SHOW STUFF:

We're well into summer now. Picnics, swimming, staying indoors with the air conditioner! This is a good time of year to start heavy duty scheduling for "Holiday Shows." The better shows fill up fast, so get your reservation in early.

I'vd had some questions that fit right in with this topic:

Q - Reading about the different shows is really confusing. Some booth space is really too expensive for me, but if I pay for a booth that is really low in price does that mean the show is not going to be profitable?

A - An expensive booth space doesn't guarantee a wonderful, profitable show. Some of the inexpensive neighborhood or school shows have been our best. Just do your homework before signing up for shows.

Try to find someone who has participated in a show you think looks interesting. Ask how business was and if the show was well attended. If you can't find someone to ask, go scouting. Find the location of the show, then look around the neighborhood. You have to analyze the type of customer that will come to the show. Does the neighborhood look expensive or average? If near stores, go into the stores, browse and see who is shopping. looking can help you determine if your product will be purchased by those in the surrounding neighborhood.

Q - Prices on booth spaces certainly vary. In one show, $15.00 is charged for the same size that in another show costs $150.00. Can I change my prices on my items to match the booth fees?

A - You must make the decision. Many customers are addicted shoppers and attend most of the craft shows. The person who sees you in an inexpensive booth with low prices, than sees you in a more expensive booth with high prices might not trust you in the future.

When you sell the same item in both locations; they question how the price can change so much from location to location.

Prices vary on booths depending on the policy of the show management. Prices are based on location, quality of products and whether or not the show is juried.

Q - I want to try to sell at craft shows, how many shows can I do before I decide if the business is for me?

A - None. Actually selling at organized craft shows where you are making money means you ARE in business. Most states require that you have a sales tax number, because by their law you must charge sales tax. When money exchanges hands from a customers to yours, you must keep track of that income and file a Schedule C "Profit or Loss from Business" form with your personal income tax return.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic