Doin my first show, nervous YES!!!

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I finally brought some knives to our monthly meeting. AKCA Arizona Knife Collectors Association. I left them on the table for people to look at and Todd Kopp who was watching the table while I rounded up some sodas, said there was some interest. I did get a few nice knife comments. Did wonders for me since I have only been actually grinding for about 4mths. One guy said go to the show you will sell some knives. I am nervous about it for two reasons.
I am new.
D'Alton Holder is our club President.
There are many very good makers who will be there. I will try and not embaress myself or them.
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I guess my question is this.
What is the best way to set up a table?
Should I get some business cards printed?
Should I take some pics and make a flyer or brochure?
Is there any value (Percieved or otherwise) in giving a certificate of authenticity with the knives? These give the stats on the blade. (Ken Largin does this)
 
You will have a great time even if you dont sell a knife. It is fun to participate in the shows. There are really nice people there that will be customers someday. As your knives improve people will notice and give better compliments and pay bigger prices. I think the business cards are a good idea. Brochures are spendy. They will benifit you later though. The stats sheet is a must in my opinion. People like to be sold on a knife. They are spending what may be alot of money and need the stat sheet to read years from now. They will always keep it. Good luck and have fun! Bruce
 
Just think of it as another step to your goals
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Most of all, HAVE FUN! If you dont have any fun then what would be the point right
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Michael
 
Bob, no matter how the first day goes, go back for the second day! My first show I busted my butt to get 45 knives done and I thought I was gonna sell out for sure. Well, the first day I bet 90% of the folks that were there, including dealers, handled my knives and complimented me on them, even the ladies. I sat there all day and sold 2 knives. I said forget this and did'nt go back on Sunday. The gentleman I was sharing a table with told me that on Sunday, half the dealers in the show had come over to buy my knives. Man, I'm still kickin myself in the butt over that one!
I had the wrong attitude I guess. I went to make money, not to meet folks and gain knowledge.

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Always think of your fellow knife makers as partners in the search for the perfect blade, not as people trying to compete with you and your work!
http://www.nebsnow.com/L6steel
Buzzards gotta eat, same as worms!!!
 
L6,
You are right. I take that advice to heart.
I know I need more practice making knives for sure. But this in a way is also part of the learning/practice curve. If I don't know how to interact with potential customers how will I ever sell any knives. Right now the $ is not why I am there. I really need to learn what people want and expect from a custom knifemaker.
This is also a great place to find out which of my designs get handled the most, comments ETC.
Thanks for the advice, keep it coming
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definitely get biz cards...otherwise people will have no way to contact you later...forget about flyers and or brochure... way too expensive for what you get...if you are going to spend money get an internet site.....look at the best knives you can get your hands on and vow to make yours look like that....or better....and never....never....give up....going to shows is like a crap shoot...you never know whats going to happen...sell out...sell none, anywhere in between...it happens to the best. I have seen knifemakers that I think walk a foot off the ground go home penniless, and ones that I think make pure crap sell out the first day....so forget about that...and make the best knife you can and try to improve on everyone...and most of all....do what you like to do the most.

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http://www.mayoknives.com


 
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