Thursday, May 8, 2008

Lessons I Learned at My Last Jewelry Trunk Show


The Shecky's Girls Night Out event in Dallas was fabulous. I loved the new location -Fashion Institute Gallery (F.I.G.) building in downtown Dallas.

I had the preshow jitters because about 70% of my jewelry inventory was the new Glass Rock Candy Collection that I was revealing to the general public and press!

With ~60% of the show being assorted jewelry vendors (not all handcrafted some was also imported), I had a leg up on the competition because folks are buying directly from the designer/artist which always resonates with folks. It is so fun to engage people and share the inspiration behind my signature ring the Three Pebbles, Three Wishes (not a dry eye in the house I may add) and every other piece of jewelry I create. Having said that, I should have had a larger sign stating buy directly from the artist ( I think my sign was too small)....because people are more apt to ask questions and linger when they know you are the artist. So, that is lesson #1 since NOT all vendors were the designers themselves (some design and contract wholesalers in India, etc to manufacture their designs).

Last year, I had a helper my dear friend, Mrs E, but being a school night a lot of my gal pals have soccer, dance, etc...and it was hard for them to get away. I really missed having someone help bag, run the credit card machine so I could focus on doing what I do best-engaging the customers who are browsing! :) For 3 hours, it was utter mayhem in a fabulous way but I'm sure I lost a sale or two because I was stretched so thin! Lesson #2, get a helper at all costs!

I had a Shecky's show special and the sign I had needed to be more prominent.....so, I did NOT need to repeat it like a gazillion times!!! Lesson #3 cost me a rough voice by the following morning! hee hee





I am really excited to be doing the event in Houston tomorrow because it is a SOLD OUT show. Yeahoo. I was a little nervous because it was the first time for Shecky's in Houston but all those ladies stepped up and are ready to shop!

I'll be road tripping just for the day and I can't wait to have gauge Houston's reaction to the new collection. And I'm sure, I will learn a few more lessons a long the way! The more shows I do the more experience I have including being prepared. The gals next to me forgot extra tape for their credit card machine. OUCH....but since I'm such a nice neighbor I shared my extra roll! ;)

The collection, Glass Rock Candy, will be available to the general public by the end of May.

If you would like a chance to snag some Glass Rock Candy at an unbelievable price make sure you sign up for the Diva newsletter because next week I will have two specials that includes the exclusive Shecky's goodie bag at a price that will think you are dreaming!

3 comments:

Sangeetha said...

Hi...I am looking to be a vendor in their 2009 events as Shecky's has closed out registration for 2008. Could you please tell me how much it cost's to get set up as a vendor with Shecky's. Thanks.

Dallas Designing-Diva said...

You will need to contact Shecky's directly for their rates.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sangeetha, make sure you review the legal aspects of your arrangement with Shecky's first. Remember, the best memory in the world is a signed contract. Frank Sullivan legal forms Website Owner