I’ve been thinking about the trunk show I’m doing soon, and am
wondering about what others do as far as travel reimbursement. When
I’ve done demos or workshops, I’m reimbursed for travel, is it the
same for a trunk show? A friend has suggested that I should be
reimbursed for it. The sales split is 50/50, I haven’t seen the PR
yet but have heard that other events have been well attended, and I
won’t be bringing display materials, the store will clear out cases
for me. That’s about it for the background… I was viewing it as
sort of like a regular show where we always pay for everything,
including carpet!
The sales split is 50/50, I haven't seen the PR yet but have heard
that other events have been well attended, and I won't be bringing
display materials, the store will clear out cases for me. That's
about it for the background...
At the SNAG conference 2008, there was an educational forum on trunk
shows. The two women who presented info indicated that the sales
split was 20 for the store and 80 for the artist. It was explained
that the trunk show did not require inventory space and the artist
did the selling. The store at the end of the day rang up total sales.
The store kept 20% and the artist was given a check for 80%.
Could you explain why you mention a 50/50 split? Thanks.
No, you should not be reimbursed, when you do a workshop they are
buying knowledge so they pay you to be there, a trunkshow the store
is giving you space to sell your work, are you paying half of their
advertising cost, figure what it cost to print and send out 1000
postcards and run an ad or two. Of course there are many more cost
involved, not including time lost getting ready for a show.
Could you explain why you mention a 50/50 split? Thanks.
To answer your question, I mentioned it because I wanted everyone to
have all the info I do so that any and all comments could be made. I
wanted to know what everyone has to say about any piece of it all. I
really appreciate your comments. I know that galleries and stores
all have different ways of doing things, and also that there are
“industry standards.” Since this is my first “real” trunk show, I am
interested in everyone’s experience with them. It can only help us
all.
I have sold my jewelry at trunks shows myself, and have held trunk
shows for other jewelry artists when I had a gallery. This is what
was
common for me…
Artist Responsibilities…travel and lodging expenses, and meals
away from venue. Gallery/Store Responsibilities…advertising,
refreshments, extra staff, special display, packaging, and possible
purchase of trunk show merchandise upon completion of show.
I have used a 50/50 split and also a 60/40 split. (60% to the artist
of course)
I once had a trunk show where I had a sales rep bring samples and
the customers could order from the samples. All orders had to be paid
for up front and it worked out splendidly. I used my regular gallery
mark up and the artist got her regular wholesale price. The sales rep
got 15% of the wholesale sales and whatever else she and the artist
had previously worked out in their contract. That’s between them. I
handled all the above expenses as the gallery who held the show
including the cost of shipping the ordered merchandise to the gallery
upon completion. The customers picked up the merch at the gallery
which can always lead to more sales.
I currently showed my own work at a trunk show and asked about
lodging. I was informed that it had not been added into the budget,
so
that took care of that. I drove to the venue, worked the show by
myself, then drove home. Long day! They did provide lunch however.
Will I do that again?? Maybe, maybe not.
It really all depends on if you can work your extra expenses into
the cost of your product. That’s the only way to be sure you come out
ahead.
This is longer than expected, so email me off list if you have
questions… Have a great show!!!
