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  Connie Mettler May 1, 2014 at 9:59pm

  Thank you, David, for the reading list. Just now I listened to one of Danziger's videos. I read, a lot, and have read a good bit about selling art and marketing, but additions to my list are very welcome.

  Bruce, if only others would do the research you are doing on this issue. I hope others are reading this thread and learning from your diligence. I know your work, I know Sugarloaf but I do not know ArtRider. But you are interested in the show the Kiwanis Club runs, right? My sources tell me that this used to be a hugely successful marketplace but it has struggled like all of the shows have since the GR and the falling off of the buying power of he middle class. Hardly a surprise. So, if you are adjusted to this new reality (suppose you are) this is less of a gamble than Sugarloaf for your work. Better audience, though probably smaller, and second Scott's ideas there.
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  Scott Martin May 1, 2014 at 9:00pm

  I have done all of the sugarloaf shows and most of the artrider shows and I can tell you without a doubt that Artrider is the way to go!
  First, the staff at artrider is fabulous and they care very much about the quality of show put on as well as exhibitors. And second, as other people have pointed out the customers at artrider shows are at the show to buy art, not food dips and other 2-5 dollar items sugarloaf lets in.
  I do agree that the morristown show isn't crazy busy packed with people, but that's not a bad thing as you will sell higher price points to the customers that attend.
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  Bruce Erdman May 1, 2014 at 11:55am

  I have looked around the web searching for information about the Morristown CraftMarket that didn't come from the show PR.  I found a few tidbits that incline me toward taking a chance on it.  I talked with the show director twice so I am confident that I can get prompt answers to my emails and calls.
  
  I did this show in 1982 and sold quite well.  Of course, back then, I sold well at most shows I did.  Since getting back into furniture making I have tried to do, one more time, the shows I did back in the day.  Being limited to indoor shows now, that nicely shortens my "bucket list".  Morristown is the last indoor show that I haven't done "one more time".  I used to do the ACE Rhinebeck show which ended in 1984, I think.  I see it has reappeared as an Art Rider show.  I looked at it last year but didn't apply because of its first year status.
  
  So what do the wise souls in this forum think I should do?  Keep it nice now. :)
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  Bruce Erdman April 30, 2014 at 12:38pm

  Just requested "Why people buy things they don't need" from the library.  Same for "Thank You Economy".
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  Bruce Erdman April 30, 2014 at 12:30pm

  Just ordered a copy of Wendy's book on Amazon for $4.  I have Prime so 2 day shipping is free.  Thank you David.
  
  I have been in the business, off and on since 1976.
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  David Klenk April 30, 2014 at 12:14pm

  Thanks Bruce, in March I passed the twenty year mark of being in business.  If you are interesetd there are some books that really helped me with marketing.  Most are outdated but still relevent in a general way.  Especially if you don't have a business background.  They are:

  Crafting as a business, by Wendy Rosen:  This is out of print but you can get it through Abebooks.com.  It is the best overview of the ways to monetize the dream.

  Why people buy things they don't need, by Pamela Danziger:  Outdated because it was written before the internet and the recession but it is the best at describing the customer and giving advice on what to focus on.  Hint: it is the customer's experience.  Pam also has an excellent youtube video that was recorded in the last several months.  I think she is the best at explaining how to suceed at marketing luxury products.

  The Purple Cow, by Seth Godin:  Seth is the best at explaining how the retail word has changed after the recession and how to approach marketing.  He also has excellent youtube videos.

  The Thank You Economy, by Gary Vaynerchuck:  Incredibly insightful book on how to put together a social media marketing system.  A very important book, but beware Gary is a potty mouth on his youtube videos.

  There are more good books, but these should be at the center of an artist or craftsman's marketing perceptions.
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  Bruce Erdman April 30, 2014 at 10:18am

  Thanks for the good information, David.  Your work is fantastic.
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  David Klenk April 30, 2014 at 10:06am

  I have exhibited at the Morristown CraftMarket and the ArtRider Morristown Holiday shows and had very good sales at both.  I agree with the other commenters that say the Morristown shows draw a more affluent group of visitors.  The zip codes that are close to the Morristown Armory, where the show is located, are some of the highest income zip codes in the country.  Many of the Morristown visitors are knowledgeable about fine craft and go there to buy.
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  Bruce Erdman April 29, 2014 at 10:37pm

  Artrider doesn't have a show named CraftMarket in the fall or at least I can't find it.
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  Linda Schwartz April 29, 2014 at 10:27pm

  Are you speaking of the Kiwanis show , or the Art Ryder show? I've done both, and found that while the quality of the work is very good, the crowds have been less than great.