Dismissed

[meccahi]

This is something that I've been pondering seriously for the past few days.

I'm considering dropping Louisiana from my show list. 

I sat down and started to really consider it. Is the show worth it? Is it worth the hassle the headache the politics and the outright lies that I've had to deal with there.  I've been accepted into the Carolina show, which from all accounts is a MUCH better show, that runs pretty much parallel to Louisiana.  It would mean not being forced to build a booth at a show that I have uncertain feelings about. It would mean a worlds' less panic and NOT having to make stock for two shows at once.

The other aspect is that I have developed a customer base there.  There are people that come to that show specifically for my shop ( which is really gratifying to hear). 

But is it worth it?

Peg, I'd like your input on this.    Anyone else have ideas? Suggestions? 

What makes one decide that a show is just not worth it. Especially after several years vending there.  What is the deciding factor?

And why does it feel like failure on my part if I do drop it?

Comments

[captain-snarky.livejournal.com]

I would think the deciding factor would be money, sugar.
It has nothing to do with failure and everything to do with cost benefit analysis. If the show is going to cost you more money than you make there then it's just simple economics to cut it out of your lineup. You have a website your customers can find you at. Gratifying as it may be, if those customers aren't providing sufficient income for it to balance out the other costs, both financial and otherwise, then it's not worth it.

You've got to take a long view. Figure in the area the show is in, how long it's taken it to grow to this point, what kind of growth your business has seen at that show, and from there extrapolate a possible future there, then decide if it's worth it.
You know, NC could be a bust for you. You never know. If you can afford to run both at the same time it may be worth it for the first year or two till you see if NC is going to make a better show for you than Hammond.
Personally I don't see how you could do worse, but every show is different for every vendor.

And keep in mind that I'm not a vendor yet so what the fuck do I know.

[mistrsfluff.livejournal.com]

operative word being yet, crow... you've been around it enough to know as much as any other vendor!!!
I totally agree with miss thang!!!

[theetinygoat.livejournal.com]

do you have contact info for your regular customers there? if you decide to drop it, you can send them a little apology note and give them a little discount on something. make them feel special, ya know?


ive never heard you say a nice thing about that show, so thats about how i feel about it.

[exgypsy.livejournal.com]

Could you do Carolina, and have Christy Big Smiles run your booth for the 1st half of LA?

[grog-d-unkindly.livejournal.com]

it is a very large hassle, cuts into carolina, had great sales the first year due to extenuating circumstances, and now america is not doing as well. I doubt it will exceed last year by any great margin and may end up falling short. I think its just a matter of personal preference at this point as it may very well end up costing you what you'd gain with the split stock, not being at a booth, new tent/structure etc.

[grog-d-unkindly.livejournal.com]

not to say its all doom and gloom, far from it, the show may make tons of money and be worth purchasing a second tent or however you plan on running it. You would know better then I what kind of profit margin you can expect from a show, but from the outside it seems uncertain. Hypothetically, no hurt feelings, customers all moved to carolina, etc. Would it be worth the cost to have a second show that required this much work?