Craft Show Preparation: Shipping Tips for a Successful Event

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various shipping strategies and delivery options for Pampered Chef consultants preparing for craft shows. Participants share their personal experiences regarding how they handle shipping and delivery of orders from events.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions they prefer to deliver orders locally but charge for shipping if the customer is further away.
  • Another participant shares their experience of charging a flat shipping fee while covering any additional costs for direct shipping to customers.
  • Several users note that they offer free local shipping as an incentive at booths, which they believe increases sales.
  • One participant expresses a dislike for making deliveries, stating they prefer to have items shipped directly to customers to avoid the hassle.
  • Another participant mentions enjoying the personal connection made by delivering products directly to local customers.
  • One user describes a method of organizing pickups at a local venue, which worked well for them with local customers.
  • A participant discusses the challenge of covering shipping costs for a large event while also considering the time constraints of making deliveries.
  • Another participant raises a question about providing individual receipts for orders placed under a single name, seeking clarification on handling payments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on whether to deliver locally or ship directly to customers, with some participants preferring local delivery for personal connection, while others opt for direct shipping to simplify logistics. No clear consensus emerges on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants share experiences from various craft shows, highlighting the diversity of strategies based on distance, customer preferences, and personal comfort levels with delivery.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants preparing for craft shows may find these discussions helpful in considering different shipping and delivery options based on personal experiences shared by peers.

J
Jillb
Gold Member
Messages
22
Wow - I just got an free table at a local craft show for tommarow!!! I am having a cooking show tonight that I must close tonight and send in tonight (today is my 30th day and I want that extra pc dollards)!! so I am racing around triing to get stuff togeather!!

Ok here is my biggest question - Shipping do I make everone who orders have the items shipped to them or just call and have everyone meet me for pick-up or drive around and deliver?

Please advise!!!!
 
It's totally up to you. If I do a show that is local, I will deliver it. If it's a show that is some distance from me, I charge them direct shipping.
 
Krista, I do the same as you. As long as I feel comfortable that I'll get $150 or more, they get the local shipping--but if someone purchases and they don't live close by, they need to pay for shipping directly to their house. Jill, Happy 30th day!! It seems like you are doing very well with bookings, etc. Congratulations and welcome to PC!!!
 
I charge everyone the $4.25 shipping and cover the extra to have it shipped direct to them.
 
Usually, the special that I run for Craft/Vendor shows is Show shipping price for direct shipping. I HATE making deliveries - it's one of the reasons why I love PC - I don't have to deliver. It's worth the expense to me to not have to deliver everyone's product. I just put the extra $ in as a consultant gift, and write it off at the end of the year. :-)
 
I have the items shipped to me if they live in my area. I like having that extra connection with the person when I deliver their products. I have some to deliver tomorrow that I'm going to check with them to see if they want to book a show.
 
I did a big event a good distance away and I had it shipped direct. I am doing a local show tomorrow and will probably deliver, that way I can make sure I give the best service I can. I am also building my business. 90 days on the 19th
 
I ask them if they would like it shipped directly to their house....they always say yes. Then I just add it up and tell them the total. I have an event tomorrow. Guess I should get my stuff organized! LOL. :)
 
One time I just called everyone when their stuff arrived and told them that I'd be at the local BK between 5 and 7 pm for them to pick up their stuff. It was a playland, so my kids played while I waited for people to pick up their stuff, there were only a couple people that couldn't make it and we worked that out. But they were all local, I wouldn't try that if they weren't local...
 
I have been struggling with this same issue for an event I have tonight.

I was thinking about paying the difference on the ship direct, however, there are going to be 200 women there with at least $25 to spend and only 15 vendors. I don't know if I could cover the cost difference right now. However, I don't really have the time to be running around and making deliveries. hmm.....I better make up my mind soon, as I leave in 45 minutes. :)
 
I give "free local shipping" as a gift at booths! I had $180 in orders at my last booth and most of those were 1 or two items of $15 or less! They bought because I gave "FREE SHIPPING"! All I did was put all orders under a single person but gave them individual receipts. I also had one lady buy the new Professional Shears who was in visiting relatives from FL. I gave her $4.25 discount and shipped to her. That was orders I probably would not have had if I hadn't done that. I am doing a Stop N Shop at an elementary school tomorrow. To encourage parents/ community to shop, they have all the sorted orders delivered from each vendor to the school, then the PTO sets up a time where everyone picks up their stuff from all the vendors they shopped from. It works out really well since people like the idea of not having to run around and find all the people they purchased from. We pay $10 + 10% of our total sales! I am looking forward to a very productive day!
 
pcchefjane said:
I give "free local shipping" as a gift at booths! I had $180 in orders at my last booth and most of those were 1 or two items of $15 or less! They bought because I gave "FREE SHIPPING"! All I did was put all orders under a single person but gave them individual receipts.
Click to expand...

How did you give them individual receipts if you put the orders in under one person?
Also - how did you handle payment? Cash, cheque, cc??
 
I'm guessing you could give people individual (hand written) receipts, and then enter everything in P3 under one name. You'd have to deliver the items, and it might cause an issue with the warranty, though...I think.
(so, my "guess" answer is really a bump!)
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best practices for packing products for a craft show?

When packing products for a craft show, ensure that each item is securely wrapped to prevent damage during transport. Use bubble wrap or packing peanuts for fragile items, and consider using sturdy boxes or plastic bins for organization. Label each box clearly with its contents to make unpacking easier at the event.

How can I minimize shipping costs for my craft show supplies?

To minimize shipping costs, consider shipping items in bulk rather than individually. Use flat-rate shipping options if available, and compare rates from different carriers. Additionally, plan your shipping well in advance to take advantage of any discounts or promotions offered by shipping companies.

What should I do if my products arrive damaged?

If your products arrive damaged, document the damage with photos and contact the shipping company immediately to file a claim. Additionally, reach out to your supplier or manufacturer to discuss replacement options. It's also wise to have a few backup items on hand at the craft show to replace any damaged goods.

How early should I ship my products before the craft show?

It's advisable to ship your products at least one to two weeks before the craft show to allow for any unforeseen delays. This timeframe ensures that you have enough time to address any issues that may arise, such as damaged items or shipping errors, and allows you to prepare your booth without last-minute stress.

What items should I bring with me to the craft show for setup and sales?

In addition to your products, bring essential items such as a tablecloth, display stands, business cards, a cash box or mobile payment system, and any necessary signage. Don't forget packing supplies like tape, scissors, and extra bags for customers. Having a checklist can help ensure you don't forget anything important.

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