this past weekend
i vended at the
south side works
EXPOSED
artist market
this show was set up and run by Carrie and Nina at
it was sponsered by
load is was great
the show started friday nite at 5pm
set up was allowed the evening before the show,
and again friday afternoon
tents had been set up prior by the city
the tents were grouped in a collection of 6
giving 4 people in each group a corner spot
great planning........we all love a corner......easier for display and flow
the weather held out for me
but i think some got caught in a downpour friday afternoon
friday night was a great crowd and i think most vendors did well
especially for the limited time
(5-10)
saturday brought HEAT !!
almost unbearable heat !
but loads of people!
they started showing up before noon
even though it didnt really start until 2
the crowd was amazing.
most shows i do, the sun/humidity
would have kept people away but not here.
they came out in droves !
there was much to do at this 'festival'
i personally didnt get to leave my booth,
but there were bands, music, and kid's activities
going on.
the artist market was fairly diverse.
they did a great job of jurying in a good mix/price range.
from what i heard, the best selling price point was around $20-30
but i know a few who sold higher end items
and a few who did not sell well at all.
there has been much discussion lately as to why/what sells and why/what does not
but we have really not come to any fool proof conclusions
i myself had a great show!
more than expected.
sunday again with the heat.....
but again they came out and bought..
sunday was a bit slower, but steady all day.
this is a great people watching show as you get a really wild crowd.
you see customers of all ethnicities, income levels, education etc.
piercings, tats, and fusia hair abound, combined
with fairly wealthy couples dressed to the nines out for dinner.....
(the vibe changes as evening comes and it gets a bit livelier..)
they were all fun, friendly, and happy as
pittsburghers usually are !
carrie and nina were around quite a few times
checking on things,
booth sitting if necessary,
and asking questions to make sure you were happy
and seeing if anything needed improved.
the tents provided by the city were great,
sides a bit heavy and high to have to put up by yourself,
but closed up tight for overnight.
(security was provided)
the streets were being swept constantly,
food was available and GOOD,
alcohol was also available
(rare at a craft show...and always a plus)
the hours were 5-10, 2-10, and 12-5
but the music ran longer and we were allowed and advised
to open early and stay late.
those of us who did...made great extra money,
those who didnt lost out for sure.
i made it market does a good job of working for the artist.
they respect and appreciate the 'handmade' item and
NO buy/sell here at this show !
they tend to keep it rather local
a good thing...
many many customers asked if i was local...
looking to contribute to the local community!
perhaps next year, they will have a mileage limit
like some shows i know....
pushing the 'localness'....it was a good selling point !
(other shows in the area could take this tip)
load out was equally as easy..
i was at one end and pulled right out at close,
but as i drove past the upper end of the show on my way out,
i could see that everyone up there was still open and selling....
the section where the music was, was still going strong,
down at our end, we were done.......
not sure...how to fix that???
i liked my end, lots of people came in that way...
and left that way...helping sales i would say...
i have never vended up by the music/food/fountain
would love to hear from vendors up that end.....
may have to switch it up next year.......
***
all in all a completely fabulous show.
as i always say..
you have to have
the right product,
the right time,
the right price,
the right customer...
etc, etc, etc,
it all has to line up to make that sale...
if you didnt sell at this show, you couldnt blame the venue.......
they did their part by FAR !!
(you need to change your style/price/attitude or try a different venue...this just wasnt your market)
***
personally this WAS my market,
and i will do this show every year they have it !!!
here's hoping they get to do a holiday show in this area !!
***
the only complaint was the weather....
and it didnt stop them from coming out....
i didnt take good pictures
but there is a flikr group
so you can check it out here:
this pics in this post were taken by
Kassondra Amada - an amazing artist...
who's work can be seen here:
thanks to everyone involved...........
organizers, sponsors, artists, customers, workers.......
just everyone !
***
color us
happy
and look for us next year
**
Way to go girl! Always glad when the hard work pays off. Update on the new abode please!! Want to see what you have been up to.
ReplyDeleteso glad the heat didn't keep people away-
ReplyDeletecongrats that things went so well! :)