Your show is chosen and now comes the bigger issue. What product are you going to take? How much will you need?
Now most of us have a chosen product line. If your business is candles, then we can safely assume that candles will be coming to the show. But, the size of the show may change the mix of product I want to tote along. If it is a smaller show that I have never done before, I may not bring along my entire line. I usually only bring everything if it is a big show with tons of attendees and a proven track record. I will bring a lot of smaller items that are easier to pack and move, and less of the larger items that are heavier and prone to breakage. I do have a set amount of larger items that fill out my display and a great selection of scents and choices help as well.
One thing that I see alot for first timer show vendors is bringing too much product. This I caution you on because of a few reasons.
First, that means you are putting a ton of money into inventory that you may or maynot be able to sell right away. Tied up money is not a great way to start a business.
Second, You don’t know what the customer wants! If you have 5 of one item that you think is super cute, trust me the customer will probably want something else. Use shows to test your product line. Track your sales at each show.
Third, it is heck to pack and unpack everything! you want this to remain Fun. Lugging a ton of product back and forth may not be fun to you!
 So how much do you really need? Enough to make your display look full and inviting. A great selection of each type of product should be ample. A great tool could be to check with your company and see what products sell the most overall. A wide cross section of the people like the same type of things. Company sales would show that.
Until next time! Have Fun!
Chris
What is the first thing you need to do??
Fill out the forms and send in exactly what the promoters want. If they want pics, get some pics. If they want licenses, get them! By doing this professionally, you will become a professional and be seen as such.
Is this a juried Show, meaning are the jurors going to judge your products? Send in the product needed. 99% of juried shows will not accept pre made items, so be aware of that if you are appling for juried shows. If you make your own items, go for it. Make sure your photos are Clear and Professional.
Check the fees Can you afford them? How much will you need to sell to make back the fee and then make a profit? To find out, take an average price of your products and go from there. Remember, if this is a first show, you are not going to move a lot of product unless you have an awesome, special and unique things, so take that into account before you sign up for a big $$ show. You do not want to ruin your first experience on a big $$ show and have a small return.
Until next time!!
Chris
Direct Sales Talk
DirectSalesFundraising.com
Why should you use shows and festivals in your business anyway? I mean, is it worth the hassle, Really?
If you are looking to develop your offline business and grow your business locally, this is the best way to go. How else can you get the product to the people to see if it is something that is in demand, is unique and worthy of your time and committment?
Getting your product to the people and into their hands in key to a successful business either online of offline. If you cannot sell the items, you are kinda out of business. Testing the waters by using shows is an awesome way to test market your stuff.
You can test pricing, colors, designs and many more things. Checking out the competition is not a bad idea either and they will be there in one form or another.
Being unique in business is also called finding a niche. People do it every day. Creating your niche will come by trial and error but it will come if you are a smart marketer. Do not make the mistake of ignorning the signs needed to grow and propser your business. Including offline shows may be one of the signs.
Until next time, you can check out more information on my DirectSalesTalk site and my Blog as well
Chris
My friends checked out the site and admonished me for forgetting some of the obvious ways of finding shows. I said, hey, I’m getting to it… so getting to it, I am!
**The Classifieds and the Upcoming Event Section in the paper.
**Cable stations have the Whats Coming Calendars that a lot of folks use. Or the Television websites may have listings as well
**And don’t forget Signage. A lot of folks may post a sign advertising their upcoming show.
Check them all out
Chris
DirectSalesTalk
The most difficult thing sometimes is getting started! After making the decision to include craft shows in your business plan, you need to get busy planning!
First finding a show in your area!
The best place to check is your local newpapers and chamber of commerces. Ask your friends that do shows. Check out the calendars on websites like Event Lister and Craft Lister. You can google the words Craft Shows and the name of your state for even more information locally and not so locally. You will even find some magazines and newsletters that rate a particular event and give you tons of information on it such as pricing, what products are allowed and set up information.
Enjoy!
Chris
Direct Sales Talk
I am so pleased to invite you into the world of Craft Shows for your Direct Sales Business! I will be developing this site to encourage you, enlighten you and teach you how to use craft show type businesses to grow your direct sales business!
 I hope you come back and visit often and bookmark me for current content!
Enjoy!
Chris
Direct Sales Talk
