oh I love the groupies! They are like unpaid sales people. If they are there and somebody walks up to the booth they jump right in. It is super fun when one starts in on another groupie to try to sell me to them. It is wonderful! Some of them can even be counted on for booth sitting for potty breaks. I treat them very well and have a good time with them. If I make something show specific or year specific and I don't sell them all- these are the people to give them out to. That and the promoter or volunteers. -I think I need to start another thread on that.
What percentage? Well- they don't always buy when they come around, but their enthusiasm is invaluable. I would say that of my entire client database that 5-10% buy again. I send out newsletters via email and include a coupon for them to print out for a 10% discount at the show.
WOW Linda. I have trouble just remembering what Art Fair is next and where?
What you've given us an example, and a good one, of what works for you and could work for others. I thank you for that!
Linda Anderson said:
Several great thoughts again Greg, All I can refer to is my own experiences. The repeat shows I have participated in have typically had me at the same location or very close. However, some shows have rearranged booths from prior years and no one had the same location. I have had a few comments from repeat customers that it was somewhat difficult to find me, but they were not extremely upset about it and I always deal with it with humor and mention they get to see more art that way. Early on in my show years I did had comments or even emails from repeat customers when I was not at a specific show . I think I've solved that problem with my mailing list and by handing out an event schedule at every show. They now know to always check my events tab on my website as they have learned I may add or remove a show previously listed. I could be mistaken, but I don't think I've lost credibility by not returning to any specific show. Of course, I'm a talker, so these folks get to know me pretty well and we talk freely. If they wonder, they surely ask and I've always been upfront - either I did not get juried in (by now they all know what that means) or I had another show that worked better for me. We'll always laugh at the not juried in part as they will always comment that the jury doesn't know beans if I did not get in.In my previous life, records keeping was of utmost importance. "Publish or Perish" was the theory so by habit I am a keeper of records. My process is likely not used by many artists. Each item I have has it's own number (a rather intricate numbering system). I also use one notebook per season. Each show has it's own page(s) then has the date & show name on the top page. I also use the shows pages for notes about the show, who was there, special orders and other comments. When an item is sold, that number is immediately listed in my notebook. If the sale is to a person I know - I'll list that person's name after the number. After every show, I use an Excel Spreadsheet to record each item sold and (when paid by charge or check) I have that name/address etc. Not only does this let me compare shows from week to week or year to year, I know the item number a person perchased and can refer to that the next time I see them. Plus, because it's in Excel, I can organize it in many ways - what image sells the most, what size sells the most, what price point works the best, what sold well in past years compared to present year etc.
This may seem like alot of work, but it's so second nature to me now I just whirl through it and have found it so very valuable in many ways. This may be too much for most artists, but perhaps that info will help you in some way.
Greg Heihn said:
Hi Linda. This question came to me as I was reading through one of your discussions. I think whoever, was talking about booth placement at a show, and if not placed in the "usual" spot would patrons have trouble finding you. My thoughts went along these lines: What if you're not accepted back into a show that you have done for some years? Thus how the "How many returning clients" question. Another question would be: Do you lose or gain credibility by not doing or doing same shows year after year? By your choice or not? And I do keep a log of people that have purchased from me by art show. At the last one, I remembered the name of the previous years BIG purchaser. Lucky! They did not buy anything but were excited that I would remember them. Oh well.
Linda Anderson said:
Seems like I've picked up my own little groupie set at each show over the last 5 or so years. I do have a mailing list, but that doesn't do anything for my memory as it's quite large. I do shows nearly every weekend around the Great Lakes from May through October. Typically my past customers have entered my tent with huge smiles and we always end up hugging each other, catching up & discussing what new images I have. Depends on the show - if it's local within 20 miles or so - I have about 10 to 15% repeat customers. If it's not local I have about 1% to 2% tops on shows that I have done in the past. Many of my shows this year are first timers for me - but I've had three past customers visit my booth at these new shows as they have my event schedule or look at my schedule on my website and know where I'm at. To me..... this is one of the fun parts of shows! Plus, their enthusiasm while in my tent is contagious. It's like they are rooting for me to do well and always talk up my art. I've learned to write down info about them in my notebook - things they mention (birthdays, vacations they took, grandchildren names etc). Before any show I always glance through my notebook just in case they should happen to stop by. I try to treat them like gold.
Several great thoughts again Greg,
All I can refer to is my own experiences. The repeat shows I have participated in have typically had me at the same location or very close. However, some shows have rearranged booths from prior years and no one had the same location. I have had a few comments from repeat customers that it was somewhat difficult to find me, but they were not extremely upset about it and I always deal with it with humor and mention they get to see more art that way. Early on in my show years I did had comments or even emails from repeat customers when I was not at a specific show . I think I've solved that problem with my mailing list and by handing out an event schedule at every show. They now know to always check my events tab on my website as they have learned I may add or remove a show previously listed. I could be mistaken, but I don't think I've lost credibility by not returning to any specific show. Of course, I'm a talker, so these folks get to know me pretty well and we talk freely. If they wonder, they surely ask and I've always been upfront - either I did not get juried in (by now they all know what that means) or I had another show that worked better for me. We'll always laugh at the not juried in part as they will always comment that the jury doesn't know beans if I did not get in.
In my previous life, records keeping was of utmost importance. "Publish or Perish" was the theory so by habit I am a keeper of records. My process is likely not used by many artists. Each item I have has it's own number (a rather intricate numbering system). I also use one notebook per season. Each show has it's own page(s) then has the date & show name on the top page. I also use the shows pages for notes about the show, who was there, special orders and other comments. When an item is sold, that number is immediately listed in my notebook. If the sale is to a person I know - I'll list that person's name after the number. After every show, I use an Excel Spreadsheet to record each item sold and (when paid by charge or check) I have that name/address etc. Not only does this let me compare shows from week to week or year to year, I know the item number a person perchased and can refer to that the next time I see them. Plus, because it's in Excel, I can organize it in many ways - what image sells the most, what size sells the most, what price point works the best, what sold well in past years compared to present year etc.
This may seem like alot of work, but it's so second nature to me now I just whirl through it and have found it so very valuable in many ways. This may be too much for most artists, but perhaps that info will help you in some way.
Greg Heihn said:
Hi Linda. This question came to me as I was reading through one of your discussions. I think whoever, was talking about booth placement at a show, and if not placed in the "usual" spot would patrons have trouble finding you. My thoughts went along these lines: What if you're not accepted back into a show that you have done for some years? Thus how the "How many returning clients" question. Another question would be: Do you lose or gain credibility by not doing or doing same shows year after year? By your choice or not? And I do keep a log of people that have purchased from me by art show. At the last one, I remembered the name of the previous years BIG purchaser. Lucky! They did not buy anything but were excited that I would remember them. Oh well.
Linda Anderson said:
Seems like I've picked up my own little groupie set at each show over the last 5 or so years. I do have a mailing list, but that doesn't do anything for my memory as it's quite large. I do shows nearly every weekend around the Great Lakes from May through October. Typically my past customers have entered my tent with huge smiles and we always end up hugging each other, catching up & discussing what new images I have. Depends on the show - if it's local within 20 miles or so - I have about 10 to 15% repeat customers. If it's not local I have about 1% to 2% tops on shows that I have done in the past. Many of my shows this year are first timers for me - but I've had three past customers visit my booth at these new shows as they have my event schedule or look at my schedule on my website and know where I'm at. To me..... this is one of the fun parts of shows! Plus, their enthusiasm while in my tent is contagious. It's like they are rooting for me to do well and always talk up my art. I've learned to write down info about them in my notebook - things they mention (birthdays, vacations they took, grandchildren names etc). Before any show I always glance through my notebook just in case they should happen to stop by. I try to treat them like gold.
Hi Larry. Good point and you are right. There is no easy way of knowing percentages. It could be more of a feeling. Also at least on one occasion, a previous client expected me to remember him! He stood around and waited. I asked him if he had any questions and then it came out.
Larry Berman said:
Actually the first question might be whether or not you use your mailing list or even have one. Otherwise unless they say something to you about it, you don't know if they are return buyers. Unless you only do a show or two a year and have a good memory.
Hi Linda. This question came to me as I was reading through one of your discussions. I think whoever, was talking about booth placement at a show, and if not placed in the "usual" spot would patrons have trouble finding you.
My thoughts went along these lines: What if you're not accepted back into a show that you have done for some years? Thus how the "How many returning clients" question.
Another question would be: Do you lose or gain credibility by not doing or doing same shows year after year? By your choice or not?
And I do keep a log of people that have purchased from me by art show. At the last one, I remembered the name of the previous years BIG purchaser. Lucky! They did not buy anything but were excited that I would remember them. Oh well.
Linda Anderson said:
Seems like I've picked up my own little groupie set at each show over the last 5 or so years. I do have a mailing list, but that doesn't do anything for my memory as it's quite large. I do shows nearly every weekend around the Great Lakes from May through October. Typically my past customers have entered my tent with huge smiles and we always end up hugging each other, catching up & discussing what new images I have. Depends on the show - if it's local within 20 miles or so - I have about 10 to 15% repeat customers. If it's not local I have about 1% to 2% tops on shows that I have done in the past. Many of my shows this year are first timers for me - but I've had three past customers visit my booth at these new shows as they have my event schedule or look at my schedule on my website and know where I'm at. To me..... this is one of the fun parts of shows! Plus, their enthusiasm while in my tent is contagious. It's like they are rooting for me to do well and always talk up my art. I've learned to write down info about them in my notebook - things they mention (birthdays, vacations they took, grandchildren names etc). Before any show I always glance through my notebook just in case they should happen to stop by. I try to treat them like gold.
Seems like I've picked up my own little groupie set at each show over the last 5 or so years. I do have a mailing list, but that doesn't do anything for my memory as it's quite large. I do shows nearly every weekend around the Great Lakes from May through October. Typically my past customers have entered my tent with huge smiles and we always end up hugging each other, catching up & discussing what new images I have. Depends on the show - if it's local within 20 miles or so - I have about 10 to 15% repeat customers. If it's not local I have about 1% to 2% tops on shows that I have done in the past. Many of my shows this year are first timers for me - but I've had three past customers visit my booth at these new shows as they have my event schedule or look at my schedule on my website and know where I'm at. To me..... this is one of the fun parts of shows! Plus, their enthusiasm while in my tent is contagious. It's like they are rooting for me to do well and always talk up my art. I've learned to write down info about them in my notebook - things they mention (birthdays, vacations they took, grandchildren names etc). Before any show I always glance through my notebook just in case they should happen to stop by. I try to treat them like gold.
Actually the first question might be whether or not you use your mailing list or even have one. Otherwise unless they say something to you about it, you don't know if they are return buyers. Unless you only do a show or two a year and have a good memory.
Replies
What percentage? Well- they don't always buy when they come around, but their enthusiasm is invaluable. I would say that of my entire client database that 5-10% buy again. I send out newsletters via email and include a coupon for them to print out for a 10% discount at the show.
What you've given us an example, and a good one, of what works for you and could work for others. I thank you for that!
Linda Anderson said:
All I can refer to is my own experiences. The repeat shows I have participated in have typically had me at the same location or very close. However, some shows have rearranged booths from prior years and no one had the same location. I have had a few comments from repeat customers that it was somewhat difficult to find me, but they were not extremely upset about it and I always deal with it with humor and mention they get to see more art that way. Early on in my show years I did had comments or even emails from repeat customers when I was not at a specific show . I think I've solved that problem with my mailing list and by handing out an event schedule at every show. They now know to always check my events tab on my website as they have learned I may add or remove a show previously listed. I could be mistaken, but I don't think I've lost credibility by not returning to any specific show. Of course, I'm a talker, so these folks get to know me pretty well and we talk freely. If they wonder, they surely ask and I've always been upfront - either I did not get juried in (by now they all know what that means) or I had another show that worked better for me. We'll always laugh at the not juried in part as they will always comment that the jury doesn't know beans if I did not get in.
In my previous life, records keeping was of utmost importance. "Publish or Perish" was the theory so by habit I am a keeper of records. My process is likely not used by many artists. Each item I have has it's own number (a rather intricate numbering system). I also use one notebook per season. Each show has it's own page(s) then has the date & show name on the top page. I also use the shows pages for notes about the show, who was there, special orders and other comments. When an item is sold, that number is immediately listed in my notebook. If the sale is to a person I know - I'll list that person's name after the number. After every show, I use an Excel Spreadsheet to record each item sold and (when paid by charge or check) I have that name/address etc. Not only does this let me compare shows from week to week or year to year, I know the item number a person perchased and can refer to that the next time I see them. Plus, because it's in Excel, I can organize it in many ways - what image sells the most, what size sells the most, what price point works the best, what sold well in past years compared to present year etc.
This may seem like alot of work, but it's so second nature to me now I just whirl through it and have found it so very valuable in many ways. This may be too much for most artists, but perhaps that info will help you in some way.
Greg Heihn said:
Larry Berman said:
My thoughts went along these lines: What if you're not accepted back into a show that you have done for some years? Thus how the "How many returning clients" question.
Another question would be: Do you lose or gain credibility by not doing or doing same shows year after year? By your choice or not?
And I do keep a log of people that have purchased from me by art show. At the last one, I remembered the name of the previous years BIG purchaser. Lucky! They did not buy anything but were excited that I would remember them. Oh well.
Linda Anderson said:
Larry Berman
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