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Art shows are a
great way to earn money with Friendly Folks and are a lot of fun.
They attract the right customers, are inexpensive and do not require
major time commitments.
The nice thing
about shows is that there is a time limit for customers. In other
words, they know at the end of the day they’re leaving. So if they are
interested they will buy something that day.
Getting Into Shows
Finding craft shows
in your area is easy. Besides ones that you might already know
about, there are many online directories to assist you. Just
Google "craft show listings" or add in your state like "Georgia
Craft Show Listings" and you'll get a ton of listings.
Call the promoter
to request an application and always include a free sample cartoon
picture when you send it back in.
Tips
for a successful show
-
Try and
get a good location.
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Show up
early to set up.
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Bring
cleaning/dusting supplies. Keep that display nice and clean!
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Look nice but don't overdress-
This will make you look professional.
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Smile a lot!
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Bring
lunch or snacks with you. You might be too busy to leave
your booth.
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Have a clipboard so people can sign up for your
mailing list. Ask for their e-mail address as well.
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Walk around the show and
compare your display/prices with other vendors. Constantly ask
yourself, "“What could I be doing better?”
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Use a full
length table cloth that goes to the floor. This way you
can store your boxes and supplies underneath the table and no
one will see them.
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Always make sure
you bring some sort of clip on lighting. If you happen to
be in a dark corner lights will attract attention.
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Always have brochures on hand.
#1 Way
to have a successful show
Have a display that grabs peoples attention!
Compare your display to others at the show. Does yours look
colorful, eye catching, dynamic? Does your display say to people,
“Come here! Check this out!” If it doesn’t, fix it fast! Get some
signs. Go to the display section and call us if you need some ideas
or help.
Locating Arts and Craft Shows
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Look in
the newspapers.
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Go to a
show and ask other vendors for a list of their shows.
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Go to a
craft show and then find out who the show promoter is. Then call
for a list of shows.
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Call
local churches and synagogues for upcoming events.
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Go to a
large bookstore and look for craft show directories.
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Look for
the magazine "Sunshine Artist." There are listings throughout.
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Order the
"Special Events Directory" which lists all kinds of events for
the entire country. It cost about $100 but it is well worth it.
For more information call 609-488-5255.
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Use Google.
Remember, some show promoters host
20 or 30 shows a year. Ask other vendors who the big promoters
are in the area and you'll have an ample amount of shows to
attend!
Sample Letter
This is an example of
a letter used to apply to craft show. We always send a personalized print to the show promoter
along with a color brochure.
Jennifer Ellison
ABC Craft Festival
48 Main Street
Rockaway, NJ 08890
Dear Ms. Ellison,
Thank you for giving us
consideration to be part of the ABC Crafts Festival. Enclosed is a
sample of our product and our expanded catalog. Our prints are
customized for each person. They start out with pen and ink. After
the design is completed, color is added and they are printed.
At the show we add little
touches. For example, eyeglasses, mustaches and beards. Hair can be
drawn to match the person's style and color. Skin color can also be
changed. We custom cut our mats (9 colors) and offer wood frames.
Calligraphy can be computer generated or done by hand. Low price
points too, $12 matted and $20 framed.
People of all
ages really love the prints, from teenagers to grandparents. With
500 different designs there is something for everyone. For our
customers, the cartoons spark their creativity and make for a great gift.
This makes it a lot of fun for us to be at the show.
We look forward to being part of
your show. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Robert Polaski
PS- I hope you like the print. If you would like any additional
samples just let me know.
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