[Jewelry making - Article 00066] - Re: [Orchid] Where Do I Begin?... Shows, Shops, Website...

[jwilling]

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    Hello Mark Milanich in Chicago, In your area there must be several
    shows scheduled every weekend!  Initially, look for a few non-juried
    shows that last one day and have a fee within your budget.  You want
    a show that has been around for several years and advertises.  In my
    area those shows are usually sponsored by charitable organizations or
    art associations.  There is no better way to find out how your
    designs are received by the public than to be in contact with them,
    one on one.  Shows will do that.  Plus YOU reap the financial
    benefits of eliminating the middle man.  	 

    Before leaping into the show frey, do some research.  Spend some time
    at several shows and take notes on attractive displays, pricing of
    jewelry similar to yours, size of booth, number of booths in the
    show, and determine which shows have good crowds.  Try to figure out
    what attracts the crowds; those factors become criteria in your
    selection of what shows you want to do.  Show dates near common
    paydays (ie. first and 15th of the month) are good.  Finally talk to
    the sponsor or promoter and ask for a copy of the application for
    future reference. 

    If you don't already have one, get a sales tax license, permit, or
    whatever it's called in IL.  You don't want to get in trouble with
    the tax people.  Any more, shows require you have one to apply.  Also
    get BUSINESS CARDS!  Really essential and you should put one in the
    bag with the receipt for each sale. 

    Tables and chairs?  Some shows include them; if not, a couple card
    tables covered with an attractive cloth and folding chairs work for
    starting out.  Spend as little as possible; be creative and use what
    you have.  If you like shows and continue to do them, you can always
    invest in better equipment.  Presentation is important, so don't
    forget the table cover- it hides a multitude of sins.  

    Try to do indoor shows to start; you don't need the extra expense of
    outdoor covers.  Plus if the weather turns nasty, the crowd leaves!
    If you're outdoors, you will want protection from the sun and
    possible rain.  A market umbrella on a stand isn't too expensive and
    if you've already got an umbrella for your patio furniture use that. 
    Again, you can always buy the nice canopy later.  Keep a couple
    inexpensive tarps with gromets on hand and a bunch of those bungee
    hooks so that you can quickly cover and secure your table display. 

    Whatever equipment you take, you'll be doing the hauling, set-up, &
    take-down, so keep it lightweight and simple.  A hand truck or dolly
    is useful.  In your research, go at the end of a show and observe
    take-down. 

    Shoplifting can be a problem, so you really do need some form of
    display case or secured display.  I think there have been some
    previous discussions about various displays that "leash" rings, etc. 
    Your observations from researching the shows may give you some ideas. 

    So far as inventory, just take as much as you can display well.  A
    well-stocked display doesn't mean crammed full, but you can always
    have extras to restock.  If your inventory is small, take all of it. 
    At this stage you don't want to miss a sale.  Don't expect much from
    your first couple shows - they are really learning experiences and
    you have much to find out. 

    I'll close with a list of other things you will need.  Hopefully,
    others will have suggestions and all together, you'll be well
    prepared. 

	Lockable cash box with change -note how much cash you start out with
	Calculator
	Sales tax license and tax tables
	Sales slip pads that make a receipt duplicate (NCR type is nice)
	Pens, paper pad, extra tags or display cards
	BUSINESS CARDS
	Sacks or bags for merchandise sales
	Ring sizer and sized ring set
	Pliers for small adjustments or repairs
	Small cooler with drinks and snax - handi wipes
	Polishing cloth
	Small hand mirror for customer's use
	Straight pins, "SticTac", adhesive tape, stapler, scissors
	Your ready smile and friendly attitude!!!

Best of luck, Judy	
	
Judy M. Willingham, R.S.
Extension Associate
221 Call Hall  Kansas State Univerisity
Manhattan  KS  66506
 (785) 532-1213     FAX (785) 532-5681 

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