Make money away from home - how to choose the right jewelry show
While those of us who work from the luxury of our home love the peace and solitude it
can bring, you can make a good income when you add jewelry shows into the mix. Of
course, like anything else, you have to choose the right shows that offer you the optimal
environment to reach your target customer.
For instance, if your jewelry is targeted to girls 16-24 and you are at a show for seniors,
you will most likely not get a good return on your investment!
But you can avoid those kinds of problems by choosing your shows wisely.
How to Recognize the Show to Avoid (and Save Yourself Days of Drudgery)
The wrong show is like wearing a pair of shoes that don.t fit right to a wedding and the
following reception. It.s a slow pain. By the end of the night, you refuse to stand unless
someone brings you slippers. At the wrong show, you dream of the day(s) coming to an
end, only to find yourself so bored and bothered you can.t be bothered to sell…”just get
me out of here!”
1. Determine if there are too many jewelry artisans at the show. Stay at less than
20-25%.
2. Avoid shows where importers of cheap jewelry try to sell off their goods as
artisan work.
3. Avoid shows that have little or no advertising. If there is no advertising, there will
be few customers.
4. Although shows where fireman are asked to attend as auction items, or leading
restaurants in the area offer a feast for free are great fun for the attendees, they
don.t usually spend much money. They come for the attractions.
What to Look for to Find a Good Show
1. Start by researching the art and craft shows in free listings online.
Here are some great references:
www·craftlister·com/events
http://www·artandcraftshows·net/
http://festivalnet·com/
2. Read in the forums online for good reports and warnings from fellow artisans.
3. When possible, obtain information on the last year.s promotion, participants and
sales.
4. Consider applying for juried shows. You will find a wealth of information in
Jewelry Booth on successful applications for juried shows. Normally, these
shows do offer a higher rate on your investment of time and effort (and money),
but the initial costs are higher, and it takes some finesse to consistently receive
acceptance letters.
5. Determine if the show is a “sales” show or only a display opportunity.
6. Find out what kind of advertising is included with your registration fee?
7. What locations are left for you? Can you choose your table location? Are you
located in line with several other artisan jewelers?
8. Consider hosting your own show!
Miscellaneous Ideas on Finding Great Shows
1. Check out past participants in shows. Contact them. Ask questions.
2. Attend shows that interest you. Assuming that other criteria are met, it is helpful
to choose shows in cities or towns you actually would like to visit.
3. Get out of your booth and meet other vendors. Get in on the “chat” and
hear the word about popular shows that everyone wants to attend.
If you are interested in attending or creating shows get Rena Klingenberg.s Jewelry
Booth. She has years of experience and has taken the time to clearly outline a success
strategy. There are scores of helpful articles available on a home based jewelry
business on her website.
Attending shows costs money, and you will need to budget for them in your annual
budget. Read the next chapter and learn some key points on successful financial
planning for shows.