Fairs: Don't expect much...

[Lou Ann]

Well, I'm home from my fair... made my table fee back and a little more but that's about it...

This is the 8th yr for this fair (most of the vendors I know have been there since the start) and this was by far the worst year they have had attendance-wise and the people that were there really weren't buying.  Usually I do really well this time of year but the fair is usually the WEEK before Mother's Day instead of the DAY before so I think that has a lot to do with the lack of buying today. Also heard we were competing with a large yard sale on the other side of town that was set up to benefit the Tornado Victims in Alabama.

There was one other stained glass person there and she sold mostly small pieces $10 range while all of my pieces that sold were $20 and up... the one type of craft that seemed to do well were the "useful" crafts that kitchen towels that hang on the stove and those fabric sleeve thingys to bake potatoes in...

Did make contact with the organizer of a fair the weekend before Thankgiving so until the fall, I'm done. Hope everyone else has better luck.

Lou Ann

[Kev]

Sorry to hear it did not go better for you friend. Seems it's getting harder and harder to sell wares these days.

[Tre V]

What a shame! Hopefully the one in the fall will be better.

[Anne]

Oh LA, what a drag! So sorry it wasn't a better show for you.  I wonder if this isn't a sign of the times. I have a show in a month, it'll be interesting to see if that turns out the same. Hummm...........

[ct4mom]

Sorry to hear that Lou Ann. I really think it is the sign of the time...I did about the same at my show last month. I sold mostly things from 10.00-25.00 range but many there didn't do as well. This was an elementary school and the kids made bracelets and sold snacks and baked goods and everyone was buying from them. Lets hope the economy get better for the fall shows.

[Lou Ann]

Thanks Guys!!! It is what it is... I just don't think we, as crafters, are going to see an improvement at shows unless we are doing them at the right time for a major event -- Mother's Day (the day before isn't it) and Christmas. I just think unless there is a reason to buy people appear to be buying practical things...

heck, I did the same thing today -- stared at a bag all day before I finally broke down and went and took a closer look, then I called home to see if a Mother's Day gift had been bought yet and when I told DH about the bag, he told me to get it from them... wasn't like it was a bank-breaker, just didn't feel the need to spend on me right now...

[Elizabeth]

Oh Lou Annn, so sorry that it did'nt go better for you!   You've been working so hard towards this.   At least you can take a break and some me-time now till the next fair.
I know I am 'a world away' from you guys,  but have found the same as you over the past few years, - that people have to be able to 'justify' purchases.   That is to say - it must be a specific gift for someone, or be useful.   Personally,  I find that the only really successful fair for me is at Christmas time.  Mothers Day/Valentine/...... are pretty much non-events,  and Easter is all about chocolate! :-)
Hope everyone else's upcomming fairs/shows are better - but I really think it's more a sign of the times than any reflection on our  work.  And you are right, LA - I also find myself being far more picky about what I spend my hard earned R ($) on!

[Audrey]

Sorry to hear that, LA. I guess it is the economy.  Sounds like everyone is having a hard time at fairs.

[JoanFrances]

Sorry Lou Ann, that really stinks.  AAA had an article in the local paper the other day and they were saying that many families were eliminating any non necessary driving right now becuase gas topped out at over $4.00 a gallon.  Hopefully by the time fall shows come gas many have gone back down some, although by then people will be trying to figure out how to pay for heat

[Evelyn]

Lou Ann, at least your made your table fee and a little more - so that's positive.  But as everyone else has said, its the economy - if its not necessary most likely it will not be bought.  The economy has to turn around and gas prices have got to drop as well as food/grocery prices.
Hopefully by Thanksgiving and the Christmas season shows, we may see a change - at least I hope so.

[Theresa]

Had a two day show this weekend. Did about $600 less verses last year. Tent next to me was a photographer. Ten minutes into the day he sells two framed photos at $450 a pop. He digitally sends them to a company on the internet, has them enlarged and mounted for a cost of $25. He then signs them and has it framed, total cost for printing and frame under $70. The same photograph is then copied and sold without frame or signature for $30 a pop. Total time invested, probably minutes. Plus he is just a local guy that does this as a hobby no one famous or well known. Now this is in NO WAY a slam on the photographer or anyone that takes pictures and sells them, kudos to him/them. What I am stating here is the conversation I had with him today. I looked at him and laughed. Told him, I have a SG panel maybe 11x17 for $150 that took me a week to make plus the cost of glass, foil, solder and frame. I get "Oh, how beautiful but it is way too much money!" or "can you take any less for the $20 fused bowl?"

What appeals and what one is willing to spend on certain items is guessing game. One I've yet to figure out and doubt I ever will.

[Kev]

I guess it's finding out what consumers want ..that's the hard part.

[Lou Ann]

What appeals and what one is willing to spend on certain items is guessing game. One I've yet to figure out and doubt I ever will.

you got that right!!!

[Theresa]

I guess it's finding out what consumers want ..that's the hard part.

Truly is! I personally have no problem dropping WAY too much on purses and shoes.