Need a course in doing shows 101

[MountainGoth]

Hi there,

Well, I just lost my day job so it's time to get cracking on turning my little craft business into a paying gig.

I don't think I'll ever make enough money just selling on Etsy, though I wish I could so I'm looking into doing shows.

I have no experience doing shows so any advice would be most helpful.

I see list of shows by locations, but I think a list of shows by theme might better serve me. Most of my items tend to be on the costume side of things, not everyday ordinary items or really artsy stuff.

I have signed up to do a Steampunk show in Mass in about a month and currently frantically gluing gears onto anything that moves. However that's just one show.

Hoping I can get advice on how to put together cheap displays.
How to find out about shows.
General logistic's about shows.
What to expect.
and frankly any helpful advice since I don't even think I know the right questions to ask.

Thanks in advance.

[Former_Member]

I do craft fairs, but I'm not the most experienced vendor yet...

For display, you'll want to play around with your display before you go to any shows. Decide which set up looks, works, and sets up the best. Plus you should think about a sign.

Come prepared. Bring things like lunch, business cards, emergency kit, change of cloths, etc. If you are doing any outdoors shows, it's best to have a tent, tarp for muddy ground, weights and bungee cords for wind proofing (clamps, rope, and tarps for walls too).

If it is possible, bring some projects to work on. You'll build up inventory as well as show customers how it's made.

Here is a great place to get more info https://www.etsy.com/teams/8070/craft-fairs-its-a-living

[LizArti]

YES, A wealth of information available here
- - - - - - >>>> www.etsy.com/teams/8070/craft-fairs-its-a-living

Good luck!

[Former_Member]

I share a lot of my tips on this page:

http://crafting.squidoo.com/how-to-make-a-living-as-an-artist-or-crafter

I also recently released my new e-book, called How to Make Money at Craft Shows. It's an instant download and covers a LOT of stuff - I also talk about doing shows beyond traditional craft shows (which is good if you have products that are a little more alternative!).

I also cover determining your target market (which will help you figure out which shows are worth it for you to do), keeping track of inventory, etc. I even talk about how to create your own events when there's not enough stuff around that's a good fit for your product!

https://www.etsy.com/listing/170273961/how-to-make-money-at-craft-shows-art

I covered some craft show display tips & tricks here on my blog too. There is more detail in the e-book, but you can see an example of what I'm talking about here:

http://www.missmalaprop.com/2013/05/craft-show-display-tips-tricks/

I hope that helps!

[CedarwoodCreations]

I'm not an experienced craft show person either, but I'm just chiming in to say that your hats are adorable and so 'in' right now. I imagine you'd do a great business selling at shows - especially in NE (I'm from MA).
Best of luck, Suzanne.