I have just received a phone call. The RDS is launching the first Irish Allergy & Gluten Free Fair in May 2010 and they have asked me to dislay my soaps there. OMG, I'm so nervous. Not sure if I will do it yet, it's 500 +VAT (euros), don't know if the return would bethere on it this year. There will be national media coverage, TV3 and Expose coverage. Irish companies will strongly advertised on the Irish TV shows, there are also some magazines involved. This show is being sponsered by Eczema Ireland. What do you all think? Honey, you will be aware of the advertising means that I'm referring to, what do you think?

Eire

I think, if you can afford it, it'd be well worth doing!!! It'd be far too rich for my blood I'm afraid but that sort of TV exposure would be excellent - Exposé and TV3 (morning show?) would be excellent.... how cool!!!! If you have the readies, go for it!!!!! I might even drop by, now there's the cherry on the cake huh?!  :mwaha:

It is a lot on money Eire, but the coverage will make it worthwhile I reckon, if your name gets to be associated with with Eczema/skin complaints you could have a great boost for your business nationally. Go for it, I definitely would despite the expense.

Ooh could be good.  I know, quite an investment but I am sure you will look at this inside out and know the best thing to do Eire - Exciting though.  Keep us posted?   :buttrf: :buttrf:

How exciting keep us posted  :buttrf:

Thank you. My OP was somewhat erratic, I had only just got the call and thought oh gosh oh gosh. I've had a bit more time to think, but not enough yet to work out detailed cost implications. I have the floor plan but not a list of other vendors yet, or confirmation of publicity campaign. In relation to vendor costs, it's really cheap for the RDS, they usually start at 1,500 euro. It's a lot of bars of soap to sell though.

Eire

Yep its a very good price... I know the craft fair they had there recently was very expensive.  Lots of bars of soap to sell.. is it doable? Timewise I mean (financially of course too).  Given you have to leave the soaps to cure etc. 

ETA: Just checked, it's May... should be fine timewise (depending on how much you have to make!)

It's doable if I get cracking. My problem at the moment is my darned computer. It won't switch on properly, keeps doing a countdown and going back to do a countdown again, over and over. It won't let me scroll to set to a previous good configuration. All my label templates are on there, they won't line up the same on the laptops for me. All my PIF's are on it too, everything.
I have 4  20 bar moulds and 3 12 bar moulds, so should be ok.

Eire

EEEKKK at computer woes, they scare me rigid!!! Hope it gets sorted very soon!

oh no, computer woes....i am still working on sorting through my recovery files...

wow ...that's fantastic news.  Just think for that money it is  worth it, although it may seem expensive, it usually costs a lot more than that just for marketing your business and that is without being able to sell your products .  IT is a brilliant way to advertise your business...

Good luck  :buttrf:

Wow that's a great bit of news Eire, if it's feasible time wise and money wise then it'll be a great way to get
your name known!! Congrats