Knife Show Table Fees

Peter Atwood

Peter Atwood

Joined
Oct 26, 2000
Messages
2,468
Hi,

I'm curious what the fees are for knife shows. I'm assuming that exhibitors have some sort of fee to pay to the promoters. Also, is there a jurying process of some kind to determine if your stuff is up to snuff? How far in advance do you have to apply to the show,etc.? Do they usually supply tables? ANy or all info would be welcome.

Thanks,
 
peter iy varies from just send a check to to full portfolio, to invatation only like the solvang show. i generaly like to do high end art and craft shows right around my home instead of traveling all over. i think i will try to get in to the cal, knives expo this year.
 
Peter, If you join your local and/or state knife club there is a better chance of even getting a table at a knife show as each club has their annual show. I go to gun shows mostly and usually am the only knife maker there. I have to really talk sometimes to educate potential buyers at a gun show but the table fee is usually only $45 compared to $400 at the Blade Show and there is a waiting list. My 1/2 table for the ABS testing area at Blade was $195 about 6 months in advance. The Oregon Show is for members only and is $65 but once you get a table it is quaranteed next year. Our Montana Show is $65. They all furnish a table so you dont have to bring your own. Craft shows may be different though
 
Thanks Bruce and Laurence. That answers a lot of my questions. But I'm still wondering, for the smaller knife shows, do they want to see examples of your work or will they take anyone providing there's no waiting list? I figure the gun shows are probably a free for all. Those table fees are pretty reasonable compared to a lot of craft shows these days. I guess the promoters haven't caught on yet although maybe it just is because there's a different crowd and mindset at a show that features weapons and tools rather than decorative objects. Also, maybe men aren't as willing to pay to get in as women are at craft shows. Is there a door fee at the Blade show?
 
There is a door fee at all the shows. The promoters seem like they are making loads of money but most have to spend big bucks to rent the building for 3 days. The smaller shows dont ask to see examples of your work, even the blade show didnt ask for a brochure but did ask in the contract what I propose to display and/sell. That ritzy show in Seattle does ask for a brochure though. I didnt qualify. They were all high end knives and I heard complaints from the average buyer guys who went long distances and couldnt afford anything. I stay away from craft shows because men buyers usually arent there. women buy knives for their husbands sometimes but are afraid to spend much.

Are you a member of a knife club? You should join asap. They always have a show each year and you automatically qualify.
 
Bruce,

I'm not a member of any knife club but I'd like to know if there is one in MA. Thanks for relaying a lot of good tips and advice. This is all really important stuff if you're at all serious about the business aspects of knives and knifemaking.

Also, it seems niche marketing is a good approach. I have received emails from people asking if I do woodworking tools and other types of specialty knives and tools. Lots to think about there.
 
Local gun shows- $35-50 is average......better known small knife shows......$100 to $200......large well known shows......$400 seems to be the going rate.......NYC show $700!!!!!!! Dont know about the art shows....but I am sure the cost is up there!
 
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