Blade Show Etiquette Question

J... I wish you and Tess all the best at BLADE. If any two folks deserve success for all their hard work, it is you guys. Now that I've said that, maybe I can toss my two coppers in here about knives and the table and customers.

J, I have a BS in Marketing. I don't use it. I hated being behind a desk and went back to what I love - machining and mechanics. But a lot of that schooling still stays with me. It was mentioned before that the more knives on your table, the longer people will stay at your table. Its a scientifically-proven fact that people who stay longer tend to buy more. Why else do you think they stick all kinds of crap in the aisles at the supermarket? They block your way so it slows to down. People who race through a store won't stop long enough to buy more than they need. This has been proven.

About the note: "Please ask before handling my knives" is a fine way to tell the public you don't appreciate them being handled without permission. Most good customers will respect that. Don't worry about insulting anyone. You've put hundreds of hours into those knives and you reserve the right to sell them in the manner best suited to you. A smile and a friendly manner will sell your knives - not a sign or how many you have on the table.

GOOD LUCK! :D
 
jhiggins said:
J, I have a BS in Marketing. I don't use it. I hated being behind a desk and went back to what I love - machining and mechanics. But a lot of that schooling still stays with me. It was mentioned before that the more knives on your table, the longer people will stay at your table. Its a scientifically-proven fact that people who stay longer tend to buy more. Why else do you think they stick all kinds of crap in the aisles at the supermarket? They block your way so it slows to down. People who race through a store won't stop long enough to buy more than they need. This has been proven.

About the note: "Please ask before handling my knives" is a fine way to tell the public you don't appreciate them being handled without permission. Most good customers will respect that. Don't worry about insulting anyone. You've put hundreds of hours into those knives and you reserve the right to sell them in the manner best suited to you. A smile and a friendly manner will sell your knives - not a sign or how many you have on the table.

GOOD LUCK! :D
Click to expand...

from a BS'er :D :confused: :D :p
 
Well, I have made/mounted a few knives and swords...I have never participated at a show as a seller but I *have* been to a few as a buyer and a shopper. I am never offended by guys who have signs on their table asking potential buyers to please ask before handling. To me, it is common courtesy to ask before handling something that does not belong to me. Especially when it may be a one-of-a-kind, very expensive, or represent the skill/art/craft of someone I admire and respect.

I'm not trying to say that every maker should put up signs asking people to please request to handle a knife. I just wanted to add the perspective of a potential buyer who is not offended and finds it reasonable that I do not have permission to just grab whatever I like and finger it up.

I remember a guy at a sword show dropping a *very* expensive antique Japanese sword on a table a few years ago and doing thousands of dollars worth of damage to the swords polish and to the saya (scabbard) of another sword on the table. He was, of course, mortified at his fumble fingeredness but still did not offer to buy the blade or compensate the seller.

I think a courteous sign requesting that potential buyers ask before handling is appropriate. Some will be offended but I doubt they will reject buying a knife because of it.

Oh yeah, and I'd put 'em *all* on the table...As a buyer I want to see as much of what the maker is doing/has done as possible. And good luck to all you guys who will be displaying your finest at Blade!!

Brian
 
Good Luck everyone and have fun.Hopefully in a couple of years I'll see ya'll there with a table of my own.
 
Aw, shucks. Thanks for the tips and kind words guys. Just for the record I don't put signs up saying not to touch my knives. I encourage folks to pick them up and handle them... and then jokingly ask them just not to juggle them. :D Again, the only time I'll make an item "don't touch" is when someone has paid good money for it but asks to leave it on the table to either help them out (carrying wise) or benefit me to have it to display. If someone thinks I'm a jerk for it, they just have to get to know me. Heck, I could come up with alot more reasons for folks to think that of me. ;)

I'll put out as many as I can. Since I've been doing some bigger camp knives and bowies lately it definately can't be all of them but, I'll do my best. I may try the photo page of "under the table knives". Thanks again to all!
 
If the maker is busy I usually just point to the blade I want to pick up. They will usually nod and I know it's OK. It just seems like curticy (sp?) to the maker.
Hope to see you there!
Lynn - Look for me on the loading dock smoking.
 
As a maker myself, I ask to pick up a knife on a makers table. At my table if sombody stop's I tell them to feel free to pick them up. I do hate the signs that are worded harshly, at gun/knife show's when i looking for a gun or something I just keep walking.

Ricky D. Finch
 
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