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Knowing what shows are right for you - saving you time and money By Michelle Sholund - a CraftLister.com Craft Expert about page personal website  based on 57 ratings Viewed 2053 times Printed 19 times
The term art and craft has many connotations. Shows today may say they are an art and craft show, but how do you really know that from a simple headline? Just because the price is right and maybe the location seems nice, does that mean the show is right for you? Here's some tips crafts people need to consider when doing research for shows.
1. Call or email the promoter and ask them questions. If you don't like doing shows where home party places are present, ask the promoter if these vendors will be at the show and if they are limited or separate from traditional arts and crafts. Ask about the attendance and advertising efforts. DO shows where advertising involves more than just posters in a high school, fliers in grocery stores, and one press release in a local paper (that is so small no one would notice) - offer them suggestions too (promoters also need some help too from time to time).
2. Look into whether other people have done the shows before. A quick call to the promoter asking for references or going to other craft shows and asking around about the show, if anyone has heard of it usually does the trick. IF no one knows about the show or the reviews are not good - take the advice and run as the show could very well be ran poorly.
3. Know the difference between a flea market, vendor show, craft show, art and craft show, fine art show, juried shows, etc. There are many levels of what constitutes an "art and craft" show and knowing these terms will aid you in finding what show is right for you.
4. Although this could also be at the top of this list, know who your target marketing audience is. If you sell baby clothes or baby items think about ALL the people who would buy this and does this audience attend the shows you plan on signing up to. If you are a photographer, ask yourself if the audience who buys photography will be attending a high school show or a fine art show? This goes for those who do "country" crafts and other art forms.
5. When you get an application - TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE WHOLE APPLICATION AND RULES AND REGULATIONS! All the information about a show is there. If it isn't and the application is very basic, guess what? The show is probably pretty basic too. This occurs at high school shows - where the PTA runs the show and every 3-4 years there is a new person who has no idea how to run a profitable show.
6. Look at the shows description and check to see if the show is for the crafts person, or is it looking out for number one - the promoter? Things to notice when a show is pro crafter is - clearly stated rules about set-up and break down - including space information and how to find your space, if there are booth sitters, good advertising efforts, continental breakfast (this may be great for some while others wish the money going into a continental breakfast went to other expenses), and incentives for patrons (shows sometimes have silent auctions and require exhibitors to donate their items - after paying for a space and possibly more - is this benefiting the exhibitors?).
7. This is very important too - go to the show first as a patron. You would be surprised at all the money people would save as well as time if folks would go to the show first and then apply a year later. People who feel they have to sign up for every show they see are the first to learn that they are in debt BECAUSE the shows were a bust. People who barely make their space ARE NOT MAKING MONEY. This is because you are not getting paid for the time doing the show, you are not paying for the expense for gas or hotel stays, and the items that were sold to just make ones space is lost (meaning you have less stock than with what you started and your pockets are still bare). Remember TIME IS MONEY - saving time by checking out shows will save you money and prevents added stress. If a show turns out to be great, just think about how much more motivated you will be to want to get the next years application in on time, have time to devote to how much stock to bring, etc. making for a more relaxed, planned out show.
Recap: Don't go into shows thinking that I have to sell at all of the ones with in a 50 mile radius because this will get "me" rich. Be smart and think like a business person because you are presenting yourself as a professional craft business every time you sell at a show. Some shows are not right for everyone, so do your research and do it throughly. Some promoters are good especially those who make it worthwhile for the exhibitors, others are in it to solely raise money not having an ounce of knowledge knowing what promoting a craft show is all about. Lastly, remembering that time is money will help bring you focus when you aren't sure if you should listen to your gut. A wasted day at a show that was not good for you is like stealing a day from your life that you could have done something so much more worthwhile. If you are in the business (or hobby for that matter) to make money, take the time and do it right!
Michelle Sholund,
Craft Artist, Promoter, Freelance Writer
http://www.grammyscc.moonfruit.com
http://www.mdfourseasonsshows.moonfruit.com
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