I learned a few lessons at some of the shows late in the season this past year that I intend to integrate this year. Once upon a time I would never have dreamed of selling anything for $5 to $10 in my booth. I wanted items at least $35 and above because I didn't want people to perceive my work as cheap. I wanted them to see that I valued it, and so should they. Well, in September I had one of my regular shows scheduled but with the economy crumbling I became nervous and decided that I had better make some low end pieces that *anyone* could afford - even in our failing economy. So I created a LOT of earrings that were $15 a pair or 3 for $30. They were made mostly with scrap metal and inexpensive beads with a few swarovskis thrown in for sparkle - nothing fancy. I figured with Christmas around the corner I could push them as inexpensive gifts and great stocking stuffers and at least get a good deal of $30 sales. This was a good plan as it turns out - for what was usually a good show for me would have been a total bust without this approach. I sold nearly $700 worth of 3 for 30 earrings - and except for a couple of large purchases everything else that sold was $45 or under. So my little low end earrings saved this show - which otherwise would have been less than a bread winner to say the least. So, that story being told ... the lesson for me was to integrate more low end items that have little material and next to no time invested. I figured that most of the earrings I made cost me around $1.25 to $2 and 5 mins or less to make, so in the end even at $10 a pop I was getting a good turn around. They sold effortlessly. All I had to do was point them out to people and they devoured them. I spent each night after the show making as many new earrings as I could. I even made them at the show to try to keep up with the demand. So... more bread and butter items $20 and below!
While I have mostly stuck to local shows over the years, venturing out of my own state for shows on rare occasions, I intend to do a LOT more of that this year. I have been researching and gathering applications for the last month and working towards mapping out the year ahead as much as possible. In the past, while working a full time job, I have only done on average of 4 shows per year … occasionally more. However, this year I am attempting to line up in the neighborhood of 17 shows. That will certainly be different for me.
I am also working to give my booth a makeover. Since I have been operating more in the capacity of a hobbyist in recent years than a full time professional, I have invested very little in my booth. This year, I want to step it up (within financial reason) so that it helps me to get into some of the more high end shows. I am presently doing a lot of research in this department as well.
I am also going to devote more time to updating my website (which sorely needs it) and working my blog and my mailing list to keep me on the minds of my customers. I want them to think of ME when they are looking for a birthday gift for their dear friend. I want my work to be accessible and affordable to everyone financially.
So, that’s my plans for the year ahead. That actually represents a lot of change for me. In many ways, I see the year ahead as an adventure. I hope it proves to be a good one.
Delia
http://www.DeliaStone.com
