MARKETING ARCHIVES
Sales vs. Promotions, Pricing Your Goods , Customer Relations, Price Points, Selling on Online Auctions, Selling From Websites, Selling At Craft Fairs, Selling At Home Shows, Selling To Stores, Attitude, No Money Down Advertising, Independent Sales Reps, Customer Referrals, Gift Certificates, Be Customer Driven, Keepers, Mail Campaigns, Payment Types, Packaging, Bargain Selling, Basics of Selling, Working With Non Profits, Start Up Fees, Start Up Inventory, Competing With Imports, Calling New Businesses, Preparing for Sales Appointments, Sales Appointments, Teaching, Selling On Consignment, Selling Gifts, Doing Business Online, Hello, Networking Meetings Retaining Customers, Alliances, Names and Tag Lines, Logo and Image, Marketing to Kids, Custom Work, Design Considerations, Renting Space, Standing Out, Email, Newsletter, Photo albums (Portfolios), Dealing with the Press, Writing a Press Release, Turnaround, Manage Your Business, Quarter Auctions, Corporate Clients, Getting Over Your Fears, Lists, Smile, Gift Shopping Service, Praise your Customers, 15 Second Elevator Talks, Master Mind Groups, Your Customer, Adult Kits, Trends, Product Sheets, Compiling Mailing Lists, Growing From Mistakes, Post Cards, No, Lost Customers, Surviving Difficult Times, Slow Winter Months , Online Craft Sites, Business Structures, Drop Off Shows, Holding a Craft Fair, Mail Order Catalogs

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Determining if a show is worthwhile

Sandy Paluzzi
The Bead Peddler

As we all know, some shows are better than others.  The issue becomes determining the point at which a show becomes profitable.  Some shows are no brainers.  If you don't make your table, you've definitely lost money.  On the other hand, if you make 10 times your table, you've found a winner.  But what about those shows that fall into the middle ground?

You can make your table and still lose money on a show.  After all, you have money tied up in your product.  You probably have to  double the price of your table to break even just on costs.  That doesn't include any money for labor - not in making the jewelry or staffing the show.  Obviously, you want some pay for all your hard work so doubling your table costs is probably still not acceptable. 

You should keep track of your time.  Figure out how long it takes you to make the jewelry, price it, drive to the show, staff your booth, drive home and unpack the car.  All of this labor should be added to the cost of the show.  It can raise your break even point to four times the table costs or more.  If it's a 3 day show with low table costs, you'll need a higher ratio of sales/show costs.  Likewise, a high priced booth at a  show that only runs 6 hours may give you a great profit if you triple your costs.    

Once you figure out if you've made a profit on your table, you can determine if the show is worthwhile.  There are cases where you won't make money on the show but will still find it worthwhile.  For example, if you have low show sales but book some home shows, that show may be a keeper. 

The point at which you determine a show is cost effective is somewhat subjective.  However, I think it's important to sit down and figure out your true earnings at every show you do.  That way you are making an informed decision for the future. 

 

 

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