Gun Show?

[bigo5552000]

Here are some observations from a guy who has been to a TON of gun shows over the past 30+ years, some as a buyer, some at a table.

Lobo, we had great food at some of the shows I attended. One promoter would hold a BBQ for the sellers on the night of the set up . Can't comment on the coffee, as the only coffee I drink is Kahlua. It is a good idea to bring a cooler though, a lot less expensive that way.

Engage the customer. Hi, how are you doing today? Or Anything special that you are looking for today? When I was selling tickets for my NRA grassroots group I always had the highest sales because I engaged the potential customers. Don't expect the product to sell itself, as it may look like everyone else's wares unless you let them know of the differences.

Scout the show to see what the competition has to offer, and what their prices are like.

Know the market at the show that you are attending. Is it mostly black guns, cowboy SASS stuff, hunting rigs, etc.. We had shows back home that had distinctions like this.

The shows I attended there were holsters, new and used, by the tote full on some tables from closed stores, dead inventory, etc. Some guys were selling new holsters for $5-$10. Even those were slow sellers, but they always had them out for sale at every show. The only holsters that I was ever looking for were original ones for military guns like Broomhandle Mausers, Steyr Hahns, Nambus, Lugers, P-38's, etc..

Do a distinctive table display. Have prices prominently displayed. No reason to have a guy who can only afford a $30 holster stop, and wait to ask you how much your $300 holsters are. Or, it may be the other way around where they think it must $300 because " if you have to ask how much, you can't afford it" when in fact it is only $30. Have a sign out mentioning handmade ,custom work accepted, or some other way to let the potential customer know what you do. One custom holster maker back home also offered leather repairs, and other leatherwork, as well as holsters.

If the seller was arrogant, or full of himself, I usually kept on walking. The guys who got my sale were the ones that came across as friendly, and were interested in making a sale. Over the years I developed some good friendships with some of the regular sellers.

Yep, most gun show guys are looking for a bargain, why else go to a gun show? You can pay retail anytime, why wait for a gun show to do so? This can be hard on the custom guy like you. A lot of guys are not thinking of buying custom items at a gun show, more like looking for an Uncle Mike's, Bianchi, Galati, etc. If it is a black gun show, Kydex, and Cordura are the norm.

Be there at door opening, and door closing times. I have passed many tables that were covered because the seller was tardy. Sundays are slow, and can pick up after church lets out. Be prepared to get the deal grabbers at the end of the show. I usually found great buys from guys looking to make table fee money, or didn't want to haul something back home.

Do not ignore people at the table. As they walk up acknowledge to them that you noticed them if you are talking with someone else. Then excuse yourself to the current customer, and ask the new guy what he needs to know. Sometimes it is just a quick question like if you do something , or do you have a card? An assistant can help at a busy show.

Don't get discouraged. Some shows are slow for everybody, while you may make a killing at the next one.

If you go in with the attitude of having a bad show, you will have a bad show. To make it work, you have to work. If yo

u have someone who can be at the table, take the opportunity to get out, and talk with other dealers. Someone may need a holster, but can't get a way from their table. They may know someone who is looking for a custom holster, or a sling. You won't know unless you get out, and talk with them. Take plenty of cards to hand out.

Check the weather reports. Nasty weather = big crowds, fantastic weather=low turnout. At least that was the way it was in CA.

Good luck.

Thanks for the informative post! Also thanks to everyone else who posted!