Anyone who says the economy is starting to improve, must be drinking (or smoking) some primo stuff. I just don’t see it in my neck of the woods.
Last Saturday, I did a one day show in Oakland (The Bead Society of Northern CA). This show is all about the beads. There are some terrific vendors. And the Bay Area has a LOT of beaders. Just last year, I did KILLER at this show. I sold more in one day, than I did in some two day shows.
That was not the case this year. I BARELY made my booth fee. But with parking, cost of the items I sold, and milage, I have to say the show was a loss for me.
The signs that this would not be a successful show this year were evident at the start. The line up of customers waiting to get in before the doors opened was sparse. I remember the days as a shopper coming to buy at this show when it took 15 minutes just to get in the door.
At the height of the show, it was still quite sparse. Booths were still sparsely visited, when in years back, a shopper would have to fight to get to the tables.
I know my bead shopping is at an all time low. Perhaps that is a good thing. I will be forced to use the stock that I have. But it also means that sales are dismal. And when sales are dismal, it is hard to find the inspiration to create something new.
How about you? How are sales in your area? Are you like me, in that if you have little that sells, your drive for creating new things for sale is hampered?
Signs of a bad show
- The show has been open for an hour, and you never noticed.
- You think the show has closed and started packing, only to discover that there is still an hour to go.
- You fell asleep and didn’t miss anything.
- You finally got to read War and Peace. In one sitting.
- You finally have a sale, and forgot what to do.
- You’ve spent more money at other vendors than you sold.
- You feel like you should pay the customers.
- You decide to wear a sign that says “Please feed me” or “Please donate”
- You can actually see what is on the vendor’s tables without fighting a crowd.
- Vendor count: 250, Show visitors: 115. Vendors win by a landslide.
I don't sell anymore. I did back in the 80s when shows in my area were always good. I gave it up when things fell off at the start of the 90s.
ReplyDeleteThe economy is better where I live. Our unemployment rate was 20%. Its lower now, so its better. But am I buying from artisians? No. Am I buying much of anything I don't have to? No again.
I think that is pretty much my take...If I don't NEED it, I think twice or 3X before I spend money. Being a state worker, our future is grim...cut backs on salaries on the horizon. Work harder for less money.
ReplyDeleteSigh....
Guess I should be glad I have a job!
I'm sorry your show didn't go very well. I agree, I don't see much improvement in the economy, especially here in California.
ReplyDeleteI do have a few orders that need filling, but fortunately there's no rush on them.
Having lost my job and my other half taking 2 paycuts at 20% each time, doesn't leave much with which to buy beads, or anything else. We're living on less than half what we were a couple of years ago, and I thought we had no money then!
Add to that these unresolved medical issues and I CAN'T do beadwork, no matter how much I would like to.
I feel for you Sig! I hope it improves soon, but I'm afraid I see no light at the end of the tunnel. And if I do, it's probably a train getting ready to run me down.
I'm still watching friends lose jobs and houses, if this is an uprise in the economy, I just don't see it!
Okay, I'm done whining!
Have a great weekend!
Brian
This will be my third year selling my finished jewelry at local farmers' markets and crafts shows. The first summer I set up at these markets, I did great - enough to pay all the bills and set a little aside for the winter. Then over the winter, even as the bad news about the economy at the end of '08 and into '09 came about, I sold three major pieces of work on my Etsy shop - one of which went to a major music celebrity.
ReplyDeleteThen in '09, my summer started off very, very, very slow. I don't think I sold much at all until the July 4th weekend when people started coming up to their camps and for little vacations and day trips. I did okay, but definitely not as good as I did in '08.
I'm dreading my markets this year. My sales on Etsy are next to nothing - not even enough to cover my meager relisting fees. In New York State, where I live, we are in the middle of a major budget crisis, and there is no glimmer of hope anywhere. I'm seriously doubting that I'll make much money this year.
I'm supposed to be selling my beadwork kits and finished jewelry at Bead Fest Philadelphia this year, and I'm in sort of a panic. I'm worried about the amount of money that I have to spend on supplies and beads for kits, and I'm worried that if no one buys them, I'll be stuck with all these beads and kits that no one wants. Not to mention being out some major bucks for the booth fee.
I've heard all around from other farmers' market folks that things are not like they used to be. I certainly noticed a huge difference in just one year.
I'm trying to stay optimistic, but it's hard. I do have a "regular" job (working at home, thank goodness, so I don't have to worry about putting my two year old in daycare!), but since it's actually considered freelance, some months I don't even make enough money to pay all the bills.
Things are tough. But we'll see what happens.
Brian,
ReplyDeleteThings are tough. I know so many couples that are depending on one salary where there once was 2. IT will be interesting (so to speak) to see what happens with my job when the new fiscal year starts. Right now, it doesnt look pretty. Takes my moral to a new time low. I have no motivation to do more than I absolutely have to.
Jen,
This year, I am only doing 2 shows. I had applied for two others and got "Wait listed" . I was disappointed as one of these was my favorite show that I have done for 20 years...but now...I think it might be a good thing.
I would be interested in knowing how your show in Philly turns out.
Sig