for them. Be confident in yourself!
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