Newbe Here With Some Questions

Question

Max Barnett Enterprises

Tuesday, December 28, 2010 03:41 pm EST

Hi Everyone. I am so new to this industry, I have yet to enter a show. I only purchased my concession trailer this past Oct. and My first show will be March or April. Everyone told me I needed to provide services that were "different" in order to be considered for shows that had "Many" doing the same thing. You know what I mean. Only one funnel cake vendor allowed.Therefore, I have decided NOT to cook anything, but instead, provide only gourmet coffee and coffee products, as well as already baked desserts. Might be crazy, but I'm going to try it. I'm kinda on my own here. My wife encouraged me to start a business, if anything ever happened to my day job of 32 years. Well,...guess what! Thats right. forced early retirement. And she's not overly excited anout this venture, but I am Anyway, Please consider my invitation to comment, and advise, tell me what to expect and some tricks if you got 'em. Thanks.

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Answer 1

I am also a total newbie and just want to say...Go for it!!! I would definitely purchase a gourmet coffee at any event as long as it isn't Starbucks ! :) I'm reading everything I can get my hands on about selling at shows and advise you do the same... The ibrary has a ton of "start your own biz" books-- Good luck!!!

Answer 2

Festivalnet.Com - Asheville

Thursday, January 13, 2011 10:41 am EST

Welcome both of you!

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Answer 3

Sounds like you found a much needed niche. Not sure where you are located in MO, but if it would be convenient for you check out the Wamego Tulip Festival (still time to register) and the Wamego OztoberFest. http://www.wamegochamber.com/default.asp I will be set up there and can guarantee you my business.

Answer 4

Hi. I'm new to this site. So much to see and do!! I love it. I've done craft shows in the past (years ago) and am so looking forward to getting into it again. I love this new community I have found. I'm looking forward to making new friends and hopefully meeting some of you in person.

Answer 5

Re: Hi, I'm also a very newbe to this site. I have a home decorating business and also due florals and gift baskets. Never done anything like this before it is a little scary! I to lost my job after a long time.and looking for new ideas on how to make and income.Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Answer 6

Hi and Welcome. I joined FnO last year and my husband and I did our 1st show in July 2010. ( I lost my job also) If I learned one thing in this biz, it's that it's a learn as you go business. You will make your share of mistakes, but that how we learn and improve. I LOVE gorumet coffee, but if I may be honest, the only draw back I see is that during the HOT summer months how well will it sell? Ofcourse you live in MO and we are in AL so that may be a big factor difference. One thing I found out here is that the festivals are seasonal, so we can only go to events from around March thru Oct, maybe its different there... Best of luck.

Answer 7

I love the idea of gourmet coffee at a festival!

Answer 8

Also a newbie here, I was wondering do I need to get a business license for each state I plan to sell in? Also wanted to say thanks to all the old pros for the info you pass along

Answer 9

Show promoters will tell you what kind of license you will need at their show, and IF you need one at all.

Answer 10

Hi Im new here I would like to find out how to join a show for Direct Tv

Answer 11

Hi all, I, too, am a newbie....Signed up a while ago, then my partner got really ill and I had to move my priorities around a bit. We are still in the 'recovery' phase, but she is doing a bit better. We sell our candles, mostly locally, or to old friends/military buddies, that have become friends again. Have yet to do any festivals, but since I am unable to really work outside of the house, due to her medical needs, we are leaning towards this, and both are so very excited. If anyone has any suggestions for those of us that are new.....maybe we can get an entire thread for random suggestions - unless there already is one that I overlooked! (sorry folks, I just came here and decided to reply....please accept my apologies if there is a current thread on this) Do many of you just travel around your own state or further? We make beautiful candles and look so forward to meeting many of you and discovering all of your wares. We have our candles in a small shop, here in Orlando, and I am always so excited to see the talent and skill of so many folks. Wishing everyone the best of luck and see ya soon!!

Answer 12

Hello all, I'm a newbie to FnO and a newbie to craft shows. I make personalized retractable badge reels, keychains, jewelry and embellished girls flip flops and hair bows made with flatten bottle caps. I would love some suggestions and the in's and out's of doing craft shows and I will appreciate any advice.

Answer 13

I am sorta new, but have been in the biz about three years know..I have found that many festivals/events organizations charge way to much for a spot..I have an Italian Ice and Ice cream novelties truck.I sell Italian ices but have also looked into and tried different ways of serving my ices.and Ice cream novelties...Items on my truck are no more then $2-$3.00..I have had to pay $250 AND UP for just a community event.Then on top of that have to get permits at $30-40 and then in some places even though my vehicle is inspected by our health department I have had it were the town holding the event has there inspectors come on my bus and inspect it and then charge $25.00 for that!! Then there's the electric..IF you need electric its been $50-75 which sometimes I do...I don't pay that much electric in a month!! I have to sell an awful lot of my items to even make back what I paid to go.This causes vendors to charge more for there items then they usually do JUST to try and make a profit.Then there's the insurance..Most of the time they request the events name and address to be added to your insurance for the day of the event.Some insurance companies charge to do that some don't.And you have to sign waivers that you except that they take no responsibility for anything. They also want you to be responsible for a certain amount of area around your vendor spot.When the festival is over it has to be cleaned up.I have been asked to come to one recently That was $250 FOR THE DAY then they want you to do all the above PLUS pay a deposit of $250. Some have it were if anything happens cancellation or what ever there is no return on your money.They may have a rain date but if you have another event scheduled yu loose that money .. I have been to vents where they say you are going to be the only one there selling what you are only to arrive and see others selling the same thing. I have finally learned that I ask alot of questions before I sign up for events and even cut out alot of the events I use to go to..I got tired of paying all that money for fees and breaking even or not even making what I put into it..So I just have been going to the more reasonably priced events.

Answer 14

Great article... Just Great! Plenty of much needed information for Newbees such as myself. Thanks much!

Answer 15

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