The Board Chronicles is an ongoing series of articles about the adventures of Mrs M’s Handmade as a vendor at community festivals & craft fairs. Mrs M’s subsidiary, Mr M’s Woodshop, has been approved to create this chronicle for the good of vendorkind.
This boutique ended up being split onto 2 different days in November and December. The November event was good (read that Chronicle here), but I had lower expectations for this event just 6 days before Christmas.
New Ideas
- The promoter, Stella, played into my superstition and moved our tables away from the door. My working theory is that being next to the door is a negative on sales.
- Of course, Stella put her tables right by the door … so she’s either being far too accommodating of me, or she rejects the superstition outright.
Observations
- With only 2x 6′ tables and 1x 4′ table, space is at an absolute premium at this indoor event. I left the blocks at home, brought too many cheese boards, and decided I didn’t have room for the pig on the table. And I still sold it. Go figure.
- Here’s what I will remember: a year ago, I was out of the pig business. At the end of 2015, I was, again, out of the pig business. Therefore, I’m not in the pig business.
- Yes, I sold the last pig.
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We had 3 different people come to find us at this final event of the year, and all 3 were big sales. Note to self: when you promote where you’re going to be, people will find you.
- With promoter promotion (THEIR JOB), and then when all of the vendors do this as well … it works.
- Santa came by today … not sure who he was texting.
- Sales were up today from last month’s event, with our booth not near the door. My superstition only grows….
- Loved this day. Totally relaxed with no expectations at all for this event. Great friends working the event, relaxed atmosphere. Goodies to snack on. What’s not to like?
- Mrs M showed up at lunch and stayed the rest of the day, through load out. Good news: she helped. Bad news: no Christmas cookies were baked. Unless she’s hiding them from me.
- The last event of the year was a success. And I am oh so ready for a break. Well, a break after I get those last few promised projects out of the shop in time for Christmas!
The Food
Saturday Breakfast: Velda’s egg burrito. Yum.
Saturday Lunch: Tater tots & grilled cheese with bacon from The Grilled Cheese food truck. Yum.
Saturday Snack: Holiday treats brought by the vendors to share. Yum.
Saturday Dinner: Salmon at Fishtail. Yum.
The Facts
- Total miles driven: 44
- Booth cost: $80
- # of people we met during the event from the producer: both of them
- Total sales: $870
- # containers of product taken: 18
- # boards available: 72
- Saturday alarm: nope
- # transactions: 20
- # soap & lotion vendors: one soap vendor & Mrs M
- # woodworking vendors: just me
- Edge grain vs. end grain: 5: 1
Boards sold: 6
Cheese Boards: 2x
Large Cutting Board: 1x
Pig: 1x
Bear: 1x
Small Sous Chef: 1x
I’m so glad Petunia’s sibling found a home! I know she will be as well loved as Petunia is:) This really was a fun event! Very cozy! Vendors available to help other vendors.
Here’s to a successful 2016!
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