Craft Shows That Are Right For You!
July 31, 2007
Craft Shows That Are Right For You!
by: Natalie Goyette
To begin investigating which shows to apply to, you might start
with what you know—those shows you’ve attended, ones that are
within an hour or so of your home and ones other vendors have
recommended. You will not always know if the craftsperson who
suggested a show has the same values as you until you check it
out for yourself, so this is not always a concrete selection
principle. But it’s a place to start. If you belong to a craft
guild or organization or subscribe to a trade journal, you may
be able to get show recommendations there. Several websites are
equipped with lists of local and national shows and all the
contact information. Also log onto some of the craft forums
where you can ask other crafters and look for some consensus on
the best shows.
You will find information about where and when the show is and
who to contact to apply. Once you call or check out their Web
site, make sure you apply by the requested deadline. When you
call the promoter of the show or visit their Web site if they
have one, be sure to ask any of the questions you may have such
as:
What was the attendance last year and what is this year’s
expected attendance? How many years have you been producing the
show? How many booth spaces are there and how many applications
do you receive? How do you assign booth spaces? What are the
entry and jury fees? Are there any additional fees like % of
gross, parking, electrical? Do I need any special licenses? What
kinds of people attend your shows? What kinds of crafts do you
select, who makes the selection and what are the bestsellers?
What is the average price range of items exhibited? Sold? What
are the average sales for exhibitors in my medium? What style is
the show? What kind of promotion do you do prior to the show? Do
I get some promotional materials? When do you notify the
successful applicants? What happens if it rains or snows? What
are the security arrangements? Any other support available?
A professional promoter should have this information and should
be willing to share it with you. If they won’t, you may be able
to get it elsewhere—on the Internet or in some craft guides that
are sold by subscription and have show reviews. Some shows
request you send a self-addressed stamped envelope for the
application. When you get it, you’ll see the booth sizes, fees
and what you need to submit. You also may receive a copy of the
contract, which outlines your responsibilities as an exhibitor,
such as whether or not the craftsperson must be present in the
booth, what merchandise is and is not allowed in the booth,
display requirements and for larger indoor shows, the rules
regarding electricity, unions, fireproofing and the cancellation
policy. Also, whether or not you need any special permits.
Usually, your seller’s permit is all that’s required.
The best promoters are discriminating about who they select for
their shows based on unique, original quality products and
attractive displays, as shown in your photos or slides—which is
why using a professional photographer is recommended by most
craftspeople. They also look for a balanced variety of
categories. Good vendors attract good customers and so everyone
wins—the customer, the vendor and the promoter!
natalie@craftshowsuccess.com
