Craft Fair Discussion

[Former_Member]

Have questions about craft fairs? Need advice? Ideas?

Discuss everything craft fairs here!

[Former_Member]

I'm getting ready for a craft fair for this Saturday. This will be my third year doing this particular show. Hopefully I will fair better this year than years past. I will be offering more of my smashed trash. I think with each year I get better at showcasing a more professional look but it has taken time. I have decided to set a $ goal and if I don't reach it, then I should seriously reconsider whether or not I should do this show again.

[Former_Member]

Jere, that's great! Each fair is definitely a learning experience, even if it's the same show. Can't wait to hear how it goes! I'm doing my first big show on December 10, I have done much smaller ones before. It's going to be 2000 women so I am deathly excited and nervous LOL.

I signed up for Square to process credit card payments on my cell phone. I'm hoping that will boost sales!

[dorsetclothing]

I wish we had something like Square here in Aus, because I'm sure it would help with my sales at fairs too.

I know what you mean about getting better at showcasing a professional look, Jere. I feel like I'm always tweaking my display each time, trying to find a way to make it look as professional and inviting as possible.

I'm expanding to two tables at my next market, I just have too much stock to be able to display it clearly on one. Luckily the cost of table hire at these markets is low, so it's not a big gamble.

Jacque, let us know how your big show goes! How do you display your stuff? Do you have testers of your perfume oils and such for people to smell and experience?

[Former_Member]

Jacque - that sounds like an awesome show! I hope you have a fabulous time and get tons of sales. I haven't done the credit card route yet, so I'm envious already. Maybe I'll look into it before Saturday. Keep us posted!

[Former_Member]

Mon, I just visited a facebook fan page and they had a great display. Here is the link if you are looking for ideas. http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.300856873270882.70997.226754124014491&type=1 I really need to break down and buy another table before Saturday. I have outgrown my 6 footer! I just hate the idea of dragging another table to a show since I am usually by myself.

[dorsetclothing]

Ooh nice, thanks for the link Jere! I often have a look at the craft fair group on flickr, it is full of inspiration.

I'm lucky that they provide the tables at these markets, I don't know how I'd get a table along as well as all my stock and dolls and displays!

[Former_Member]

Im getting ready for my 4th craft show of the season. The last 2 were fantastic. The only problem I have is when one the application it states..you must stay till the end. Then I see people packing up an hour to two hours early, and when you say something to the people who are running it, they say well they really shouldnt do that, but why then put it on the application.
This is why I had stepped away from shows for years. It is totally frustrating to me.

[Former_Member]

It's so much work doing shows, but when you have a few good ones, it's totally worth it.

I just recently began processing credit cards through ProPay...I highly recommend offering to accept credit cards. It has greatly improved my sales. I've done more shows this year than I ever have in the past. Eventually, I want to boost my etsy sales so that I won't have to do quite so many.

It's a lot of work...And yes, Cindy, that stinks when people do that. I always wait to the end...If folks are packing up, they can miss a sale.

[Former_Member]

Don't forget to update us on your craft show!

Mine is tomorrow, so I will definitely be in on Sunday to give a synopsis LOL!

[Former_Member]

My market went GREAT yesterday!!!!!! I haven't taken final inventory yet to see how many of each certain products sold, but after tomorrow I will have a better knowledge of what sold best and what products to focus on for the upcoming spring.

I'm going to do one more market on the 18th!

[Former_Member]

My Saturday craft show went better this year. More traffic and more people buying so I left happy (even though I didn't reach my personal goal) I lost one sale because I am not set up for credit cards - will look into that. But I picked up a sale the next day on line from a shopper. Overall rating B-

[Former_Member]

That's good to here Jere! I'm glad it went well for you too. I'm so glad I did this market. My after-market inventory let me know what buyers like most of my items, what to focus on when creating new items, and the types of items/ingredients buyers are looking for.

I'm going to do one more on the 18th to try and get rid of some more inventory so I can start fresh next year. I'm too excited!

[Former_Member]

@ Jacque and Jere, I'm going to do a craft fair on Thursday. It's my first one so I am a little excited. I'm going to do exactly as you said. Get a feel for what the buyers like and setup my inventory next year. Hopefully I'll be able to get rid of a mechandise from this year and have a fresh start next year.

I'll let you know how it goes.

[Former_Member]

Rosoline, congrats! 1st markets are always super exciting and nerve-racking! Truth is, I still get nervous and excited lol. I can't wait to hear how it goes! Have you done a mock set-up at home to try out layouts for your table? I definitely encourage that!

[Former_Member]

Jacque,
I have only done a few shows but some of the other venders said you should get your stuff up at such as you can. Draw people in from far away. I thought that was great advice. Try hanging up your jewelry as much as you can. And good luck and have fun!!!

[Former_Member]

Very true morij! I've only done a few shows too but have learned so much each time. When I first started my table was completely flat. All my bath & body products were out on the table. Some key advice I got was to have LAYERS! Build up! It brings people over as they can see from far away, like you said. My last market was the first time I had layers and a new layout for my table and it went so great! I am definitely going to work on presentation for my table as the seasons change. I want it to be inviting and have seasonal decor.

[Former_Member]

Do you guys prefer inside craft shows to outside craft fairs. I have a chance to do a couple oputside in 2012 but have never done outside ones before...

[Former_Member]

It is nice to be outside but you have to be prepared for the weather. If it is really windy you have to make sure your tent and crafts are tied down. I had one on a VERY hot windy day and my scrolls ended up on the ground and some of them ripped making them unsellable. But it was nice to be outside. I think outside shows can have really good turn outs when the weather is good

[Former_Member]

I have done two outside craft shows and i don't think i'll do any more. The weather is to "iffy". The last one was in August and I FROZE - yes FROZE. It was the only cold, wet damp day all summer. lol

[Former_Member]

Wow, all of you give me so much inspiration do do my first craft show. I am planning on participating at my local farmer's market and see how that goes. Has anyone done so here? If so, does anyone have any tips, advice? Where do you go to get applications for craft shows and farmers markets? Is it expensive? Do you need certain permits or licenses?

[Former_Member]

Yay Erika! They are so much fun and each one is a learning experience! I have never done a farmer's market before although I have done artisan fairs and 1 big holiday event recently.

The costs really depend on which markets you participate in. I would start browsing markets first as a shopper/observer and then you can better decide if your products would be a good fit for that market. While there, you can ask some of the vendors about how they got a booth/table and some other questions you may have.

With regard to permits or licenses, I would check with your state or local websites. Usually, you need a sales tax permit and possibly a vendor permit. Check though to make sure for your local area.

[Former_Member]

Jacque that is great advice! I am going to try to go to more crafts shows BEFORE I sign up to do them. I'm hoping to find some new places next year.

Erika, If you do do the farmers market make sure you post about it, I would be very interested to see how it went. there are a few up where I live and I've been thinking about signing up for one.

[CraftyGirlNW]

Hi all, I have done our local farmers market for 4 years going on my 5th year. I do two every weekend during the season. Then after the season is over I do bazaars, and shows until 10th of December them I am off until May again. During my off month I really focus on Etsy. I also revamp my line and look at my list of things to do for next year or change for next year.

Our market as all places has their up and downs, good days and bad days. Our local market is on Saturday. Then I drive about 30 minutes and do another show on Sunday that is more of a tourist town and my sales are AWESOME there.

If you have questions just ask, I would love to help anyone with markets, shows, bazaars. Thanks for letting me join the team!

[Former_Member]

That is great advice! I will definetly start looking all of that up and go to the farmers market this Friday and do some research, ; ) I am exited about that! What is a baazar? I've never heard of that.