Well I just about to finish my first full year doing tent shows. Sure did not go as I thought. I did about 50% on average as I had figured and I was looking for 75% of what I was told should be my average. I learned about a handfull of shows that I wont do next year if I can still do the shows. I still have 4 Christmas shows and a Sunday Artisan Market in Ann Arbor every week so I could still end in the black. If any Michiganders that don't mind helping a newbie have an idea about good shows for spring or summer next year I would thank them greatly.
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Well, the last show turned out good. Second best of the year and 2 invites into stores. One a year round deal and the other an art gallery's x-mas sales event. Now if only I could fill my inventory fast enough to cover it all. I also added a fourth x-mas show.
This season had been very hard. I just hoping that my three shows will save me. I am above water but one more bad show and will need to be rescue. I just making half of what I expecting but I know that things will improve.
Yeah William...it's been a tough year alright. People are really looking for bargains and if it's not a bargain, they but only what thefy actually need,. Walmart announced that this Christmas is going to be a socks and underwear season...but we'll have to see. We did 2 Christmas shows last season...one major and one a more local event. We lost money on the major show...out of town, hotel, truck rental, etc. We made a decent profit on the more local show and considering it was far enough away to hotel it for 2 nights, we were quite happy with that one and will be doing it again this year. The artists and crafters who are leaving shows with money in their pockets this year seem to be the ones who are willing to negotiate and greatly discount, or who have a items in the under $30 range. Good Luck for the rest of the year.
My fall and Christmas shows last year were much better than my summer shows. I also am xing off many of the summer show that I did this year. For me, I think I need to go more toward the East Coast although my fall and Christmas shows in Ohio are really good for me. Not sure what the summer shows are like but I may try some. Hang in there.
William this has been a rough year for a lot of us. The summer shows haven't been great for me either, plus my daughter is getting married in a couple of weeks so I had to pass on some shows that would have helped make up for this rough economy.I hope you can hang tight and that your Christmas shows are a success
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This season had been very hard. I just hoping that my three shows will save me. I am above water but one more bad show and will need to be rescue. I just making half of what I expecting but I know that things will improve.
My advice just play it safe and hang in there.