How Many Items Do You Bring to a Craft Fair?

[ArtesanaAmericana]

This is a simple question, but I couldn't find a good thread in search so here it is:
How many items do you display when you go to a craft fair? 50? 100? 200? I have no idea, and I'm not sure what is the best strategy - to overload and bring a bunch of stuff or to have a neat and organized display with some select and solid items...I am doing my first ever craft fair at the end of next month and I have a 10x10 display table for my space. Any help or insight would be much appreciated!!! :)

[JustMeToo]

Take everything you have! If it is too much for your display, leave the rest under your tables, or in your vehicle. With your tablecloths to the floor, underneath is a great place to store extra stock! You can't sell it if you don't have it! Jewelry is small anyway, so bring it all, for sure!
Good luck at your show, and welcome to the craft show world!

[ArtesanaAmericana]

Okay, will do! Thanks for the advice Carol :)

[SewTrulyMe]

If your show is before Mother's Day, I would be sure to include a small, neat sign that reminds shoppers that a bracelet or necklace makes a good gift. If any of your items can be personalized with initials, or birth stones, be prepared to accommodate special requests. June is a big wedding month so items for bride maids and such may be a focus item for you.

Good luck; I love craft shows!

[WovenByKim]

I agree with Carol. Take everything you have.

And Barbara's idea is a great one. Those little notes are called "silent sellers" and they are proven to work in a craft show situation. less pressure on the customer than you following them around the booth telling them all these things.

With Jewery I would think you would be thinking 1000, 2000, and so on. They are small and take up little space both in display and storage and are light weight.

[ArtesanaAmericana]

Thank you all for your input!

[JustMeToo]

I have a white giant sized (well, one foot high) white clothepin that I stand up on end holding a sign that says "Perfect Mother's Day Gift" or "Great Stocking Stuffer!" or whatever applies.
Another one I have used that works AMAZINGLY well, is
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!
This sign implies (without you saying anything) that you had it before, it sold out quickly, people kept asking for it, so you had to bring it back!! Works like a charm! People are afraid to miss out this time :)

[ImLaughingMyGlassOff]

I am not a good one to follow. I bring everything in the hopes that I will have to put it all out there! I need to narrow my focus and not sell 87 shapes and colors and 287 sizes. I do agree to bring what you have or you can't sell it. But I need to focus on what I make/have.

[BohemianHollow]

ALL OF THE EVERYTHING!!
I don't care how much or little you have you bring it all!
You say you have a 10x10 space? Well, fill it up! Top to bottom, side to side. I've never believed in the whole "less is more" garbage. More is more! If you don't bring it, it wont have a chance to sell. Bring it all. ALL OF IT!! :P

[BlueTurtleCrafts]

Lol Stefan :)

I agree with 'bring it all' but for the love of your sanity - make sure it's organized and easy to access.
Nothing more annoying than knowing you have more of *item* and not being able to find the box/bag/whatever it's in. (and no one want's to see your butt sticking out from under the tables while you search, lol)

[PrairiePrimitives]

I'll be taking it ALL this Saturday! I will have a 12 x 20 foot space! Still waiting to hear if it's 2 parking spaces and I can park in one ... or if it's all display space.

Vacaville Vintage Market. Stop by if you're in the area!

[TomboyNanny]

I've got a tiny space next weekend (5x5) but I'm bringing it all! Well, everything that'll fit in our tiny car. I carry my stuffed animals in plastic bins, which I then hide under my little table. Basically, I say put everything you can out there, but make sure your stuff is spaced out enough that customers feel comfortable with picking up or touching your product.

[CoquetteBath]

every single thing you can fit in your vehicle.

if you don't have it, you can't sell it.

[BeachFleaMarket]

When I started out, I sold about 1/3 of my inventory.
I also heard that most active vendors expected to make $1000
If I wanted to do that, I needed to take $3000 in inventory. Whew, but I did it and it worked.
I gradually developed a style and found shows for that style. Once I sold 90%.