First show

[trailfndr]

Because I have never done a show before, and all of my display panels are new to me, I decided to set up my booth in the garage as practice and to insure that I pack everything for next weekends show.  Took longer than I wanted, but most of that is due to redoing things as I found the configuration that works for me.  Here are photos of what I ended up with.  Next step is to tear it all down, and pack it so its ready to move for the show.

Edited November 24, 2016 by trailfndr

[Iguanadon]

I just have one word... WOW!

 

Very, very nice.  The work, the display... everything.  Impressive.  Please report back after the event to let us know how it went.

[daveww1]

very nice display, hope you have a good show

[ike]

Looks good to me hope you have good luck at the show , report back how you-didI

ike.

[Rolf]

WOW Beautiful setup and of course work! What type of show will it be artisan or craft?

One suggestion, when I have multiples of an item I only put out one at a time.

I think it adds a bit of urgency to the purchase. And I am sure you have signed all of your work.

The only exception is when I do my ornaments.

Good luck. 

[orangeman]

Some very nice things for the show.

 

Please report back and tell us how the show went.

 

bb

[Iguanadon]

Lee,

 

Since this is your first event, I'll offer the following suggestions as I have learned during my first season doing events.

 

1) Have a chair so you can sit when you have a chance, it makes for a long day to be standing the entire time.

2) Have bags for buyers to put their purchases in

3) Have a pen and paper to take orders, notes, etc.

4) Take a cooler with beverages and snacks.  Again, it's a long day.

 

I assume it's an indoor event?

 

If it's outdoors, be sure to have a way to weigh down your tent so it doesn't blow away in a gust of wind.

 

 

Any other words of wisdom to share from the collective group?

[NC Scroller]

Super WOW.  First show?  I have been doing shows for over 15 years.  Here are a few things.

 

- Get a Square or other charge card device.  Any more at least 30% of my sales are credit card.

 

- As Rolf said only display one of each item.  The exception being ornaments or if using different color / type woods.

 

- Try to stand all day.  If you can't, use a tall chair like a directors chair so you are always at eye level with the customers.

 

- Greet everyone walking by.  You will be amazed at how many people will stop and shop by simply saying "Good Morning".

 

- Get business cards.  Pass them out like candy and give every paying customer one.

 

- Most cash customers carry $20 bills because they stopped at the cash machine before coming.  Have plenty of change on hand.  Typically I bring $180 in change (30 $5 and 30 $1).

 

- As Iggy said bring water and snacks.  If you plan to eat lunch have someone take your place in the booth.  Trying to talk to a customer with 1/2 a sandwich in your mouth ain't cool.

 

- Dress nice.  Jeans are OK if are clean and not worn.

 

- Unless they are all the same price have prices on all you items.

 

- Keep records of what you sell so you know what to remake.

 

- If you plan to do custom work ask for 1/2 deposit unless it is someone you know and trust.

[redwine]

To be your first show is hard to believe by the way you have what looks like professional panels for the display and nicely arranged items with the sales tag below each item. I go along with Rolf about only displaying one item at a time when you have more than one.

For small scroll cut ornaments displaying multiple items is okay. One other thing I would add is do you have ability to take credit card payments? If not you should look into doing so. With all of that said we are all wishing you good luck on your 1st show and you will have a good one no doubt!

Erv  

[dgman]

Amazing display Lee! You have received good advice above which I agree with all so I won't reapeat any except taking credit cards. Square is so easy! They will send you the swiper for free or you can buy it at office stores and Target and even Walmart. They only charge 2.75% per transaction and the money is in your account the next business day. You can use it on your smart phone, but I use my iPad with a hotspot. My sales increased 50% when I started taking cards!

I enter every sale, cash or credit into the Square register so at the end of the day you have a complete record of your sales. Square also emails daily and yearly sales reports. It is an essential tool!

[edward]

Very nice display, and good luck on the show you should do well.  edward

[Phantom Scroller]

Have a great time you have some beautiful cuts there and you should make a killing. Good luck at the show.   Roly

[hawkeye10]

Everyone else is saying it so I will to. ""WOW"" I think you should sell everything you have on display. 

[trailfndr]

I definatly appreciate all the words of advise.  I have been researching shows for the past year, both in person and on the internet. 

 

Square is ready and I can take Chip cards

 

Directors chair is available, but I am not planning on taking it, (I am used to standing all day)

 

I WILL heed Rolf's suggestion of displaying only one of any item (Thank You)

 

Business cards are in place, and I use ALOT of them

 

I never sign my work, However, I put a printed sticker on the back, listing the designer, and woods used.  I also glue on a business card, and seal in both with Polyurathane.

 

Prices are printed on cards next to each item

 

I had an order book made with my company name printed along with contact info for orders

 

Always get 50% down on orders with NO refunds after 5 days

 

I have nice frosted plastic shopping bags (3 sizes) with stickers showing my company name and contact info attached

 

I plan to take a cooler, and Wife will meet me there after opening in case I need to leave the booth for any reason.

 

Someone said my display panels look professional,  They ARE.  While doing research I knew I needed something light, yet sturdy, and since I plan to concentrate on Art shows, professionalism is a must.  I found my panels on-line for a great price used , and traveled from Michigan to Florida to get them.

 

I will report back after the show (Dec. 3rd)  I am keeping my fingers crossed for a good show.

[NC Scroller]

Lee you really did your home work.  I have seen to many people attempt this and fail because they were not prepared.  The number 1 and number 2 biggest mistakes many do is not to research the event they are going to and not investing in good looking displays. 

[Sam777]

OMG

What can I say? AMAZING work, BREATHTAKING pieces.

Good luck at the show and keep up the great work

Sam

[Rockytime]

Holy Smokes you have beautiful pieces. You have to do well with what you have and how you display it. Best of luck to you.

[Dave Monk]

Your work is fantastic! Your profile says you have a Porter Cable saw. Is that the only one you have? dave

[Lucky2]

Lee, your display is most impressive, the work you do is amazing. With work of this grade, I can't see how you wouldn't do well. Thanks for giving us a look at your set-up, hopefully, most of it will sell for you.

Len

[Ron Johnson]

How can't you do well Lee. Your product is totally awesome and professionally set up. You're going to end the show with more than a smile and taking back with you ideas to improve upon for the next. All the best.

[JTTHECLOCKMAN]

Well laid out and the work is beautiful I bet you sell out. I bet you will do so well if you have other shows you better get started today. Do report back to us. I see a $1000 day there easy. 

[wombatie]

An outstanding display and you seem to have all the other little things covered so enjoy and don't forget to report back.

 

Marg

[trailfndr]

Dave Monk,,  I need to update that profile.  I used a Porter Cable for nearly 3 years, switched to and Excalibur a year ago.  The Porter was a good saw, and did a fine job, I just needed a deeper throat.  to many pieces need a longer cut to complete.

[amazingkevin]

Because I have never done a show before, and all of my display panels are new to me, I decided to set up my booth in the garage as practice and to insure that I pack everything for next weekends show.  Took longer than I wanted, but most of that is due to redoing things as I found the configuration that works for me.  Here are photos of what I ended up with.  Next step is to tear it all down, and pack it so its ready to move for the show.

If i came across this set up i'd want to sit down for a long time ,eyeballing all your works.In fact i'd kike to be right up front so nothing distracts my veiw. Whoah,I know what it's like to have a room full of intarsias.It just makes for a better day looking at them.Your skills have quite a bit of labor of love And i'll be wanting to see your operating where this all takes place .I'm sure it's dust free and eat off the floor clean.You made my day seeing this

[Rockytime]

If i came across this set up i'd want to sit down for a long time ,eyeballing all your works.In fact i'd kike to be right up front so nothing distracts my veiw. Whoah,I know what it's like to have a room full of intarsias.It just makes for a better day looking at them.Your skills have quite a bit of labor of love And i'll be wanting to see your operating where this all takes place .I'm sure it's dust free and eat off the floor clean.You made my day seeing this

I would also like to see where all this takes place.