Making money engraving small items at events

[@landreywoodworks4957]

Also, also. If a customer says they'll come back, offer to hold their purchase or ship it later. Small items are super cheap to mail. Just build in shipping costs (also build in booth costs).

[@TheClackShack]

I don’t do shipping. No time with my 2 full time gigs

[@Staren01]

What I’ve been saying in the leatherwork community is that larger items like bags are mostly for display at events. You might sell one or two, but you mostly put them out to draw people to your table because they are interesting. What they buy are the pocket items.

[@TheClackShack]

Glad it isn't just me...lol

[@JaymanMS]

I really like your presentations. You make a lot of sense. Plus you are right next door over in Alabama. I’m in Mississippi and I’ve got my new machine at my office. Thanks for your words.

[@TheClackShack]

Glad you liked it!

[@michaelmcqueen8001]

You do great work and explain things where you can understand them. Appreciate you!

[@TheClackShack]

Glad to help!

[@dgperforms1]

Agreed

[@handleitcorral5646]

I was thinking about making jigs for the F1 and bam, well worth the $5 !!!! Thank you sir.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@isaiahgillett2573]

You have all the toys, and all the jigs for those toys! Loved the video. The ideas presented are very useful!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks so much!

[@loribrooks6736]

I know you did this video a number of weeks ago but wondering if you remember which style of the leather keychains were more popular. I just got my F1 and am gearing up for my first craft show and would like to invest in one style for now. Thank you so much for all the help you give us fans!

[@TheClackShack]

It depends on the crowd. They all do okay..

[@rickpouley7561]

Totally agree that your small items sell the best at craft shows and fairs. The smalls are a great way to get people interested in larger items that you also make that you may or may not bring to a craft show.. Great video!

[@TheClackShack]

Yea, I usually get a few larger orders placed too

[@jbcasesoriginal]

Another tip is to offer free engraving for expensive items. That solves the be back issue. They pay and they will be back. Have bags that are easy to carry.

[@TheClackShack]

I actually had someone buy so many small things yesterday that I did have to use a bag. I have them just don’t bag everything. Good idea

[@JoeyMcNew-Drummer]

A decent sales pitch video. Well done.

[@TheClackShack]

Take it how you want. It works

[@JoeyMcNew-Drummer]

@@TheClackShack That's the point. Money is money wherever you get it from.

[@timmcgill9657]

Enjoyed the video. I have been tossing around the idea of taking my LaserPecker 2 to personalize smalls when I do craft fairs, etc. Now I'm going to. As usual, good ideas.

[@TheClackShack]

Go for it!

[@torbenKristensen-ql7ep]

You are just great. TU for this video👏🇩🇰

[@TheClackShack]

Very welcome

[@jf5336]

Great information, thank you. I wish you the best at Peach Jam!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks so much!

[@VikingKingTrading]

Those faux leather keychains are pretty decent sellers

[@TheClackShack]

Seem to be

[@myhoneyshandmade1077]

My buddy bought the F1 for a 5 day show last year. Big moneymaker..

[@TheClackShack]

I hope so…

[@myhoneyshandmade1077]

@@TheClackShack the customers liked watching it

[@landreywoodworks4957]

Totally agree! But I tend to make my own blanks to differentiate my products. OR I modify purchased blanks (e.g. I add 1/4" magnets to one side of the bottle openers for value added).

[@TheClackShack]

Cool

[@thefilthelement]

I’m hoping to sign up early enough for Panoply and Bloomin festival next year 🤞

[@TheClackShack]

Cool.. have fun

[@sharonsimonson5392]

Hope you have a great show!! Thanks for some great info!

[@TheClackShack]

You bet!

[@LiftRanger]

I've really become a fan of your channel. Thank you for the education, ideas and encouragement. From a fan just up the road in Pinson.

[@TheClackShack]

Awesome! Thank you! Hello neighbor

[@cliffgeter1105]

Hope you have a great show!!!

[@TheClackShack]

I hope so too!

[@DaveGatton]

Man, what a great setup. Love the box of fixtures. Have you done a video showing your booth setup? I posted this comment a few seconds too soon. Right after I hit the button your other video popped up in my feed. 😕

[@TheClackShack]

Yea, I did one after my recent remodel of it. My event setup gets some upgrades #portableclackshack kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZLGeKZ8aMt6ftk

[@jbcasesoriginal]

This is great content. You're a good man to help others with this wise and true advice.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@Ged_Kellett]

Great information, good luck at your shows.

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@mojo2613]

Love your channel!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@KnotboredWoodworking]

See you there. Hope its not too hot tomorrow but its south Alabama in June so...😂

[@TheClackShack]

It will probably be warm..

[@kevinrich4637]

Looks like you are ready to go. I liked those ‘leather keychains’ Amazon? I just ordered an Xtool product. I am going to tryout XCS if you ever need an idea can you do a video how you use this software and the multi tab open? I hope your booth knocks it out of the park!

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks.. I have a couple of videos that show it but they are random. Thanks

[@gloriamccoy6929]

Love all the jigs any chance you will make these for the Xtool S1

[@TheClackShack]

I have a kit for the S1, Not all the same item files but they could be moved from the F1 kit.

[@antfig7842]

Hi… great tips! Have you used your Commarker in a travel event? Would you recommend it over the F1?

[@TheClackShack]

No, it isn't enclosed.

[@guynotes777]

Great video. When you use this laser at shows, is there an issue for ventilation? I only have a diode laser and feel it would be impossible for the majority of events..thanks..always enjoy your info and videos

[@TheClackShack]

I only do outdoor events and use an air filter for cutting wood.

[@ginamariegarcia9461]

Hi. I value your opinion. You seemed to know your stuff. I have a xtool S1 40w. I am looking into a fairly decent price on a laser that can cut thicker wood and acrylic. Co2 laser

[@TheClackShack]

I have limited experience with CO2 lasers. I have the xtool P2 which works well but there are other ones that may be a bit cheaper. A friend of mine has a larger monport and it seems to work really well.

[@rex-ingaround5801]

Hello great video by any chance do you have a jig for the assorted color already made keychains, for the S1?

[@TheClackShack]

I don’t but I have a jig kit for the machine and all you would need is an item shape. I haven’t bulk produced any of them yet.

[@rex-ingaround5801]

Copy thank you

[@TheAutomaticc]

Would be so great if you could put a link to these products you ordered on Amazon. I personally would like to see what these things are going for as a beginner. Really like the explanations on your videos. Appreciate it much.

[@TheClackShack]

Luckily for you, I did. There is a link to my Amazon store in the description.

[@TheAutomaticc]

@@TheClackShack Amazing!!!!! Thank you!

[@michaelmcqueen8001]

Question about the dog tags and the rounds, what do you use to hook them on the collars and the luggage?

[@TheClackShack]

small keyrings or larger. Really cheap, zip tie.

[@marcgriffis5619]

Great video! I only have an F1 at the moment, so I appreciate your videos on small item sales. Do you have a video on how you create jigs for the F1 and items personalized on it? This is an area I’m greatly lacking in. Thanks!

[@TheClackShack]

I have many videos on making jigs, process is the same on any machine

[@torbenKristensen-ql7ep]

How much noise Will the x-tool f1 give

[@TheClackShack]

The F1 is rather quiet

[@deannahepner9355]

Where can we find the box to hold jigs and the pencil jig for f1?

[@TheClackShack]

My F1 jig system is in my Etsy shop.

[@jeffmath2411]

Dave, Can you tell me what generator you use for vendor markets? Trying to find one to use with my F1. I would really appreciate it - thanks!

[@TheClackShack]

This is my whole setup. Should be links in the description My event setup gets some upgrades #portableclackshack kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZLGeKZ8aMt6ftk

[@dian3145]

Great tips! How many units would you expect to sell at an event that size? There is one near me this summer about that size, and was wondering about the amount of stock to have at hand. Thanks in advance!!

[@TheClackShack]

Last year I made them from start to stop. Not sure how many but I didn't get a lunch break.

[@commonsensepatriot9450]

Your jig setup is awesome. Do you sell them?

[@TheClackShack]

Files are on Etsy, in my shop.

[@mojo2613]

Great info, great video. Thanks! I'm curious if you take cash only, or do credit card for small purchases given the fees they charge?

[@TheClackShack]

I take cash, card or PayPal. I have a point of sale included in my QuickBooks software. It makes the book keeping easy.

[@TheExtremeElementz]

Can the F1 engrave on hand tools? Chromoly Wrenches, sockets and ratchets for example.

[@TheClackShack]

It should be able to mark them but it would be slow. Not sure how deep it would get at 2 watts, I do that with my 20 watt fiber

[@TheExtremeElementz]

@@TheClackShack Thank you, I’m kicking around the idea of having a mobile engraving service and portability is a big factor.

[@dragonshoarddesign3094]

what do you charge for those smalls at those events?

[@TheClackShack]

8 to 10 each

[@gunracksonline]

just starting my research for a portable laser. What color acrylic wont it cut or engrave? Had a different brand and there was a issue with a couple colors. Do you have a discount code for xtool?

[@TheClackShack]

For cutting, basically black. Engraving can work on most but hard with blue and white. For acrylic cutting, go with a CO2. I have links in my videos

[@cubansli3099]

This is great, I want to do the same. At the fairs I have not seen this setup and I was thinking of doing this. But I need to purchase the machine as well. So the average price is 10.00? Anything for less is a good multiple 4x 5 x cost? You think?

[@TheClackShack]

Areas differ, I do reduce the price for multiples. Two sided items are usually $10

[@cubansli3099]

@@TheClackShack Thanks, Now does the IR work as fast as the Blue Diode? Even on small items?

[@TheClackShack]

@@cubansli3099 the IR is a 2 watt, it can move as fast but speed is relative to the desired effect

[@cubansli3099]

@@TheClackShack Oh ok Thanks. Most likely it is more handy at shows vs the Ultra. But I am sure if it comes down to it the Ultra, is small enough to still lug around. Thanks again

[@steveburch5113]

wunnerful

[@TheClackShack]

Thanks

[@billjones7744]

How do you get away with the fake leather? I understand the off gasses are bad for the metal in your laser.

[@TheClackShack]

I use laserable blanks.

[@ORF1966]

Fast Nickels not slow dimes.

[@TheClackShack]

True

[@RebelYell95]

What size is the bamboo cutting boards?

[@TheClackShack]

amzn.to/3RccqFz

[@jayvanhoesen]

Love it! Got a quick question though, does the longer nano and the xtool f1 have the same size removable plate? What do you charge for your keychain?

[@TheClackShack]

Not exactly, No. 8 to 10 depending on design and type blank

[@arthurtotherow8208]

About what do you charge for military type dog tags and animal tags?

[@TheClackShack]

8-10 depending on design

[@randallmasoner]

Do you run the filter with the F1 at events?

[@TheClackShack]

I run an older comgrow, I don't have the xtool one and my events are all outdoor.

[@TheMaskedHunterSC]

Get some video of you at the show selling :)

[@TheClackShack]

I plan to do similar to last years

[@glorydazs1]

Are you jigs made just for the xtool F1 or can it be used for all xtool engravers?

[@TheClackShack]

I have lots of systems for many different machines. They are in my Etsy shop

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

@@TheClackShack Heading there tonight or tomorrow morning!

[@FrancisWiegers]

are those keychains PU leather? If they are isn't it dangerous to use with a diode laser? I bought some of them thinking it was real leather but after I got them I looked at the fine print and found it said PU leather and I don't want to damage my laser. I am interested in hearing people's thoughts about engraving PU leather.

[@TheClackShack]

I have engraved lots of it. No issues on my end, this stuff seems to create less mess than real leather.

[@FrancisWiegers]

@@TheClackShack thanks for getting back to me. I do enjoy your videos and find them very helpful.

[@jeffmath2411]

Since you have an F1, are you considering getting the F Ultra? Or sticking with the F1??

[@TheClackShack]

I wouldn’t mind trying it out but for now, I am ok. I do have a 20 watt Commarker fiber already.

[@fredwatson2097]

good luck with the show, hope you sell lots. If you don't mind me asking what do you use as a power supply?

[@TheClackShack]

I have a super quiet inverted generator. Here is my full setup.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZLGeKZ8aMt6ftk

[@fredwatson2097]

@@TheClackShack thanks for the feedback.

[@Actio83]

Having a laser out in publik just looks like a lawsuit waiting to happen... :)

[@jbcasesoriginal]

In what way? Laser engravers are self contained and safe. I made a lot of money engraving pool cues at shows when I did it. The biggest issue is having a fume filter/extractor that is quiet enough not to bother others and keep the exhaust clean. I did indoor events. But even for outside ones you don't want fumes coming out that can affect anyone.

[@TheClackShack]

These days, most anything can be twisted into a lawsuit but in the instance of the machines that I use, both are rated for viewing due to the enclosure. They also have cut off switches when opened. Being that the equipment is rated for open viewing, good luck proving negligence or malice. Besides, if you stress about getting sued for BS, you will never have a successful business.

[@Actio83]

@@TheClackShack true