In my opinion, November should be called the Month of Craft Sales. They seem to be everywhere. And they are everything from the large and polished professionally presented shows to the couple of tables at a fall tea or supper. Some of the work is original and beautiful while other pieces show the signs of haste and underdeveloped skills. There is definitely something for everyone.
We visited the annual sale in Middleton last weekend and I am sorry to say it was a disappointment. We had attended that particular show in 2006 and were impressed with the number of exhibitors and buyers. There were only about half as many exhibitors this year and the high quality work seemed to be what was missing. The number of buyers also appeared to be down significantly.
The above example is one of the reasons why artists and crafters need to review the results from each show and make a plan for the upcoming year that will include the 'best shows', the ones that have the target traffic and that are drawing both the exhibitors and the visitors that you are looking for.
The annual show at the Michelin Social Club in Bridgewater could not have held another exhibitor and all seemed to be doing a brisk business. Some old favourites and some exhibitors that I hadn't seen before. A very successful show from all appearances.
Showing posts with label craft sales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label craft sales. Show all posts
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Volunteering
Many non-profit groups are looking for volunteers. Maybe some of the current opportunities would interest you. The regional libraries, the local hospital gift shops and ladies auxiliaries, the community service group and of course the local art galleries, schools and community centres. Every cultural event needs volunteers to work behind and in front of the scenes. They need the expertise of management and the willingness of "go fors". Even if you only have a few hours a month you can make a valuable and welcome contribution. So no matter what your interests there is a spot for you. To find out some of the opportunities in your area, check with your local municipal government...parks and recreation departments or local non-profit groups. Pick your interest and contact an organization working with that group.
For example, I have arthritis and wanted to start learning more about the disease and to share that information with fellow suffers. I am a speaker with the Arthritis Society and make presentations to community groups and meetings about arthritis and the resources available to sufferers and their support systems.
Interested in art? Look at upcoming shows and sales and call the organizers to see if they would like to have your "helping'' hands. I bet you will be welcomed with open arms.
Giving back can be very rewarding.
For example, I have arthritis and wanted to start learning more about the disease and to share that information with fellow suffers. I am a speaker with the Arthritis Society and make presentations to community groups and meetings about arthritis and the resources available to sufferers and their support systems.
Interested in art? Look at upcoming shows and sales and call the organizers to see if they would like to have your "helping'' hands. I bet you will be welcomed with open arms.
Giving back can be very rewarding.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Fall Craft Sales
Notices are starting to arrive about upcoming fall craft sales. Now is the time for artists and craft producers to review their inventory, plan production for the weeks ahead and book those spaces in the fall shows. In our part of Nova Scotia there are several "must attend" shows for the people in the area. Shows that are known to have very high quality and original work. Starting in late September there are shows every weekend up until mid December. This is also the time when the agricultural exhibitions are in full swing. There is at least one every week and they always have a showcase of local arts and crafts.
With the trend this summer for people to vacation close to home this provides an excellent opportunity for artists and crafters to showcase their works to the home town crowd, who travelled out of province in past years for vacations. A whole new customer base.
Many craft artists have a few reliable shows that they participate in every year and often ask for the same location. People look for them and plan on purchasing from them. However, it might also be a good idea to add one new show this fall, a location that you don't regularly attend. And of course, at all shows, monitor your sales. How many units did you sell, not only at the show but as followups after the event. After event sales may be by phone, email or they may find you at the next show.
The show organizers should be able to tell you the draw area and the number of attendees from the previous year. Also you can have a draw at your booth to get the names and numbers of all visitors. These will give you info for future emailings to customers. Maybe a newsletter or press releases.
With the trend this summer for people to vacation close to home this provides an excellent opportunity for artists and crafters to showcase their works to the home town crowd, who travelled out of province in past years for vacations. A whole new customer base.
Many craft artists have a few reliable shows that they participate in every year and often ask for the same location. People look for them and plan on purchasing from them. However, it might also be a good idea to add one new show this fall, a location that you don't regularly attend. And of course, at all shows, monitor your sales. How many units did you sell, not only at the show but as followups after the event. After event sales may be by phone, email or they may find you at the next show.
The show organizers should be able to tell you the draw area and the number of attendees from the previous year. Also you can have a draw at your booth to get the names and numbers of all visitors. These will give you info for future emailings to customers. Maybe a newsletter or press releases.
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