While I was in Breckenridge in July a couple of seasoned pros came by my tent and gave me some helpful hints.
One was not to, get discouraged this year because they've seen this down turn in the economy before and that it will get better. Another was to get rid of my curtains, they were good ten years ago, but something like pro panels are better.(That will have to wait until I make some more money)
The other thing was to get the Bruce Baker cd's. I did that and I've listened to one of them on sales and marketing.my problem with cd's is that I'm a visual learner and listening to a cd makes my mind wonder. I did learn some things though and I will keep the sales cd in the van to pump me up on the way to a show since I am not a natural salesman.
I am really amazed at how helpful and encouraging people are. I have shared this site with many on the road because of the resources here and the people.
A side to Munks, Bruce agrees with you about sitting.
You need to be a member of Art Fair Insiders to add comments!
I truly believe this is possibly the best time to start out! Those who started when the money came fast and easy are now leaving because they actually have to work at making money. So don't get discouraged!
One of the hardest parts of our business is sales. The creative part comes easy for some. So you must work at the part you're weakest at. When I started out I too was unsure about actually talking up my work. But then an old sage talked to me. He said dancers have mirrors in the studio for a reason. So they can see themselves as others see them. So you too, must become comfortable as others see you. So look in a mirror and practice a "spiel". Become comfortable with yourself and you'll become comfortable with others. Some great exhibitors are showmen. They entertain as well as sell.
We're getting near the holidays. So find a reindeer nose and some antlers to wear. Silly? Yes. Sales? Yes.
Learn to enjoy doing the shows!! Become enthusiastic about what you do! Relay that passion you have for creating into a passion about selling it too! Have fun! Learn some quick one liners and don't be afraid to use them. If a customer is in the aisle looking at my booth, I'm not afraid to say "Come on over! I don't charge extra". I once heard another exhibitor say to some people in the aisle, "Come on over. I don't bite! I used to, but my wife told me to stop and sales have really gotten better!"
Once you enjoy selling your work as much as you do creating it, you can weather any economic storm.
Thank you Chris. Wise words. I started telling the stories on my pieces, which people really seem to like. I had one man after I finished telling to story of one piece start pointing to the other piece and ask what's it story, what's that ones story. Next I knew I had a small croward learning the stories. Now I'm not just selling a piece, I'm selling my story. Which being a natural introvert is a big step for me.
Jan Raven > S. Michelle BabcockSeptember 28, 2010 at 10:05am
Yes, you are learning what I have learned over the years: many people at art shows are buying a piece of YOU, not necessarily your art. Real patrons love hearing your story, your history, how you create your work. After they fall in love with you, then they feel they MUST have something created by you. I've actually had people say something to that effect. I am also a bit of a wallflower, but I love my work and have come to enjoy telling people about my work; this consistently leads to sales. Good luck on your journey!
BTW: Were you at the Breckenridge Main Street Festival July 23-25? I was there!
No, I was at Breckenridge the fourth of July weekend. Perfect weather until teardown. Then bam!!! And that altitude is something. I was constantly thirsty not matter how much I drank.
Hopefully we'll run across each other at some shows in the future.
Replies
One of the hardest parts of our business is sales. The creative part comes easy for some. So you must work at the part you're weakest at. When I started out I too was unsure about actually talking up my work. But then an old sage talked to me. He said dancers have mirrors in the studio for a reason. So they can see themselves as others see them. So you too, must become comfortable as others see you. So look in a mirror and practice a "spiel". Become comfortable with yourself and you'll become comfortable with others. Some great exhibitors are showmen. They entertain as well as sell.
We're getting near the holidays. So find a reindeer nose and some antlers to wear. Silly? Yes. Sales? Yes.
Learn to enjoy doing the shows!! Become enthusiastic about what you do! Relay that passion you have for creating into a passion about selling it too! Have fun! Learn some quick one liners and don't be afraid to use them. If a customer is in the aisle looking at my booth, I'm not afraid to say "Come on over! I don't charge extra". I once heard another exhibitor say to some people in the aisle, "Come on over. I don't bite! I used to, but my wife told me to stop and sales have really gotten better!"
Once you enjoy selling your work as much as you do creating it, you can weather any economic storm.
BTW: Were you at the Breckenridge Main Street Festival July 23-25? I was there!
Hopefully we'll run across each other at some shows in the future.