Reaction to my stuff was mixed
I wanted to send this while on the road, but we were out of internet contact for two weeks except for our phones. We love this show. First of all, we have a free place to stay in Coral Gables with Ann's cousin. We freely admit it's cheating.
The rules are very stern when warning artists that anyone setting up before the designated time will be asked to leave and will not be invited back to the show. Every year, however, we arrive near the assigned time and half the tents are up. We'll never figue it out. There isn't quite enough room for everyone to park right in front of their space so things can get pretty tight.
This is the most volatile show I know when it comes to sales. Our first year there we had a record at that time of over 3K for the first day of the show. The next day we were up to only $150.00 by two in the afternoon. Ann was away from the booth with her cousin touring the show while I was sitting there in a black mood with a ten foot circle of dead grass around my chair. I called Ann and told her to come back and take my place before I could cause harm to myself or others. Fortunately she arrived quickly and as I was walking away from the booth I heard her clinching a five hundred dollar sale. I started walking faster. We ended the day in good shape.
That was years ago. It was no different this time. For many artists their sales varied wildly from day to day. One artist would make three times as much as we did on Saturday and on Sunday the numbers would be reversed. There is also the element of wealth. At any time you can have someone come into your booth who doesn't look like much of a prospect and then they'll pay $1200.00 for a piece. Yep, we've had that happen.
I also like the way they go about judging. You select your favorite piece and take it into the judging area on the day of setup. On the first morning of the show you get to retrieve it so you can put it back to work in your booth. It's a little nerve wracking when you enter the building to retrieve your piece. It either has a ribbon on it or it doesn't. They don't have an award ceremony but you learn to not expect it at this show. I've been fortunate to have taken many awards at this show but this year I came up dry. Winners know they'll be invited back next year and it's good to know that a year ahead of time. Nice when you can do it.
The crowds were good this year. Again, the buying was erratic but it wasn't for lack of traffic. We saw work of all kinds being carried by our tent. We did sell lots of small stuff but an occasional larger piece would go out of the booth. So far this year it's been our best show.
The work at this show is on as high a level as anywhere and it's a pleasure to be surrounded by artists of this caliber. Many years ago I was afraid to apply for it and we did the neighboring St. Stephens show instead. It was a disaster for sales. We took turns touring the Coconut show and were very impressed. The following year I applied and was accepted.
Be warned that unless you have a place to stay, this show can be very costly. We had a corner spot and our booth fee was over a thousand. Add parking, room, food, etc. and you can see how that adds up. Once you're in, however, you have a shot at a good total. It's worth taking the chance if you live in Florida. If you're from out of state, however, and don't have any shows to go with it.. you may be taking a chance.
We have our fingers crossed for next year and hope they'll take us back. One never knows.
Comments
had to go back and find this post, haven't checked the site in awhile, thanks for the info Bill, Geri- lol Bill, awesome to hear
Thanks Bill for your review, It was very helpful for me in making a decision about doing this show in the future. Love the kissing couple, it's far better than the local residential neighbors standing around chatting in your booth for half hour as if they haven't seen each other in years.
Love that photo, Bill. Thanks for sharing it.
Another entertaining review Bill -thanks :)
Shawn, Pan Am gets lots of traffic. There are quite a few artists who request Pan Am. Sadly, they weren't spared hearing the Verizon booth.
Excellent photo and some great info.
I really can't say. The volatility of the sales from day to day seems to be independent of location. I really think that any booth can do well at any time. With one artist in particular there was nothing obviously advantageous about the booth. Middle of the row. Five figures on Saturday. I didn't ask after that.
cool shot, nice write up. Do you know if spots on Pan Am get less traffic or is the layout pretty decent for all artists?
Awesome picture, love it! Nice review.
Well, Geoff, I remember what I was kissing about at that age and I don't think much has changed since then. Who knows, at that hormone level they may have been set off by my shot of a barber chair.
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