I have learned that I am still quite naive about markets and research. I have now been a Vendor for about three years. I've been part of Saturday coast markets, where I did pretty well until the end, to shipping off to the big city area 'inland' and doing so far not very well at all.
I make everything from boutique type jewelry, fun type jewelry, and Witch type jewelry. I have a price point to reflect those types.
I make all things crystal- earrings, barrettes, book marks, crystal holders. Some of these aren't on my website- bracelets- because they are adjustable, I haven't yet listed them on my website.
From what I research, there are a few types of markets- Farmers Markets, Flea Markets, Artisan Markets, and Faires. I've done all but the Flea Markets. My preference is the Artisan, as you find more boutique type art at those.
Lately there is something I don't see Vendors doing- PAYING YOURSELF. What is the point of having a business if you aren't paying yourself?
I pay myself- $20.00 an hour- which really isn't a lot in todays pay. If a project takes 15 minutes, I take the materials, crystal cost (each crystal has a different value/cost), and findings and add $5 dollars, plus a small cushion. That small cushion is usually about $3-$5.00. That cushion includes the market costs, bags for customers, gas to get to events, all things that make the market. When they say something is free, it's not, at least not for the Vendor.
There is a clear difference, that I've seen, in markets. As mentioned above, I've been to Crafters Markets and Bazaars. Maybe it's the area that I'm in or the economy... but very frustrating- very few Vendors paying themselves. So when I am at a market and my prices reflect all the above, my prices are higher than most. I've heard other Crafters/Vendors say that if they raise their prices, no one will buy. We could just normalize paying ourselves....
An Example: You work a job that pays a certain amount of money- would you ask for less pay for any reason? You make say $20 an hour, but your boss wants to pay you less for whatever reason. It's also a matter of knowing your worth. You put the hours in, you get paid the agreed amount, no less.
You buy the materials, you put the materials together, and you will be making more. Not only that, you have an area or market that costs money to be there. So whether you work online or in a market, you have costs. Even if you own your own place, you still have costs. Those costs need to be in the price of whatever you are selling.
You get the idea.
My presentation! I've learned about presentation (and I know I still have more to learn).
When I first started out I did not have leg lifts, table lifts. They not only help the Customer see your items better, they help your back when setting up! I got mine off of Amazon.
Table covers, because when I first started out I used a sheet over my table. I folded it in half so the edge wouldn't show. Then I bought some table covers that didn't show the table legs. I just bought a second set of these. Just a little suggestion, try to ask that people NOT set their food and drink down on your table. I just reordered the same set because mine got stained. This time I ordered a set of black and white. These come in packs of two. I have two tables.
I'm sharing the links in case you're interested.
I think this covers enough for now. I have learned a lot more. Anything you want to add? Any questions? You know what to do. I will do a follow up on this Blog.
Love & Light,
Carol
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