Where are craft fairs still profitable to participate in?

[SeptemberWillow]

I have just spent another disappointing Sunday at a craft fair/ art show with the worst turn out and sale. This is the fifth show I had booked this year and my last. I have spent over $500.00 in vendor fees and earned probably half that back.
The one last month was a $40.00 fee- not bad but then I found out that they were charging people $25.00 a person for entry!! It was a fundraiser but come on- really- $25.00! No wonder it was dead!
I totally understand that people don't have the money to spend that they maybe once did but I have decided that my money and time are better off spent doing something else. I would rather do a giveaway with a blog or run a contest then see my time and money wasted this way.
Is anybody having success anywhere else? I am starting to think that it's the area- though it seems odd that the Washington DC metro area/ Annapolis would not be more profitable. I try not to take it personal and get bummed but I am soooo disappointed.

[Juanitas]

Yikes! That sucks.
Your items are beautiful. I don't know why they're not selling. Jewelry can be hard at shows (like on Etsy) because there is so much of it to choose from.
I am doing my first show in the DC area in October, hopefully it will be good.

[SeptemberWillow]

Wish you lots of luck- I am officially done for the year

[Former_Member]

it is very odd that your area is dead with spending since that's where a lot of the money is being made in this country, plus you make beautiful things. i have never had a lot of luck with those shows. once i had a very rare product for texas (something like hook rug but in miniature form) but i live in an area in texas where everything is rust and stars. i don't think they got what i was doing. the only people interested and who would buy were visiting from east texas where it's not as western. anyway, that shouldn't be the case for you. many times those shows are such hard work, you end up not doing well, it's run badly, and it's just not worth it. on the other hand i have a friend who sells jewelry in texas and made $20,000 in a few months at shows.

[SeptemberWillow]

I do gets lots of compliments and the occassionaly "I can make that myself" people but not much translating into sales. When I go to a craft fair- I always buy something to show support to the handmade community. I am trying to find the right venue for me- Etsy is difficult with so much jewelry, craft shows are impossible and I don't have a lot of contacts for home parties. I wish I knew the right contacts in media publications

[Former_Member]

Have you done any shows in your area in the Fall/ Winter (before Christmas) time? I've found that I always do TONS better in the Fall shows because people are actually in the buying mode because of Christmas. I've just learned, in my area, spring and summer shows=not worth it, but Fall is. It took me a few bum shows to figure it all out, but it may be worth giving a couple a shot in the Fall before totally throwing in the towel on shows. It is frustrating though when they don't pan out. So much work for so little reward. :(

[aeliosdesign]

Major bummer.
Sorry to hear that the shows have gone so poorly.
I've just started uploading things to my etsy shop (about a month now) and am hoping for the best...
Good luck. ~K

[Former_Member]

I feel your pain. I decided earlier this year that I'm pretty much done with markets and festivals. The only exceptions are big holiday shows, that seems to be the only time I really profit selling in person.

[StudioCherie]

As far as getting featured, I find that Flickr is a great place to make those contacts. Your photos are lovely, if you put them on Flickr there is a chance you might hear from a publisher or a blog or a magazine that wants to feature your items.

Hope that helps

[PearlesPainting]

I only do shows during the holidays and I only do 3. That is it! It becomes incredibly frustrating....I tend to do quite well when I do them.
I don't do them in the summer because it isn't worth it for me.
$25 at the door would turn me off.

[NeedlesnPinsStichery]

I am still doing fairly ok at our Saturday Market locally, but we cater to the tourist up here and they have really declined over the last couple of years. I still do better at them than on Etsy. I am hoping my Etsy shop does better in the fall.

Good luck with your shop. Hopefully the fall months will be good for all of us on here.

:)

[Former_Member]

CicaleTdesigns:

I have heard a lot of negatives about craft shows outside Etsy, and I know my products would definitely not work there. But a friend suggested me:

Have your items in consignment in museum shops (here in Montreal we have two renowned museums: The Fine Arts and the Contemporary Arts, both have a shop with mid- to high-end items for sales, many from local talented crafters/artists).

For example this:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70332435/limited-edition-multi-stone-picasso

would I think draw attention in such a venue.

Hope this helps

Michel B

PS I'm not ready yet for consignment, but look forward to that

[CopperLeafStudios]

what types of shows are you doing? It can make a HUGE difference if you are hitting the types of shows that appeal to your target audience compared to those that don't. You mentioned spending $500 in show fees, but then spending only $40 for one show? It is possible that you are hitting the wrong audience.

Personally, I avoid shows with fees less than $300-400 per weekend because I know I won't sell very much. My work just does not do well with the type of customer they attract. Those types of shows often attract people looking for entertainment and low price points. My average item is $200 and my lowest is $25. Even if my work appealed to them, it's not what they're expecting to spend. And shows with low fees often don't spend a lot on advertising, so they only attract local customers. Whereas some of the higher end shows that I do attract people from out of state.

Take some time to research the shows before you do them (if you want to continue). Plan to walk the show a year in advance. Look at the marketing, how it is juried, and the types of customers it attracts. When you're at a good show that feels like it would target the same type of market as your work, ask the vendors what other shows they do. Write them all down and take notes on dates, location, and booth fee. After a year you'll be in a much better position to hone in on shows that click with your product.

[SherryKayDesigns]

I find craft shows & fairs extemely frustrating, because just as you stated alot people will attend them just for ideas for their own crafts. If I see something at a show that I absolutely love, I will purchase it whether I can make it for myself or not. I don't think most realize that sometimes it's alot less expensive to buy it already made than to try to make it themselves. Plus I've never been that successful at them, except at Christmas time, but I may give it another go just to promote my shop here. Haven't decided yet.

[Laylmcdill]

It takes a thick skin to do art and craft shows no matter what the economy. I have do between 24 and 36 shows a year and each one is a learning experience. Just this past month I had two shows that netted 3,000 and then one that I made $2 at! But I came a way with a lot of knowledge at all of them.
Your best resource is the other exhibitors. At every show try to ask them which shows they have found successful especially artists with similar work. If you know someone in your area who has done a lot of shows get together with them and pick their brains. Maybe offer a piece of your jewels or something in trade for their time and knowledge.
If you are willing to stick it out and do your research shows can really be worth it!
Good Luck!
Layl

[1820BagCo]

Yep...my last one was last year...My jewelry does well but my bags do better online...lots of $$$ and lots of work... made the decision that I wouldn't do any this summer...let's see how the year goes...

[SeptemberWillow]

Thanks all for the input- I like the consignment at a museum idea- I am only 20 minutes outside of DC. I have been scouting out shows this year as an attendee and have not been impressed. I guess I am nervous shelling out the bigger fees afraid of not making in back. I have spent $500.00 total for fees, the most spent at one event was $250.00 last year and that one was terrible. I am staying optimistic and will look into something in the fall/winter to grab those Christmas shopping,

[coastalartglass]

I only do juried shows and find they have a six month tail, meaning I get calls for special orders through out the year. I did a two day show this weekend and it was quite profitable. A show is just another form of advertising.