my first public show and selling...

[TOEKNEE]

hey folks, i am doing my first show and selling in october for a local festival. i will be selling and demonstrating. i am looking forward to it. i will mainly be selling santa stuff...ornaments and 4-6 inch tall santa figures. i plan to carve a few snowman, maybe some birds and gingerbread ornaments just to mix it up a bit. i have some spoons i have made i will sell too, and some cottonwood bark spirits. i have my prices figured out, got my packaging items together, got a display table and display ideas taken care of. now, any advice any of you seasoned sellers can offer me? maybe some do's and don'ts about dealing with the public, maybe some good tips and tricks you have learned? maybe some things beyond just being polite and engaging people? i plan on having some 1/2 x 1/2 inch bass wood to knock out some quick wood spirit/santa type carvings to give to curious children OR adults. i am carving a "hummule" to use as something to break the ice with people that stop by and check out my carvings. i am really not expecting a huge profit, i just want to go have fun and promote a great hobby. anyone got any tips?

[Blinky Bill]

Hi Toeknee,
I don't have any advice to offer not having much expirience in shows etc. But I did want to wish you success and a very enjoyable time at your first show...Good Luck!
John

[Dan Wegiel]

I second what John said, no advise just have a great time and I'm sure you'll put a smile on a bunch of people's faces, including yours.

Dan

[Curtscarving]

Sounds like you have it well planed and ready to go. Have fun & enjoy.
Curt

[Claude]

Just a safety tip: If you're going to be carving while sitting/standing there, make sure all knives and gouges are in a box beside you where the public can't possibly reach out and grab one. I'm not nearly as concerned about someone stealing one of your tools, as I am about the idiot who reaches out and picks up a knife and tests on his arm hair it to see how sharp it is, and then has to go to the hospital...your tool: you're at fault! In today's world, there isn't a jury in the land that would say he was stupid and it's his own fault.

Not trying to sound negative - just a word of caution. Hope you have a great time and sell everything!

Claude

[DADDIO]

a few things i have picked up on, if i have a bunch of one type item,don't put alot of them out, i do the lil branch chickens which are a good seller,and lil cowboy boot toothpick holders, but if you put alot of them out people will look and assume you'll still have some in a lil bit so they'll be back later. if you just have a few out they will think they may need to go ahead and buy. always smile and be friendly i usually have several projects i'm working on while there and a piece of wood like i started with so they can see the begining stages and possibly a finished one also. people are fascinated by seeing the process and the stages, i have some lil whittled flowers and trees to give to children and some ladies get lil flowers too. this goes along way to start conversation and possibly keep them looking. another lil trick pull your money roll out every now and then maybe as someone walks off and even if your thanking them for looking if people see you have money out they think you just sold and people like to see where others are spending. mainly have fun,i love doing any kind of demo and setting up and selling and demoing in the public because there is so much fascination with people and carving. a very good friend of mine who was a welder and artisit, would come to my house and be fascinated by my carvings,when i first started,and believe me they weren't that good!! and i told him man how are you fascinated by this and you do such incredible metal work!! he said cause i can't do this...he said that's it brother..people are fascinated by what the aren't able to do or don't know how to do. and i've always taken that to heart and tell people when they are looking and going man i could never do that,,i tell them i started with a pocket knife and a book..man you can do the same..have fun sorry for being so long winded

[wildhare]

Daddio, It sounds like you have aplan. I can only speak for one wood show, but numerous other art and craft shows. Set up you display at home and take a photo. Carefully look at that photo as a customer. Is there something that makes you curious? Have a variety of items, styles and priced items.
Most of all, don't take a no sale as rejection. You can't please everyone and everyone can't afford to buy. Have fun and show just how much you enjoy your art.
Also protect your valuables. There are a lot of good folks but all it takes is one bad one to spoil the fun.
Good Luck and have business cards on hand.
Wanda