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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 1, 2022 22:50:45 GMT -5
My suggestion would be to make sure you have room on your tables for all those display cases and then the glue-ons and belt buckles. Keep some of it off and in boxes or something under your table. That way you can replace what you sold with something else from the extras. You can also pull them out if someone is looking at something specific to give them additional choices. Sometimes people will think the "extras" are actually better than the ones you have out because you're hiding them and they will buy one of those instead of what's already out.  Really, too much jammed together makes it really difficult for someone to actually see an individual piece because their eyes keep getting pulled all over the place. Dang IT! I thought I had this all figured out! LOL I was planning on having two 8' tables in an L-shape...that way nothing is too jammed together. I still need to get the tables setup in the garage and get a practice layout put together. I like your idea of holding some in reserve...but in the back of my mind I'm thinking "What if that was the one they wanted...and they didn't see it...and I didn't know it!" LOL Make sure you have some "white space" to divide your displays up a bit. It really does make it easier for someone to focus on a particular group. You can always ask them if they would like to see more of the same stone if they're looking hard but not buying. |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 1, 2022 22:51:27 GMT -5
Ummm...yeah...I had no doubt that was the right thing to do...until you wrote this! LOL I have 8 display cases that hold 24 wraps...and I'm overflowing, so I need to get one more to hold everything. Then I just finished gluing on bails to 40 other "non-wrapped" cabs...so that'd be around 250 pendants...11 belt buckles...and a bunch of Teepee Canyon Agate slabs and face polished nodules... My suggestion would be to make sure you have room on your tables for all those display cases and then the glue-ons and belt buckles. Keep some of it off and in boxes or something under your table. That way you can replace what you sold with something else from the extras. You can also pull them out if someone is looking at something specific to give them additional choices. Sometimes people will think the "extras" are actually better than the ones you have out because you're hiding them and they will buy one of those instead of what's already out. Really, too much jammed together makes it really difficult for someone to actually see an individual piece because their eyes keep getting pulled all over the place. ETA: Another thing to think about is that even people in SD have sticky fingers. Don't make it easier for them by having so much out. It's easy to not pay attention to that especially if you're having a conversation with someone else and you're in your booth by yourself. Robin, here's one of the nine display cases I'm using (ignore the background! LOL). Each wrap will have a price tag on a string that will be tucked under the wrap...  |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 1, 2022 22:54:40 GMT -5
Those are nice trays. Where did you get them? Another suggestion - alternate your trays with contrasting trays with different colored stones. Also easier to see.  |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 1, 2022 23:01:31 GMT -5
Those are nice trays. Where did you get them? Another suggestion - alternate your trays with contrasting trays with different colored stones. Also easier to see.  I got them at Michaels. I think they were $15 on sale. I have both colors of that grey and then a tan color. I was planning on alternating the colors, so the same colored tray wasn't together. I like your idea of having "white space"...so I'll make sure the trays aren't right up against each other. I was planning on putting the glue on bail pendants onto a black place mat (it looks nice!)...as they're not going to be on chains... Then have the Teepee Canyon slabs and face-polished pieces in their own section at the end of one of the tables...maybe in-between half of the display cases, rather than at the end...I like that idea...I'm just thinking as I'm typing...it's like brain-storming...but with a LOT of clouds in my head! LOL |
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Post by hummingbirdstones on Jun 2, 2022 8:55:28 GMT -5
That sounds like a good plan. It will break things up a bit and add visual interest.  |
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Post by HankRocks on Jun 2, 2022 9:40:51 GMT -5
Jason, maybe I missed it, is this a Craft Show? or a Rock Show?. I change up my inventory a bit depending on what type Show. For a Rock Show I will put out more of my high-dollar pieces and more of my high-end material pieces. My average Craft Show attendee does not know a Brazilian Agate from a Owyhee Jasper, they mainly know "pretty". That and they normally have a budget between $5 and $10. At the last two Rock Shows I had 3 or 4 buyers that spent over $200 each.
One thing I believe will help you will be the fact that you made most everything you are selling and can talk about the various pieces. Except for the consignment spheres I started selling, everything else has been made by me and I am able to converse about the various processes involved in creating the pieces. I like to think it helps me make sales. The first response to "how are you doing" or "enjoying the show?" tells me whether the potential customer is interested in additional conversation.
That and you can never predict what people will like or buy. I feel a bit better about judging people after 20 plus Shows over the last 5 years, but some will still fool me.
Good luck and have fun. If you are enjoying yourself, people will pick up on that and it will help you.
Henry
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 2, 2022 10:04:16 GMT -5
Jason, maybe I missed it, is this a Craft Show? or a Rock Show?. I change up my inventory a bit depending on what type Show. For a Rock Show I will put out more of my high-dollar pieces and more of my high-end material pieces. My average Craft Show attendee does not know a Brazilian Agate from a Owyhee Jasper, they mainly know "pretty". That and they normally have a budget between $5 and $10. At the last two Rock Shows I had 3 or 4 buyers that spent over $200 each. One thing I believe will help you will be the fact that you made most everything you are selling and can talk about the various pieces. Except for the consignment spheres I started selling, everything else has been made by me and I am able to converse about the various processes involved in creating the pieces. I like to think it helps me make sales. The first response to "how are you doing" or "enjoying the show?" tells me whether the potential customer is interested in additional conversation. That and you can never predict what people will like or buy. I feel a bit better about judging people after 20 plus Shows over the last 5 years, but some will still fool me. Good luck and have fun. If you are enjoying yourself, people will pick up on that and it will help you. Henry Hey Henry!  It is a rock show. Last year when I attended as an "observer", I noticed there were a few venders that had some "craft-type" pieces...but none of them had any wraps like I make. So, I don't think I'd have much...if any..."competition" at the show. As far as changing up my inventory...I only have what I have...so I don't have anything to change to! LOL About the only thing I didn't make that I'll have for inventory will be the buckle blanks...other than that, I had a hand in everything else... I've been in sales - in one form or another - for quite some time. I was a bill collector (yep...one of those guys!) for quite a long time - which is nothing more than sales really, because you're selling people on the idea of paying their bill. There were two things that made me better than most...1) I was never apprehensive about saying anything to anyone...and 2) I do have the ability to "read" people quite quickly and usually know what approach - if any - is needed to steer the conversation. I'm a pretty good manipulator...which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how it's "used". I have family members coming out at different times during the show to keep me company (if needed) and allow me time to run to the bathroom! LOL - So, spirits and demeanor will definitely be one of "enjoying" my time there. I like to use humor...so I was planning on putting up a sign saying "FREE SAMPLES"...then having a dish of gravel from the parking lot sitting at the end of the table. The sign will draw them in...and I know the people who laugh about it will be easier to talk with... |
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Post by drocknut on Jun 4, 2022 8:38:33 GMT -5
I like that last green one the best out of this batch, too. You'll do fine at the show. Since this is your first one, you'll learn a few things. Even if you don't sell as much as you hoped you would, you'll still profit from the insights you gain from doing it. Whether it's how you're displaying, what people like or don't like or even whether this show is a good one for selling jewelry, it will all be beneficial to you. Thanks Robin! I think my sister might be claiming that green one...if I can just get my family to quit "claiming" these things, I'd have more to sell! LOL I'll be learning a LOT of things...well...at least there'll be "potential" for me to learn! LOL - I'm planning on taking pics of everything that sells - if I can remember. It'll help me figure out what works, or what doesn't...to a point. Your pieces are more than decent in my humble opinion. In my limited show experience you never know what's going to sell or who is going to buy. I've done one day craft type sales where I sold more rough rock and slabs than anything else and I've done gem and mineral shows where jewelry was a big seller. It really depends on the people who show up. I always hope to sell out too. I suppose hope springs eternal..lol. Thanks again Diane. I'm very excited about the interaction with the people at the show. I really do love that...I know...it might be hard to believe, but I'm actually a people person and not shy in the least! LOL - I'm also stoked to see what garners people's interest and what doesn't...I'm sure that won't fail to surprise me either. It is not hard to believe you are a people person. One day I look forward to meeting you. I'll bet you are really fun to rockhound with too. People always surprise me and I'm not a people person unless you want to talk about rocks, then I'll talk your ear off..lol. |
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Post by drocknut on Jun 4, 2022 8:46:27 GMT -5
Jason, maybe I missed it, is this a Craft Show? or a Rock Show?. I change up my inventory a bit depending on what type Show. For a Rock Show I will put out more of my high-dollar pieces and more of my high-end material pieces. My average Craft Show attendee does not know a Brazilian Agate from a Owyhee Jasper, they mainly know "pretty". That and they normally have a budget between $5 and $10. At the last two Rock Shows I had 3 or 4 buyers that spent over $200 each. One thing I believe will help you will be the fact that you made most everything you are selling and can talk about the various pieces. Except for the consignment spheres I started selling, everything else has been made by me and I am able to converse about the various processes involved in creating the pieces. I like to think it helps me make sales. The first response to "how are you doing" or "enjoying the show?" tells me whether the potential customer is interested in additional conversation. That and you can never predict what people will like or buy. I feel a bit better about judging people after 20 plus Shows over the last 5 years, but some will still fool me. Good luck and have fun. If you are enjoying yourself, people will pick up on that and it will help you. Henry Hey Henry! It is a rock show. Last year when I attended as an "observer", I noticed there were a few venders that had some "craft-type" pieces...but none of them had any wraps like I make. So, I don't think I'd have much...if any..."competition" at the show. As far as changing up my inventory...I only have what I have...so I don't have anything to change to! LOL About the only thing I didn't make that I'll have for inventory will be the buckle blanks...other than that, I had a hand in everything else... I've been in sales - in one form or another - for quite some time. I was a bill collector (yep...one of those guys!) for quite a long time - which is nothing more than sales really, because you're selling people on the idea of paying their bill. There were two things that made me better than most...1) I was never apprehensive about saying anything to anyone...and 2) I do have the ability to "read" people quite quickly and usually know what approach - if any - is needed to steer the conversation. I'm a pretty good manipulator...which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how it's "used". I have family members coming out at different times during the show to keep me company (if needed) and allow me time to run to the bathroom! LOL - So, spirits and demeanor will definitely be one of "enjoying" my time there. I like to use humor...so I was planning on putting up a sign saying "FREE SAMPLES"...then having a dish of gravel from the parking lot sitting at the end of the table. The sign will draw them in...and I know the people who laugh about it will be easier to talk with... I am stealing some of these ideas 💡. Free samples....lol. |
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Post by liveoak on Jun 4, 2022 9:28:03 GMT -5
I love the "Free Samples" road gravel idea - cute. But you might also have a bowl of tumbled rocks, if you have them, for a give out to kids. Gives Mom a chance to look more. What about also displaying a rock, a slab, a preform & a dopped finished stone. People like visuals & it only emphasizes that you made all the cabs yourself.
Which you should have a sign that tells people that.
Not everyone asks questions .
Last idea - not sure if you offer chains or anything for the cabs.
But what about having leather cord on hand, that you could offer for an extra couple of bucks.
OK, by itself, the leather is not adjustable, but it does give someone the satisfaction
of putting it on right away & displaying it elsewhere in the show as good advertisement for you.
Patty
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 7, 2022 7:45:44 GMT -5
Thanks Robin!  I think my sister might be claiming that green one...if I can just get my family to quit "claiming" these things, I'd have more to sell! LOL I'll be learning a LOT of things...well...at least there'll be "potential" for me to learn! LOL - I'm planning on taking pics of everything that sells - if I can remember. It'll help me figure out what works, or what doesn't...to a point. Thanks again Diane. I'm very excited about the interaction with the people at the show. I really do love that...I know...it might be hard to believe, but I'm actually a people person and not shy in the least! LOL - I'm also stoked to see what garners people's interest and what doesn't...I'm sure that won't fail to surprise me either.  It is not hard to believe you are a people person. One day I look forward to meeting you. I'll bet you are really fun to rockhound with too. People always surprise me and I'm not a people person unless you want to talk about rocks, then I'll talk your ear off..lol. Diane, I would love to meet you! If you come out this direction, I might not be able to help you find Fairburns, but I'm definitely good for some comic relief while out hounding!! LOL Hey Henry! It is a rock show. Last year when I attended as an "observer", I noticed there were a few venders that had some "craft-type" pieces...but none of them had any wraps like I make. So, I don't think I'd have much...if any..."competition" at the show. As far as changing up my inventory...I only have what I have...so I don't have anything to change to! LOL About the only thing I didn't make that I'll have for inventory will be the buckle blanks...other than that, I had a hand in everything else... I've been in sales - in one form or another - for quite some time. I was a bill collector (yep...one of those guys!) for quite a long time - which is nothing more than sales really, because you're selling people on the idea of paying their bill. There were two things that made me better than most...1) I was never apprehensive about saying anything to anyone...and 2) I do have the ability to "read" people quite quickly and usually know what approach - if any - is needed to steer the conversation. I'm a pretty good manipulator...which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on how it's "used". I have family members coming out at different times during the show to keep me company (if needed) and allow me time to run to the bathroom! LOL - So, spirits and demeanor will definitely be one of "enjoying" my time there. I like to use humor...so I was planning on putting up a sign saying "FREE SAMPLES"...then having a dish of gravel from the parking lot sitting at the end of the table. The sign will draw them in...and I know the people who laugh about it will be easier to talk with... I am stealing some of these ideas 💡. Free samples....lol. You can have that idea...free of charge! LOL I love the "Free Samples" road gravel idea - cute. But you might also have a bowl of tumbled rocks, if you have them, for a give out to kids. Gives Mom a chance to look more. What about also displaying a rock, a slab, a preform & a dopped finished stone. People like visuals & it only emphasizes that you made all the cabs yourself.
Which you should have a sign that tells people that.
Not everyone asks questions .
Last idea - not sure if you offer chains or anything for the cabs.
But what about having leather cord on hand, that you could offer for an extra couple of bucks.
OK, by itself, the leather is not adjustable, but it does give someone the satisfaction
of putting it on right away & displaying it elsewhere in the show as good advertisement for you.
Patty
Thanks Patty! I don't tumble a lot...so I don't really have a lot of tumbled rocks to give out to kids...but I like your thought on that one. I'm good at distracting kids if it looks like they're going to pull mom away from looking...I just have to act normal, and the kids think I'm one of them! LOL The idea of the "progression" of the cab has been brought up. Gary (opalpyrexia) made an amazing progression example. Maybe at some point in the future I'll do one. It is a great visual. Good idea on the "self-made" sign... I am going to be offering chains to go with the pendants. |
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Post by liveoak on Jun 7, 2022 8:30:47 GMT -5
Excellent Jason on all accounts, @jasonionsd
I hope your show goes great this weekend & most of all, I hope you have fun.
Patty
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Post by drocknut on Jun 7, 2022 9:05:46 GMT -5
Jason, I enjoy rockhounding and comic relief is always nice. Some who have been rockhounding with me would probably use that term for me too, either that or "hot mess" ..lol.
Thanks for the idea 💡 hope it's a good one for both of us.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
Member since January 1970
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 7, 2022 22:41:31 GMT -5
jasoninsd2 more days Jason!! Praying for a successful show for you!
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CLErocks
spending too much on rocks
Member since October 2021
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Post by CLErocks on Jun 8, 2022 12:00:46 GMT -5
jasoninsd I can send you TONS of tumbled rocks for kids if you want. I can send a flat rate box. LMK. Not sure if I can get it in time for THIS show… But I’ve got A LOT sitting around. I could also send some direct from the beach, grit 1,2,3 for “show” for you.
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 9, 2022 18:54:50 GMT -5
Excellent Jason on all accounts, @jasonionsd I hope your show goes great this weekend & most of all, I hope you have fun. Patty Thanks so much Patty! It's coming down to the wire now! LOL Jason, I enjoy rockhounding and comic relief is always nice. Some who have been rockhounding with me would probably use that term for me too, either that or "hot mess" ..lol. Thanks for the idea 💡 hope it's a good one for both of us. That's interesting...we really do have a lot in common...most people just say I'm a "mess"...not a hot one! LOL jasoninsd 2 more days Jason!! Praying for a successful show for you! Thanks Ashley! I really appreciate the prayers...my wife seems to think I need a lot of them! jasoninsd I can send you TONS of tumbled rocks for kids if you want. I can send a flat rate box. LMK. Not sure if I can get it in time for THIS show… But I’ve got A LOT sitting around. I could also send some direct from the beach, grit 1,2,3 for “show” for you. OMG Heather!! That is a fantastically generous offer! I'm sorry I haven't been on the forum the last couple days...it's the first time I haven't been on here ten times a day since I joined! LOL I'm not sure when the next show will be, but I will more than likely take you up on this amazing offer! In the not too distant future, we'll figure out a trade or something so it's fair for you as well. |
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Post by liveoak on Jun 9, 2022 19:08:16 GMT -5
it's the first time I haven't been on here ten times a day since I joined! LOL You've been missed - so get though your show & stop stressing it - just sayin' :-)
Patty
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 9, 2022 19:18:02 GMT -5
it's the first time I haven't been on here ten times a day since I joined! LOL You've been missed - so get though your show & stop stressing it - just sayin' :-)
Patty
Aww shucks. I've missed being on here ten times a day! LOL A member (holajonathan) flew into town and we were hanging out non-stop since Saturday. That...and it's really difficult to type right now. I had an "accident" and sliced one of my fingers to the bone...so my normal hunt and peck typing is REALLY pecking more than normal. I'm wearing by my backspace out! LOL |
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Post by rockpickerforever on Jun 9, 2022 20:02:27 GMT -5
Thanks so much Patty! jasoninsd 2 more days Jason!! Praying for a successful show for you! Thanks Ashley! I really appreciate the prayers...my wife seems to think I need a lot of them! Prayers are something one can never give too much of, nor receive too much of. Sort of like love  ! |
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Post by jasoninsd on Jun 9, 2022 20:03:46 GMT -5
Thanks so much Patty! Thanks Ashley! I really appreciate the prayers...my wife seems to think I need a lot of them! Prayers are something one can never give too much of, nor receive too much of. Sort of like love ! Well said my friend. |
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