Hi all –
I’m just in my 2nd year of selling my jewelry to the public and am slowly-but-surely getting out of church basements and into larger venues. The maxim “you get what you pay for” has never been truer than when it comes to shows, and I’m definitely finding that the more expensive shows bring in the larger profits. (duh!) :-)
However I never like to do a show without hearing good things about it from at least one vendor, so I’m wondering if anyone here has done the Maryland Christmas show. The one for this year just ended this past weekend but I couldn’t attend as a customer because I was booked with other shows. Show spaces are expensive (starting at over $600 for the smallest space for 3 days) so I’m not just going to risk $200/day on a show I don’t know anything about so I’m hoping someone here can give me the 411 on the show…
Any advise?
Thanks!
Kelly
Replies
I've spoken with exhibitors who have done both the MD as well as the PA Christmas show in Harrisburg.
One thing you must remember is these are gift shows, not art fairs or craft shows.
Last I heard the MD show separates as best they can the original work from the rest of the stuff, but you could still end up next to the "Magic Broom" guy who amazes everyone by cleaning an 18 inch square piece of rug, or someone who takes 6 spaces on two back to back aisles and opens boxes of sweatshirts.
Now, having said that, if you go in with a mindset of what it is, and not what you want it to be, you can make a lot of money if you have the right work in your booth.
You're doing the right thing by attending the show and seeing for yourself just to expect if you decide to make the plunge.
Not by anyone online, but I have met a couple of vendors in person who have done it, and recommend it highly. I've decided to go there as a customer this year and talk to jewelry vendors there to ask what they think, etc.
Kelly