knife shows how to

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The_cutting_edge

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I posted this in around the grinder have 90 veiws and only gotten one reply. :confused: if it dosn't belong here I'm sorry just looking for a little advice

Hey guys. I am going to be setting up at my first knife show (metal art show) at the end of september. What advice would you give to someone who has never done a show before? other than my knives and buisness cards what should I have on my table? should I get dressed up or just wear nice street clothes? suggestions for displaying my knives on the tabe, realy any tips and pointers or things to avoid would be greatly appreciated
 
OK, are you OK with people handling/holding/touching your knives without permisssion or no.

If not, I suggest a display table with top so they can look at all the pretties without marking them. It also reduces theft.

Dress? I think decent full coverage clothes would suffice, no overalls without a shirt this time.

Can you handle credit cards at the show?

Receipts, some change cash, pens and cards.

A cloth for glass cleaning would also be advised.

Larry
Tinkerer
 
yeah I'm fine with people handling them. I have never owned a pair of overalls so that wont be an issue. lol
thanks for taking the time to reply I appreciate it :)
 
If you're fine with people handling your work and/or taking pictures (or not) a simple placard on your table saying so will alleviate any apprehension. Engage people; most will have questions but may be too shy to ask. Be courteous and inviting, but don't holler at passersby like a carnival barker (yup, I've seen it - definitely not interested). A maker who smiles and says "go ahead, pick it up" or tells a little background about a knife they see me looking at always gets my attention.
 
Bring a few additional photos of your work, or work in progress. If your work has appeared in any magazine articles, then bring along a few copies. The whole point is to engage the buyer and get them interested. Show them that you care whether or not they care about your stuff, and ask for their feedback. Who knows they may just give you a few good ideas.

Oh, and throw a few bandaids on your table as a reminder. You do not want to find yourself cleaning up a bloody mess.

n2s
 
I asked this same question once and got this advice. Bring a rag to wipe off the knives. When someone leaves your table, discretely wipe off the knives. People spit when they talk. Also, if you dont know already, and if you have a smartphone, you should look into Square. It allows you to use your smartphone to receive credit cards and charges only 2.75 percent, which is less than paypal. At my last show I sold at least three knives that I would not have sold (at least to those people) because I was able to accept credit cards.
 
Good thread I'm glad you brought this up as I may be doing a local show in the near future.. Although I can't give any advice I just want to say I think it is essential that you have a way to accept credit cards as Matthew said, myself as a buyer I normally don't carry a gob of cash but I ALWAYS have a CC.. and I'm more apt to spend more money because I can pay for it later :D

also is there a start up cost for square?? is it just an app??
Good advice guys...
 
Robs,I think you can use square with an iPad check their we site and see.
Jason,stand behind your table ,don't sit.Ask folks how their doing or are they enjoying the show,anything to get them to stop a second and respond,they will spend more time looking at your knives.
Be yourself and smile alot,answer the same questions a thousand times always with enthusiasam,to do shows you have to enjoy talking to people.

Stan
 
There is no cost for the square hardware. They have a website but I wont put it here, I dont want to break any rules. If you google square app you can find it for iphone and android. I think it would work for an ipad too. They send you a little swiper that fits in your headphone jack, and it is free. I recommend it, you can make receipts take pictures and have money deposited right into your account.
 
Oh, sorry, I didn't see your location. I think paypal has a similar device where you can get a card swiper for your phone. I think.
 
If you have a good back and legs, get rid of you chair altogether. Stand behind your table or infront of it. Engage folks and encourage them to hold your knives. Pick one up, say something quick about it and get it in their hand. There have been several times I have been chatting to someone and in the midst of talking about some random subject, handed them a knife.... which they ended up walking away with... or at least ordering one.

The best piece of advice I can give you is not to expect sales at a show. You are there to "show"... a sale is the bonus. You should have a show paid off, before you go. Networking and letting folks see your work is the goal. If you are desperate to sell, folks will pick up on it and by the end of the day, nobody will want to visit the table of the guy with the defeated look on his face. The event should already be a success before it starts... you are are just there to watch it all unfold as it should. Have fun.
 
Rick Marchand said:
If you have a good back and legs, get rid of you chair altogether. Stand behind your table or infront of it. Engage folks and encourage them to hold your knives. Pick one up, say something quick about it and get it in their hand. There have been several times I have been chatting to someone and in the midst of talking about some random subject, handed them a knife.... which they ended up walking away with... or at least ordering one.

The best piece of advice I can give you is not to expect sales at a show. You are there to "show"... a sale is the bonus. You should have a show paid off, before you go. Networking and letting folks see your work is the goal. If you are desperate to sell, folks will pick up on it and by the end of the day, nobody will want to visit the table of the guy with the defeated look on his face. The event should already be a success before it starts... you are are just there to watch it all unfold as it should. Have fun.
Click to expand...

Thanks Mr.Marchand, I will be over the moon if i sell even one knife. All I want from this show is the experiance and the chance to get out there and expose myself to the public.......wait that dosn't sound right, lol :) Seriously tho I just want people to see my knives and know how to contact me if they so choose.
 
Just tossing some things I like to see as a buyer / show go'er, I kinda like a bit of partition between tables/booths. Gives a sense of privacy, if that makes any sense. And some decent lighting, a flood lamp or something at least over head of your work helps focus the eye and show case the goods. Keep the table clean, no need for gimmick stuff, skulls, camo draped everywhere, etc. Blades, cards and even some "cutting" paper, even if your the only one demonstrating. Some kind of banner helps as well, just company name and logo, not to much more or it starts to look tacky IMHO. Good luck and enjoy.
 
My best piece of show advice is this: talk to the old guys. You've gotten good advise on customers. I'm talking about the other knife makers. Questions like "what can I do to improve these knives?" are great. Listen more than you talk, when it comes to the other makers.
 
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