How to Attend a Local Woodworking Show

There are many types of people who attend local woodworking shows. Homeowners attend woodworking conventions to purchase new furniture or accents for their home. Hobbyists attend shows to get ideas and converse with fellow woodworkers.

Things You'll Need

• Cart or Crate

Instructions

Gain Knowledge of Woodworking at a Local Show

1. Facilitate your search for a local woodworking show by checking The Wood Working Shows Web site. You'll find state-by-state listings of woodworking events.

2. Get a group of friends and fellow woodworkers together to attend a show in your area. You can carpool and share accommodations with your travel companions, saving money for craft purchases.

3. Take advantage of special guests, seminars and classes held at a woodworking show. These shows are often sponsored by lumber companies and other organizations that support the craft of woodworking. The information gained in these sessions can be useful throughout your woodworking experience.

4. Make sure to speak to as many vendors and woodworking experts as possible. The tips, cautionary tales and advice you receive from experienced craftsmen can make the cost of admission a worthy investment.

5. Establish your financial limits before attending a woodworking show. If you attend a show to purchase goods, determine the most you will spend on a single item and stick to your budget.

6. Secure a cart or crate to help you keep track of packages and handouts at woodworking shows.

Sell Your Wares at a Local Woodworking Show

1. Reserve a table at a local woodworking show. Individual tables allow you to sell your favorite projects and converse with fellow enthusiasts.

2. Remain flexible with your tag price. However, it's wise to set a minimum price for each item to avoid underselling your offerings.

3. Carry and pass out business cards to buyers at woodworking shows, encouraging them to contact you for future purchases.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find a particularly interesting vendor, get contact information or sign up for email notices when possible.

• Some woodworking shows offer discounts to individuals who arrive at certain times of the day. Look for late arrival and early-bird discounts.

• The cost of reserving a vendor table may qualify as a tax deduction. Likewise, you may be able to deduct some of your selling supplies.

• Avoid drawing comparisons between professionally made wood products and the objects you create. The craft of woodworking is individually experienced and non-competitive, except at the professional level.