Teach Soap

I need your opinion . . . I busted my butt and broke my bank account to make 6,000 bars of soap for what I thought would be a huge outdoor show. It was expected to get 60,000-90,000 people through. I was worried I wouldn't have enough soap. Well, if they got 35,000 people I would be surprised. Not only that, those who came through did not come down the aisle I was in. This was an Italian Food Festival and even the food vendors did poorly. This is a five day show and one vendor said her sewing booth usually makes $12,000-$15,000 and she didn't even make $500.

Well now the fall show is calling to see if I would be having a booth ($850, including tent).

Would you or would you skip it?

Thanks for your opinion.

Jill

Hrm, that's a tough one! Did you make enough to cover the cost of your booth? If not I probably wouldn't go back myself. But if so then I would go back. But I'm "thrifty" (aka cheap, but Mom hates when I call myself that!).

_________________
~~Heather~~
Mad [soaping] Scientist

I would need to concider things like:
1. What was the weather forcast and actual weather were for the first show? Was there rain, high heat or such called for...and did it happen that way?
2. What other events were in the area on that weekend? Could they have detracted from the show?
3. What will the weather likely be like for the fall show? What are the normal temps for that time frame?
4. What other events are planned for the weekend of the fall show? Will they have an impact on the attendance?

I would also call and talk to the organizer and explain that due to the low turn out at the last show you would like to know what they have or will be doing to increase the attendance for the fall show. Ask if they are willing to give you a different booth space. Since the last show was not as expected there will likely be other vendors who decide not to return and you might be able to upgrade with out an increase in cost. (On a corner that will give you more display area and exposure, or near the womens restroom are usually good locations.) Nicely explain that while you really would like to be there, you simply cannot afford a repeat of the previous show.

I covered the booth cost plus $50; however, there was some theft. It was very hot just as predicted and September will be just as hot. I did learn alot at the first show, but I'm wondering if a craft show would be better (although there was the sewing booth who normally does really well).

Some of the things learned:

Put a drop cloth under the table and use something on top of that to keep your stored stuff off the ground because it gets wet at night.
Bring less stock -- and only put out 4-6 bars of each kind. Leave an extra box of stock in the car.
Bring fans (I did last time and I was the coolest booth) and more light (the one little bulb isn't enough for people to see.
Watch out for little old ladies with big purses (bought 3 bars and took about 14 bars, which I realized just after she went around the corner)
and people acting weird (shoulder with little purse up to display and slipping 2 soaps into little purse)
Bring more food than you think you need and lots of cold beverages.
Bring less change
Make friends with the next booth so you can watch each other's spaces while you use the bathroom.

OK, so "Yes or No?" I do not need to make any more soap -- still have 4500 bars . . .

On your list you mentioned leaving extra stock in your car, but you also said that it would be hot, try to park in the shade and leave the windows cracked!

Even though your sales we not much over the exhibitor fee, IF you felt that the show gave you good exposure, and don't have anything else that looks more promising then go for it.

Jill, I would highly recommend reading Crafts and Craft Shows: How to Make Money (). It's a little over $10 for the kindle version.

It explains in detail how to evaluate which craft shows to attend. For example, was this a juried show? Were you required to submit samples or photos of your work in order to be accepted? That is one of the criteria it strongly recommends. The author did the large craft show circuit with his wife for 18 years selling baskets. It's old, first published in 2000, though it was updated a handful of years ago, but I found it to be the most insightful information I've ever found on the subject.

There are also online services (most offer some level of free service) that vendors use to a) locate, b) find out info & fees, and c) rate them based on their experiences. I haven't found the "perfect" site for it yet, but I use a couple to find out what shows are coming up in my area and elsewhere- and read the comments closely.

it is disappointing when a market turns out like it did for you.

This time of year tends to be a slow time for the soap sales. If your soaps tend to be given as gifts, a sales slump is to be expected.

September is still kind of so so in this respect. The end of october is when people start thinking about Christmas.

However, there is also the advertisement for your product that you are getting not just the sales.

Are you doing anything else during this time in september that would be more profitable?

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http://www.mr-naturkosmetik.de

I haven't found anything else yet, but I'm seriously thinking the answer is NO to this feast. I'm going to look for Oct/Nov/Dec shows to do.

I did have to submit my products for review and I was the only soap booth. I just think another venue altogether would be better. I learned alot and it is valuable info. Thank you all for your thoughts on this matter. It is appreciated.