Forum

So I was recently at a heavily trafficked show which was quite unusual and quite simply consisted of two entirely different groups as the event moved from the weekday to the weekend. On the one end, you had people who appreciated handmade/handcrafted/art/whatever you wish to name it. And on the other end, you had people who simply don't see things that way. There was a distinct and definite dichotomy and I was, quite simply, unprepared.

Starting off I did fine for folks who were seeking quality artisanal goods, but when the crowd changed to predominantly price-irrespective-of-quality I did very poor. Meanwhile, I know there were established artists here selling works in the hundreds, maybe thousands, range. I never got a chance to talk with them unfortunately.

But my question is: when times like this happen to the seasoned art fair artists do they basically have 2 set up displays? If you were selling photography it could be as simple as putting out more bins and "2-fer" pricing. I certainly would think that happened here. But what about other artists -- jewelers... sculptors... etc... do they have different setups? Not only that, but the pieces (by price) shown... are they wildly different? I feel like if I had a glut of inventory <$20 I may have done alright.

It seems like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole is nonsense, but that's what it felt like and, as to be expected, sales petered out precipitously with the changing tide.

I'm wondering how the pro's make lemon of lemonade.

Thank you.