Do You Want to Know What Other Artists and Crafters are Doing?

November 6th, 2008

by Shasta McLaughlin
The Extravaganza Craft Productions
copyright 2008

From the beginning of this site I have been taking some polls and I wondered if you would be as interested in the results as I was. Although they are early results, here are the answers to what other artists and crafters are doing.

What seasons do you do shows?

1 person said they do fall, winter, spring and summer shows, but did not select holiday shows.

When do you start selling Christmas & holiday merchandise?

2 people said, “I start selling holiday merchandise right after Thanksgiving.”

Do you change the look of your booth to coordinate with seasons, holidays, & other special occasions?

1 person said, “Yes, I decorate my booth for the holidays & seasons.”
2 people said, “No, my booth stays the same through out the year.”

What is your average income at craft shows per year?

2 people said, “Between $0 & $10,000.”

What do you sell at shows?

1 person said, “Fine Art.”
1 said, “Woodworking/Furniture.”
1 said, “Health Beauty Products.”
1 said, “Jewelry.”
3 said, “Other.” Unfortunately my polling software doesn’t have the ability to ask them to define what “Other” means.

I find this question very interesting. I know I only have a very small number of results, but at this time it doesn’t look as if jewelry out weighs the other answers.

What types of shows do you usually sell at?

1 person said, “Juried Fine Art & Craft Shows.”
1 said, “Unjuried Art & Craft Shows.”
1 said, “Fairs or Festivals.”
1 said, “Gem & Bead Shows.”
1 said, “Other Specialty Shows.”

Do you sell Arts & Crafts on the web?

6 people said, “Yes, I have a website.”
1 person said, “No, I don’t have a website.”

To the one person who said they don’t have a website. Here is what the six who do have a website know that you don’t. They know that you can do websites for any price. From $0 to $unlimited. They know that a website is a salesman for your business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They have income coming in from a website while they sleep. Do you?

Do you do any marketing outside of craft shows?

1 person said, “Yes, I follow up with customers outside of craft shows.”

Good for you, I guarantee your business will be more successful than most other respondents of these polls.

Do you do arts & crafts on the side or as a regular 9 to 5 job?

1 person said, “I do arts & crafts to make an extra income.”
1 said, “Arts & Crafts are my regular 9 to 5 job.”
2 people said, “I want arts & crafts to be my regular 9 to 5 job.”

I think this should speak to both show promoters and to the goals of those people who want this to be their living. Are you doing enough to make this a profitable 9 to 5 job?

Are Art & Craft Shows More Profitable Than 5 Years Ago?

2 people said, “No-art and craft shows are NOT more profitable than 5 years ago.

This is sad to me. I know that the current economy is not rising and prices are rising which doesn’t bode well for profits. However, I know that people have turned toward buying locally made goods from local people, who use local products. We need to find a way to take advantage of both this attitude and the economy to make our shows more profitable. Remind your customers buying products made locally supports the economy as every dollar spent in your community changes hands approximately 7 times before leaving the community. Display a sign that says handcrafted products, made locally (or in the U.S.A.), with products purchased locally.

How Much of Your Time is Spent Looking for Quality Shows?

1 person said, “10%.”
1 person said, “30%.”

To the person who said they spent 30% of their time looking for quality shows wouldn’t your time be better spent making and improving your craft, marketing it, selling it, and enjoying the profits? If you live in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, North Dakota or South Dakota check out The Extravaganza Craft News.

And just for fun I asked, How is my site?

1 person said, “Good.”

Only 1 vote and only good. Can I get a few more opinions here?

So there you have it, that’s what I know! If you have specific questions you would like to know more about please email me. I’ll add a poll and we’ll find out.

To your profitable business,

Shasta