I applied to this show 321$ scrapped the $$$ together, needed the weekend, the last one in Oct. I recieved an email from them and so many of the great, quality artists were not doing it because of the cost. They are returning half of my fee when I get there and are now filling their show with a reasonable fee. Finally a show that gets it. Everything in my life has tripled, except my income. Could be a trend, or is that wishfull thinking. I am always searching for that reasonably priced show, because it doesn't matter how much I pay, my gross income is about the same. When choosing shows these days I pick the less expensive one. How about you?
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Bonnie, the show is in the second or third year of a new location. The artists last year were average at best. While I had seen better artists progressively over the years at the old location, it too a major step back with the move.
It sounds like they are really trying to bring it back to level it was before the move. Since this festival is about 5 minutes from my house, I want it to be a success.
We're booked until Dec 11th with a couple weekends where I'm going to one place and Diane's going to another. When she's doing Essex Junction, VT I'll be in Syracuse, NY.
Heading to Meredith, NH today for a Castleberry show. Then Lincoln, NH next weekend for our last outdoor show of the year. Hope it doesn't snow like it did a couple years ago.
Thanks Chris!
Due to the lovely weather today- I am in studio, riding out the wind and rain. (Still have electricity and internet, for now), but have a local show booked for Sunday ( to benefit POW/MIA Families) and 3 repair orders to complete for delivery Saturday! I will hope it doesn't snow for your show too! It's still about 70 degrees here- just gray, dark and windy!
Good Luck!
Karole
Karole Bowlds > Chris HoytSeptember 30, 2010 at 9:50am
Thanks Chris!
Still learning, but learning fast and well! Getting busier here- the Holiday Shows are starting!
I have bookings for almost every weekend through til December 20th! How about you?
And- more good news- my wonderful husband came up with an idea- I now have a larger Studio with it's own entrance! I will be holding a grand opening show/sale, and having Open Studio Days! What a great birthday present. And great husband! How are things your way?
Karole
Absolutely,
We are in business to MAKE $$, not spend it all. If we don't make $$, we won't be in business long.
I believe we have a duty to our business and ourselves to keep expenses to a minimum.
That being said, some things can't be compromised- quality materials for our creations, decent advertising and promotion, packaging, etc. But I am not in business to support anyone else. I am in business because I love what I create and want to share that, and to make a living. That means an eagle eye on the "Expenses vs. Sales". I grade shows. I have my own system for this. If costs outweigh my return, if the promoter did NOT do their job (and yes, there are some out there who thinks it's easier to "Promote" than get a "real job"), then I do not do that show again. Promoting and organizing is WORK. If the promoter can't, or won't, do their job, they do not get MY $$. I have worked with both good and not so good promoters. The good ones know their stuff, accomplish what needs to be done, and ADVERTISE well, and care for and work with their Artists. They get my $$ and are worth it. The others never get my business again.
My point in telling you about Palmetto Bay is they are RETURNING half fee to maintain the quality!
Karole Bowlds > Bonnie EastwoodSeptember 30, 2010 at 9:43am
Gotcha-
sorry about the rant! Had a bad "promoter' experience this Spring- lesson learned. So you got a great Promoter! Good! That was part of my point- the Good ones appreciate their Artists and vendors, and will do everything necessary to help them. Nice to hear about!
Karole
The show fee may sometimes indicate the quality of the show and the participating artists, but that does not necessarily translate into sales. Our best show ever had a $150 fee; our worst show had a $395 fee. Other factors have to be examined above the show fee such as lodging, meals, transportation, show amenities (sometimes all meals, parking (even overnite rv parking) and sometime nothing). All should be considered because all of these hidden fees or perks will definately affect your bottom line.
Karole Bowlds > Arlene & Bob CareySeptember 29, 2010 at 8:19am
All costs relating to a show need to be considered- Travel time, overnights, meals, gas- these all have to be paid- before a sale is made! Everyone of us should be evaluating these BEFORE we apply to a show.
Replies
It sounds like they are really trying to bring it back to level it was before the move. Since this festival is about 5 minutes from my house, I want it to be a success.
Heading to Meredith, NH today for a Castleberry show. Then Lincoln, NH next weekend for our last outdoor show of the year. Hope it doesn't snow like it did a couple years ago.
And congratulations on the studio!
Due to the lovely weather today- I am in studio, riding out the wind and rain. (Still have electricity and internet, for now), but have a local show booked for Sunday ( to benefit POW/MIA Families) and 3 repair orders to complete for delivery Saturday! I will hope it doesn't snow for your show too! It's still about 70 degrees here- just gray, dark and windy!
Good Luck!
Karole
Still learning, but learning fast and well! Getting busier here- the Holiday Shows are starting!
I have bookings for almost every weekend through til December 20th! How about you?
And- more good news- my wonderful husband came up with an idea- I now have a larger Studio with it's own entrance! I will be holding a grand opening show/sale, and having Open Studio Days! What a great birthday present. And great husband! How are things your way?
Karole
We are in business to MAKE $$, not spend it all. If we don't make $$, we won't be in business long.
I believe we have a duty to our business and ourselves to keep expenses to a minimum.
That being said, some things can't be compromised- quality materials for our creations, decent advertising and promotion, packaging, etc. But I am not in business to support anyone else. I am in business because I love what I create and want to share that, and to make a living. That means an eagle eye on the "Expenses vs. Sales". I grade shows. I have my own system for this. If costs outweigh my return, if the promoter did NOT do their job (and yes, there are some out there who thinks it's easier to "Promote" than get a "real job"), then I do not do that show again. Promoting and organizing is WORK. If the promoter can't, or won't, do their job, they do not get MY $$. I have worked with both good and not so good promoters. The good ones know their stuff, accomplish what needs to be done, and ADVERTISE well, and care for and work with their Artists. They get my $$ and are worth it. The others never get my business again.
sorry about the rant! Had a bad "promoter' experience this Spring- lesson learned. So you got a great Promoter! Good! That was part of my point- the Good ones appreciate their Artists and vendors, and will do everything necessary to help them. Nice to hear about!
Karole