WAHM Forums

I know I've seen people post links in this folder for finding upcoming craft shows, women's expos, etc and I just can't find it. Will someone please be kind enough to post it again??


Also - I am new to the direct sales / party plan industry - for those that have done the expos & craft fairs - are they successful in getting your name out? The area that I am in doesn't have many consultants in the same biz as I am so I want to create some product awareness.


Thanks, ladies!smileys/smiley4.gif

Hi there,


I am with Leaving Prints, at least until the end of this month, and I have done a few craft fairs. My own personal experience has been that I would give information out about the opportunity and get information to add to my contact list. The actual sales were very low. But then it could have been just me. LOL


I do think that they are great to get your name out there. Even at some small craft fairs that I wasn't able to get even one sale, I did talk about classes and get contact information to talk about the LP opportunity.


I began to look at the price of attending as part of my advertising budget. :o)


Oh and one other thing, it would be helpful to have someone there with you. Either a downline or someone who knows a bit about your company. I've had potential customers/recriuts wonder off because I was interupted by someone else. It will help even if your helper can slip that person a flyer before they walk off.


Hope that helps.

I have found that craft fairs are great for getting contacts. I usually raffle off prizes ($50 in free jewelry or something like that) because then I get names, phone numbers, emails etc. I always have the raffle ticket as a paper with personal information for them to fill out and then - 'Would you like to be a hostess and earn FREE Jewelry?' and "Are you interested in hearing how you can earn $500-$1000/month?" That gives me leads to follow up with.


Sales at craft fairs are okay, but I do it more for the contacts. It will help you get your name out there and people love to think they'll win something for free. smileys/smiley2.gif


I'll look for the post about upcoming craft fairs and post back if I find it.

I would agree with the other posts - craft fairs are a great way to get your name out there, meet new contacts, and get some bookings. Sales do tend to be low - but if you go in with the mindset that you are there to spread the word, than it pays off in the long run. I tend to stick to fairs/events that have been around for at least a couple of years, they tend to know what they are doing regarding advertising and charging for space.


I believe there is a website www.craftlister.com (http://www.craftlister.com), that lists events all around the country. Good luck!


smileys/smiley1.gif

Most are great places. I've found craft shows at firehalls (put on by the auxiliary) are rarely a good place for this type of business. But other craft shows, trade shows, home & garden shows (you could really demo using stamps on walls or for decor there). I know my friends that are in the stamping companies have done very well at the craft shows though. Even think of letting people do some quick stamping while they're there. One Stampin' Up lady had brown paper bags for people to use the wheels on. Quick and easy and let people know that they CAN stamp. I know CTMH doesn't have those, but even just quick little stamped bags made from envelopes are great too (I have directions if you don't know what I'm talking about). Call your local Chamber of Commerce that's a great place to start and look on the internet for other nearby chambers too. Most have a website. Then for the smaller events check out your PennySaver or Shopper or other community newspaper.


HTH!

Thanks so much for your replies. And yes - you all are right. I wasn't thinking of it for the sales upfront, but more for the names and phone numbers of potential hostesses, etc. The give-a-way box and demo ideas were great! Those will definitely draw a crowd!