Do I dare?

[SimplyE]

So, there is a huge balloon festival only about five miles from me with tons of booths. I have been pondering whether to jump right into something like this or if I am crazy to even think of it for a first venture. The booth is $150 for three days, and I am going to guess there is somewhere in the 50,000 attendance.

I would need to cram like crazy to get product ready in six weeks. Am I totally nuts to even consider it? My mom and I have both been in retail. So, we are prepared for that. She would be helping me and has great ideas for set up. I could have a good variety of other stuff, not just soaps, to fill in any gaps. All of my legal paper work is done, (Ins, licenses, etc.)

Am I asking for failure?

 

[Deda]

Do it!

Sounds like a blast!

 

[SimplyE]

Having never done this, I have no idea how much stuff to prepare. Not a clue, which is why I wonder if I am totally crazy.

 

[Deda]

Can't help you with the numbers, but I would take everything you have.
If you sell in 2 days, then you sell out in 2 days, if you don't sell anything then... well, you know that won't happen. Your soap is great, and make sure you bring tons of that Citronella balm!

 

[SimplyE]

Thanks for the encouragment. It can't get much more convenient, that is for sure. I also think my soaps are not quite there yet...

So, the citronella stick works okay? We still don't have much in the way of bugs yet, so I can't get a feel on it. (which is okay by me!)

 

[kwahlne]

Do it, do it, do it! And take pictures!

That's a great deal on the booth fee. I know you will do well

 

[mandolyn]

Thanks for the encouragment. It can't get much more convenient, that is for sure. I also think my soaps are not quite there yet...

So, the citronella stick works okay? We still don't have much in the way of bugs yet, so I can't get a feel on it. (which is okay by me!)

I think you should do it!! However, if you have doubts about the quality of your soap, re-think.

The one thing for sure is you have to believe in your soap or how will you convince others to buy it? Get feed-back from those fam & friends who've used it, & believe what they say about it. Most handmade soap is far superior to store bought, & I'm assuming yours is. So, get out there & sell it!!!

 

[angbaby4974]

Simply E, the citronella sticks are the BOMB!!!!!!!!!! And your soap is VERY nice. I would buy it for sure!

 

[Tabitha]

Double dog dare ya!

If the booth is $150.00, divide that by the cost of a bar of soap, let's say $4.00, that is 37 bars of soap. I am going to bet you sell a minimum of 3 times your booth fee so that is 37 x 3 = 111 bars. I would take twice as much as you plan to sell so you still have a good selection, still left to choose from, on the last day. 111 x 2 = 222 bars . That is how my mind works. If you have more than ready to sell, that... bring it ALL.

 

[SimplyE]

Thanks guys :wink: You all make me feel better. I always have my testers out who love my soap, but I want to make sure it is good enough for the "professionals" (AKA you soap gurus!). I tend to be pretty hard on myself.

They have extended the registration by a couple of weeks, so I will work like crazy to get all that soap ready, and see how I feel by deadline. It is a huge event balloon fest, so I want to be somewhat prepared.

Tab: Thanks for putting the number in perspective. That helps

<gulp> Yikes. At least I can get my soaps curing and then work on body stuff after.

 

[Tabitha]

Whos... I swear I was not drunk when I posted above. Glad you were able to figure out what I was 'trying' to say .

 

[heyjude]

Nothing ventured, nothing gained!!

Go for it!

Jude

 

[sweetcreekherbs]

I agree with everyone else. I say do it. You have to do it once to know if you want to do it again.

Take a lot of soaps and skin care products.

And, finally, believe in your soaps. Mandolyn says it well - if you don't believe, how will you be able to sell them?

 

[Bigmoose]

Yes go for it. I have been doing a alot of different types of shows with different costs and amount of traffic this year trying to figure out what works and what does not. I have my first festival (50,000 expected) this 4th of July weekend. You will never know if you do not try!

Bruce

 

[carolynp]

Having had the PLEASURE of using your soap I would encourage you to do the show.
P.S. YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL!!!

 

[SimplyE]

Yes go for it. I have been doing a alot of different types of shows with different costs and amount of traffic this year trying to figure out what works and what does not. I have my first festival (50,000 expected) this 4th of July weekend. You will never know if you do not try!

Bruce

Keep me posted on how it goes for you!!! Good luck!!! Your stuff ROCKS!

 

[SimplyE]

Having had the PLEASURE of using your soap I would encourage you to do the show.
P.S. YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL!!!

Thanks!!! You are too kind!

Still love the cinnamon, orange, TT. Yumm! :wink:

 

[Guest]

I say go for it , it will be a great learning experience for you .Plus you get to make some cash to buy more soap stuff 8) .It's a win win situation imho.


Kitn

 

[rubato456]

yes, i say go for it. i like tabitha's numerology! makes sense. i know first times are scary....i signed up for my first booth in october and i'm scared #$%% but i'm excited too. i'm bringing my daughter to help, she get a % of what she sells....;-)

 

[Bigmoose]

Keep me posted on how it goes for you!!! Good luck!!! Your stuff ROCKS!


Hi SimplyE,

The festival I did with 50,000 expected was good. There was a good crowd around the whole time except for a little while when the parade started. The one thing that really made a statement to me was 10 min. before the closing time I saw just one vendor who had started to pick up. You always see vendors who pack up early. We did not start packing up till 20 or 30 min. after the closing time. I will do this show next year. Also I used my portable cash register for the first time and love it. I never collected sales tax in prior shows (I still payed it) but did at this show and nobody even blinked at paying it. This cash register will pay for itself in no time at all.

Let us know how your show goes and include pictures.

Bruce