Experience with Crafty Bastards?

[Former_Member]

Hi everyone!

I am very considering applying to be a vendor at Crafty Bastards this year, but was wondering if anyone had experience with it so I have a better idea what I'm getting into (if accepted, of course)! I'm curious to hear if the rather steep $200 booth fee is worth it in the end, and what kind of volume you experience -- I hear it's crazy, but I've never actually been. I'd love to challenge myself -- and I love, love, love doing craft/art fairs in the fall! :)

Any suggestions or experiences would be wonderful to hear!

Emily @ Modern Ink

[Former_Member]

I've heard nothing but great things about Crafty Bastards. Very well organized, high attendance... I was thinking about applying myself.

[Juanitas]

It's tough to get in, but you've got great stuff, so you have a better chance than most.

Good luck! I hear it's rad.

[Former_Member]

I applied in the spring but didn't get in. I think I will apply this fall- looks like fun and I think they run a (fun) tight ship.

Good luck to all!!!

[OneRoomFibers]

I applied -- the application states that you need liability insurance. Has anyone heard of this?

[Former_Member]

I just read the app. Hmmm. I'm going to ask my insurance agent about this and see if I'm covered on my homeowner's policy.
I'm not saying to skirt the rules but it may just be a disclaimer to cover themselves. I didn't see anyplace that said you had to provide them with proof of insurance. The fact that they are also suggesting workman's comp makes me think they have to put all that in the fine print.

[OneRoomFibers]

I thought maybe it was a disclaimer too -- I've never seen anything like that from a craft show. Good luck applying!

[Former_Member]

You too, Shauna and everyone else!

BTW, the Richmond Craft Mafia puts on some good shows and they are having a workshop next week if anyone is interested.
Here's the FB event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/445479385496826/

[claudine]

I am also considering Crafty Bastards since my original Nov. show fell thru. You can get a one day liability insurance plan from http://www.actinspro.com/ I have used it for a different show.

[Former_Member]

Thanks, guys! And thanks for the tip on the liability insurance... I definitely skipped over that! Eesh. ACT Insurance looks very interesting!

I ended up applying yesterday - figured that IF I got in, the $200 fee would be nothing more than a smart investment in my shop, and it helps to hear that the return on investment is pretty great there.

Fingers crossed, and best of luck to all who apply!

Emily

[Former_Member]

On that note, the Alexandria Art Festival is in Old Town this weekend. Out of nowhere today came that huge storm and tornado warnings. The artists had to lower the sides on their tents and get out.

If anything was damaged, their insurance will cover it.

So, yes, especially for an outdoor fair, insurance is crucial.

[Former_Member]

I wanted to apply to this one too but with the $10 fee for people to get in (it used to be free) and it being in a new location, I think I'll skip this one for this year.

[Juanitas]

I just noticed a few days ago that Crafty Bastards was at a new location and they were charging people to attend. That kinda sucks. You would think if they were charging people, that the booth fee could be a bit lower. We'll see how it turns out. Hopefully this isn't where they jump the shark.