Sorry it's been so long since my last (first) report (Mar 16). I have a real job and two wonderful kids and between both of those priorities I am kind of moving in slow motion on the business.
Recap: Starting a wood products manufacturing business. See
Recent Activity: I went selling one day at a local flea market. It is a permanent site in San Jose, CA claiming to be the biggest outdoor market in the USA, 120 acres, and 8 miles of aisles. The crowd was clearly not the best demographic but there were lots of them. I sold $327 worth of products and it only cost $45 for the stall. Not something I can live on but better than the last show.
Pending Activity: I will be attending my first "juried" craft show in about two weeks. The show is for two days over the weekend on closed off streets in the downtown of an affluent city (Danville, CA). Between the furniture, plant stands, wine racks, mirrors, shelves, cutting boards, birdhouses, etc; I'll have about $4,000 of inventory on hand. The space cost $200 plus 10% commission. I could have paid $350 and no commission but have no experience with how much I'll sell.
Future Activities: I've identified a few street fairs in September and October in Berkeley and San Francisco that still have openings. They are only $125 to enter so I may sign up for those. I may also try to take some Adirondack chairs I make (not showing them at the craft shows) and try to get a few local high-end nurseries to carry them. Also might try a roadside stand of Adirondack chairs and wine racks in the local winery region but need to check on the legalities. I think I could get a local winery or farmer to let me setup on their property for a cut of the business and it might help with the legalities.
I'll report back from the Danville show in a few weeks. Wisj me luck!
BW