This past weekend, after several months of considering it, we took the plunge and got a space at the Big Thicket Trade Days in Kountze. It was a very humble beginning as we didn't want to put a lot into tables, canopies, or the other things it takes to really do a space up right. We borrowed card tables, took one of our plastic shelves, loaded up several boxes of HodgePodge stuff and were on our way. We also took a few guitars, our one in-stock violin, a few straps, picks, and guitar stands from the music store.
I thought that overall it was a rewarding weekend. The weather was good. It was not too hot, or too cold. I got a little sun on Friday, but there was a nice north breeze and the temperature was okay. Saturday was overcast most of the day but again a nice day. Sunday was a blustery, windy day. This time it was a south wind. It did not rain though, just a little mist. We were not out there long on Sunday which was a good thing. We made some sales, but spent most of the time packing up the HodgePodge stuff.
Joe and Moe, our leprechaun windsocks, have a new home for this St. Paddy's Day. I put them in a small tree as eye catchers. Turns out someone wanted to buy them. Like Paul says, almost anything we have is for sale.
A collage of our space at the Kountze Trade Days in Feb. |
I brought along some of the Wilton cake pans that I have collected over the past few years. Not having any more room to display them, I spread them out on my tarp. As it turned out,the cake pans were our #1 selling item for the weekend. I even brought more with me Sunday afternoon and sold quite a few of those, too.
These are some of the cake pans I still have. You can see and buy them at Hazel's HodgePodge |
If you like to learn more about Kountze and the Big Thicket Trade Days click here. And be sure to take a look at the video. This gives a good overview of the Trade Days.
I enjoyed people and pet watching myself. It is amazing how many people had their puppy dogs with them. Some were being pulled along by a large dog on a leash. Some were carrying small dogs. And I saw one man with an elaborate stroller with a cage on it and his little dog inside. Wish I had taken a picture of that!
You could even buy a dog there --or adopt a pet.
The advertising for the music store was worth the cost of the space. I figure we made a lot of contacts by having the guitars out there. We handed out a lot of business cards.
Yes, it was worthwhile endeavor! We will be better prepared in March and have more merchandise.
See you at the Big Thicket Trade Days March 25-27.
Sounds like you guys had an awesome weekend. Very inspirational for us to maybe get our feet wet and try a table somewhere soon! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI have been thinking about getting a booth out there. I have started up a little Hand Made Jewelry and T-shirt Tote Bags. I just don't know if i would make a profit with all the other jewelry out there.
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