What seems To Be Selling?

[JimD]

For those that have web sites or do craft shows, what seems to be selling?

I've been looking at several possible areas but I'm not sure which way to go. Been thinking about scroll sawn items, or clocks, or small home accessories.

Thoughts, suggestions appreciated.

Jim D.

[StuW]

I have a friend who sells small, inexpensive woodcrafts (usually under $25.00) at craft shows around the state. He says that he only goes to craft shows three months of the year, Sept, Oct and Nov. The rest of the year he builds his inventory of items. He said that going to craft shows in the earlier part of the year is not very productive, but during the last three months before Xmas he sells very well.

[terry49]

Jim: What sells at craft shows are things that are a bit clever or different. Nobody really needs a trivet or a candle box. It makes for a very long day when you are competing with dozens or hundreds of folks with the same items that you have.
At our shows, even though we do primarily woodworking, we will also carry hand made pillows, heating bags,etc to get folks into your tent. You only have a few seconds to catch their eye.
Good luck!!!

[dodgeman5]

My son and I craft wood pens/pencils and deer antler pens. I have tried juried craft shows selling these items only. It may be the economy in Mo and Ar. but thses shows are tough to make money at. When I can do a craft show that allows non -handmade items, I mix in horse theme items from my horse tack store. Items like Leanin' Tree journals, greeting cards, stationary to compliment the writing experience. Also, other gift items under $20 work well. I agree, the fall is the best time for shows. Also, ask if the show is a first time event. If so, suggest you avoid it. Try to do shows that limit duplication of items by vendors.

[DayDr]

We have spent some time in Flea Markets of all places. Of course, the market there is for cheaper items and bartering is the rule of the day. Here in Missouri, we have had lots of luck at these markets selling the "simpler" wooden items like Paper towel holders, trivets, etc. It all depends on the market !!!! We sell larger items ($30-50) occasionally, but the $10-25 range is the best. Everybody wants a bargain......we mark it up...and let them talk us down. Everybodys a winner. We make up in volume !!!
Hope this helps.:eek:

[pops-shop]

I have tried only one show - the annual Duluth Fall Festival - and have displayed about 20 different items from several areas. This last year, the only items that sold were the Redneck Wind Chimes and my Quarter Maps (www.pops-shop.net/am-206.html). I am very surprised that "Americana" stuff did not sell.

I would be interested to have y'all take a look at my unique products and give me some idea why they DON'T sell.

Thanks in advance for your help.

fred :rolleyes:

[StuW]

Fred,

I've also had bad luck trying to sell my crafts at shows. The economy in our area here in rural Texas doesn't make for sales in $50 + items. After two years of displaying my clocks (see http://woodentreasures.net) I sold about 5 pieces. It was really discouraging. I have been told by others that the best way to go with handmade crafts at higher than $25 price is to only show at craft shows that specialize in 'Fine Arts'. These shows are expensive and want a minimum of $200 for booth space for a 3 day show. That also discouraged me. Lately I have been very busy with my other hobby, designing websites. See http://spwwebwork.com. I made a free site for my church and since then have changed from retired to semi-retired.

Good luck with your work. It's beautiful.

StuW

[INTARSIANUT]

STu. is right the fall shows do the best. this has been a good year for shows been doing about $1000.00 a weekend and higher priced items selling. Last year was a down lower priced item selling and fewer of the high price item going. I use the spring to get my stock up and do my custom order. My wife and I take catalogs of patterns to show and take custom orders and ship ouy the Items they want adding the cost of shipping on. this has been great we have all the orders we can do and will have to work till christmas to fill them. so do the fall shows and leave the spring to make your Items.

[terry49]

Americana only seems to sell o.k. for me from spring to the forth of July. Sales are never fanrtastic, but kind of steady. The most important thing with the Americana or any other craft that you are displaying for sale at a show is that it has to be diferent than everybody else. That makes for enhanced sales. Clever is good, very good. Quality is also important. Most of what we make is painted wood items. We always finish the backs of our projects, even if it a garden sign. We also will refund or replace our products with a smile. So far we never had to.

My wife and I try to preview a show before we go to it as vendors. I do not like surprises! When we preview, my wife will talk to several vendors to get their opinions also. We will not go to a show that is half flea market selling imported craft junk and half crafters. Several of the shows that we do, however, have a few vendors that sell all store bought stuff. While I do mind this, the folks that really gripe me are those who scrape off the imported stickers and put their own hand made by stickers on. I would like to see these particular folks banned from shows.

[INTARSIANUT]

to terry49 I say amen amen you are right a craft show is a craft ahow not a buy and sell place and people who change stickers to handmade need to be drumed out of shows.