Demo at craft shows

Re: Demo at craft shows

John Trant (Baltimore/DC area)

>You are absolutely right on all points. Even though I enjoy demonstrating, it is impossible to both sell and demo well at the same time. Do one or the other and enjoy both fully.

John

Re: Demo at craft shows

Tim McGill

>I agree. I was once paid to demo at a craft show that I was also a vendor at. While it worked in my favor since the demo payment offset the vendor booth fee, I felt guilty for spending so much time in my booth assisting with sales. I also wonder what sales I lost since I was not there to answer questions or �be present� for the customers. It truly is about relationships.

However, I am considering setting up my lathe at a couple of outdoor show to illustrate that I am the one making the pens and can do a demo if requested. I will have an assistant with me to help in the booth.

Has anyone else done this and how did it work out?

Thanks,

Tim McGill

3/17/05

Re: Demo at craft shows

Bill Grumbine, Kutztown PA

>Hi Bill

I never do a show alone. At the very least it is important to be able to take care of certain bodily functions without having to worry about things being stolen or whatever.

One of the best shows I ever did was for a government convention on rural crafts or something like that. It was so busy I could not even do what I mention above, even though I really had to! My co-worker was my middle daughter, who was seven years old at the time. she had heard my spiel so many times that she did the selling while I processed orders. I did $1100 in three hours. It was a good show. I have not done that well since (rate of selling that is), although most shows have been good to me. At the very least, a second person in the booth gives you someone to talk to, and I have been there too.

Bill

Re: Demo at craft shows

Doug Trembath

>Boy, do I know that feeling! I did a demo at a show in June, and had to scrounge someone to watch my booth, even though I was just outside it with the demo. I was fortunate nothing was picked up that wasn't paid for, but it certainly could have happened. My bride, Debby, usually attends shows with me, but she was out of town on business, so I was on my own. And you're right, it seems the folks want to purchase from the craftsman, not his representative. Deb sells some, but nowhere near as much as I do, and it's not my salesmanship, I can assure you.

Doug Trembath

Studio in the Woods

Re: Demo at craft shows

Keith Tompkins

>I saw a turner who had produced a dvd, and played it on a television in his booth.

That was people could watch him turn a bowl, yet he could still interact with customers.

It looked pretty good, too

Great idea !!!! Thanks !!!!

Fred in NC

>

You need a partner...

Peter Teubel

>I frequently do demos at shows to get free booth space, but always do it with another fellow woodturner. Its always worth the "hit" in sales because one of us can concentrate on selling and the other on "wowing" the crowd.

same here

tdaniel

>Our club does demos at festivals to raise interest in our club and we have found that 2 turners alternating works best also. Last year I took my VB and another member took a mini to one and it worked great. I would make a bowl as he watched the table of goods and talked to the people and then he would make a finial or some other small spindle item as I watched the table and talked to those interested. We also allowed anyone to try turning as we coached. I totally agree that sharing a booth with someone who does a different style of turning is a win win method.

TD

Re: Demo at craft shows *LINK*

Bill Hale / The Wood Spinner

>I had another turner and my wife there. The other turner was not willing to turn so I did it. As for the selling, the others were there but are not good sales people. I am fortunate to be one of those who can sell ice to Eskimoes. The norm for us is that I sell and my wife handles the money side.

Good turning and be safe

Bill in Casa Grande, AZ.


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