Craft and Vendor Shows

[Marais0Handmade]

Thanks for some of the input on what you'd like to see talked about. One of the topics of choice seems to be marketing opportinutues, and shows.

Something I did this past month and plan on doing this month again is Downtown Detroits, Downtown Detroit Days. It was a lot of fun, and met a lot of cool people. I don't know if there are anymore spaces available, but it's something maybe you can all check out for next summer, and do some local shopping. It's not a huge event, but it was nice.

Does anybody have anything theyre going to be involved in coming up? Any craft shows, festivals?

Sometimes there is a nice show, but it's small and not a big money maker... does anybody know of any places that are almost guaranteed money makers?

There are some High Schools in the Metro Detroit area I hear are pretty busy like Fraser High Schools Fall Show. I haven't sold there, so I don't know for sure. Thoughts?

[Marais0Handmade]

The Trove Shoppe has applied (super late, so wish us luck as most tables are already sold yikes!) for the Fraser Craft Show (October), and the Lakeview High School Show (November), and L'anse Creuse North HS show (December.

Have you guys planned on doing any? This can be a great place to discuss shows we love, shows we are curious about, and more!

[Former_Member]

Love this discussion board! I am new to all this, do either of you have any advice for how to even get myself into a show?

[Former_Member]

If you want to go big time, any festivals or fairs in downtown Plymouth are always HUGE attractions. Unfortunately, they're also expensive. If you're anywhere near Ann Arbor, they have the Sunday Artisans Market. I was looking into that one for this summer because it's pretty inexpensive.. you can get a season pass or its $15 each week. (They set up and sell things every Sunday) Not sure how the traffic is because I've never been, but from what I could tell it looked really nice.

[Former_Member]

Hi Everyone! I will be at the Dakota High show... its November 10, but I think they are still accepting applications. Eisenhower is another one that has a lot of foot traffic.

There is an art/craft show at the Suburban Collection aka Novi Showplace aka whatever else it was named in Novi. Its a hefty fee to get a table, but lots of people looking to buy.

[BellaBleuLLC]

anymore december shows?

[Marais0Handmade]

I'm doing one tomorrow, but its very small and not accepting apps anymore... I don't personally know of anymore!

[Former_Member]

Mishows.com has some listings for upcoming shows.

[HydeParkHome]

I am looking to start selling at craft shows as well. How do you sign up for local school craft fairs?

[Former_Member]

I am trying to make crafting my full time job now and would appreciate any information on shows coming up in the central Michigan area any time in 2013.

I have participated in the past at a show at St. Michael's Church in Grand Ledge that is held the first weekend of December. It always has a great turnout. This year I also did a show at St. Gerard Church in Lansing that was the middle of November. Sales were light. There seemed to be other shows in the area that same weekend that I would like to try instead.

The show I will not do again next year was held at Wyoming Lee H.S. in Wyoming (near G.R.). It was the 2nd w/e in December. Barely made enough to cover expenses. Hardly any traffic. Most of my sales were to other vendors. It was the first time at this show for most of them too. Not sure what the problem is, lack of promotion? Since it was a H.S. sponsored show I would have expected more parents to attend.

[HydeParkHome]

@Linda- I would like to start at high schools. Right now I need to make product to sell. I know it's all about making connections and networking while at the shows with other vendors but I need to get my foot in the door first. :Baby steps:

[Former_Member]

The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale is fairly inexpensive and gets great traffic. I don't know the details on applying for a vendor booth there. Also I saw some great Metro Detroit artisans at the 555 studio in SW Detroit during the Tashmoo Biergarten event. Good luck!

[Marais0Handmade]

@ Hildie. I have been through there before and I loved it! Definitely something to look into for those who maybe want to get something almost like a "membership" going where they can set up multiple weeks, or even months at a time in one spot instead of traveling to many shows. :)

I believe it is already past the deadline, but there is going to be a Valentines day event going on in Detroit: https://www.facebook.com/events/593253050701915/ it may be worth checking out in case it's awesome and they do it next year!

[Former_Member]

East Lansing / MSU area May 18-19
http://www.elartfest.com/festival_info

http://mfea.org/event/msu-spring-arts-crafts-show-2013/

[Former_Member]

Hi, everyone!

I am a co-owner of Little Shoppe Events - we specialize in the organization and promotion of craft, artisan & vendor events. We have 13 events scheduled for 2013 and we would really love to have you join us!

Event dates:
2/23 - O'Kelly Banquet Hall, Dearborn
3/1-3 - Northville Square, Northville
3/23 - O'Kelly Banquet Hall, Dearborn
4/13 - Canterbury Village, Lake Orion
6/22 - Canterbury Village, lake Orion
6/28-30 - Northville Square, Northville
8/2-4 - Northville Square, Northville (during the Buy Michigan Now festival!)
9/13-15 - Northville Square, Northville
9/28 - O'Kelly Banquet Hall, Dearborn
10/11-13 - Northville Square, Northville
11/9 - O'Kelly Banquet Hall, Dearborn
11/23 - Canterbury Village, Lake Orion
12/13-15 - Northville Square, Northville

More information about these venues and dates can be found on our website, www.littleshoppeevents.com

If you'd like to join us (and we really hope you will!!!), please submit the application form on our website. We will reply with the contract(s), which outlines the booth options and pricing.

Thanks, everyone! We look forward to talking with you soon!!!

[Former_Member]

Hi! I'm super new too this, do you guys know of anyway to finding events to vend at in Metro Detroit (mainly Detroit)?

[lisajewelry1]

This will be my second craft show. I am all ready for the Craft show in Dearborn. I hope I made enough!

[Former_Member]

There's also the Ferndale DIY festival, as well as the Dally in the Alley in the fall!

[Former_Member]

I did indoor and outdoor craftshows for nearly 10 years. I found craftlister.com to be very helpful in finding local events (the site use to be free, but I think now you have to pay a small fee).

Also, check out your local churches and high schools if you're just looking to get started to see what shows they host (support local too). And talk to the crafters doing those shows to see what other shows they do.

[michaeledward]

We would like to invite artist or crafters to exhibit and sell their items at
Saturday Super SALE, August 24, 2013, 10am-7pm

Laurel Park Place Mall, Livonia
37700 West Six Mile Road, at 2-75 Freeway

Everyone in Michigan invited.

shoppers, 30 FREE LUNCH GIFT CARDS
Laurel Park Place Mall Restaurants and Specialty Foods.

enter free, email to enter: www.SaturdaySuperSALE.com
no purchase requried


Vendors Free Lunch, July 27, August 10
free business information: "How To Promote Your Business"
by Susan Fitzmaurice, other business speakers
register now

15,000 back to school shoppers expected at Laurel Park Place Mall
vendor tables will be in the mall, everyone has to walk by

1 vendor allowed for each direct sales company
Amway, Avon, Mary Kay, Lia Sophi, Vault Denim, Shaklee, It Works,
Tupperware, Scentsy,

Each vendor picture posted on website, FREE poster designed with only your name, picture. Email and invite everyone you know to see your show.

[Marais0Handmade]

Thanks VWbug1984 for the information- it's great to know information about upcoming events! Do you know of anything more specifically in the "north of Detroit geographic"? I know a lot of people, including myself that would be interested! I'm from the city of Detroit, but I know that the bulk of people within the city aren't interested in our product line! thanks!!!

[Former_Member]

I am looking for some good shows around Jackson, just not in Jackson County, nobody buys in Jackson County..right now I am doing the Farmers Market in Stockbridge. Has anyone else tried Farmers Markets?

[Former_Member]

Hello! I am looking to find some craft shows in West Michigan! Any recommendations?

[Former_Member]

For those of you around the Grand Haven area the annual salmon festival and art fair is coming up next month, September 14th! I believe the application period has unfortunately ended, but if you're nearby you should come by and check it out!

[Former_Member]

Hello! I'm new to the team but really would like to network more. I realize no one has posted on this thread in a while but I would like to do a craft show in the upcoming months... I'm from SE Michigan... any suggestions? Or do you know where I would be able to look? Thanks!