Which craft show should I do?

[fragglerock]

I have two craft show opportunies within two weeks of each other, I can not do both as we've had some unexpected medical bills and money is tight right now. I'm at odds about which one I should do.

Show #1: At a local high school a 6' table is $55 it's a five hour show. They don't have any other bow makers signed up so far and doubt that they will. It is advertised to all the schools in the school district (fliers sent home with kids, PTA newsletters, etc.) The attendance, based on last year's event is 250 people, they are expecting more this year because they got a very popluar local band to play. It is May 10th.

Show #2: At a local church a 10' x 10' booth is $50, it's a a seven hour show. I've emailed the coordinator about how many bow makers are signed up and the expected attendance, but haven't heard back from her yet. I will say that it is advertised on all the local media outlets (radio, t.v. and newspaper). What I do know about this church is that it has a very popular MDO program and the proceeds would be benifiting the school. Alot of women in my playgroup send their kids to this school. The program is so popular that on sign-up days women actually sleep there overnight in order to get a spot for their child the following fall. Also, it is on my side of town which is considered very prosperous (we are the poor people on the rich side of town, lol), so I know they are willing to pay a little more for things. It is April 26th.

Now the second one doesn't give me much time to prepare and I don't know what the attendance is like or what my competition would be either. At least with the first one I have two more weeks to prepare I know the attendance and I have no competition. But it is on a less prosperous side of town and I don't know if people would be willing to pay what I think my products are worth. I also think that show #2 is more geared toward the market I'm looking for.

I'm leaning towards #2, I'm just nervous about having enough time to make everything.

[RachL]

Unless there's 10 other bow people there, then I say go for #2!!!

Worst case scenario - you sell out - and take custom orders

[SurfersMom]

I also say go for number 2. My DD also goes to a private church preschool in a high end area. And the orders I have gotten just from her wearing bows to school is crazy. The moms all go nuts for that kind of things.

The customers that you are looking for will more than likely be at the second show. Good Luck!

[woodkath]

I have had more luck at the church festivals than at the schools. Especially the ones that have the MDO programs. Good luck!!

[xochr]

I say go for #2. People with a little more disposable income are more willing to spend on "luxury" items such as bows.

Even with less time to prepare you can always take a photo album with pictures of sample bows you have made or can make to give people an idea and take advance orders.

[danielle06]

I say #2 - I think you will get your name out there better and sell more!

[kaneohegirl]

Originally Posted by tiff705

I have had better luck at schools than churches. The clientel at the churches are usually older, like my Grandma's age, and they are not interested in bows. Just my experience

churches in general you are probly right ...its the churches that have the school attached that benefit the schools are what will bring ing the moms

[CrisH]

What about doing both? I know you said your financial situation isn't looking pretty right now, however, if you sign up for the one that is coming up first (I believe you called it #2) and you do very well and make a pretty good chunk of change then you may have the extra money to sign up for the other one also (depending on when the sign up deadline is). I would go for the one that is coming up first and then play the other one by ear. I definitely would not rule out doing both.

Good Luck~
Cris

[fragglerock]

I thought the same thing, there is no hard deadline for the second one, it's just until the spaces are filled. I've decided to do the second one, since I found out I won't have any competition there either. If I do well in the first one, then I will do the second one as well, if there are tables left. Thanks for all the great input!

[cjmea]

I would sign up for both as well! If it's impossible, then I would do #2