Mistletoe Marketplace - Craft Fair
I have to say, that doing a craft show is quite an experience. And, after three days of doing one, I am tired. But, it was worth it, and loads of fun!I got there early on the first day to make sure I had plenty of time to set up my booth and layout all of my handmade goodies. I was placed in the room with Santa, which was great because of the flow of traffic constantly coming in. While people waited in line to see Santa, their parents would browse and shop at my booth. There were three or four other jewelry vendors at the event in total, and the coordinator planned for each of us to be located in different rooms throughout the event, which I thought was good. All the other jewelry vendors had very nice booths, and I must say, we all made different types of jewelry.
I think I made some pretty good sales, I made back the entry fee for the show and then some! Of course, all my earnings will go right back into buying more beads and replenshing stock. I also had several people take my business card, and said they'd check out my online shop!
Thankful for Katie...
My good friend Katie (she's like a sister to me) sat with me for two of three nights, and I was so thankful to have her there. She made sure I had something to drink, (which was a good idea too, because I didn't realize all the questions the public would have about my jewelry, such as how I got started, etc.) and on the second night, which was the busiest, she brought me loose change to keep in my cash box - just in case. Did I mention she works for a major bank, and is very good at helping me price my items, and keeping my business expenses straight. So sweet of her to help me on my small business endeavor. She also did a food run for me so I didn't have to leave the booth. She's the best beading assistant you could ask for... right now, I pay her in free jewelry! Thank you, Katie!
Raffle for Jewelry...
Saturday night, the last night of the show, wasn't as busy as I had hoped it would be, and quite frankly, I was glad. There was a lot more entertainment going on in other buildings so it was nice to get a break after the first two days. After the first night, I decided to do a raffle, and drew out the lucky winner's name on Saturday near closing time for a free pair of earrings. The winner was Debbie from Party Lite candles, who happened to have her own vendor booth in my room. Congrats Debbie!
All in all...I met loads of great people, which will also be great contacts for future networking events and shows. One vendor also gave me some great information about an upcoming bridal show next year! So now, I am thinking about planning for that... just an idea for now, but I am excited, and can't wait to start working on it! I think I will do this show next year. I have already thought of several things to make my booth better in the future.
Ciao~
Layne
