Outdoor Shows

[CrabbyBass]

Do any of you guys on here that sell your lures ever do shows to sell them?
 
My buddy and I have done a couple of shows to help spread the word about our company.  In both of the shows we did we made our money back and then some extra.  The first show we did was a fishing club swap meet.  The show was at night and we had a couple of strikes against us.  One was it was raining out.  Second was the Bears were playing.  We sold 20 bags that night in 2 hours despite the two strikes.  We were happy as it was our first show.  We decided to try the craft show market.  We did a little community craft show.  We sold 29 bags in 6 hours.  Most of the sales were to women buying gifts for their family members for Christmas.  We made back our booth money, and then some.  It was a good experience because we took that and realized what we needed to change.  Coming up in February we have a pretty big fishing show we are honored to be a part of.  We are not really sure what to expect though.  Last year they had 5000 people walk through there in two days.  The booth fee was pretty cheap for a two day event.  Plus the event organizer said he was jam packed with vendors, but was able to squeeze us in anyway.  We have been mass producing lures like crazy.  Our display for the first show was a peg board nailed to some 2 x 4s.  We upgraded our display to steel grid racking.  For the craft show, we had shelves with Plano boxes containing loose lures and peg hooks with packaged products.  We let people pick out a dozen random lures, so they can sample our lures.  That is the reason for the boxes of loose lures.  For the upcoming show, we are switching out the shelves and Plano boxes with plastic bins with cable ties securing the bins to the racking.  I was just wondering if anyone has done a show and if they had any tips to give us.  I appreciate any feedback.  Thanks in advance! 

Chuck

[Denny Welch]

Hey Chuck,

I don't know that I have a whole lot to offer re selling of baits, but I have participated in many sports shows.  I've manned the booth for our fly fishing club in numerous International Sportsman's Exposition (ISE) shows for a lot of years.  I've also been a demonstration fly tyer at many of those shows and at the Federation of Flyfishing conclaves at Lake Tahoe and Redding, CA.  I've also walked every inch of the fishing isles many, many times.  In fact, our annual ISE show in Sacramento just ended it's 4 day run about 10 days ago.  It's been my observation that:

1.  A neat and tidy display has more people surrounding it.  If it was me and I was selling jigs, I'd have them packaged and hung on a peg.

2.  Give the people something to look at, e.g., someone actually tying a fly, or video of fish being caught on your bait, or you in the shop pouring baits.  Just something to peak their interest.  They will stop and look, you strike up a conversation and Bingo, Bango, "where's the cash box?"

3.    I think it's crucial that you have a brochure of some sort.  Color pictures of your bait hanging from a fish's mouth or a picture of the variety of baits you carry.  Your phone number, website, and email address should be prominently displayed.  How many times have you gotten home from a show with a plastic bag full of handouts...probably a lot.  You've only got them for a minute at the show.  A lot longer if they're at home sippin' a beer looking at your stuff.

I hope this helps.

[CrabbyBass]

All great points Denny!  I appreciate the input!  My buddy is a neat freak and I can be too at times, so our booth will be clean.  We invested in a 6' x 2' banner advertising our booth.  We will have business cards to hand out.  We will also have a display showing rigging options and also a fish tank to show action in the water.  I am pumped and nervous at the same time.  Have to jump in and do it if we want to succeed at it.

[Denny Welch]

You'll do fine.  Just look at it as an opportunity to meet new friends and customers.

[CrabbyBass]

Thank you for the vote of confidence!

[andrewlamberson]

Don't forget to pay your excise tax....the Fed's will be there and checking up on anyone selling fishing equipment.

[bribass]

Hey Chuck

I take it you were in the chicagoland area since u mentioned the bears... what show are you going to and whats you business name?

Im from the area also

[CrabbyBass]

Bribass, we are doing the show in Tinley Park as Crabby Bass Lures. Stop on by.  It would be great to meet you!