9 hours ago, FlGatorwood said:

The only other thing I would do is have an order form to learn who the customer is, how to contact before the next show so they can come and pick up what they desire.  Otherwise, you have it covered if you keep your pants on.  

Already done. Carbonless two-part, stamped with my logo and contact info at the top. Also have a list to collect names and email addresses. 

 

I shall endeavor to keep my pants on... but I make no promises 

Good Luck "Doc!"

Go Get 'Em!

and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Hello Doc

No sweat-ee dah, as we said in Korea. Just stay cool and calm and process one sale at a time. Don't let the crowd overwhelm you. In most shows, people walk around and look at everything, and then come back to buy something they saw earlier. If your sales are low, consider re-pricing for the next show.

hat

 

Do we get a de-brief?  We are breathlessly waiting for a report.  And, we hope it was so successful that you'll be busy for a few weeks.

Hope she's OK and not in jail or something...that whole "no pants thing" was kinda' worrisome.

Not in jail... Sorry

The booth went ok. Met lots of nice people. Gave out about 100+ business cards, several people talked about wanting custom pieces done. If they actually get them done then I'd say the booth was a BIG success, but I'm not holding my breath lol

 

However, in lugging around all those flags, setting them up, being on my feet for 10 hours a day, breaking everything down, and then trying to lug it out of my van to put it away... I threw out my back. Took all of yesterday off. Went to the shop today to at least TRY to get two of 4 custom orders (2 ordered before, 2 during) started. Got 2 of the flat flags painted and glued. I already know its going to be SEVERAL days before I'm able to start the 3D flags as the grinding already does a number on my back. So... this doc is laid up, trying to follow the orders I'd give to others... but also knowing how much work I should be doing. 

 

Next show is in April. I plan to have concealment cabinets and furniture instead of just flags (thankfully the flat flags I still have can be used for some of the cabinets/tables).

4 minutes ago, MaDeuce said:

Not in jail... Sorry

Good to know you made bail

Sorry to hear about the back...BTDT...not pleasant.

It does sound like your first event had many success stories. Just getting out in front of potential clients makes it worthwhile. Doesn't put money in the bank currently but it's more about the entire race and not just the first lap. It sounds promising to me. Don't get discouraged.

Take care of your back...April will be here before you know it; at least I keep telling myself that.

 

Success at shows can vary widely. Sometimes you will make a lot of sales, other times not so much. Saturday AM and afternoon can be productive, PM less so. Sunday AMs are slow, then better in the afternoon. Fewer people though. Focus on what they want to buy, then make more of that. Set prices for the audience you expect, and decide if you will dicker. You'll get better with experience. 

hat

 

Thanks for checking in with the follow up Doc.  Any pics?

Rest up so that you can tackle those jobs you have orders for, get those done and then concentrate on April...

18 hours ago, MaDeuce said:

Not in jail... Sorry

The booth went ok. Met lots of nice people. Gave out about 100+ business cards, several people talked about wanting custom pieces done. If they actually get them done then I'd say the booth was a BIG success, but I'm not holding my breath lol

 

However, in lugging around all those flags, setting them up, being on my feet for 10 hours a day, breaking everything down, and then trying to lug it out of my van to put it away... I threw out my back. Took all of yesterday off. Went to the shop today to at least TRY to get two of 4 custom orders (2 ordered before, 2 during) started. Got 2 of the flat flags painted and glued. I already know its going to be SEVERAL days before I'm able to start the 3D flags as the grinding already does a number on my back. So... this doc is laid up, trying to follow the orders I'd give to others... but also knowing how much work I should be doing. 

 

Next show is in April. I plan to have concealment cabinets and furniture instead of just flags (thankfully the flat flags I still have can be used for some of the cabinets/tables).

Sorry about the back...

 

Sounds like an initial success. You might be surprised at the number of people who saw you at this show, seek you out at the next.

 

What were your sellers? What didn't sell? These are good indicators of what the people are looking for...concentrate on the ones that sold and expand the stable (which appears is already in the works).

 

Congratulations, Ma.

Show buyers are a fickle bunch because you can never tell what they’ll buy.  What they buy one year or at one show won’t sell at the next show.  It’s strange.  But, if you ever hit exactly what they’re looking for, there’s $ to be made.

I'll get some pictures up soon. Here's my most recent commission (ordered before the show).

 

Nice!

EXCELLENT!!

Topic moved from Free For All to Woodcarving

WHEW!!!

Impressive!!!

You do excellent work Doc!

hat

Ma, thanks for reporting in.  Please do take care of that back.  No need to rush to get hurt.