Should I do this show? Need advice...

[alibug]

I sort of already asked about this, but I have more info now. I got asked to do a "Holiday Showcase" in December for 2 days. I have never done a show and wanted to give it a try. They are charging a $20 entrance fee and 15% of sales (don't like that idea of the commission, but I can't change it). Anyway, it will be held at a ladies home in a nice neighborhood. They have a maximum of 2 vendors per category. They will be doing lots of advertising over the next month through newspapers, direct mail, blogs and websites. They will send each vendor 50 mailers to mail out ourselves or over email. I don't have to be there (I would try to be there, but don't know if I can the whole time). We need to put a vendor number and price on our items and the buyer pays all at once at a cashier. I don't have anything to do with the money.

I think that is all. Anyway, I really need some advice on whether or not I should go forward with this. They need to know soon so they can give my spot away if I don't want to. Do you think I should give it my shot.

I forgot to mention this will be the first showcase. They hope to do it every holiday and spring. I am definitely a little leary, but I don't really know what I have to lose. $20 isn't too bad. What do you think?

[Dana]

Do it!! You'll never know until you try!

[MyM0dernBabe]

$20 is a great fee; however, I am still thinking about the 15% commission off of YOUR sales??!!!

Is that common??!!

I know, I am no help! Would love to know what the others say!

[alibug]

I don't know if the 15% is normal. I have never heard of it. But I am thinking about the money I could make even with 15% off. I don't know. I thought I had decided on yes to do it. I don't know!

Thanks for the advice!

[alibug]

any more thoughts?

[Holli4LB]

I would probably do it. It's better than a consignment sale where they keep 30%.

[creativesidebows]

Normally for a show like this the average commission is 10% but like someone else said, you don't know till you try it. It will be a nightmare having to price each individual bow seperately unless you use bow cards so if you don't have those you may want to order them early. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[Claire]

Who is sponsoring it? Given that it's the first year, you just don't know who will show up. If it is one person or just a group of friends I'd be skeptical. And what other type of vendors will be there? Personally I never go to those "open house" type shows where there is Party lite, Southern Living @ Home, Pampered Chef etc.

But if it is an organization i.e. Junior League or some other charity, with other hand made crafts I'd be more willing to participate.

Let us know what you decide.

[alibug]

Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to try it out!

[Dana]

Originally Posted by alibug

Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to try it out!

You should!!