KommonScents Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 After posting about the spring fair, I got to thinking about what factors into my "bad/good/great" feelings leaving a show. I asked my husband (and business partner) and our factors differed, so I thought I would ask here too:Mine - Good dayCovering:Booth feeTransportation / Lodging / FoodMaterials of the candles we sell$10 / hr for the time we are thereat least 1 prospect for other business (wholesale / fundraiser / party), networking (outside of the candle industy - photography, events, containers, etc)Lots of face time with customers and browsersDH - good dayCover all cash expenses and cost of all materials brought to the show x2. (He's such a talker LOL) Just curious to see what other factors are important to others.Carlee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 That's like asking what's the best container wax....everyone has their own idea.Personally, I'm not in this to "work". I need to make enough to support my habit...so far, so good. On the other hand, I am not thrilled to go through all that lugging, setting up, tearing down and lugging again for $5 an hour!check this out http://www.craftserver.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61710&highlight=good+show Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sara Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 Keep in mind, that just getting your product out there, being seen and starting to brand your product is part of going to shows. So, though it might seem like a "bad" show money-wise, you never know if you'll pick up a couple new clients, or stick in someone's head. Money's nice, though, of coarse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carol k Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 i agree with your dh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgirl Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 When it is a first show...I expect to cover my costs plus lots of $$. (OK.. Some $$) Be it that day or by contacts I made leading to wholesale accounts or Fundraisers. I have done shows that I did not make but a little more than booth fee, but the fundraisers I got from them were WELL worth it.. Second Show -Repeat customers.. When I have people come back and tell that they made a special trip to find my candles and they LOVE them. Then I know it is a good show!!!Plus lots of MORE $$ than the first show!!! LOL:highfive: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candybee Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 A good show is 5 to 6x your booth fee. Its expensive to do shows. Good leads and the exposure are also good to have along with picking up good marketing skills is priceless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgia Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 A good show is 5 to 6x your booth fee. ....I've come to the conclusion that this has no basis in reality. I have a show that is 40 minutes away that costs me $75, and another that is 10 minutes away that is $65. In order to cover my expenses, I better sell a whole lot more at the first show... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TraciS Posted May 7, 2008 Share Posted May 7, 2008 To be a good enough show to go back to again we have to pay all costs + show fee and then clear $500 per day average. We only do a few small or one day shows and do 5-6 large events from Sep-Feb. We used to do any show we could get into but the income vs time just wasn't making it worth it. BUT, we do like a wine festival every now and then or a good chili cookoff. Not much profit but free food & drinks and fun - every once in a while is fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KommonScents Posted May 8, 2008 Author Share Posted May 8, 2008 Thanks for all of the responses. I enjoy reading everyones different point of view, and what works for them. I have found I learn from each response, even if it differs from my perspective at the moment. It also makes for some really interesting dinner conversation with my DH. BTW, Georgia - what's the best container wax Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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