Here's my reflection from the festival:
I had a little section to myself to show people what kendama was next to my family businesses' booth. The festival was local and most families are upper-middle class.
1. Many of the people that passed by showed some interest it, most people tried it out and found it pretty difficult to do. Out of those people, some people asked me how much they were. The kendamas I had were mostly $18-$22 with some at twenty-six and thirty dollars.
2. I think it's very difficult to sell kendamas at this price point because many people don't think a piece of wood is that much money and it's something they may or may not be committed to. But Yomega Kendamas are sold at Target here for about $16. Michaels and Toysrus have it but not sure about the price.
3. As much as I don't like doing this, a better approach to starting interest here would be to sell cheaper quality kendamas that are around ten dollars. When there is more interest, a higher price point with higher quality kendamas is more feasible.
4. Having two people demoing it is better than one person. Less intimidating to try it.
5. I've only been playing for four months but I can do tricks that impress people so that's not really the problem. When people see me playing they probably have a mentality that this is something they will never be able to do.
6. I had fliers for starting a club at my nearby park but there wasn't much interest.
7. I was only able to sell one natty kendama and two kids from a Judo dojo had kendamas. Only a couple people knew about them but never owned one or owned them when they were younger
Not really what I was expecting but I will keep trying. There may be more potential at my university. Here's a picture of my friend and I with those kids.