Fairs/Markets

Been at an all-weekend fair run by Studio 61 near Matlock.... just about broke even despite organiser assuring us that the fair was well-advertised in prestigious publications. As always, attendance by potential customers depends on may variables, from marketing to the weather, location to number and quality of stalls on offer.

Customers were few and far between, but the main issue is that I've wasted a whole weekend on not making any money. Domestically speaking, it means I've spent no time with my family whatsoever, home affairs are no more organised than they were on Friday, and the working week starts again tomorrow.

I think I need to make the decision that arts & craft fairs are not going to be a good way for me to make the business a success, for various reasons:

• not selling enough pieces to make it profitable
• eating into time that could be better spent pursuing other opportunities/activities that wil benefit the business
• affecting my home & family life dramatically

I've tried enough fairs now to make some kind of judgement - part of that judgement is to aim higher.

Devise my marketing package, i.e. images, leaflets/flyers to distribute to higher end studios and galleries, get added to mailing/invitation lists etc. and wait for the contacts - meanwhile using my time more effectively to establish myself in stores instead. I think this will be more effective in the longer term, and will allow me time in the new year to focus on the exhibition.