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.
Behind. Yes, I’m behind. I’m working on it. So, from Paso Robles:
We love Paso Robles. It’s a great getaway destination, especially for wine drinkers (which I am not). Also great for olive oil lovers (check). There’s an event there in a lovely downtown park, all handmade … and it fits on the calendar.
You know it: I’m in.
New Ideas
- First event in Paso, and it’s just for me. We booked the AirBnB, and Mrs M even agreed to accompany me as my designated wrapper.
Observations
- This is a well juried handmade event. There were a couple of vendors I might quibble with the definition of “handmade,” but over all, this is a good one. Love Paso, too … lots of tourists. Lots of locals. Here to shop.
- My people.
- So much CNC & plasma cutter work being done these days. Everybody’s getting into the act. You better bring your “A” game.
- Had a stalker show up who recognized my booth at first glance when he saw my trivets! Great chatting with him.
The Food
- Best Meal: The Hatch. Oh my goodness. The Hatch. If you haven’t been, you must. 100%. You. Must. Meatloaf for the entree. Maitake mushroom appetizer. You can thank me later.
- Honorable Mention: We rarely are social when we are working at an event, but we did accept an invitation to dinner from my stalker, and we had a fabulous time with his wife & family. Lovely. Oh, and I got to tour his shop. Bonus points!
- Worst Meal: Given the above meals, we had a nice culinary glow all weekend. No losers here.
The Facts
- Total miles driven: 382
- Booth cost: $399
- Food cost: We ate at The Hatch. I’m not counting the cost of that lovely meal.
- Travel cost: $550
- Total sales: $1,050
- Net Revenue (does not include product cost): Loser, but the food was good.
- # of people we met during the event from the producer: 1
- Visits in our booth by a promoter’s representative: several
- # transactions: 9
- # woodworking vendors: there were several. 1 was a direct competitor, but several had competitive products.
- Edge grain vs. end grain: 9:1
- Returning next year? Maybe. This certainly wasn’t a barn burner, but I did have a good follow up order … and I’m going back in October for the “better” fall event. We shall see.
Boards sold: 9
Cutting Board: 3
Coaster Set: 1
Lazy Susan: 1
Charcuterie Board: 1
Cheese Slicer: 1
Cheese Board: 1
Clipboard: 1
