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My venture isnt going too well - anyone got any ideas?

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  • My venture isnt going too well - anyone got any ideas?

    I run two craft groups; one in Enfield where I used to live, the other here in Northants which was founded in August. I was in the right place at the right time when the council asked me to host the craft marquee at their 100th carnival in July. Now heres the thing that I really hope wont be read by any potential crafters - I am struggling to get bookings.

    I usualy run fairs in halls, with a footfall (customers through the door) of up to 300 on a really good day - the anticipated footfall for the weekend is in excess of 10,000!!! - more if weather is good. I charge around £20 for a 6 foot table with 2 chairs so would think that pro rata the table could be charged at £666.66 - I would then half that for the fact they are in a marquee not a warm dry hall and then half again for the fact that a two day commitment is required. That makes around £166 and I am only charging £65! The council has done masses of promotion for the event BUT the press release I saw to announce that our group was hosting the marquee was littered with spelling mistakes, unclear who to contact as council ladys name was in it so many times and they promoted another side event in the same peice. I never caught sight of the other papers efforts so will be ringing both papers to get them to help us further. I am on my usual crafter website and even that hasnt had ANY response - usualy get loads of leads from them; UK Craft Fairs

    The whole thing is now daunting me and I am losing my enthusiasm (although that may be to do with recent events in my personal life I know) Does anyone else have any ideas of what else I could be doing? I know that all you clever people will come up with something helpful, even with all the ribbing!

    Tammy
    Tammy x x x x
    Fine and Dandy but busy as always

    God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done


    Stay at home Mum (and proud of it) to Bluebelle(8), Bashfull Bill(6) and twincesses Pea & Pod (2)!!!!

  • #2
    Have you thought of contacting your local radio station to see if they can give it a plug - mention the mistakes in the original ad and ask them if they'd mind giving the event a couple of mentions

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    • #3
      On it as we "speak" - thanks
      Tammy x x x x
      Fine and Dandy but busy as always

      God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done


      Stay at home Mum (and proud of it) to Bluebelle(8), Bashfull Bill(6) and twincesses Pea & Pod (2)!!!!

      Comment


      • #4
        Contact local garden centres or Hobbycraft places, see if they would let you display flyers.

        Maybe advertise an early booking discount.

        Ring local producers/crafters (must be some kind of listing in Yellow Pages).

        Appeal to the councils better nature and explain the mistakes (someone at their offices must have proof read it before it was issued), they should be able to do something for you. If I've had an advert published and there's been a mistake on the part of the publisher or our creative team, then I get a rebate of some kind - free ad next time, reduced rate etc.

        If you know your market, you should be able to work out where they go (hence suggesting Hobbycraft/Garden Centres) and advertise/promote directly to them.

        Use the AIDA principle when advertising/promoting.

        Grab Attention (it has to stand out)
        Create Interest (it should be specific to your target audience)
        Generate Desire (you need them to want to be part of it - incentivise)
        Stimulate Action (it should be clear how they contact you or take further action)

        Then of course you always have the all powerful WOM. Word Of Mouth is probably the most powerful advertsing medium there is - and it's free.

        Good luck with it.
        Last edited by HeyWayne; 29-04-2008, 10:21 AM.
        A simple dude trying to grow veg. http://haywayne.blogspot.com/

        BLOG UPDATED! http://haywayne.blogspot.com/2012/01...ar-demand.html 30/01/2012

        Practise makes us a little better, it doesn't make us perfect.


        What would Vedder do?

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        • #5
          What a nightmare,can't offer any practical help but good luck!

          Comment


          • #6
            Thanks guys - been phone bashing and the response has been good - got another booking already! Been in touch with the three main local radio stations and the (if you pardon the pun) reception has been great. Will do a flyer for local arts n crafts shops.
            Tammy x x x x
            Fine and Dandy but busy as always

            God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done


            Stay at home Mum (and proud of it) to Bluebelle(8), Bashfull Bill(6) and twincesses Pea & Pod (2)!!!!

            Comment


            • #7
              Why not invite Dawn Bibby or Rosemary Merry along to open the marquee (or something)and get them to plug it on QVC, then you'll be advertising nationwide!!

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              • #8
                I wish! ***glazed dreamy look*** It did occur to me right at the start of my planning. Now let me see...............
                Tammy x x x x
                Fine and Dandy but busy as always

                God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done


                Stay at home Mum (and proud of it) to Bluebelle(8), Bashfull Bill(6) and twincesses Pea & Pod (2)!!!!

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Finedon.Dandy View Post
                  I wish! ***glazed dreamy look*** It did occur to me right at the start of my planning. Now let me see...............
                  I don't see why not, if you give them enough notice and give them a good reason to come... it's got to be worth a go. Or maybe Leonie would come?

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Have just been looking how to contact and cant see how - any ideas?
                    Tammy x x x x
                    Fine and Dandy but busy as always

                    God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done


                    Stay at home Mum (and proud of it) to Bluebelle(8), Bashfull Bill(6) and twincesses Pea & Pod (2)!!!!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Try emailing info@topazcrafts.co.uk, which is her shop in Lancashire or
                      Topaz Crafts
                      Colliers Street, Oswaldtwistle Mills
                      Accrington, Lancashire
                      United Kingdom BB5 3DE
                      Tel: 0845 8386177
                      Fax: 01254 237111

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Been out doing storytime at daughters school and then to a kiddie party so have only just seen your post - wow - what a star! Thanks for that invaluable info! - I take it you are a crafter too?

                        Think I will sleep better tonight - knew you guys would help!

                        Tammy
                        Tammy x x x x
                        Fine and Dandy but busy as always

                        God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done


                        Stay at home Mum (and proud of it) to Bluebelle(8), Bashfull Bill(6) and twincesses Pea & Pod (2)!!!!

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Hey Pumpkin Becki - I see from your personal profile that not only are you a fellow card maker but also my birthday buddy!
                          Tammy x x x x
                          Fine and Dandy but busy as always

                          God made rainy days so gardeners could get the housework done


                          Stay at home Mum (and proud of it) to Bluebelle(8), Bashfull Bill(6) and twincesses Pea & Pod (2)!!!!

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Finedon.Dandy View Post
                            Hey Pumpkin Becki - I see from your personal profile that not only are you a fellow card maker but also my birthday buddy!
                            What can I say! Geminis are the best

                            Not just a card maker either, I use to teach paint effects, gilding and Trompe l'Oeil at a craft shop near me. I do decorative painting on furniture, make rag dolls and do scrap booking as well. If only I could make it pay the bills

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Oh yes, and my avatar here is my logo that goes on all my work, an angel with a dripping paintbrush (very appropriate)
                              Last edited by Pumpkin Becki; 30-04-2008, 12:16 PM.

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