TIPS & TRICKS

BY HOLLY PEARSON

With the new year upon us and everyone trying to get their calendar filled, I have been asked many times how to find the best vendor shows. Well, there is no real science to vending but there are always little tricks you pick up along the way. I will share with you all of the personal tips and tricks I have picked up along the way.

Starting out you will end up in smaller shows with less desirable foot traffic. These are not the worst outcomes. With being new you can use these shows to network with the vendors. Some of them will have very valuable information. Such as other shows with better turnouts, names of vendors who can get you in touch with product discounts, and more information. Always talk to your neighbors and mingle if it is a slower show. I have met so many amazing people and business contacts in slow shows that I keep in contact with. This will help you through your entire business. Lastly, make sure you keep a calendar of your events so you have a record of which ones you will or will not do again.

When booking an event do not be afraid of asking questions. If it is not stated in the invitation or the posting always find out last year’s turnout numbers. This will help you decide if their fee is worth your money. If it is a new event, then think about the area it is in. Is this a high-traffic venue? Will people be able to find this place? Is this going to be advertised? Advertising is a huge part and Facebook is not the only place an event should be in to get the best turnout. So, the best thing to remember is you are your best advocate, always speak up and ask questions.

There will be times in shows when coordinators will book vendors with the same medium not realizing some of their items are the same. If you happen to get placed by these vendors, ask to get moved. A good coordinator will move you with no problem. Then it is a personal choice to sell the said item or take it off your shelf. I usually keep mine on the shelf with the knowledge that it will not make normal sales. This is a common thing price of what it cost to make then double it. Now, this gets tricky when you are getting into larger things. If the price seems way more than you would ever pay for the item, then think less. I never go less than 35% mark up though. Then that craft is not worth my time. If I must go less than that I must rethink the items I am using to make it and go to the thinking board again. As far as stock goes this all depends on variables. If you have been to this even the year, prior take what your sales were the year prior plus 15% more. This will count for an influx in foot traffic but not leave you carrying an overabundance of overstock. If you have not been to think even prior consider the area it is in, the prior years’ attendance (if there was any), the advertising, along with how many days the event is. Then try and figure out a workable number for you to start with making and being able to transport. You should be able to come up with your best stock numbers once you consider all your variables. because we all love crafting and things overlap. It shouldn’t be a huge issue. Encourage each other and admire each other’s work.

My final tip is on stock and pricing. These are probably my number 1 and 2 questions. Pricing is a little different for each kind of craft. I always tell people to never forget to charge for their time as well. I always take the

I hope my tips and tricks help you with your upcoming vending year. Let’s all have the best shows, festivals, and conventions to date. I look forward to seeing you all out there!

For more information contact Holly at info@ hollywooddecorativecreationsboutique. com