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10/09/2004 02:45:55 PM · #1 |
I've been paying more attention this summer to photographer booths at art fairs and was wondering if anyone here has advice on exhibiting. I'm considering doing this for the first time next summer, but would like to do so with a minimal investment as I initially see it as a fun opportunity rather than a profitable one.
I think, or at least hope, some of my saleable images are different or quirky enough to allow me to differentiate myself from others wh would be also at a given fair.
Some questions:
1. How do you set your prices?
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2. How much inventory do you bring?
a. how many framed images?
b. how many images just matted?
c. how many different images versus duplicate copies?
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3. If I have a limited number of framed images to bring, would prospective buyers be put off if, on selling a framed image, I requested that I deliver it to them after the fair rather than allowing them to take it home immediately?
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4. Is it worth it? It seems like a good way to get exposure and have fun.
Thanks in advance for all advice.
Dave
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10/09/2004 03:07:05 PM · #2 |
I can't really speak about selling photography but I have similar experience.
I helped out my mother-in-law here on South Beach at a local (end extremely popular) Farmer's Market on Lincoln Road selling matted Children's drawing/paintings. It was a fundraiser for an non-profit organization.
We took the images, matted the front and back and slipped them into these plastic sleeves. They sold like hotcakes. We made close to $200 in one day which was more than we expected. We also took paintings that were framed and not a single one sold. We left with the impression that people want the mat, but not the frame. And they'll only want the frame if there are options, options and more options.
Anyways, we noticed a few things. The price needs to be more or less in tune with the local clientele and prices. Since this was a very thrifty market, people started paying more attention once we dropped the price to $7 for one, $10 for 2 and $15 for 3. Then again, our cost was only around $1.50 per print.
Getting people to approach your stand is hard work. But people will generally approach you if there are already people there. This falls in hand with the "clearance corner" theory. People will, for some curious reason, hover and try to look at anything that draws attention. Soooo we took turns acting like customers and it would draw in people...then we would sell 'em.
I think I answered 1 and 3 above. Below are the rest...
2. We brought 2 of each drawing. We had about 15-20 different styles. People have crazy taste. Stuff we thought would surely sell didn't and vice versa. In the end, we would know what to reprint. None were framed but all were matted.
4. Hell YES! Just the exposure and people you will meet will amaze you. If you sell...even better. You can make regularly weekly money on this...believe me.
Extras....Don't forget to take along a full portfolio of "other" shots and tons of business cards. Take them all. If you go with the attitude of having fun I guarantee it'll be an even better experience.
Good luck. Here's a link to the Paintings we were selling for //www.urbanartforum.org. Gallery of Images.
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10/09/2004 03:34:41 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by PerezDesignGroup:
Getting people to approach your stand is hard work. But people will generally approach you if there are already people there. This falls in hand with the "clearance corner" theory. People will, for some curious reason, hover and try to look at anything that draws attention. Soooo we took turns acting like customers and it would draw in people...then we would sell 'em. |
It's interesting that you brought this up because I was talking to a guy who does a circuit of art shows throughout the southwest and he said he brings his wife and kids to the more local shows and has friends meet him for shows in cities further away to do just the same thing. He said he even goes so far as to ring up fake sales if people are being too much of looky-loos. |
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10/09/2004 03:53:46 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by TechnoShroom:
Originally posted by PerezDesignGroup:
Getting people to approach your stand is hard work. But people will generally approach you if there are already people there. This falls in hand with the "clearance corner" theory. People will, for some curious reason, hover and try to look at anything that draws attention. Soooo we took turns acting like customers and it would draw in people...then we would sell 'em. |
It's interesting that you brought this up because I was talking to a guy who does a circuit of art shows throughout the southwest and he said he brings his wife and kids to the more local shows and has friends meet him for shows in cities further away to do just the same thing. He said he even goes so far as to ring up fake sales if people are being too much of looky-loos. |
Yup...it works. It's also popular on street corners with con-artists. They make sales to friends and simply 'recycle' the money back to a new person. It makes the merchandise look hot and attracts attention like crazy.
Another thing...never, ever, ever stand behind the counter/table. Remove the barrier between the customer and yourself and more will be accomplished. This technique is slowly being accepted by retail establishments and soon you won't even see registers anymore. They'll be discretely tucked away so customer interaction is maximized.
Oh, and try doing something to attract attention. Maybe offer free photos, posings, etc to passerbys. Anything to spark a crowd. The perfect example of this is the Airbrush artist. Just the fact they perform work while attending a booth creates an "awe" factor that attracts people.
Message edited by author 2004-10-09 15:55:11.
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10/09/2004 05:48:40 PM · #5 |
Shows are a ton of fun I think.
My neighbor, who is now retired, does about 6-7 art shows a year. This year I started helping him, and here are some observations...
Depending on location, people always ask if you have photos OF THAT TOWN/LOCATION. So, it's always good to carry a few photos that deal with the area you are in.
Now the next few ideas, depend on some things.
Depending on how you setup, things can work differently. My neighbor, and myself included, only bring about 6 large frames. We usually bring 16x20's framed.
I try and bring 16x20, 11x14, and 8x10's matted. Most folks like picking their own frames. Prices vary on the show, but the 16x20's are usually priced from $35-45, 11x14 @ $15-25 etc.
Just bring what you like best, I'd say pick about 10-15 different prints, and just bring them in stock. My neighbor sold out of about 60 photos the other week... so you never know. He made well over $1000 dollars that day...
Hope this helps!
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