What do you consider a Craft Show worthy bow?

[twbows]

What I see a lot of is people who have been making bows for a short time, that family and friends tell them their bows are great, show up at a show and people tell them the truth! Plus would you jump into the river when you don't know how to swim? I have never been to a craft show that I didn't first visit it as a shopper! You need to check things out, see how people set up what they are selling, if people are walking around empty handed or with bags. What is the quality of the crafts and the prices. If you look like a fish out of water you will be just that, and you will come home in the red. Crafts shows aren't cheap, a good tent, displays, entry fees, gas, plus at least 10 hrs of your time. I would suggest start with home parties, get feedback find out which bows sell and which don't in your area. Right now there are soo many bow makers unless you have something different and special it isn't going to work. I have been doing this for more yrs then most of you have been breathing, I have seen a lot of changes along the way. One thing that has not changed is quality sells. I still have the first bows I made, I thought they were wonderful, put them in mygirls hair proudly, I look at them now and wonder why didn't someone tell me they looked like crap! Simple noone wanted to hurt my feelings.

[jennygoff]

This is my craft show worthy bow....correct me if I'm wrong...no really correct me...

[bushfamily]

I think that's a beautiful bow jennygoff.

I think you need to look at your area. We've spent tons of times at craft shows with big huge layered boutique bows. With no one interested. The clippies go like crazy, and having a nice stock of basic bows that look nice and clean can't hurt either. For the most part I think people are looking for unique.

[jennygoff]

Thanks Liz....I have to admit...the layered bows do seem better suited for that "specific" buyer on Ebay or Etsy!!

[bushfamily]

Originally Posted by jennygoff

Thanks Liz....I have to admit...the layered bows do seem better suited for that "specific" buyer on Ebay or Etsy!!

I agree. They are just such a hit or miss thing. If you do take them, I think having a pictures of your little one wearing them would be a HUGE help! That's what we've learned a the last couple shows. If you have an item that you have pics of your little girl wearing it. The customer "gets" it. Also saves you the breath of explaining why her daughter has to have the 4 inch flower to attach to her headband/crocheted hat. Can't they see we are trying to help keep their daughters ridiculously cute.

*sorry, bit off topic*

people at craft shows...

[bushfamily]

Originally Posted by tiff705

Jenny, love your bow!

sometimes is bother me when a newbie comes on here and asks about shows right off the bat... they dont get it. I spent months and months doing research online, books, practicing... you cannot just come on here and " miraculously get all the answers in one day" .... it just does not work like that.

I kinda disagree because they're are SO MANY lessons to be learned by the craft shows there is NO way anyone can prepare you for them. I mean how often do you have to sit and listen to two women critique your stuff, and then decide they can "do that themselves"!! being told that "might" happen doens't prepare you for the " "

craft shows are a TOTAL love/hate relationship for me...can you tell?

[*Jill*]

a nice neat basic bow will sell well also

[Amber427]

You also need to know what sells in your area. I make the clippies- and I sell ALOT of them. Each year I sell more and more- so I know I must be getting better. The best sign that you are doing well is having repeat customers that LOOK for you at the shows. When people see my booth and come CHARGING over- I know I have a good product.

Around here- everyone knows I do the clippies. Another lady does the tutus, and yet another (my kids dental hygentist) makes the ginourmous loopy bows. We don't step on each others toes- we have fun- and make alot of money. (and compare scars..LOL!)