Rebejoo is popping up all over

I've wanted to try running a pop-up shop for a while now - that is, a temporary shop in otherwise empty premises, or spare space in existing premises - so was dead chuffed when the opportunity arose to use part of the Art House cafe/gallery in Southampton last weekend. The venue has handy window-bays - small spaces, but enough to display my jewellery in a more shop-like setting than a stall at a fair.

Rebejoo pop-up shop - open for business!

I was there Friday evening and Sat/Sun afternoons which gave an interesting insight into the effort involved in running even a small temporary shop, and produced some thoughts about what worked more or less well - especially as this was a trial run for both me and the venue. Overall, it was worth doing, both financially (sales, yay - plus a couple of commissions) and as a developing crafter. It showed that the evenings might not be so good as afternoons and lunchtimes with people becoming more interested in entertainment and less in shopping. It's hard to draw firm conclusions from one attempt but that was the feel this time.

Wares on display

Also, profile-raising is key - having not tried running a shop before, I have no shop window display and hence it was difficult for passers-by to see I was there. This will be amended during future attempts, even if it involves a sandwich board and fliers! Also, the venue attracts many arts-and-crafts people, so not everyone realised I was selling (!) until I went round the cafe with fliers. That I didn't expect, but it's all good experience and once potential customers found their way to my shop, a fair percentage bought something - more yay.

So, will I do it again? Yes, definitely. Will I change how I do it? Again, definitely - fewer but more targeted hours, better advertising/profile-raising, but otherwise much the same approach.

The sombrero of shiny bargains - please feel free to rummage and haggle...

All the fun (and work) of the craft fair

I like craft fairs. I enjoy chatting with people about the things I make, and with other stallholders, plus of course I like selling my jewellery. That doesn't mean it's easy (best not try to calculate an hourly rate...), what with the various bits of admin, set-up, clear-up, transport and so on that are all part of it. When it's hot (really hot), it's even harder - as it was at the most recent event organised by Queenie's Craft Emporium and Hog 'n' Hops last weekend.

The Rebejoo stall just about ready to go.

 When the temptation to go to the pub, beach, pool, river etc is strong, fewer people come through the door (thanks to those who did!), and less buying happens - lots of very warm brains liking but not deciding/buying (to be honest, I'd probably be the same) and I was just glad I was indoors rather than having a stall in the field next door (owch, roasting). Still, it was a good test of my still-developing selling skills, and, to be fair, it went OK - definitely worthwhile, and I'll be back for more (even better when there's evening entertainment too - keeps the buzz going!) Plus, people who are interested-but-undecided still take away business cards and there have been a few new 'likers' on the facebook shop with a couple of pieces put to one side - and, selling a few things tends to spur me into making more, which is exactly what has happened this week. So, thanks to Queenie and her helpers - another fine event!