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Juried vs Non-Juried Shows
Event Planners/Organizers -
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I get a lot of questions about the difference between Juried vs.
Non-Juried. My first recommendation is: If you are just starting
out… go to non-juried shows, to gain your confidence and to learn
about how to present your product and displays. Once you’ve done
that, you are ready to move on to juried shows.
Non-Juried Shows:
A non-juried show is one that you can apply to without having to present your
work in advance. You basically pay the fee and get your spot at the show. It’s
great for first timers and newbie craft show participants as the costs are
typically reasonable and the hours aren’t too bad. You’ll typically pay $100 or
less to exhibit at non-juried shows. The shows are usually smaller community
shows, like Christmas bazaars at churches, community parks, schools etc.
I started by showing at a non-juried Christmas bazaar at a local elementary
school. I had a blast! For my first show, it was perfect, I had a small table
and could experiment with presentation ideas and it only cost me $35 for the
table. The show was also an annual one so it had a good following in the
community. I made $600 on that show (which is very good for a small local show).
But don’t expect to make a ton at these, they are kind of a needle in a haystack
approach, try them out if they work great if not try a different one.
If the show has a history and has been done successfully in the past, you should
have a good experience. If it’s a first year show, it’s a gamble, and you
basically will be the vendor trying it out to see if it works. Some great
questions to ask the organizers:
- How many exhibitor spaces do you have and how many are filled (with what
types of products)
- How are you marketing your show.
- How many years have you done the show and what is your typical
attendance.
- In addition to the space fee do I need to pay a percentage of sales
(some shows have this and it’s always good to ask!)
- If it is a first year show, It can be extra challenging for a first year
show to promote, find out what extra steps they are taking.
- What is included in the fee? (table, drape, chairs, electrical etc.)
Ultimately, non-juried shows are a great way to start your business, learn
what works and what doesn’t and gains confidence at shows. Once you have this
basis move onto Juried shows! You can always keep going to the non-juried shows
that have been successful for you as they cost significantly less than juried.
Juried Shows:
Juried Shows require that you apply in advance and send a portfolio of your
work, including pictures, a resume, shows attended, and a fee to apply. You will
get the specifics for each shows requirements after contacting them and getting
the application kit, but typically you will have one or more of the above
components. The reason shows have them juried is to make sure there is a good
mix of vendors for the attendees and they get more applications then they have
spots.
Once your application is submitted a committee will look over your portfolio and
will then make their choice based on originality, creativity, marketability,
general appeal, comparable to other submissions and quality of craft and booth
design. (this is where your non-juried experience will help you). It’s a great
feeling when you are selected for your first juried show, or for that matter
selected for any juried show!
Things to keep in mind for juried shows (make sure to ask the same questions as
you would with non-juried shows):
- You pay a lot more but have access to 10-15 times the attendees at the
non-juried shows.
- Your sales will be significantly higher that at the smaller non-juried
shows. (if they aren’t then don’t do the show again!)
- You will in turn need a significant amount more of product than you
would at smaller shows.
- A great way to see if the show would be worth applying to, is to attend
the show this year to get a feel for the show.
Which type should you attend?
You can do just as well at both non-juried and juried shows (relative to the
attendee numbers) However, the most important thing is to research the shows:
- Make sure you are fully aware of how many attendees to expect?
- How many exhibitors are there?
- Are there any exhibitors selling similar products or competing products?
- Make sure you pricing matches the attendees, if you have high end
products, probably not a great idea to go to a small community show (unless
that community is quite wealthy)
- If possible attend the show, then decide if you want to sell the next
year, the best way to see if a show fits is by going to it.
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