The R&T Extra! May 2007
|
|
The R&T Extra! May 2007 |
|
|
|
Subscribe/un-subscribe to our e-mail newsletter In this issue: |
|
|
New Subscription Opportunity: Online Sale Flyers
For those of you who enjoy getting industry news and history; business tips; upcoming fashion trends; customer interviews; employee spotlights; travelogues from overseas purchasing trips and more, you will continue to get this monthly newsletter in your email - you don't need to do a thing. If you want to change your status and (subscribe or) unsubscribe from this newsletter, you only need to fill out our simple online form (linked above) – we only send this newsletter to people who have subscribed. To continue hearing about upcoming online sales, simply subscribe separately to our new online sale flyers. These will no longer be sent to newsletter subscribers who do not also subscribe to this separate list. The choice is yours. Subscribe to our newsletter, our online sale flyers, neither or both! And, as always, keep creating with confidence. We thank you for your patronage. |
|
|
|
Festivals & Fairs 101 – Part Three: All's Well that Ends Well This three-part series focuses on the art and business of selling your wares at arts & crafts festivals. Part one discussed the variety of types of shows that exist in the United States today. Part two focused on applying to shows that most realistically fit your budget and your style of goods. This final part of the series looks at what to do once you've heard back from show organizers. First of all, if you don't make it into any shows this year, don't be discouraged. And, don't throw away your preparatory research, lists and materials! Saving prep work will make the application process much easier next time. Review your research, your decisions and your application materials right away. Make notes and write up some revised strategies. These notes and plans will help you several months down the road, when the experience is no longer fresh in your mind. Remember that the world of festivals can be highly competitive, and every season you apply means greater knowledge (and greater edge) for next time. For those of you who do make it into one or more shows, congratulations! But, don't sit back and sigh with relief yet. You've still got much work ahead! Preparing your goods: If you haven't already started creating your goods, you'll want to start production right away. Be sure to make more items than you think you'll need. You don't want to run out of goods halfway through the show. At the same time, don't make so many goods that you'll be in financial trouble if you don't immediately recoup the costs of materials. Remember to review your total overhead (see part 2), and make any necessary changes (including in materials used or prices you charge), in order to keep your venture financially viable. Also, include a variety of products in your offerings, to attract both varying tastes and varying levels of purchasing power. When pricing goods, be sure to review your research to make sure you're selling at a range of prices appropriate to the particular fair(s) at which you'll be showing.
Hopefully, show organizers will inform you what licenses are required on site, but it's always important to double check. Some cities require extra licenses, and if you live in a different state from where the show is held, you may need an additional state license. As for types of payment, cash is certainly the easiest form of payment to access once the show is over. But, you will decrease the number of people who buy from you on impulse if you only accept cash. Taking personal checks always includes some risk, but might be worth it. If you do take checks, ask for a contact number and/or valid ID. Take a moment to record the ID number somewhere on the check. If fraud becomes an issue, you'll thank yourself for taking the time to add this tracking information. Accepting credit and debit cards will require some extra hardware, including either a manual card machine (with carbon slips) or a wireless machine (with a receipt roll). Accepting card transactions also requires that you bank with a commercial bank – plus you'll be charged transaction fees. In terms of booth design, you'll need a plan that protects you and your goods from the weather, plus keeps your wares away from sticky hands. Sketch out possibilities ahead of time, making sure to stay within the size and dimension of exhibition space you've been given. You'll want to include a durable, effective overhang (to protect you and your goods from sun, wind and rain); tables and shelves arranged for maximum customer browsing space; and ample space for you and any booth helpers. You'll also want to make aesthetic decisions about your booth. Can you afford to have a banner professionally made? Will a homemade banner be appropriate for the show? What colors, textures and props will complement your goods? What types of display racks and/or cases will you use? Overall, basic supplies you'll need include (but are not limited to):
If you don't already have business cards, consider getting some made. They're not only a portable, inexpensive way to advertise year round (you can carry a stack in your purse or wallet daily). They're also great for people who buy from you at a show and want to buy more in the future – plus, for people who see your goods at a show but don't make a purchase right away. Make sure to include your permanent contact information on the cards so these people can find you later! For more on show supply essentials, here are three good places to start:
Salesmanship: The opening day of the festival has arrived. You've made it to the show site early, found your allocated space and set up your booth. Finally, you get to relax and wait for the sales to come, right? Wrong! Maintaining a good rapport with patrons is now your number one job. Don't sit at the back of your booth reading a book and ignoring window shoppers. Also, if you have helpers and can avoid doing so, don't eat while manning your booth. Not only will it distract you from what's going on, but also some patrons will consider it unattractive. Even if you don't think someone will buy, make eye contact with passersby and greet each person that pauses at your booth. This not only helps you maintain a friendly demeanor for those who will buy, but it also gives all patrons a good overall impression. Non-buyers may remember your friendliness and decide to buy from you later (remember those business cards). Plus, other potential customers may be watching and listening! The best icebreakers for talking with patrons are comments and questions that cannot be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Options include admiring something they're wearing, bringing up an aspect of the show (good/bad weather, this year's turnout) or asking them what they're looking for. You can also point out specific attributes your goods possess (uniqueness, construction methods, durability, materials, uses, etc). And, it's always a good idea to encourage people to ask you any questions they may have. Keep in mind that it's equally important to not overdo it. Don't talk people's ears off, be pushy or keep them from moving on once they're ready. Potential customers will remember that too! All's Well that Ends Well: After a show is over and the dust has settled, you'll want to assess the overall experience. How well did you and your goods fit into the atmosphere of the show? How much money did you spend versus how much did you bring in? These questions will help you determine whether this is a show you'll want to participate in again next year, whether you're ready to take a more ambitious step or whether you should scale back next time. Be sure to keep old research notes, supply lists, etc. Add to your supply list things you wished you'd had at your booth but didn't think to bring. That way, next year's preparations will be quicker and more thorough. Concluding thoughts: Participating in shows entails a huge amount of work, from researching possibilities to the rigors of application processes, from preparing goods and supplies to selling at the shows. The process is not for everyone! But, shows can be fulfilling, fun and even profitable. Plus, they can be a great way to get exposure for your goods! Shows may become a fun sideline for you, or they may take your career in a whole new direction. Rings & Things co-owner Russ Nobbs began his career selling jewelry at state fairs in the 1960s! Whatever direction you choose to take, we at R&T wish you the best of luck. We're happy to help you along the way. |
|
|
|
Confused About Quartz? We Can Help! Quartz is a blanket term that refers to an entire family of minerals with the same chemical composition (silicon dioxide) and similar physical properties. As with many gemstones, artificial versions of quartz often find their way into the market, disguised as the real deal. At Rings & Things, we're dedicated to giving you as much honest information about our gemstones as we possibly can. That's why we now display three different pages of quartz offerings in our online store:
If you find a bead store labeling glass as natural stone, don't be too hard on them! Chances are they're selling the items as the items were sold to them. Use the opportunity to show your gemstone knowledge, or refer them to our Gemstone Beads Index. For more information on quartz and all our gemstones, check out our Gemstone Beads Index today. The new print edition of this great resource has been delayed, but our online index is always available for your research needs and viewing pleasure. |
|
|
|
There's No Doubt You'll Love Our Closeouts
Plus, we've increased the discount on many items that were already on sale. Don't wait to check out these bargains – they're likely to go fast! And once they're gone, they're gone for good. |
|
|
|
R&T's String of Events: May 2007 Calendar
|
|
|
|
Thanks! Russ, Kim and the whole Rings & Things crewP.O. Box 450 Spokane, WA 99210-0450 USA Phone (509) 252-2900 Fax 509 838 2602 Order toll free 1 (800) 366-2156 Web site: http://www.rings-things.com You can subscribe/unsubscribe (it's free) to our newsletter in seconds! If you've moved, please help us get our next catalog supplement to you. Just fill out this form: www.rings-things.com/addressform.htm. Newsletter Home |
Gathering supplies for the show: Your wares aren't the only things you'll need to prepare ahead of time. Equally important tasks include determining what business/tax licenses are required for the show, deciding what types of payment you'll accept and choosing how to set up and decorate your booth.
Naturally occurring quartz comes in two main varieties, macrocrystalline (crystals recognizable to the naked eye) and microcrystalline or cryptocrystalline (crystals too small to see without magnification). Macrocrystalline quartzes we sell include not only stones we label quartz, but also 
Lab-grown quartz has the same chemical, physical, and optical characteristics as naturally occurring quartz. The difference is that its crystals are formed in a laboratory rather than under the Earth's surface. Lab-made quartz is "grown" in a hot water (hydrothermal) solution in a large pressurized vessel called an 
Glass, like quartz, contains silica dioxide. But, the form of silica found in glass is melted down and no longer holds a crystalline structure. Glass can be distinguished from quartz by its inability to 
Between road shows, classes, purchasing trips and more, there's a lot going on at Rings & Things! Here's what's happening this month: