Advice to Newbys.

I just got home after a long but profitable day and since I need to unwind before I try to sleep I thought I would offer some advice for those on here that are always asking “How do you get into the large shows”.  Remember, big isn’t always better. 
 
Today, we worked a 1 day “Flag Festival” in a small town that has less than 1,000 population and is 20 miles from a town of any size.  Last year we worked the show because they called us and ask if we could please come.  They had been unable to get any vendor to show up because of their size.  We agreed to do it because we were new in the business and wasn’t booked anywhere else.  We grossed $896.00.  Today we grossed $2,169.00 and with out gross to net percentage of 54% that means we put over $1,170 in our pocket.
 
When I post this, it is not to brag because many of you who post on here have done much better.  My point is, there’s a gold mine in small towns.  My wife, my daughter and I worked it ourselves so there was no labor cost.  It was only 35 miles from home so fuel cost didn’t kill us.  They charged nothing for a show fee even though we donated $50 to their committee before we left.  Most important, it was too small for other vendors to fool with and we were the only one there.  Next weekend we are doing a 3 day music festival where there is supposed to be 30,000 people and a dozen other vendors.  The entry fee is $500.  We must purchase soft drink products from their supplier who charges twice what our supplier does.  I have had to hire 4 people to help us.  It will be interesting to see which show puts more ‘net’ money in our pocket.
 
The moral of the story, check your own back yard.  You might find a diamond in the rough.
 
Mike S.  

I whole heartedly agree!!!! The small town venues are more proffitable by far. With less competition.  Little or no vendor fee. And usually friendlier people. By that I mean they are usually willing to accomodate you, not you haveing to accomodate them. Love those small town festivals!!!

konnie


I just got home after a long but profitable day and since I need to unwind before I try to sleep I thought I would offer some advice for those on here that are always asking “How do you get into the large shows”.  Remember, big isn’t always better. 
 
Today, we worked a 1 day “Flag Festival” in a small town that has less than 1,000 population and is 20 miles from a town of any size.  Last year we worked the show because they called us and ask if we could please come.  They had been unable to get any vendor to show up because of their size.  We agreed to do it because we were new in the business and wasn’t booked anywhere else.  We grossed $896.00.  Today we grossed $2,169.00 and with out gross to net percentage of 54% that means we put over $1,170 in our pocket.
 
When I post this, it is not to brag because many of you who post on here have done much better.  My point is, there’s a gold mine in small towns.  My wife, my daughter and I worked it ourselves so there was no labor cost.  It was only 35 miles from home so fuel cost didn’t kill us.  They charged nothing for a show fee even though we donated $50 to their committee before we left.  Most important, it was too small for other vendors to fool with and we were the only one there.  Next weekend we are doing a 3 day music festival where there is supposed to be 30,000 people and a dozen other vendors.  The entry fee is $500.  We must purchase soft drink products from their supplier who charges twice what our supplier does.  I have had to hire 4 people to help us.  It will be interesting to see which show puts more ‘net’ money in our pocket.
 
The moral of the story, check your own back yard.  You might find a diamond in the rough.
 
Mike S.  

What a great post and read! I agree that there is something to be said of small town events. Coming from a small town (Frederick,Maryland) I learned quickly after moving to bigger cities that for the most part the feel and welcoming spirit was not there. I think your post shows and reminds us that there can be gold in them there hills!

Congrats again, well done. I will look for your feedback on your bigger show coming up.

The best of luck to you.

Frederick MD is small??  I used to live there.  THat place was HUGE compared to wear I live.

Kiyi


Frederick MD is small??  I used to live there.  THat place was HUGE compared to wear I live.

Compared to where you live now? Good grief you must live in Mayberry lol. I was born in Frederick (Frederick memorial) and grew up there until 15. My family ran a fast food dinner there the whole time we were growing up. (our apartment was upstairs) I went to East Frederick elm, Waverly and then Thomas Johnson. Maybe you mean Frederick COUNTY was big? I lived in the city and it was so tiny. Did you ever go to the Planatarium when you lived in Frederick as a kid? You had to have went once, it was hugely popular and something I will never EVER forget and often tell stories of it now. I can still remember the narator pointing with his arrow flash light " and there is the big dipper over there" (sigh,sniff, sniff) Like your own personal universe map a few feet above you!

Later..

Yes, I lived there in the late 80s,  I grew up in Hagerstown though.  I miss the Dual Highway... fun times they were.

I really appreciate this post.

It reminds me to start hunting locations for festivals & fairs, to get out there and just work hard at venues that other vendors may overlook.

I like your comparison of NET profit,  small venue vs. large (hire 4 people, pay more entry fee) venue.   Bottom Line is the bottom line.

Thank you for the thoughtful approach to doing business.

And it's great to hear that you're working with your family.

My 8 year old grandson is always singing a TOMMY B'S jingle, and wants to be a part of the action.


I want to sell lots of cheesesteaks with TOMMY B'S PHILLY CHEESE.

I live in a small town and we have some sort of festival every month or sometimes twice a month.  We have a couple of hot dog vendors that come out, but they are required to leave by 5pm.  If we have a street dance, then there is no one but the restaurants selling food.  Since I am considered a restaurant, then I can keep my cart out and sell during the street dance.  That should make me a pretty good profit!

Even if you live in a big city, you should check out smaller towns around you.  There is very good money there because they might not have an opportunity to buy a good hot dog in their town, or ever buy from a cart.