Selling at an expo/fair type of venue

[TrpnBils]

My preferred subject matter for photography has always been my reptiles. We attend reptile expos where it's a bunch of vendors with (normally) a bunch of snakes on the tables for sale. My photos always generate a lot of interest because our main breeding program is with an uncommonly kept species that looks incredible, usually even to people who aren't really reptile enthusiasts. Now that the 2011 breeding season is over with, we want to start selling some of the photography at the events.

Let's say I make 50 prints to take with me:

• Should they be matted or unmatted?
• Framed or unframed?
• How would you display them, considering we only have a 6' table to work with?
• Is there a space-efficient way to put them all so that they're easily viewable without turning it into something akin to just piling them in a bin on the table?

We have some ideas, but I'm curious to see what others say first....

Also, since most of you probably aren't real familiar with the world of reptile photography, here's the species that we work with the most often: the green tree python

 

[Big Mike]

Welcome to the forum.

I used to keep several reptiles and go to all the local shows etc. There was even a photographer who always had a table, can't recall his name though.
From what I remember, he had a lot of smaller prints, post cards maybe...and calendars in a few sizes. He may have had larger photos, but I don't remember.

I've talked to some photographers who sell at craft shows etc. They tell me that it really depends on the particular show you're at and the type of customers you're likely to find there. For example, some shows might be good for selling matted or framed prints (higher dollar items) while other shows are better for selling a higher volume of lower priced items (post cards etc.). They say it usually take a few times at a show, to really figure it out. In other words, trial and error.

One strategy I've heard, is to attract people with a large print, professional framed and looking great. That gets their attention and keeps them at the table/booth. Of course, you have a high price on that one, but you also have the same photo available in smaller sizes, at a lower price, but a price that will make you a nice profit.

 

[TrpnBils]

That's basically what we were thinking. We're established vendors there and we have a pretty steady bunch of regulars that come over to see our snakes even though they can't afford the price tag so I thought this might be a nice way to kind of "take one home" without spending the serious $$$.

How would you go about displaying though?

 

[spacefuzz]

• Should they be matted or unmatted? Matted definitely
• Framed or unframed? Some of each.
• How would you display them, considering we only have a 6' table to work with? No tent or anything like that? Then get stands, or a wall type set up to hang them up behind you?
• Is there a space-efficient way to put them all so that they're easily viewable without turning it into something akin to just piling them in a bin on the table? Depends on yoru setup I suppose.