Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Festival Overview - Lessons

From my last post, you may know that I was preparing for a very large show called the Delmont Apple N Arts Festival.  The attendance was supposed to be upwards of 40k each year, and it's somewhat competitive to get into this juried Festival.  Everything has to be handmade, which is very nice!  If a booth is showing non-handmade items, they are asked to leave. 



This was the second year I participated - last year, it started raining on Friday (the day of set-up) and continued raining until Sunday evening.  On Saturday the festival decided to close early.  On Sunday, they didn't open at all.  I decided I would give it one more try, as the weather is not the fault of the organizers.

I can only say that this year, the show was as disappointing as last year.  I will not return.  I did make my booth fee back and what it cost for me to sign up for Verizon cellular data to use my ipad for taking credit cards, but that was it. 

I have some lessons that I learned that I thought I would share!  I'm sure many of you can relate, but this might help some of you for the future.

The biggest lesson I learned was - ATTEND the show before you decide to VEND at the show!  Had I attended this show in the past, I would have realized that what is being sold is not the audience I am looking for.  I am not putting down the people who are vending there, just saying that the audience most likely would not be interested in my items.  Had I attended the show in the past, I would have realized this!

WEATHER is iffy - at any time - but especially in OCTOBER!  It rained the whole weekend again this year.  Doing outdoor shows in bad weather means low attendance, wet items, and cold feet!

I really admire all of you artists and designers who can do show after show, and make money at it.  I did get quite discouraged at one point, and was ready to close up.  But I realized that what I am selling is a luxury, and people just don't have spare money right now.  I think my items are great and I do have a lady who owns a store in a trendy part of town who will be taking a lot of my merchandise, so I do have hope!  Right now, this is not my gig, and I'll go back to making beads for now!
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14 comments :

  1. baymoondesignOctober 16, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    I feel your pain! I don't like doing outdoor shows. Your tip about attending is a good one. Thanks!

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  2. Kathy ~ Artful AccentsOctober 16, 2012 at 8:37 AM

    I've never done an outdoor show, and have no desire! I'm sorry that it turned out so yucky for you. Best of luck with the holiday season coming up!

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  3. Diana P.October 16, 2012 at 8:42 AM

    I am so sorry you had a stinky show experience. I actually avoid doing outdoor shows for those exact reasons.

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  4. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    I am sorry your show was such a disappointment. I think your stuff (beautiful art) is so wonderful and I am amazed you didn't have more sells. But like you said the crowd has to be into what you have to sell and no one can help what the weather does. Do you sell online anywhere?

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  5. JennyOctober 16, 2012 at 1:03 PM

    Most all of my festivals are outdoors - so I can relate. But I whole heartedly agree about doing a reconnaissance mission at a show before signing up. Even another artist's recommendation doesn't work as well as your own eyes and intuition.

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  6. glassbead, isinglass designOctober 16, 2012 at 4:05 PM

    Good advice, Sue. Checking out the show first can tell you a lot, though it's not always possible. Talking to folks who have done the show can also help- sometimes. I hate walking into a show and immediately knowing I've made a huge mistake!

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  7. Judith Billig (Icarus Beads)October 16, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    So sorry that you had a bad experience.
    Low attendance can be so disheartening!
    As is high attendance, and nobody is buying.
    I very rarely do shows, because I'm afraid of the feeling of rejection. Sucks all creativity right out me, when I have the feeling that I'm pouring all of my heart into something, and nobody wants it.
    Great tip to first attend an event before deciding if it's the right target audience! I was planning to sell at some local art fairs next year, but thinking about it - I follow your advice and will first check it out, before making up my mind.
    Thanks for sharing your experience!

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  8. Judith Billig (Icarus Beads)October 16, 2012 at 4:34 PM

    So sorry that you had a bad experience.
    Low attendance can be so disheartening!
    As is high attendance, and nobody is buying.
    I very rarely do shows, because I'm afraid of the feeling of rejection. Sucks all creativity right out me, when I have the feeling that I'm pouring all of my heart into something, and nobody wants it.
    Great tip to first attend an event before deciding if it's the right target audience! I was planning to sell at some local art fairs next year, but thinking about it - I follow your advice and will first check it out, before making up my mind.
    Thanks for sharing your experience!

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  9. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    So sorry to hear this, Sue. If it makes you feel any better (or at least, not so alone), I did an indoor Arts & Wine Fest show a couple of weeks ago and I only sold 1 (that's ONE) stooopid pair of earrings. I, too, had not scoped out the show ahead of time. People came for the vino and were totally uninterested in the artists. :( By the end of the night, I was desperate for vino myself!

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  10. Francesca WatsonOctober 16, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    Great points for people new to doing shows - sorry your experience wasn't a good one, and thanks for turning it into a lesson for all of us!

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  11. jessememanOctober 16, 2012 at 7:36 PM

    Aww, sorry to hear of your disappointing show, Sue! I did a Saturday outdoor show in October for a couple of years...the 1st one was great, but the 2nd fizzled as it rained hard all day! Thanks for posting your tips!!

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  12. UnknownOctober 16, 2012 at 9:40 PM

    I am sorry the show was a bust financially, but glad you got some valuable info from doing it. And I appreciate you sharing that, because it is so helpful to everyone. Thank you!

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  13. UnknownOctober 17, 2012 at 12:40 PM

    I totally understand what happened and yes you do have to attend a show before you choose to vend I think that is a great lesson. I also know to put yourself out there like that is hard and I think you are very brave my friend! Your work is awesome and it was just not the clientelle that was there for you.

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  14. SueBeadsOctober 17, 2012 at 4:40 PM

    Thanks for the comments, ladies! I appreciate them all! I did feel bad at first, but now I'm just chalking it up to experience!

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