My first private show tonight!

[earthegy]

I have been blessed with a regular client that's bought a few pairs of earrings for me that is opening up her house tonight for a private show for her friends.  Her kids participate in swimming stuff, and the kids have practice tonight for a few hours, and the swim moms can come over while their kids are practicing.  I set up an event on facebook and let her do the inviting...it's her house after all.  Out of about 24 facebook invites, there are 7 definite, 2 unable to attend, 5 maybes, and 9 that haven't replied.  I also made her up a flyer to hand out, and she has at least 3 or 4 others definitely coming that weren't on facebook.  So I'll probably have 10-15 women looking at my stuff for a two hour period.

I do gemstone jewelry, pretty reasonably priced, and I've discounted my items about 10% for the show.  I'm hoping each guest spends at least $50, but it could go higher if they stock up for Christmas presents (the timing is perfect!)  I'm aiming for $500 in sales, but optimistic that it will go a lot higher.  I've already pre-sold $100 worth of stuff to a woman that couldn't attend, but started looking at my website last week.

And it's funny, because the client doing this for me and I both agree that we've always dreaded the things like Pampered Chef or candle home parties, but she thinks guests are coming because they're interested, not out of obligation.  My etsy shop is slow going, but I'm hoping that if the ladies can touch and see each piece and gemstone in person they'll fall in love with their variety.  I'm also bringing my current stone inventory in hope of taking custom orders.

I've never had the desire to rent a booth at a festival or something and sit out in the sun all day peddling my jewelry, so this could be a good alternative.  And if I get some more repeat customers, I'll probably ask them if they want to host a show in exchange for bartered custom work.  The show costs them nothing but time and opening up their house and inviting guests...I'm bringing all the munchies and entertainment.

I've stocked up on cider, cookies, and chocolate goodies to woo them with (wish I could spike the cider to loosen their wallets, but it seemed a bit inappropriate.)

So.....we'll see how it goes!  At the very least, I've got more people looking at my jewelry, and hopefully my website, and maybe sending me referrals in the future.

Chrisy

[DonniesTreasures]

That's wonderful Chrisy,  I too have recently had the opportunity to that & got some orders for custom wire wrapping on my cabs.  I will have another opportunity the first of December.  I think people like the opportunity to look & touch, even hold it up to see how it looks on them as opposed to wading through tons of stuff online.  Good luck on your showing!

[doxallo]

YAY YOU!!!  I've got a few friends who do this on a semi-regular basis - especially around the holidays. One friend just had a home show and did almost $800.00 - she does mostly beading and stringing, simple wirework, but has recently added in some cold connection metalwork. you will probably do well!

If you don't already have one, consider starting a newsletter, or at least a mailing list. Get people to sign a guestbook which adds them to your mailing list. Then even if you don't do a regular newsletter, you can do a mass mailing every once in a while announcing sales or a new 'line' of work. Include a 10% coupon every once in a while , . . . things like that. MailChimp is supposed to be a good service to use. I think its free if you keep your list under 500 names or something. . . not sure, I've never used it.

GOOD LUCK TONIGHT ! HAVE FUN!

[Taogem]

Sounds like a really great idea !

[earthegy]

Not a bad night.  About 8 women showed up, and I think everyone bought something except one woman.  If you count the stuff I presold, I made about $400.  Not bad for a two hour party, and it was a load of fun.  I have 3 custom orders to fill, already paid for, which will keep me busy too.  And I'm very happy with two of the women who spent over $100 each.   I'm also very happy with the interest in my sweet little gemstone and art bead bookmarks.  On etsy, they get a ton of view, but nobody's bought one. I sold at least 4 or 5 of them tonight, so I'm glad to know people out there still read books.   One lady showed up and just wanted to buy beads...very strange.  I had all my gemstone bead there on display for custom orders, but she just wanted 6 or so beads to make her own stuff with.  No harm done, though, because I still made a little profit on them, and she did buy some earrings or a bracelet.

My house hostess offered to do another in the future, which is great.  The whole thing went very smoothly...I was set up in a half and hour, and packed up in no time, handing out leftover cookies and treats to the last stragglers to take home to their kids.

Yay!

[Rockoteer]

Way to go Chrisy.  Roughly $200/hr. and doing something you enjoy.  Ya just can't beat that.

TOG

[DonniesTreasures]

That's absolutely Great!

[doxallo]

YAY! This is very encouraging - I might get up the nerve one of these days. . . .

[earthegy]

I keep learning new stuff about customer's tastes.  They like CHEAP!  I made a ton of double strand bracelets to bring as a higher ticket item at $30, and not one sold.  I also made maybe 10 additional pairs of earrings today to beef up the inventory, and a bunch sold at $10.  A bunch of single strand bracelets went at $25, and these women love blues and oranges...especially oranges.  Most of my stuff with coral agate and sunstone went out the door.  Part of it is the whole sports team color thing...they all have kids playing sports, so I guess it's the local color.

I also learned that my sister is a unakite and blue sodalite junkie.  I've already made her one or two things with them, and she was picking out stuff for a custom order...that looks exactly like what I've already made her.

Wire wrapped pendants at $18, and nothing...not one sale on them. 

But they ate up the $7 bookmarks and $5 quick wire wrapped rings that I threw together in 5 minutes.

[Taogem]

 

[ScarlettoSara]

Chrisy:) I am glad your show went well:) There is something that makes your heart feel good when people buy your designs and you can see them wearing them.  It also means you are an artist:)
As you know the economy is tough. Everyone is hunkering down and not buying anything unless it is necessary. But that doesnt mean the ladies dont want a little something special to wear just to make them smile.
You seem to be able to read your clients and the market pretty good.
I believe you will and are successful in anything you endeavor:)

[doxallo]

Knowing your target audience is one of the biggest challenges out there and it sounds like you got some good research and data along those lines!!!! That is FABULOUS! I'm excited for you. :)

[earthegy]

Whoops....I had stashed a few checks in a different area last night and miscalculated.  I made $472 at the show, plus presold $100 worth of stuff...EVEN BETTER!

And my hostess says we'll do another in the spring on her back patio and liquor them up with margaritas first to loosen the wallets.

[ScarlettoSara]

hang your pendants from male strippers and you can take a vacation to cozumel.
be sure to invite me, especially if Zorro will be there:)