KristinesShower Posted November 6, 2006 Share Posted November 6, 2006 Just a spin off from the other thread - I was curious to see what you all thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sudsnwicks Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Jenny, I voted for 10x or more, because the shows here have cheap fees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
prairieannie Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Booth fee is just the beginning of making a profit. Way too many other things to consider when doing a show and counting profit or loss when it's over. Things I consider:How far away was the show from home? How much gas did I have to use to get there and back however many times for however many days? Did I do anything different this show? i.e. new displays? different packaging? How many hours of my time do I need to account for? Did I have any help that I need to pay for? And a biggie.. how much do I need to subtract for supplies from this profit? So, while a certain dollar amount x my booth fee may sound great, what does it really mean? nada for me! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tammie Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Booth fee is just the beginning of making a profit. Way too many other things to consider when doing a show and counting profit or loss when it's over. Things I consider:How far away was the show from home? How much gas did I have to use to get there and back however many times for however many days? Did I do anything different this show? i.e. new displays? different packaging? How many hours of my time do I need to account for? Did I have any help that I need to pay for? And a biggie.. how much do I need to subtract for supplies from this profit? So, while a certain dollar amount x my booth fee may sound great, what does it really mean? nada for me! Prairieannie, I am with you on this one. When looked at with everything taken in to consideration, sometimes these things aren't worth all the time & effort involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgirl Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I prefer fundraisers to craft shows.. I don't have to leave my home and I make more money!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobinInOR Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I actually calculate the x from booth fee + basic expenses, like gas and food. So that's taken into consideration. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I figure like Robin (when I make anything :undecided ), but another consideration is how long have you been doing this? Like was stated in the other thread, what made me happy at the first show would make me cry now. I'm growing slowly and I know it will take time to get to where I really want to be with shows. I count my learning experiences as assets, too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Janette Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I include all expenses of the show, booth fees, travel, hotels, etc...when evaluating a shows revenue. I am happy when these costs are around 10% of my gross sales.Janette Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Di_in_AZ Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 When talking about shows, sometimes talking about the amount can be deceiving to people just starting out. My first shows sucked big time about three years ago. I made very little and was very discouraged. I have stuck it out because I consider myself somewhat of an optimist and didn't want to be a quitter. Last year was a bit better and this year I have been doing very well. I have found that I am getting more returning customers each year and they are buying twice as much as what they did before. People are always tentative with homemade products and want to try them first. I feel that my work is finally paying off--I am still not where I want to be, but feel I will be there in the next year or two. It seems I am having to win over my customers with my products, but I am confident they will come back and bring friends Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SunshineSundries Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I actually calculate the x from booth fee + basic expenses, like gas and food. So that's taken into consideration.I figure like this too - but I don't do food because I bring my own from home that I would eat if I was at home anyway. For gas, I use milage and "pay" myself $.23/mile so that way I get my oil changes and stuff in there too as some of my shows are 700+ round trip. If I don't make AT LEAST 5x my costs, I don't return to the show - well most of the time. There are shows that I've done two and three times and have done well - except for this year - but I'll go back next year just because my customers know where to find me. Hopefully next year they will bring a friend (or two or three...).Life & Light!Tish Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
magsglass Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 I go into a show with an expectation of how much inventory I should move based on a lot of factors. Happiness is determined by how well I met that amount.1) I'm relieved when I've met expenses (booth & ad fees, travel, lodging, meals, etc.)2) I'm satisfied when I've met expenses plus 30% of remaining inventory3) I'm happy when I've sold more than 50% my remaining inventory4) I'm downright hysterical and buying a round of drinks for my show buds when I've got nothing but my displays to take home. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerrie Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 Shows are a LOT of work, so if I can't do 10x or better I won't go back. Some shows charge a lot for their booths and those I don't always expect the 10x on, but I usually back away from those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennifer Posted November 7, 2006 Share Posted November 7, 2006 For gas, I use milage and "pay" myself $.23/mile so that way I get my oil changes and stuff in there too as some of my shows are 700+ round trip. TishYou may want to up that mileage that you pay yourself...2005's rate for tax purposes was 40.5 cents and if I remember right from my tax course this semester, it will be 44.5 cents for 2006 returns plus you can add any parking fees and tolls. But maybe you are expensing that extra as a "unreimbursed business expense".Just a thought,Jennifer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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