[Tom H]

I have not seen many questions that address the issues of selling carvings at arts festivals. And since I have let myself get talked into "doing" an Arts Festival this spring I need help. I usually give my whittlins/carvings away, but now I must consider actually putting a price on some. Among the items I am prepared to include in the booth are the tiny carved elves and Santas. These little items have various types of pin backs, including tiny clothes pins. I initially thought I would display them clipped to a small tree. After trying this out it occurred to me, maybe I could sell the complete tree with 10 to 12 little elves/Santas clipped to it. Here's the question: Is the tree with the elves/Santas a "good" idea? Or just try to sell the tiny things separately? Either way, any ideas on pricing??? I need all the help I can get, Thanks!

Tom H

[tucker1931]

Hey Tom, I can't help ya but I sure will be watching this post, I have some thoughts along those lines as well. I would think it would be much better to display them as a whole bunch on the table or say a board with some nice fabric on it (just my thought having been in retail for 35 years). Tom, check out my post in theWIP (the old boys) they would never have been possible without you, Thanks BUDDY and good luck with your new venture.
Cliff

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Tom. Are you going to be "part" of the booth or the whole show? I'd sell them individually as it would take a special customer who would buy the whole tree while, if priced reasonalbly, the tree will be picked clean in no time. Also, I'd make a real nice sign to set beneath the tree with the prices. As for prices, that's a hard one. What do you think their worth?

[Tom H]

Lynn, I am sharing a booth with a carver from our local group. I will have some Noahs Arks and pairs of animals, some basswood and cottonwood bark tree ornaments, and wizards and Gnomes to sell. Other fellow will have Cottonwood bark Gnome homes, wood spirits, and turned pens. As to what do I think the small pins are worth. That's my problem! I tend not to value any of the stuff I make. I have been critized for selling my Arks to low in the past. This arts festival is a two day event. If I just continue to give these little carvings away, they'll be gone in 10 minutes. There is hardly no material cost, and it only takes me about 1/2 hour to do one little pin.

Cliff, I like the idea of placing the pins on a black fabric for display.

Tom H

[Hugh P.]

Hi Tom, price I can't advise you on, other than too cheap a price isn't the way I would go. As far as displaying your carvings, too many of one item dosen't sell as well as one or two or each design or type. It seems people have a difficult time making a choice when there are too many of one thing to choose from. When one particular thing sells, replace it. This works for me. Hope this is a help. Good luck

[susieq]

It is really hard to price your own work but it is harder to price someone else's work...and it could be awkward. I can tell you that when I started selling my Christmas tree ornaments, I sold the first one for $10, right there in carving class, unpainted. Then I started getting $15 & $20 for them.

As they evolved and got better....the prices started going up. You just have to jump in and play the first hand by ear.....Next time you will have a better idea of what to ask... may you prosper.

[sludgeguy]

Hello Tom,

I've found a couple ways to find the value of your carvings.
Ask people at the show, keep in mind they aren't there to try to see how much they can cash they can give away. The other is by selling at an auction, ebay, consignment or charity.

Display is important. The display bords are a wonderful idea, something vertical will draw attention to your table and then the carvings quality and your personality will keep it. Make sure you are polite and personable and talk to folks if they are willing. They will enjoy looking at your wares and will be more likely to purchase.

Just my 2 cents,
Doug