Andie Plamondon on mon 11 jul 05
I Googled the archives, but didn't find just what I'm looking for on this:
I know it's early, but I'm thinking about the holidays (I think the humidity
here has got me dreaming of a dry, cold winter).
I have recently moved my studio to a fairly rural area with few galleries.
In the past, my holiday sales came through galleries and shops, but this
year I am thinking about doing some sort of studio show/sale. Now, my studio
is really a series of 10x12 sheds (throwing shed, kiln sheds) behind my
home. I was thinking I might do a short tour of the studio, a short demo,
and then have work for sale set up inside in my dining or living room with
wine & cheese. Maybe even a kiln opening drawing.
I'd love to hear the experiences others have had with studio shows, on or
off list. (Feel free to email me at andiekc@dmv.com) Any advice or
suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks!
:) ANdie Plamondon
Handful of Earth Pottery
Laurel, DE
www.handfulofearth.com
David Hendley on tue 12 jul 05
Andie, I know I've sent this in to Clayart at least a couple of times
before, but
I am a big proponent of studio sales, especially during the holiday shopping
season. And, it is not too early to be planning one.
Don't do it unless you are in it for the long term at the same location. The
first year or two, your profits after all expenses might not be so great,
but
if you stick with it, in a few years you will have a very profitable
situation.
After 13 years of doing my holiday open house at Thanksgiving time, people
start asking about it in the summer and want to make sure they are on the
invitation mailing list. Each year your mailing list and attendance should
grow.
As Chris said, make sure that SALES are the focus. If you want to
demonstrate or give tours part of the time that is OK, as long as you
have helpers available to take money and wrap purchases.
And yes, food and drinks are important, but I would suggest using your
imagination. If you have some great recopies, or are known for certain
dishes, make it more interesting than wine and cheese. Food with a
holiday feeling is good.
If you will be having people go into your home, make sure the rest
of your house is securely blocked off, so people will know it's off-limits.
David Hendley
I don't know nothin' but the blues, cobalt that is.
david@farmpots.com
http://www.farmpots.com
----- Original Message -----
>
> I know it's early, but I'm thinking about the holidays (I think the
> humidity
> here has got me dreaming of a dry, cold winter).
>
> I have recently moved my studio to a fairly rural area with few galleries.
> In the past, my holiday sales came through galleries and shops, but this
> year I am thinking about doing some sort of studio show/sale. Now, my
> studio
> is really a series of 10x12 sheds (throwing shed, kiln sheds) behind my
> home. I was thinking I might do a short tour of the studio, a short demo,
> and then have work for sale set up inside in my dining or living room with
> wine & cheese. Maybe even a kiln opening drawing.
Chris Campbell on tue 12 jul 05
Andie wrote -
... this year I am thinking about doing some sort of studio show/sale.
... I was thinking I might do a short tour of the studio, a short demo,
and then have work for sale set up inside in my dining or living room
with
wine & cheese. Maybe even a kiln opening drawing.
When you are dealing with the public it is
good to remember they will usually do what
you tell them to do.
If you tell them to come to tour a studio, watch a
demo, see a kiln opening and drop in for wine
and cheese ... they will do exactly that ...
watch, eat and leave.
So forget the demos and concentrate on the sales
part.
Clear everything out of your living/dining area that
is not for sale and put in your pots along with lots
of munchies. Give them a food trail to follow.
Don't skimp on the food. There is nothing worse than
a home show with a few crackers and cheese!
Happy people who have been eating tend to think they
should buy something to reward you. Good eats brings
them back year after year.
Wine is good, along with soft drinks and maybe
some hot cider and cookies.
Have an outstanding pot in the raffle. People will make
a point of signing up everyone they know for it and you
will get a free mailing list for your next show.
Have some nice music playing and some pot pourri
around to add a Christmas scent.
Have help in the payment area so no one has to wait
once they are ready to go. If there will be delays, make
sure there is more food there to nibble on.
I used to get kidded for spending too much on food for
my shows .... it was a great spread ... and guess what ...
it was all paid for within the first fifteen minutes.
Chris Campbell - in North Carolina - did the show for ten years
... have not had one for four ... maybe next year!
Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
9417 Koupela Drive
Raleigh NC 27615-2233
Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989
1-800-652-1008
Fax : 919-676-2062
website: www.ccpottery.com
wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com
Dori Grandstrand on tue 12 jul 05
Chris,
If you don't mind my asking ... given that you did this for ten (successful) years, why haven't you done one for the last four years, and why wait til next year? Something else must have you very busy? ... I'm just curious. --- Dori, Sultanarts
-------------- Original message --------------
> If you tell them to come to tour a studio, watch a demo, see a kiln opening and drop in for wine and cheese ... they will do exactly that ...
watch, eat and leave.
>
> So forget the demos and concentrate on the sales part. (snip)...
>
> I used to get kidded for spending too much on food for my shows .... it was a great spread ... and guess what ... it was all paid for within the first fifteen minutes.
>
> Chris Campbell - in North Carolina - did the show for ten years ... have not had one for four ... maybe next year!
>
> Chris Campbell Pottery LLC
> 9417 Koupela Drive
> Raleigh NC 27615-2233
>
> Fine Colored Porcelain since 1989
>
> 1-800-652-1008
> Fax : 919-676-2062
> website: www.ccpottery.com
> wholesale : www.wholesalecrafts.com
>
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