Comments on: I Want to Hire Jewelry Booth Help

By: Delia Stone

Delia Stone — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:57:15 +0000

This is a good question. I remember being where you are right now. I also reached the point where I needed help. First, I hired a relative offering her 10% of sales and lunch for all days. Truth be told I soon found that I was being taken advantage of by my relative who felt that it was her job to show up, set up and then keep me company for the remainder of the show rather than actively working/selling and then to help break down. Lunch quickly became lunch and multiple snacks a day at the shows (and as you know, there is no such thing as cheap fair food). I couldn’t even go to the bathroom without her freaking out over the risk that she might have to run a credit card, (which I patiently showed her how to do multiple times). Unfortunately I ultimately decided to put a daily cap on her earnings of $50 as I felt I was not getting what I was paying for. Over time, with no improvement of the situation and still not being able to be comfortable stepping out to get a bite for myself or take a RR break I eventually decided that relatives were a bad idea. It took me about six months to wise up. I had a very large show coming up that kept me extremely busy which I really needed competent help for. I opted to hire a friend and fellow wire enthusiast offering her 10% of sales with a $100 daily cap. I also set sales goals that if exceeded would result in a bonus. She was with me for about a year, was well paid and she was worth every penny I ever paid her. She took a full time job during the summer (my down time) and was quickly promoted (not surprising with her work ethic) and chose to stay on with the company and I found myself having to replace her. I decided to hire a student of mine who aspired to exhibit her work at shows, under the same arrangement as my prior worker. She appreciates the value of the experience she is gaining and I appreciate that I have someone who has a business mindset and who does a great job and is eager to learn the business.

By: Beverly Holman

Beverly Holman — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:23:46 +0000

I am still new at all of this and did my first shows last year and loved it. I, too, do not make enough to hire an assistant so I have looked to my granddaughter to help. She has a knack for selling. She also my social media expert. She has put some of my jewelry on instagram and told them where they can come and see it and I have sold a few things that way. Since she is family, my deal with her is she gets a 10% of my profit. If we don’t sell anything, I give her $20.00 for the day, which is usually only a couple of hours. Mind you, she gets meals free and being a good grandma, she ends up getting something from other crafters. The school system where I live require the students to do community service before they graduate. You can check with them to see if you qualify as a business and you may be able to find someone who is interested in jewelry making who is willing to help for community service hours.

By: Valerieaz

Valerieaz — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 14:20:32 +0000

I just finished a 2-day show that required hauling tent, tables, etc. to a grassy area for setup. I hired 2 trusted teens to haul everything and help set up the tent. They came back at the end of the second day and hauled everything back to my car. I cannot tell you what a huge help it was! I paid them $10/hr and it took about 1 1/2 hrs total. During shows I do by myself, I usually end up connecting with the artist next to or close to my booth and we take turns covering for bathroom breaks, food breaks, etc. For me this setup works well since space in my booth is usually limited and I really enjoy talking with customers! Hope you’re able to find a solution that meets your needs.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:38:03 +0000

I don’t sell enough to pay myself, let alone a helper at the very few shows I do, but if a jewellery-loving friend is willing to help me I “pay” them in jewellery or, if they see something at the show at one of my suppliers, I will include the item they want in my purchase and either sell it to them at cost or give it to them — whatever works out to the equivalent of a fair recompense for their time. Plus they get into an incredible show for free and get to meet a lot of people.

By: Andrea

Andrea — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:50:09 +0000

Hi Judy,
I help someone sell parrot toys at a local Bird Exposition and have done that for the last 3 years. I’ve known the owner for 10 years and her toys were the first I ever bought when I first became owned by a parrot. I have also been making toys for 10 years so I am familiar with safety, parts and assembly of toys.

I would suggest looking for someone you know and TRUST as well as someone who is familiar with your inventory. A good friend or someone who has become a trustworthy customer and who is passionate about your work, would be paramount in my opinion. Our show is 9-5 on Sat. & Sun. and I am also there to help her unload on Friday afternoon as well as Sunday evening to pack up. We have several large, heavy display racks to move from a rental truck (and load back up again) as well as boxes of toys that need to be upacked and put out on the racks.

I help her with sales, packaging/bagging and restocking. She is a well known, professional producer of parrot toys and both days are usually extremely busy. She pays me $200.00 for the two days and afternoon of set-up, and my lunch for both days. It may sound like a lot of work, but I love the interaction throughout the weekend and would gladly do it for free.

I hope this is helpful to you.
Andrea