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I could use some advice, wisdom, two cents, and several experience stories!

Howdy, folks!

I have some interesting news. After chatting with the fine folks who run local annual Comic Book Convention, I've decided to go ahead and rent a table/booth selling my CBG's, handmade old-school instruments, and other blues related stuff. The surroundings might be unusual, but the folks who run it are really wanting me to bring my stuff...and something different...to their show. In fact, when we talked about it, they were already sold out of vendor space, but told me personally, that if I was interested, they would make room for me.

Well, it only took them two days to make room for me! lol

How could I say no to this? I couldn't. So, the adventure begins...

I'm excited. But, I am also nervous. I've never done anything like this before. I've made some guitars and stuff for friends. Through word of mouth, I've sold a few... but I've never done anything like this.

Would any of you out there, who has experienced running booths/tables at festivals and such, have any advice to give me? What to expect? What to look out for? To be weary of?

Anything?

I'd really appreciate it a lot!

Thanks! :O)

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Comment by 3 String Blues on February 13, 2017 at 6:54pm: My advice is make it look top notch, don't put anything sub-par or not up to snuff... think quality not quantity!....don't try to over whelm them with a table of mediocre stuff....it's better to have just a few really nice PLAYABLE guitars and some buisness cards or flyers ( or a note pad to take numbers and emails).

I have seen many people shoot themselves in the foot putting too much on display,.....once again, don't give them too much to look at, focus their attention on just a few items...think quality and a well displayed table.

don't try to sell the guitars, try to get emails and numbers!!!!

Comment by smilingdog1 on February 12, 2017 at 9:41pm: Crowds are fickle each year a different vendor does well but over all the ones who are skill in engages others in public do better than if you're laid back and shy. Having the hanging up or on stands helps accessibility and invite folks to pick one up and play. Even better if you can pluck a simple tune, doesn't have to be much of anything, they just want to hear the tone. Have change and if you're willing to get a card reader for your phone, Pay Pal & Square Trade offer them free. Good Luck!

Comment by Uncle John on February 11, 2017 at 3:43am: Makes me wish I could stop by. Best wishes.

Comment by John on February 10, 2017 at 7:22pm: Hey, everyone... Thanks a lot for the advice and suggestions.

Uncle John, I've attended the Comic Con Event several times over the years, and while it may not seem to be the most ideal place for a CBG booth, I'm really starting to think it will get some sincere interest from people attending. A lot of adults bring their kids (like I have), and a lot of people in music come out. Even though it is called a "comc-con," there is a lot more involved. From comics, movies, artists, authors, food, toys, etc... There is a lot happening. I think that is why the promoters were really interested in my CBG's...it adds another dimension to their convention.

Bill Turner - You are right. My main goal is to have fun. Both in the preparation, and the event itself. I am having a lot of basic business cards made up for people to take. It has my basic info...I thought of that after reading your comment about waiting a few days to judge how it went, and that you get more sales post show. Thanks, man!

Ron "Oily" Sprague - thanks a lot for the links, man. I'm going through them and am taking notes.

Again, thanks a lot guys I REALLY appreciate you taking some time out to help me out. If you think of anything else, please throw it my way! :O)

Comment by Uncle John on February 9, 2017 at 11:10am: Good advice, Bill.

Comment by Bill Turner (Wunkyman) on February 9, 2017 at 10:57am: I would suggest that you focus on having a good time and engaging with everyone that shows interest. More often than not the people who look least likely to buy have been the ones that do! Also, I find that you may want to wait a few days until after the show to judge how well it went. I get more sales "post-show" than I do at the actual show.

Comment by Uncle John on February 9, 2017 at 6:19am: I don't know if the usual booth sales applies to a comic book crowd. Might be a whole new deal and I do not know what you can expect. Interesting. Find out the age groups and that might tell you a bit. I hope to hear how this comes out. I've seen super hero builds and this might be the place for a spider man guitar, etc.