Prepping for a craft show…help with inventory and display please!

[allyandb]

Hi there!

I've done two craft shows in the past, but for both I've only sold my art prints. Now that I've added clothing, too, I'm trying to figure out how to prepare for a craft show in two weeks! Also- I am debuting a new line of baby headbands and hair accessories at the show, so I have no idea how much inventory to bring! I'd appreciate anyone's advice!

Here's my plan so far:

For the clothing:

1. I am bringing samples of my top selling bodysuits and brother/sister shirts, as well as bibs - I ordered the etsy reader so if people are interested they can place orders for these items. (My bodysuits and shirts are made to order, so I don't want to waste blank inventory that won't sell in my shop in the future)

2. I am bringing 2-3 of each type of sleeper gown and hat sets that I have in my shop. These will be ready made for people to purchase ($25) at the craft show

3. I am also bringing 2 of each type of large 6 piece gift set I have in my shop ( It includes a sleeper gown, an infant hat, an organic cotton bib, a burp cloth, a 6M bodysuit, and a blanket). These will also be ready made for people to purchase ($84) at the craft show. I figure if these higher priced items don't sell, at least I will have ready made sets for the holiday etsy season.

4. I am also bringing ready made girl and boy hoodies that I have in my shop in a variety of sizes (these haven't been selling in my etsy shop, so I will try to sell them in person) for $30.

For the headbands:

I thought I would create a variety of styles and then make each style in a variety of sizes. Since I haven't sold these yet, though, I have no idea what size is the most popular selling headband. I'm assuming 3-6 months and 6-12 months, maybe even 12-18. But maybe also newborn?? Help please! :-)

For my art prints:

I have some random art prints from previous craft shows that I'm trying to destash so these will be sold at a discounted price.


How does that sound? It's so hard prepping for something when you don't know how much traffic you will get! I've only sold a couple of art prints at my previous shows but I'm thinking the clothing and headbands will be more popular.

Any and all advice is truly appreciated!! Also - if anyone has any advice on the best way to display these items I'd GREATLY appreciate it!!!

Thanks!! I'm new to this team, but I've also posted this thread in the etsy team and the forums! :-))

[WhimsyBits]

I would bring as many as you can of any items that are fairly inexpensive. But otherwise I think it sounds like a pretty good plan.

For the individual clothes pieces.. I would bring whatever you have made. If you were only planning to make the amount you said you plan to take, that should be fine - but the rule of thumb is, if you don't bring it, it can't sell.

Last year I decided to make a new necklace - a simple monogram pendant that I only charge $10. I didn't realize how much stock you need to create with monogram items so I wasn't real organized in my creation process. I didn't even think they were that amazing but oddly enough that simple necklace is my hottest seller last year and this year. It's crazy. I probably missed out on a lot of orders because I didn't have enough of a certain letter. I'm more prepared this year and even took a custom order for one at my last show.

Good luck at your show :)

[allyandb]

Thank you!! Now you got me thinking - maybe I will bring some ready made bibs and just a few different bodysuits/shirts in maybe one size of each…

:-))

[KiyiKiyi]

I would bring as much ready made baby items as you can. People are ALWAYS buying baby gifts. I saw a seller at one show last year sell at least 100 body suits and that many bibs and other baby clothes. They were priced similarly to your items too. Their booth was packed all day long. Bring as many items as you can!

[allyandb]

Oh my gosh Carma now I'm nervous!!!!

Ok I will try to see if I have time to bring ready made bodysuits instead of samples!! Eeek! I need to order more supplies!

Thank you!!

[WhimsyBits]

People would much rather have cash and carry than order an item - so if you want to sell it, make sure it's there :)

My plan for this holiday season is to have a price goal in mind, and bring double the amount of stock.

[allyandb]

Thank you!! I definitely agree that people would rather purchase there than order! Depending on how much time I have, I might just pick about three shirt designs and make one in each size to sell there. It's so hard with the whole size variation! I hate that!! It would be a lot easier selling earrings or something lol

[Former_Member]

Yes, the size variation thing is difficult! I have been thinking of adding screenprinted tees/ skirts and scarves to my inventory for the next show, but don't know how to approach this either.

I think just focusing on your most popular designs would be a good idea, and as much baby stuff as possible too.

[allyandb]

Thanks everyone! One more question - do I display my accessories and gift sets in their cellophane bags? I'm having a hard time figuring out how else to tag the headband cards since I don't want to put a size/price sticker directly on the card. But my space is limited so I might have to display different sized and priced items together - so my thought was to display them inside the cellophane bag and then put a sticker on the outside front of the plastic with the size and price. But will that put off buyers? are they more likely to look at items that they can feel? Thanks!

[TooSplendidSupplies]

Are the items you're referring to something you can recreate? If so, why not have a sample out that they can touch and feel and new ones in wrappers. Personally, I don't like buying anything for my or my kids' hair that other people might have tried on or touched. Kinda grosses me out and lice is too annoying to risk it.

[allyandb]

Melissa thank you so much for your advice! I did decide to package he headbands in the plastic. This will make tagging and displaying them easier and I agree about the lice thing. I would be nervous to buy hair accessories that weren't wrapped.

Thanks! Show is Wednesday. Fingers crossed!!