Tips for doing craft fairs?

[#1]

I have a few friends and family members (even my boss) suggesting that I do craft fairs. I have sold at craft fairs before when I was a Discovery Toys consultant, so I have a good understanding of how things work. However, I have never sold my own products at a fair and I am concerned that it might become something I put too much money into and then end up in the negative. I sell costumes (adults and children) soaps and teepees. I am continuing to add to my inventory as well.

I would love any and all helpful tips for craft fairs! Esp on how you can make inventory and pay booth fees and be assured you are going to get enough sales to cover it :)

[Former_Member]

Thank you everyone for these amazing tips! I have a craft fair set up in May, so I am already sewing and soap making to get prepared....the banner is ordered and my square reader is coming soon!

Thanks all for giving me so many great ideas and spurring me on! Keep them coming :)

[RomaMiaTradingCo]

There's another group that I am part of the is all about craft fairs. You might want to check them out. They have a lot of advice up there which could be helpful for people just starting out.

https://www.etsy.com/teams/8070/craft-fairs-its-a-living

[BelovedDollDesigns]

Ooo, cargo pants is a really good idea! People are aware of fanny packs and what are in them so cargo pants would be a little more secure as no one thinks about it. I want to try to find some cargo pants that would work with my ensemble and try that!

[Former_Member]

Ok, my first festival is May 30-31. I am sharing a booth with a girl I know. It is our first festival and we wanted to split the costs. I thought this was a great idea at first, but now I am starting to get a bit worried. (She is amazingly sweet and hasn't done anything to cause a problem!)

My predicament is this....(and I might be over-thinking) I sell vegan soaps made with essential oils, costumes, etc. I plan to sell soaps, bonnets, bow ties, teepees and slings as those are my best sellers and I can use them for future sales if this festival doesn't go as well as I hope.

The person I am sharing the table with sells high-end essential oils. I am concerned that my selling soaps will not work out well for either of us. My soap scents could interfere with her oils. Also, while I use good-quality essential oils, I do not use the most expensive oils in the soaps I make and am concerned that this might hurt my soap sales if we are at the same table.

Does this make any sense at all? Am I over thinking this? I don't mind not selling my soaps, however they are an easy sale. Maybe I should save this for another event? I would love any and all thoughts on this :)