Selling at craft markets- should I?

[lisamajdesigns]

Hi All, I am going to try my hand at local weekend craft markets. I would love to hear from others who have tried it, Did you find it profitable and worthwhile also what was your biggest learning tip. Thanks in advance. Lisa

[Plektra]

Craft fairs are hit and miss. They require a lot of research beforehand, lots of work to set up in an attractive way, lots of positive attitude and energy and low expectations. It is possible to sell nothing in one and lots in the next. It's ups and downs. Some say it will be easier if you are well known online first. Then it depends on what you are selling, what types of people will around....

They are definitely worth a try....if they work, they are great. Just go thinking it's just another day at work. You might sell, you might not. You'll meet people, give business cards and get valuable feedback from customers. I tried with this kind of attitude, but it was not so bad, especially when I returned with so many notes about what customers were looking at and what comments they were making.

Are you aware there is a Team specifically for Craft Fairs? Lots of advice and tips and help here:
https://www.etsy.com/uk/teams/8070/craft-fairs-its-a-living

Good luck!

[QuirkyCabbage]

I recently did a local craft fair and it flopped. Luckily I made back the cost of my table booking, but unfortunately not the cost of my £15 tablecloth and everything else like stands, packaging etc o.0

I think you'd have better luck than me, as my items are for quite a specific customer type. Be sure to make it clear that your items are handmade, at my table I don't think it was clear that my items were all handmade with love and care from absolute scratch (I thought it would go without saying at a 'craft fair' but there was another stall selling bulk bought-from-china plasticy keyrings :/) x

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

Definitely join the team that minerva listed. Thats the only other team i am part of and its chock full of information.

I love doing craft fairs. But it is a hit or miss. You do you have to find the right craft fairs (which might cost a little bit of money) that do bring in the crowds. I've been doing fairs for about 3/4 years, and I found in my area that the fairs around Christmas time do best. The spring/summer ones are a bust.

What I have learned is: a) Bring more than enough stock with you. b) Custom orders rarely, if ever, sell. c) Presentation is key.

[StuckOnSilver]

I enjoy doing craft fairs. I love when people wearing my jewelry come by--I compliment them on their good taste! I also take notes on what people want. I use fairs as opportunities to introduce my work to potential buyers who may buy later if not that day.

Be sure to use a credit card reader. I did a craft fair this weekend and 90% of my buyers used credit cards.

[TheFamilyJewelsWI]

All great advice above. Like they said, Fall/Christmas shows are best. Google "check off list for craft shows". You need to really be prepared. The list will help you to not forget important items, like change for your paying customers. Card readers are a must. I use the Paypal one. Luckily, I don't have time to do them any more as my Etsy shop keeps me plenty busy.

[Former_Member]

If you don´t want to invest lots of money have a look at the DIY craft show displays you can find on Pinterest. Many of them cn be made with stuff lying around at home

[lisamajdesigns]

Thanks for all of the brilliant advice everyone. I'm hitting my first one in November which is exciting.