Opinions needed

[callmeCrazyButt]

Some of you may know that I am in the process of starting my own web baised business. I make and sell jewelry.
I was invited to do a craft show at the end of May, but the deadline for application approval is this Friday.
I'm getting a lot of pressure to do the show, but I don't feel ready.
I'm in the process of building my site (what a nightmare) and after I do that I can order business cards. On top of that, everything I've made so far has been one of a kind. I don't want to go to the show and sell the only make...especialy since they aren't prototypes. Does that make sense?
I do custom jewelry, but I really don't think people go to craft shows to place an order. I think they want to take their purchase home that day.

My dilema....even though I am not prepared, would this be a wasted opportunity if I passed on it?
On the one hand it's great exposure, but on the other I think I am coming off completely unprofesional because I'm not prepared.
It's a very short time away, but I know I can kick it into gear if I decide to do it.
What do you guys think?

[spazntwitch]

If I were in your shoes, I would politely decline at this time. There is nothing worse than showing up unprepared or feeling unprepared. As an analogy, you wouldn't want to showcase a hotel in progress while the plumbing is in. You'd wait until the hotel was ready before inviting the press.

[BabyV]

It is hard to push yourself into the unknown territory of a craft show, but I think you can definitely go in to the show and advise interested folks that they are made to order. At least then they would have seen and have a feel for the jewelry that they would be receiving once they have placed an order. I say go for it

[psychobutterfly]

I would definately order some business cards even if its only a small amount with just a phone number and what you do (custom jewlery) You can change it up later after you open your work space/shop...take your best pieces and go...at least you will have an idea what to expect when its "for real" ...use this time to have fun and do some research

[callmeCrazyButt]

Thanks for the input!

You thoughts are what I've been thinking for a few weeks now.

[DanC]

Hard choice.
My daughter did similar stuff, all hand made, most one-of-a-kind. She did a lot of craft shows, online sales, etc.
How big is this show? Is it one of those professionally produced regional things?
You could take what you have, offer it for sale, with the understanding that you'll ship the purchase to the buyer the day after the show. Keep the piece in your display throughout the show and take orders. I've seen this work.

[sweetwinter]

CCB, I would definitely pass on the craft show at least for now.

My sister and my cousin do jewelry as well (truly beautiful work) and have actually lost money doing craft shows (cost of reg/table exceeded profits) and they had pieces there ready to go~I don't think special orders would work at all for you there.

What I can suggest that they have had tremendous success with is small, home/work "parties" if you will. They were doing such huge business right away from word of mouth sales and the party format started very informally. Someone at work would ask if they could bring in some pieces so she could pick out a gift for her niece, etc. and before you know it ten people are in the lunch room placing speical orders and grabbing POS items!! It then floated to could you bring some pieces by the house my heighbor wants to order....you get my drift! So they have done TREMENDOUS business this way and it continues to grow. They keep it very informal so they can keep up with the pace of orders (they both have full timie jobs) but this has continued to grow their small business. Even got a wedding job out of one of the gatherings~did all the gifts for the bridesmaids, mothers, etc..

I would not market the parties like Tupperware, just take a go with the flow approach.

Best of luck to you~it sounds wonderful!! Hope this was of some help!

[connie8890]

Depending on where you live, there are all sorts of fairs and craft shows that you could get in on during the summer months. I wouldn't do anything that you feel you aren't ready for. It would be too much hassle with all that you are trying to tackle right now.

[Mirancat]

Just a tip...when making jewelry, scan & catalogue each item with fabrication notes, approximate materials cost and any pertinent details & put these in a binder. It really helps as a reference.

I also have a separate portfolio of my work to help sell commissioned pieces as well...this has actually worked out better for me (more profitable) than production work.

And have you checked out etsy.com?

Renting booths @ craft fairs & shows was always a big gamble. It was more like a marketing expense than a sales opportunity.

Note: When I started the jewlery business a couple of years ago, I found out very quickly that trying to handle production, marketing & sales (including building & maintaining a web page) was just way too much work for just one person. Just start small & don't bite off more than you can chew. Good-Luck! I hope you have as much fun making & selling jewlery as i have!

[diGriz]

I think cheese makes a wonderful party dip.

Need any other opinions?

[callmeCrazyButt]

Depending on where you live, there are all sorts of fairs and craft shows that you could get in on during the summer months.

That's a great idea!

Just a tip...when making jewelry, scan & catalogue each item with fabrication notes, approximate materials cost and any pertinent details & put these in a binder. It really helps as a reference.

I also have a separate portfolio of my work to help sell commissioned pieces as well...this has actually worked out better for me (more profitable) than production work.

And have you checked out etsy.com?

Renting booths @ craft fairs & shows was always a big gamble. It was more like a marketing expense than a sales opportunity.

Note: When I started the jewlery business a couple of years ago, I found out very quickly that trying to handle production, marketing & sales (including building & maintaining a web page) was just way too much work for just one person. Just start small & don't bite off more than you can chew. Good-Luck! I hope you have as much fun making & selling jewlery as i have!

I'm actually very anal (no pun intended) and I never thought about doing a catalogue like that.
I started a page on Etsy and quickly realized that it was not for me.

I think cheese makes a wonderful party dip.

Need any other opinions?

As many as you got!!




Thank you everyone! Your opinions are greatly appreciated!! One more day to think about this.

[Big Daddy]

IMHO I'd rather appear unprofessional to one person (or a small group of people) than to the public/potential customers. Plus I think whoever is pressuring you should understand that you want to put your best foot forward when you start.

My guess is that there will be many more and better opportunities for you to show your stuff when you're 100% ready.

BTW your new web-based business reminded me of this:



I know it's out of context, especially if you're not familiar with the show, but "Penny" started her own hair barrette business and then needed "the guys" help in making thousands of hair barrettes because they put an overnight shipping option on her barrette website.

Best of luck!

[callmeCrazyButt]

I decided to pass on the show. There will be more opportunities and I'll be ready for them.
Bd, what is that show and do you actually watch it??

Thanks again for your advice, everyone!! I greatly appreciate it!!

[Scoopons]

Hi crazybuttocks!

So its really funny that you asked this question because my friend and I were going through the same type of dilemma. We were really trying to push ourselves to be ready for the application deadline but in the end, we decided that we just weren't prepared yet and it would be better to give a more polished feel and wait till the next fair. (And there are plenty let me tell you).

[Scoopons]

also... I LOVE Big Bang Theory BD!!