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Post by weesewcute on Sept 9, 2009 10:53:05 GMT -5
Looking for some feedback on his shows. I was thinking of adding them this year. He does the big shows in SF like Union Street Fair. Anyone done them and how did they do? Would I do well??
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Post by susien on Sept 9, 2009 11:04:32 GMT -5
I have no idea about this promoter but you asked the question would I do well?
That is a hard question to answer, what do you sell? There are many of us on here and I think we all do something a little different, some sew, some do jewelry, some do art, some do glass work, some have resale, etc. ...... There is noone that can really answer how you would do, they might be able to say how they did but that is like comparing apples to oranges. They might have done wonderful and you might flop or it could be the other way around. Have you checked Craftmaster for any reviews?
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Post by weesewcute on Sept 9, 2009 11:32:45 GMT -5
He is a pretty major promoter in the bay area. If you were from here you would likely know who he was. He does the the big street fairs in San Francisco. I was wondering if Dave had any feedback.
Yeah I realize what you sell is all relative. I did one of his shows many years ago and did really well but I had a different product. What I was more or less fishing for was for anyone who did the shows to tell me what type of booths are there. His events draw thousands usually. The booth fees are really steep. Around the $600 range for a weekend.
I don't even get Craftmaster. I think it is useless. They can only really tell you what they did the year before and I find that a bunch of promoters are not honest about what they tell craftmaster.
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Post by susien on Sept 9, 2009 12:40:20 GMT -5
I don't even get Craftmaster. I think it is useless. They can only really tell you what they did the year before and I find that a bunch of promoters are not honest about what they tell craftmaster.
Well, I am going to say that Craftmaster, in my opinion, is the best thing out there for vendors (and yes I know they had problems with late issues). Tim and I have shared a few emails and he is honestly trying to get crafters/vendors to post reviews of the shows they have done. I believe at one point he was offering something for the reviews (Tim, isn't that what you emailed me?). As far as the promoters not telling the truth..... I really do not care much about what they say (except date, price, space size, etc). I want the vendors reviews.......
As far as reviews here....... you are also going to be seeing what someone did in the past. Not even Dave, who is wonderful about posting, sits and does a review while his booth is open.
Also..... one major thing to remember. The economy is bad. You are not really going to be able to base much on this years sales because of the economy. What is a bad show this year might be wonderful next.
What type of items do you sell?
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Post by davejs on Sept 9, 2009 14:49:49 GMT -5
I am sort of familiar with Steve Restivo and he has a number of events throughout the year.
First of all, I did the San Bruno Street Festival for a couple years and that was somewhat okay. Perhaps 8-9 years ago. I can't recall much about it because I had two events scheduled on that weekend. My daughter did the shows in San Bruno and my wife and I did a Filipino Festival over at Westlake Mall in Daly City.
NOTE: the San Bruno event is defunct. They have moved the Daly City several times and is now being held at Serramonte Mall in Daly City (Sep 19-20). BTW don't do it...read my review in SV about last years event. Totally beyond question it sucked and vendors were not treated with dignity and respect. I do believe the Restivo had a furniture store on the street where the San Bruno event was held.
Another event we did was the Clement Street Festival. I just googled it and looks like it went defunct-a-mundo after 2005. I think we did it around 2002 and was probably held in October. Weather was bad that weekend. Four blocks of booths, with this fish store taking up about 5 spaces. Rained off and on Saturday and sales were slow. We came back on Sunday morning and the weather forecast didn't look good and the clouds were turning ugly. We quickly packed and left because we figured we had a small 'time window' to get out. It rained off and on throughout the day. Don't know how the show ended up because we didn't have Starvingvendors.com, Craftmasternews or the Vendor Forum to get reviews. Didn't run into anybody who did that event in the coming weeks.
Sometimes I consider putting in for his shows, but on some of them I get the impression that he 'prefers' Arts and Crafts. I am interested in doing a show or two of his in the future and I will seek advice from this board before signing up.
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Post by weesewcute on Sept 9, 2009 16:03:55 GMT -5
Thanks for the info Dave. Yeah his prices are steep. I am thinking of putting in for about 4 of his shows for next year.
Here is my issue with the CM. There are way to many variables in the reviews. You really have no idea why that vendor did not do well. One person my have a great show why the other person had a crappy show. Was the persons booth decorated and inviting? Did they talk to their customers or sit there and read? Did they sell up and item? Do the offer different items for different prices? Do they make their prices fit the demographics of the place they are (THAT is a big one). I hear other vendors at show complain about not making any money and when I see what they are offering people I know why. Yes the economy is bad but it is a media hype as well. I see people drop $40 on hairbows at my booth like it was nothing.I don't really sell items that are needed by anyone.
Oh I sell childrens clothing, diaper bags, burp clothes, shirts, screened designed onesies, hair things, hats, tutus, wings and many other things. You can check out my Facebook store or weesewcute.com. We just started a shirt screening business as well. Not sure if the site is working right now, we were having issues changing the pictures. You can check it out on Facebook though.
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mark
Weekend Warrior
Posts: 172
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Post by mark on Sept 9, 2009 16:53:35 GMT -5
Steve Restivo.he does lots of events in or around San Francisco.i have never done one of his events i have thought about it but then i thought about the expenses.$600 for the space $25 a day parking in SF on weekend gas maybe $50 if your drive back and forth or $200 for a motel for a weekend,that adds up to a hell of a lot of expenses think how much you need to do in sales to turn a decent profit........i would say $3000 is what i would need min do i think in this economy i would make it hell no.ok so if say i did only $2000 i might net $400$-500 do you think thats worth the risk?
I have heard from other vendors that he is not picky who he lets in if you have the fee your in!
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Post by susien on Sept 9, 2009 19:43:43 GMT -5
Mark,
I agree with you........ I really have to watch my travel expenses. Living in Central California I usually have to travel one way or another to do a decent show so I really look at all my costs before I book it.
One of my biggest gripes is pomoters who do not stand behind what they say about what is allowed in. Does this promoter say no resale?
Susie
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mark
Weekend Warrior
Posts: 172
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Post by mark on Sept 9, 2009 22:12:45 GMT -5
Susie----i just looked at his application i see nowhere no resale and i know he has lots cause i know some vendors that do some of his shows and they don't make there stuff.i know one lady who has been doing his shows and she says she does fine even with the high booth fees.... she sells hats and clothes- i been at shows and been right next to her and she kicks butt selling her fedora hats to the young crowd loves them!oops says on the application the maker should be at the show but i know its not enforced.  |
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Post by weesewcute on Sept 10, 2009 12:27:54 GMT -5
Yes I think he does commercial as well. The thing is that his shows draw so many people. I was wondering if it might be a little crazy with all the people.
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Post by abaworld on Sept 10, 2009 13:59:21 GMT -5
Lots of people -- with money -- I'd take crazy...
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Post by davejs on Sept 10, 2009 14:13:12 GMT -5
I've been dealing with crazy people all year. But it's not one of those 'buying crazy' things.
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Post by abaworld on Sept 10, 2009 14:13:39 GMT -5
As far as Craftmaster News -- Although I do read the reviews, my reason for getting it is to plan and organize.
Since I am new at this, it is essential to find out what is out there. I could do hundreds of online searches and not get them itemized and organized like what has already been done for me by a listing service.
So, what is it? It's a guide. A newbie's guide that can also assist those who have been around for awhile.
Some long-time vendors might not need it (as much...) because their schedule is pretty much set and they already have the knowledge of where to look for alternatives when show changes occur.
I do frequently raise an eyebrow at the reviews and the attendance claims, but it gives me the starting point on the path to finding out what I need to know to evaluate a show.
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Post by davejs on Sept 10, 2009 14:24:34 GMT -5
Only has a few shows left this year. Did you check next year's calendar? www.sresproductions.com/pdfs/2010_exhibitor_app.pdfSmall Green Commercial Vendors? Less than 5 employees. How about a tiny somewhat green commercial vendor with zero employees? Should have an 'at-home commercial' rate like Johny5 has up in Roseville? |
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Post by weesewcute on Sept 10, 2009 16:32:49 GMT -5
Is was thinking mainly for next year. After this 2 month fair I am done for the year. I need a much needed break.
If you look at the lineup from his last shows there are people claiming to be green vendors. Look at were it is. All the rage in PC SF.
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