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Farmers Markets Vs Seasonal Venues


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just recently joined this forum and am loving it.  reading all the past posts and getting some great tips.  so appreciate that this is here. 

i have been selling at a local farmers market on saturdays since april.  learning lots and really enjoying it but not making tons of money.

are farmers markets ever profitable for potters? i love the idea of setting up at the same one every other week.  and i have heard-through talking to other people-that there is a thought that the more often you are at the same venue the more people start to trust you and buy from you.  does this apply to potters?

or should i pull some serious money for materials and booth fees so i can hit the holiday season? deadlines are approaching for applications and i am trying to figure out the smart game plan. 

i like the idea of "slow and steady." was planning on doing a couple of other farmers markets this holiday season to see if maybe i am just in the wrong venue.  (this market is lots of food--there are others that i have applied to that have more handmade items.)

but hate to lose a holiday season that i could do 3 venues with some real potential for money. 

anyone ever make money at farmers markets? or is that just a good practice place and now i need to pull some decent money and apply to some of the big ones?

just looking for thoughts and experiences. 

 

 

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I've never done a farmer's market or similar venue, but based on being the moderator of this section of the forum and therefore reading all of the posts here ... my sense is that these venues are great "starter" venues for learning the process of selling, but not for making serious bucks.

 

I'm not sure I'd dive in for 3 holiday art venues all in the same year. If you are new to this, you might be biting off more than you can chew. Try one this holiday season, and go from there. It wouldn't hurt to try the other farmers markets, they are not all the same.

 

Also, the notion that customers need to see you several times at the same venue is incorrect. I've heard it said a lot, it's just an excuse. The real truth is if you are the new artist at a show, you get way more attention than the returning artists.

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Guest JBaymore

Also, the notion that customers need to see you several times at the same venue is incorrect. I've heard it said a lot, it's just an excuse. The real truth is if you are the new artist at a show, you get way more attention than the returning artists.

 

I wonder if this supposed "truism" comes about because so many people start selling before the work is really "there" yet... and it takes the time between 'being seen at the show' a number of times to have the work itself improve so that the market will actually tend to buy it?

 

best,

 

.......................john

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Having been at a given show for more than once can produce new sales from previous customers, but Mea is right that it does not keep from making sales of your product meets the buyers needs or interests.  I have several art fair repeaters that look for me when they go to shows, but I also have plenty of first time buyers too.

 

John

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thanks for the responses.  thinking i am going to keep going "slow and steady." and try these other farmers markets this holiday season.  gives me time to work with my booth setup (still not happy with it) and concentrate on some new glaze techniques i am learning. i currently have my glazes at brandywine for testing so i am at a stopping point anyway.  

and good idea about doing one show--there are some fun gift show type events coming up that would prob be a good fit for me---and not too expensive.  

will also give me time to scout out these venues for next year possibly.  i was reading past threads and everyone consistently suggested investigating possible venues.  can't assume it will be a winner based on booth fee and estimated (and past) numbers of people. 

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I frequent the farmer's market here in Nashville, TN but have never considered setting up a booth with pottery/ceramic work.  There is a section in our market where vendors sell dry goods, but it feels a lot like Wal-Mart...nothing (or very little) handmade.  Reading you post, however, has me thinking about the people I know who go to the farmer's market to buy locally grown, fresh produce.  Many of those same friends are also regulars at local arts and crafts fairs/shows.  I would love to see some more qualitative research on this premise.  My instincts tell me there is a market segment relationship of some sort...perhaps just a lifestyle where handmade/homegrown is a preference.

 

Good luck on your shows, wherever they may be!,

-Paul

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For what ti's worth, I sell at 2 FM's on weekends.  I invested in the whole season for both markets so it costs very little to set up per market, $4 - $6 each.  There is always something entertaining going on, always music at one, and the people watching is interesting.  Functional wares don't sell for me as well as figurines and more decorative items and I seem to make about 1/3 less generally than I did at the one good craft show I have done. I have done 12 - 14 markets so far.   I haven't for instance been displaying food from the markets in my bowls however; I am going to begin trying that approach, and more flowers, to make folks' experience visiting my tent, less of an abrupt transition from the other vendors' tents, most of which feature leafy greens, breads, plants, bunches of veggies etc. Soap makers face a similar challenge I think.  The markets are local to me, so it is a good way to meet a segment of the community, be friends with friends and make new ones, and to learn something of what the expectations are, of the people who like to frequent the market. I learn more about myself, as well. I've taken note that they almost invariably prefer the simpler, rougher finishes, and less expensive things in functional ware, and frankly will buy whimsical figurines that make them laugh or that are cute.  I have no problem making things such as that, that make people smile.  Potters shop at the market as well, so there's always something to discuss and to learn.  All part of finding one's place as another 'maker' in the community.  Currently I am reviewing display setup, I went initially for a stark glossy white motif, it matches my tent and maintains a high level of light which helps to make the pottery look good, but also, is a little different than other tents. I may paint black, red, white checker patterns around the border edges of my white shelves.  This weekend I have 2 craft fair days instead, though i am setting up in the same place outdoors, it will be interesting to see if it is any different.

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Hey,

     I've had good luck at a farmers market.  There was one near Birmingham every Saturday...it was free.  8:00 to 1:00.

I met lots of people, got a few marketing leads, and either bought, traded, or just received free produce. 

Sell what the people needs.  I sold berry bowls.  People who bought blue berries often bought a berry bowl on

their way home.  Coffee cups were a big item.  Normally, I made gas money and then some.

I met lots of friends, and got a couple of small commissions... "Can you make a cup that matches my couch?"

type things.  All in all, it was positive.  It gives you a chance to test the "people skills" and the setting up and

taking down skills.

What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.   Give it a try.

Good Luck,

Alabama

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