AboutShasta McLaughlin Expertise I can answer many questions about the art and craft show industry. I can help with booth setup, advertising and marketing, increasing sales at shows, where to find shows, how to promote an art or craft show, and much more.
Experience I have always been an artist/craft person since I was a child selling crafts at shows with my mom. I have also promoted several craft shows, and publish a newsletter for artists and crafters.
Publications EzineArticles.com
Education/Credentials Salutatorian of my graduating class. Associates degree of Graphic Design.
Question Hi, I am photographer looking to sell my photos in some public/booth area in Los Angeles. I don't know much about business. I just focus on my art. Where should I begin?
Answer Will,
You should begin by finding out if you need a business license in your city, county, and state. As well as what special event permits are required in your area.
Get these things and register with your state as DBA (Doing Business As). Get a business checking account.
Then you need to set some goals and establish a marketing plan to accomplish those specific goals.
IF you want to create Internet sales then you need to set goals specific to this area. For example you might want to create your own website, blog, etsy or ebay store. Then you want to collect the names, addresses, phone number and e-mail and even birth date of the people who are visiting your stores. You offer them something they want) in return for giving you that information. You could offer to send them a birthday discount for signing up for your Birthday Club, or to send them a coupon for a free product at the next show they see you at etc. Then you send them mailings about new product releases, product care information, special offers, discounts, and places they can find your product online and off.
You also want all your offline efforts to encourage more online sales by including the address of your web stores or websites on all of your business cards, fliers, mailers etc.
IF you want to create offline sales then you want to explore arts and craft shows, flea markets, fairs and festivals and farmers' markets, as well as local specialty shops.
The key to a successful business is to KNOW WHO BUYS your product and what goals you want to accomplish. Then work towards accomplishing those goals, and not expect one thing to make your business successful.
You have to have a plan to accomplish YOUR goals which will include many different marketing ideas. For instance create your own website, create your ebay and etsy stores, go to art and craft shows, and take your items to specialty shops.
Use each and every thing you do to build a relationship with your customer. Give your customer more information on your product or new products, where to find your products, product care, and on other places they can find your product. Collect the contact information then follow up with any one who showed an interest in your products (they are also known as your prospects).
Many artists and crafters go to craft shows and expect to sell out of their merchandise. This usually doesn't happen and they don't make any effort to collect the contact information of the people they see at the show so they go home disappointed and disgusted at the show promoter. See my post Attending Craft Shows Isn't Just About Selling Arts and Crafts at http://extravaganzacrafts.com/Blogs/2008/09/attending-craft-shows-isnt-just-abou... for more information.
Let your customers know that they can see your product in person at upcoming shows before they happen. Keep an updated show schedule on your website at all times.
Last but not least: Don't forget that the person who is most likely to buy from you is the person who is currently buying from you. NEVER forget to offer them an additional complimentary item to the one they are buying, and sweeten the deal with a small discount.
Good luck with your business venture,
Shasta McLaughlin
The Extravaganza Craft Productions
If you need more information look around my blog at http://extravaganzacrafts.com/Blogs. There are many articles there about if you need a license to do art and craft shows, what to take to shows, how to stage a booth, how to encourage more sales, how to handle the money after the sale, how to collect your customers contact information, and how to follow up with them. As well as information on using your website more effectively etc.
