Craft vendorship. Let’s just say I’m better at making up words than I am at selling crafts.
No. No, that’s not true. I am trying to not be bitter about a disappointing first-craft show experience. It was disappointing. It was a complete flop. It wasn’t all my fault, of that I am sure.
The decision to jump right in at the last minute was a typical Gina move. In my defense, I read up on craft shows, the how-to’s, the 101 tips you should know before becoming a craft show vendor. I’m racking this one up as a learning experience, a lesson on how to prepare, how long it takes to prepare, and all the other mumbo jumbo that other, smarter, more crafty people have put forth before me.
Instead of focusing on what went wrong I’m choosing to remain positive and focus on what went right. Also-on what I could have been better about.
The good:
-I love a good display and I loved gathering props to decorate our booth.
-If there was a cutest booth award, I’m sure our tent would have brought home the blue ribbon.
-I have a great ability for remaining positive when things look bleak. Or, maybe I lie really well.
-I am also able to sit still in one spot for hours on end.
-A lot of down time meant much brainstorming with Melissa and seeing possibilities with a different angle.
-Much pom pom making happened.
The bad:
-Even though I worked every. single. day. for 3 weeks, I feel like I had nothing to show for it. Strike that. I did have nothing to show for it. I started too many projects and didn’t finish enough. My “batching” process backfired and I ran out of time and energy to finish.
-Hustling at the end and not making lists hurt me as I packed up the goods and the props. I left out some cute elements because I forgot to pack them up.
So, was this a loss? Money, yes. Time and learning curve, no. I’ll do better next time because: make or die.
Did you make at least ONE sale?
It's good that you aren't being bitter about it and seeing it as a learning experience, even though I am sure you are disappointed and wish it would have been better. But I agree with what I saw somebody else say, at least it wasn't YOUR things that they didn't like.
Next time will be much better!!!
One sale, exactly; to the girls in the booth next to ours. Pretty sure they felt sorry for me but then again, they did seem excited by the bunting they bought-so there's that.
People were not buying anything from ANY vendor.
Thanks, Nikki! I hope so 🙂
I've had shows where all I wanted to do was sit and cry, but what I had to do was suck it up an then go back the next day because it was a three day show. It is a HARD way to make money and harder when you lose it. The ones that go good, and they occasionally do, are really great. though.
If people weren't buying anything from any vendor, it wasn't you or your wares. I have no doubt your booth was the cutest and most clever. Sounds like it just wasn't a very good event. Better luck next time for sure, #palsie. And kudos for you for getting the first one under your belt.