A 1 year retrospective
I started my business in September of 2022 with one idea and a severe lack of business knowledge. In just one year, there has been a lot of trial and error and even more mistakes. As a congoer, before I began vending in Artist Alley, I picked up things that attracted me to artists’ tables, and now, as an artist, I am still learning every day and at every event. Still, I wanted to share a few things I have learned that even the most seasoned artists still need to learn.
Be engaged!
The first big thing I noticed as I started vending was that there was no room for shyness. I am an incredibly introverted person and definitely have a tendency to retreat into myself in social situations. I distinctly recall when I was younger I couldn’t ask staff at a Subway for napkins because I was too shy. If I wanted to sell anything in an artist alley, that had to change.
The best tip I can give is to greet everyone at your table. As an avid congoer, before I started to vend, I always hated feeling like the artist whose table I approached didn’t care that I was there and ignored me. This obviously hurts your sales. You may feel annoying, but a simple “Hey, how are you doing?” goes a long way to make potential customers want to purchase from you.
Your only competition is you!
This is a tip I learned from one of my closest friends Bianca, the owner of Ittsumo Kawaii. As a fiber artist I went into convention artist alleys thinking that I would be ~so original~ and there wouldn’t be any other fiber artists selling. This is very wrong, especially after the TikTok crochet trend of 2020 lockdown. Seeing other fiber artists in artist alley can immediately make me feel dejected and worried that no one will want to buy anything from me if there are 5 other crocheters also selling.
Tip #1 can help with these dejected feelings. Greet everyone that comes to your table and find other ways to stand out! I have realized I have a more niche approach to crochet merchandise in Artist Alley than some other artists, which works great for me. This doesn’t mean that having similar items to the other artists is terrible, but remember that we all have our own skill levels and interests that will attract the right people to your table.
Invest in your display!
If you have ever been to a con as an attendee, consider the artist table you were drawn to. Were they plain, using the provided tablecloth with no sign indicating who the artist was, or were they decorated matchings the artist’s style? Most people will first notice the decorations when walking past your table. It will look more professional and draw in more potential customers when you invest in your display. This initial cost can feel daunting, especially if you are on a strict budget, but it is almost as important as having quality merchandise. It can be costly to purchase items for your display, but I recommend doing it gradually.
At my first event, I started with one pack of grid cubes, a set of dollar store baskets, and a cheap tablecloth. As I have done more events and made more money with my business, I have purchased more grid cubes and a sign and made a crochet garland to add dimension to my table. I am still growing the display after every event when I notice things I want to add.
Part of this investment can include business cards and a logo. If you are a traditional artist, you can always create your logo. I am not a conventional artist, so I paid a friend of mine to create my logo and business cards, and I always receive compliments on my business cards, which leads to more people following my socials and online shop. We love returning customers.
Make friends!
One of my favorite aspects of vending at conventions is making friends with my neighbors. Making friends is great for networking and having someone look out for your table when you inevitably need a break. I have done cons both with my husband and without, and it is significantly easier when he is there so I can run to the restroom, grab some water, or shop while he watches over things. When he isn’t there, I have to rely on the kindness of my neighbors to watch over things while I quickly step away. Nine times out of ten, your neighbors will be amicable and ready to help because we’ve all been there.
Bring blankets!
My most recent convention was Anime Matsuri in Houston, Texas. The average temperature outside was above 100 degrees Fahrenheit every day. Houston loves its air conditioning, so the Artist Alley Hall was freezing the entire time. Fortunately, I remembered a sweatshirt because I am always cold, but on the days I wore shorts, my poor legs suffered the whole day. Cranking the AC is a trend with most cons, as con season is in the summer. Please don’t make my mistake, and always bring a blanket!
Keep track of your sales!
At my first few cupsleeve events, I did not keep track of my sales, which made maintaining inventory difficult. Now, I write down every sale I make each day of the event to track how much I have made and how much stock I need to make up for the next event.
It also helps to keep track of everything you spend while traveling for conventions. Keep track of money spent on gas, food, and even what you spend at other artist’s tables.
Don’t get discouraged!
Vending in Artist Alleys has become increasingly competitive, and you can feel hopeless when you first start. The first days of conventions typically are flops. Don’t worry because the next few days are typically better! Even if that specific con was a bust for you, the next one can always be better. Take each perceived failure as a learning experience, and keep going!