Oftentimes crafters complain that the show promoter didn't "promote" the show and that's why sales were low. You don't always know the reputation and reliability of a promoter until you've done a show with them. The professional ones will do all they can to draw large crowds, as they know it benefits them and their vendors. Other promoters do as little as possible and rely on reputation and local promotion.
Some shows are so well attended like the Garlic Festival in Gilroy California, which annually draws over 100,000 people, that little promotion is needed. Others like the Harvest Festival, although well known, still do radio, TV and print advertising. Street fairs with 500 plus booths, may do little promotion due to limited budget and count on the city officials, businesses and local media to attract buyers.
With the advent of the Internet, most shows can now do ample promotion with lower costs. Anyone wanting to find out where shows are in their area or an area they may be traveling to can easily find it online. Several craft show location Web sites can be easily found through Internet searching. Although this isn't direct promotion, it is something--so count on most promoters to be listed in some of the online directories.
Often savvy promoters will send postcards, discount tickets or flyers to their sellers with their acceptance package. If you have a mailing list, send out an announcement on postcards or by e-mail, or mail free tickets with a notification of your upcoming shows. You could even do your own PR by sending press releases to local newspapers in the area where you will be selling. This takes very little time and no cost at all. Unfortunately, seasoned craftspeople know they can't count 100% on promoters to promote their own shows! Do what you can to improve your chances for a better show.
Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: [craftshowsuccess.com parked domain].
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