Full Version: craft fairs, etc.
From: Mike (SPACE_ENGRAVERS) [#1]
23 Mar 2007
To: ALL
I know I've read some threads on doing craft fairs, flea markets, etc. but after searching I couldn't find them. Anyone know where they are? Basically we are considering getting a small portable engraver (EGX30 possibly) and doing these. We would make lot's of items up to take and then personalize them or do custom items right there...Any thoughts...
Mike
From: jeff (JCHUMBLEY) [#2]
23 Mar 2007
To: Mike (SPACE_ENGRAVERS) [#1] 24 Mar 2007
From: Tom (TJGEENEN) [#3]
23 Mar 2007
To: Mike (SPACE_ENGRAVERS) [#1] 24 Mar 2007
From: BobT [#4]
23 Mar 2007
To: Mike (SPACE_ENGRAVERS) [#1] 24 Mar 2007
Mike, the Crafters News is a good idea. When I got that it was quite shocking just how high the fees were. And their insurance requirements are quite steep also. It is hard to make any money in Crafts. It seems like the people are only looking for Craft prices (read that as CHEAP). I am in Colorado Springs also, and gave that Craft Fair idea up as a bad idea. Sitting at those things ALL DAY, I doubt if I made a dollar an hour. there is much easier money to come by.
Bob
From: Cody (BOBTNAILER) [#5]
24 Mar 2007
To: ALL
We have a county fair (for Dave T's benefit, it's the Hopkins County Fall Festival) here that we have taken our 24TT to for the last couple of years. We've been able to sell enough personalized stuff to pay for the booth space, but not much more.
What we've found is that it's the absolute BEST way for us to advertise our business here. No other advertising medium seems to work in our area....others are too expensive with inadequate exposure. We just take a good sampling of our wares for display, as well as "impulse" items that we can engrave on the spot.
It costs us about $400 to have a 12' wide "double" booth.
I doubt that we'll take the laser to the next Festival. We'll probably just have a single booth with few (if any) items for immediate sale....have to give that more thought.
This last year, we had several orders that had to be lasered during that time. Fortunately, they all consisted of painted plates, so I was able to engrave them (two at a time) while folks watched the laser run. Having the equipment on-site like that was a big help in getting folks to stop and look at our booth (asking questions about "what all we can engrave" and the like).
From: Mike (SPACE_ENGRAVERS) [#6]
24 Mar 2007
To: ALL
Thanks for the responses all. I'm kind of wondering if it's not worth it to do a few fairs or a couple of times at the flea market just for advertisement if nothing else. Even if I only sell enough to break even for the day I might get some follow up calls...I don't plan on doing this full time but thought we'd try it out to get our name known and see what types of products people are looking for...
Mike
From: LaZerDude (C_BURKE) [#7]
25 Mar 2007
To: Mike (SPACE_ENGRAVERS) [#1] 25 Mar 2007
Mike,
While I have not done any craft shows, swap meets personally, I have some friends that have. ( Yes, I know it is hard to believe, but I DO have friends) {insert self deprecating laugh here}
Anyway, while they don't make a ton of money, the make enough to pay any fees and make a profit for the day.
The BIGGEST benefit they have gotten from doing these is the exposure. They have landed serveral large accounts because of their presence at these craft fairs/show/fleamarket events.....
If you already HAVE the engraver, then you have nothing to lose by trying it. Each area is different so the only way you will REALLY know is to try.
Good luck and I hope this helps......
From: Engravin' Dave (DATAKES) [#8]
25 Mar 2007
To: Mike (SPACE_ENGRAVERS) [#6] 25 Mar 2007
Mike,
It would definitely be worth it if the foot traffic was there and you geared the booth and displays towards advertising your products and services, rather than selling engraved trinkets. Think of it as the equivilent of placing an ad in the newspaper. In reality, if you didn't sell a single item, the both cost would be less than an ad in the newspaper, plus you would get face-to-face exposure.
I would create a mini showroom that would display some of the best examples of your work. I'd spend all of my time out in the aisle talking to people, passing out cards and flyers, telling them about what you do and asking them if they use engraving services. Hand out a unique, functional promotional product to those who are willing to stop and listen.