Shows...never done one...questions

David Schott

David Schott

Joined
Sep 27, 2004
Messages
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I have never sold at a show and had a few questions:

How many knives should I plan on having at a given show? I don't want a big empty table. Given a part-time maker, amassing 10-15 blades might take me a long time!

How often do makers share tables and how do fees work in those cases?

I know NECKA does shows in my area throughout the year and I'd love to get some of my knives out and in more peoples' hands, but want to do it right the first time.

I'll be attending the CT show at the end of Feb to get a good sense and talk to a bunch of BF folks. Can I bring a knife or two of mine in a backpack without breaking some cardinal rule of shows? I wouldnt be walking around with a price tag on them, it'd most be for show and tell.
 
TikTock said:
I have never sold at a show and had a few questions:

How many knives should I plan on having at a given show? I don't want a big empty table. Given a part-time maker, amassing 10-15 blades might take me a long time!

How often do makers share tables and how do fees work in those cases?

I know NECKA does shows in my area throughout the year and I'd love to get some of my knives out and in more peoples' hands, but want to do it right the first time.

I'll be attending the CT show at the end of Feb to get a good sense and talk to a bunch of BF folks. Can I bring a knife or two of mine in a backpack without breaking some cardinal rule of shows? I wouldnt be walking around with a price tag on them, it'd most be for show and tell.
Click to expand...

As far as knife numbers go I've seen one or two knives on tables and none at all with just a book of pictures of the makers work. I like to have somewhere around 20 pieces but thats just me. I'd say 10 more or less would be a good amount. Sharing tables is fine at some shows and not allowed at others. If you do end up sharing you split the table cost. As long as you aren't trying to sell the knives your have in a backpack and just have them to show other makers that sometimes works.
 
NECKA has tables at these shows, the shows are put on by The Northeast Cutlery Collectors Association. http://home.att.net/~nrmint/aboutus.htm


This is a good show to do to get your feet wet! It's where I started. Tables are $30
NCCA One Day Show
Sunday, March 26th 2006
Marlboro, MA - Holiday Inn (508)481-3000
I-495 exit 24A. Show hours 9:am - 3pm
Table reservations & info, contact:
Bill Cain (978) 544-5348
e-mail: Jckknv1@aol.com

I usually bring whatever I have available at the time to the show. Sometimes it's 8 pieces, sometimes it's 3? Too many knives on your table makes decisions difficult for some customers. I try to have a variety in both designs and materials used, no two look the same.
 
Cool. Im a member of NECKA. Figures that I will be away on the 26th...for 30$, I'll get a table at some point this year for sure.

Thanks for the info!
 
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