I have been "in the business" since 1981. Got my start in local craft shows...Greenwich, Westport, etc. Then switched to entirely wholesale. Did NYInternat'l Gift Show, Chicago, LA, etc. for 5 years. Picked up several very successful catalogs and sold to them for a three year period. All went out of business. In '95 I had to go to work in the real world but in 2007 started selling on Etsy - Not Ebay - Etsy. Husband downsized. Need additional $$ to survive. Problem: Most of the shows I did "back in the day" are either gone or strictly "gallery oriented". Any one have any ideas where I would be welcomed? My site on Etsy: http://www.warmth.etsy.com. Thanks so much.
Linda the Mousemaker in Connecticut. lindawelcome@snet.net
Comments
Have you ever investigated the Country Living show? I know there is one in Ohio and I think there is one in the southeast.
Linda-- There's a show in Tupelo, MS, called Celebration Village that I think your mice would do well at, but that's probably out of your area. Try looking up Christmas gift shops online and send some a brochure or a sample. Your mice would be right at home there. Best of Luck!
I am not sure how far South you are willing to travel, but you may want to try the Chester NJ craft show. As far as other venues, I am not sure if I can think of any that are close to you, since I am in Northern VA.
I had some thoughts about your business and hope you do not mind me sharing them with you.
You have an Etsy account and a website which is great maybe you can focus your energy there since it is already established. How do you market them? Do you use twitter, constant contact or Facebook to reach your customers with specials or new styles of mice? You mentioned that you have been in the business since 1981, has it only been with the production of mice? While I think your mice are adorable, have you considered expanding your line to include other animals? I am not sure if you could do this with a minimal amount of expense or not, but it may be worth considering on a trial basis, if you haven’t done so already. I think you may find other people may be more receptive to purchasing animals that they can relate to, such as their pets. With this in mind maybe you could try different breeds of dogs or cats? If you were to do this, and it was fairly receptive, then maybe you could branch out to other venues such as pet expos. I hope that this helps. I can only imagine how difficult it is to go from selling at wholesale shows to other types of markets. Hopefully, you will get some great information from the people here. Good Luck with your business!
Highlands Craft show in Ft Washington, Pa. Look at Castleberry shows, Art on Fire, Scranton,Pa; Art on the Avenue, Reading, Pa. Those might be good possibilities. If I think or more I'll post
I think you are getting some good suggestions here. Since you live so close to NYC, why not look into some of their green markets? 76 & Columbus is a very popular one and also Union Square. I remember seeing an article in NY Mag about a Brooklyn market that has become rather hot. Google "green markets, nyc" and see what comes up. It may be a way to get through the winter.
Also, I would look into some one day shows around the City that are inexpensive. Hoboken? Contact the Hoboken Cultural Affairs Dept - I think they have one in the spring and also Sept. Street fairs can be really tough, but they can also be a good way to scare up some cash.
Also, look into some two day shows in NJ - Haddonfield, Collingswood, Cherry Hill, etc. for the summer.
Linda -- see my private message to you. For public consumption... since this board has members from all over the country, it's unlikely you'll get feedback on specific shows to do in your area. Plus, in the northern states shows tend to take a holiday until the weather starts to improve in the spring, so it may be hard to find any shows to do right now. Getting in touch with artists and crafters in your area may well be your best shot. If you don't know any local folks, go to a gift shop that sells locally made stuff and ask for the name and number of one of their suppliers. Just that one person will probably be able to put you in touch with several more, who will all know several more, etc. Every one of them will have helpful experience to share.
I'm so sorry for seeming so impatient. I guess that is what poverty does to people. I've had a difficult time since my husband lost his job. We nearly lost our home of 30 years. Only the federally funded CT Housing Authority saved it with a grant. Still coming up with the mortgage every month is a full time worry. When you are basically in the Christmas Ornament business it is very difficult any time except Sept thru Dec. When people do find me though they order big. The reason I am not able to do wholesale any longer is because I had 13 contract laborers helping me when I had the big catalog orders..now it is a one woman business. I can still produce for retail but not wholesale. I'm sorry folks, I'm just feeling frightened. Like so many other Americans I am so willing to work but there are no jobs. The only way I can survive is to sell the ornaments and other items I design and manufacture. Thanks for all of your comments. Maybe someone else will help. I am now willing to travel by car anywhere there is a show that would welcome a "non-gallery oriented" product like mine.
Yes, Please have patience. This is a travel day for a lot of artists and the warm weather states are starting their art festivals this weekend.
Linda, I might enjoy looking at your shop, but since I'm from the mid-west I wouldn't have any help to give you re: specific places to check out. Around here, community celebrations, summer fairs, holiday celebrations would be ideal places for craft fairs. Best of luck!
Linda - don't take it personally, this site is filled with "lurkers" who occasionally offer a comment or two. Some are new, just learning and wouldn't know how to respond, others may only be focused on fine art so don't know direction to provide.
One other idea for you, Chris Hoyt posts a lot about craft shows, if I remember correctly he's from Vermont. Send a friend request and then a message to see if he can give you some input, even if it is just other AFI member names who do more craft shows than fine art shows that he knows.
Did you look at the Craft Discussions? Maybe there are some other AFI members you can contact or look at their websites and show schedules to get ideas.
And for heavens sake, have patience, this post hasn't even been out there for 24 hours!
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