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| Woodturning (rec.crafts.woodturning) To discuss tools, techniques, styles, materials, shows and competitions, education and educational materials related to woodturning. All skill levels are welcome, from art turners to production turners, beginners to masters. |
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#1
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Craft Shows and Marketing and Selling...
After looking at many web sites provided by members of this group, I can
see that there are a lot of talented turners out there. When I visited the ROM the other day I found out about this show. I had dropped by the Ontario Tourism booth at the Atrium, and half seriously mentioned that since they had brochures on antique shows, craft shows etc. maybe she had some good ideas on marketing some of my stuff and selling a few pieces. Turns out she knew a fellow that I know (in the big city of Bond Head) that makes beautiful Windsor chairs. Told me that he had worked this show and was happy with the results. http://www.oneofakindshow.com/ Now in my opinion they do a pretty good job of organizing the event marketing and give you the opportunity to sell. (Based on the web site. I have not been to the show -- but I will go to the next one.) If you download the "application to exhibit" brochure you can see one good example of how to organize a campaign. That alone might make it a worthwhile exercise. Maybe next year I will see If I have any luck. Just found this the other day so it is a bit late for me to even try to get all the pieces together. Best wishes... -- Will Occasional Techno-geek http://woodwork.pmccl.com |
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#2
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In article ,
Will wrote: http://www.oneofakindshow.com/ Will, I now several artisans who did the OoAK shows and were really bummed out. The cost is really high. For approx. $500 you get a 3'x3' space and no guarantees that you will sell anything. The effort needed to go into these shows maybe would be rewarded if you are an exceptional woodturner, otherwise I suggest you do more local ones and save yourself a lot of hassle. I am in S. Ontario and do not sell anywhere because the competition around here is really fierce. Prices at most craft show/ guild stores are really at starvation levels and I know most of my stuff would be let go at giveaway prices because of the need to get some return for my sweat and money invested. Instead try to build a client list that come to you for pieces. Sorry to be so negative but I have had to be realistic in my own appraisal of my profitability and hope I can save you wasting some major $$$$s |
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#3
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Peter:
Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping someone could give some. Client list is always easier... Selling to people you know and have sold to is always cheaper. I was looking at it mostly for the "flat" side of things - jewel boxes and such like. e.g. those posted on... http://woodwork.pmccl.com I think competition is fierce everywhere. :-) Peter Hyde wrote: In article , Will wrote: http://www.oneofakindshow.com/ Will, I now several artisans who did the OoAK shows and were really bummed out. The cost is really high. For approx. $500 you get a 3'x3' space and no guarantees that you will sell anything. The effort needed to go into these shows maybe would be rewarded if you are an exceptional woodturner, otherwise I suggest you do more local ones and save yourself a lot of hassle. I am in S. Ontario and do not sell anywhere because the competition around here is really fierce. Prices at most craft show/ guild stores are really at starvation levels and I know most of my stuff would be let go at giveaway prices because of the need to get some return for my sweat and money invested. Instead try to build a client list that come to you for pieces. Sorry to be so negative but I have had to be realistic in my own appraisal of my profitability and hope I can save you wasting some major $$$$s -- Will Occasional Techno-geek |
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#4
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Peter Hyde wrote:
In article , Will wrote: http://www.oneofakindshow.com/ Will, I now several artisans who did the OoAK shows and were really bummed out. The cost is really high. For approx. $500 you get a 3'x3' space and no guarantees that you will sell anything. The effort needed to go into You are talking about Canada (Ontario) Did you mean 3ft x 3ft or 3Meters x 3 Meters, about the standard size here in the US or 10'square. mike |
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#5
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Mike:
Turns out that you can get a 3X3 foot... $495 http://www.oneofakindshow.com/Englis...05-App-ENG.pdf Look at page 8 of the application for the rates. Those of you who are serious (or curious) about this... Americans - multiply by .8 to get USD on the rate. I would think that a small boot at a show like this would be counter productive... This one was a 5 day show -- so maybe it is not that bad after all???? March 24-28th 2005 As I said earlier -- the brochure is worth a look on its own merits. Mike wrote: Peter Hyde wrote: In article , Will wrote: http://www.oneofakindshow.com/ Will, I now several artisans who did the OoAK shows and were really bummed out. The cost is really high. For approx. $500 you get a 3'x3' space and no guarantees that you will sell anything. The effort needed to go into You are talking about Canada (Ontario) Did you mean 3ft x 3ft or 3Meters x 3 Meters, about the standard size here in the US or 10'square. mike -- Will Occasional Techno-geek |
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#6
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One of a Kind used to be a fantastic show, but like all the big craft
show in Ontario, it has been going downhill very rapidly. The vendor quality is still there, but the younger crowd of buyers is not attending and the older crowd is now downsizing. I know quite a few crafters who participate in these shows and most are really bummed out about how much they make now (considering how much the show costs). Medium-sized shows can still be worthwhile, but talk to other crafters before you take the plunge. I have now started to focus on studio tours and art shows because the buyers still seem to be coming to these. Bill in Ottawa Will wrote: After looking at many web sites provided by members of this group, I can see that there are a lot of talented turners out there. When I visited the ROM the other day I found out about this show. I had dropped by the Ontario Tourism booth at the Atrium, and half seriously mentioned that since they had brochures on antique shows, craft shows etc. maybe she had some good ideas on marketing some of my stuff and selling a few pieces. Turns out she knew a fellow that I know (in the big city of Bond Head) that makes beautiful Windsor chairs. Told me that he had worked this show and was happy with the results. http://www.oneofakindshow.com/ Now in my opinion they do a pretty good job of organizing the event marketing and give you the opportunity to sell. (Based on the web site. I have not been to the show -- but I will go to the next one.) If you download the "application to exhibit" brochure you can see one good example of how to organize a campaign. That alone might make it a worthwhile exercise. Maybe next year I will see If I have any luck. Just found this the other day so it is a bit late for me to even try to get all the pieces together. Best wishes... -- Will Occasional Techno-geek http://woodwork.pmccl.com |
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#8
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On Sun, 06 Mar 2005 17:41:28 -0500, Will wrote:
Mike: Turns out that you can get a 3X3 foot... $495 http://www.oneofakindshow.com/Englis...05-App-ENG.pdf wow.. I guess I could get my fat ass into a 3x3 area', but forget counter space or inventory... that's like working in a phone booth! mac Please remove splinters before emailing |
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#9
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In article ,
Will wrote: Peter: Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping someone could give some. Client list is always easier... Selling to people you know and have sold to is always cheaper. I was looking at it mostly for the "flat" side of things - jewel boxes and such like. e.g. those posted on... http://woodwork.pmccl.com I think competition is fierce everywhere. :-) Will I certainly agree. I went into a local craft Guild store this weekend and saw a beautiful ash bowl about 14"x6" with a textures rim for $145. The Guild normally takes about 40% so that would leave about $90 for the turner. This is a well known local turner and he is very prolific but it would probably mean less than minimum wage for me to even get close to this price. Overheads such as wood, finish, sand paper, heat and light, and delivery all have to be included and it doesn't leave much for the worker! No I won't be giving up my day job :-) -- meet me at: http://peterhyde.bravehost.com/ |
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#10
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Peter Hyde wrote:
In article , Will wrote: Peter: Thanks for the feedback. I was hoping someone could give some. Client list is always easier... Selling to people you know and have sold to is always cheaper. I was looking at it mostly for the "flat" side of things - jewel boxes and such like. e.g. those posted on... http://woodwork.pmccl.com I think competition is fierce everywhere. :-) Will I certainly agree. I went into a local craft Guild store this weekend and saw a beautiful ash bowl about 14"x6" with a textures rim for $145. What is thee "Guild Store"? The Guild normally takes about 40% so that would leave about $90 for the turner. This is a well known local turner and he is very prolific but it would probably mean less than minimum wage for me to even get close to this price. Overheads such as wood, finish, sand paper, heat and light, and delivery all have to be included and it doesn't leave much for the worker! No I won't be giving up my day job :-) Had a look at your turnings -- nice stuff. |
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