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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.

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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...

Reply to
Will
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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

Reply to
Peter Hyde

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 > >

Reply to
Will

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

Reply to
Mike

Mike:

Turns out that you can get a 3X3 foot... $495

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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 > Peter Hyde wrote:

Reply to
Will

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:

seriously

Reply to
bill.neddow

Thanks for the tips...

snipped-for-privacy@sympatico.ca wrote:

Like me. :-)

I plan to attend this one for a look-see. If I do I will report. Interested in hearing from other who attend similar shows... Especially in Southern Ontario (including to Windsor,) to Thunder Bay area and east to Montreal...

Best wishes on selling your stuff. Do you have a web page to look at?

Reply to
Will

that's like working in a phone booth!

mac

Please remove splinters before emailing

Reply to
mac davis

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