Hosting a Craft Show - HELP!

[RachelRode]

Hi everyone!

I'm hosting a craft show this fall in the Chicago area (Orland Park) and I could use some advice and help from fellow Etsians!

First, if you are in the Chicago area and would like to participate, convo me! (I'll be posting this on the Chicago area crafters team as well, btw.) It's planned for Saturday Oct 8 at Hope Covenant Church 143rd Street and West Avenue - across from St. Michael's Catholic church. Doors will open at 9 a.m. tentatively and end...? not sure. Probably 2 or 3 but that's why I'm asking for help. I need to know when to end it!

Second, does anyone have a sample craft show vendor application form I can see? It would be great if someone could scan one or take a picture or at least tell me what it says. If you have something useful, please convo me!

Third, do any of you have some personal experiences to share about craft shows? What did you like about doing them? What didn't you like about them? Fees? Etc?

Any info you think would be helpful is welcome and deeply appreciated!

Rachel

[Former_Member]

Hi Rachel,

Most craft shows (at least in my area) generally charge $50-$100 for both space and sometimes booths needing electricity are charged a little more if electricity is scarce. You want to break up the booth assignments to try to not have two people with the same type of business next to each other if at all possible. Vendors also want to make sure that their booths will be in the flow of traffic. Most true craft festivals also do not want resellers - only people selling handmade items. (which is good for us!) Here are a couple of vendor applications for festivals in my area. I hope this helps!

http://www.snellville.org/vertical/Sites/%7B2457B773-F66B-45E3-9E9F-57703865A8B2%7D/uploads/%7B9D3D6...

http://www.jrmmanagement.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/falljonquil2011.pdf

[RachelRode]

Oh thank you so much TCC! This is great information. Very helpful!

[RachelRode]

Any other interested parties? I'll have applications made up soon. So if you're in the Chicago area and would like to participate, let me know!

[CSavelsCollectibles]

I'm in Europe so not much help but wish you all the very best. :-)

[RachelRode]

LOL! thanks Captain, my captain. I appreciate the support!

[Former_Member]

Sorry I don't have any experience in hosting one, but have been in many. Were a lot of fun.
All the best and stay positive....

[Former_Member]

I wish I was closer, in Boston. The Craft Fair in this area usually runs from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The Crafty Crafter has the other information you need, that is the same in my area. Like she said just make sure you do not put the same craft next to each other. The other thing is some of our Fairs here have had a raffle table. Tickets are 3 for 5.00. Then you could either have the ticket purchaser choice the item they want like a silent auction or just draw tickets and run the items on the table. The items are donated from the crafters, and they get a break off the table/space, ie. 50.00 per space or it will be 35.00 with a donated item. Wish you luck and have fun with the advertisement.

[RachelRode]

Thanks for the advice and support! It's really coming together. Keep the suggestions coming - I want everyone to have a positive experience and I figure the more information I have the better!

Any Chicago area folks interested in vending?