craft fairs - yes or no?

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Permalink Reply by Sheryl on April 11, 2008 at 9:36pm

1: Use solid colored tablecloths that don't clash with the colors in your items. I use sturdy cardboard boxes under my tablecloths to create different levels. Since you have clothing you'll want some way to hang at least some of them.
2: I've never had insurance for shows and it's not required here in Maine, you might want to check with the organizers of the show about that.
3: I bring as much as I can fit in my vehicle, but I rarely put all of it out. Some I hide in boxes under the table (good reason to use long tablecloths) and if the booth starts looking bare in spots I fill them in.
4: I don't sell prints but those I know who do usually sell both framed and unframed (always in clear plastic sleeves).

I hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by Golcar House on April 12, 2008 at 3:39pm

Thanks for that - some great advice there. Now I just need to decide which fair to do!

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Permalink Reply by Studio Hart on April 12, 2008 at 6:54am

Prepare for weather problems: heat, cold, wind, rain, whatever. I've been miserable for hours because I didn't have the right clothing. My displays have tumbled over in the wind. It's best to bring lots of tools, tape, and be prepared to get creative if the situation isn't what you expected. (And have fun, too!)

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Permalink Reply by Golcar House on April 12, 2008 at 3:55pm

I'm thinking it might be a good idea to do an indoor one to start with.... :)

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Permalink Reply by Corinne Sullivan on April 12, 2008 at 10:25pm

Oh, I forgot about that! I have learned to bring alot of tape (duct and scotch!), magazines for when it is slow, cereal bars and bottled water for when I am STARVING and can't get away (although I have a great husband who "fetches" alot for me), and I wear lots of layers because it seems the weather changes a million times from set up to shut down.

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Permalink Reply by Sheryl on April 12, 2008 at 11:50pm

Better than bringing magazines is to bring projects to work on if possible, people love to see the way you work. Plus it keeps you busy when it's slow.

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Permalink Reply by Corinne Sullivan on April 12, 2008 at 10:23pm

Use one solid color for tablecloths that lets your items "pop" and speak for themselves. Keep your display simple and not crowded. Bring more than you think you need, but store it under your table and replenish your table as people buy. Have something more costly to "wow" them over to your booth, but offer lots of less expensive offerings that they will actually buy. I usually bring a large original painting as an attention getter, but most of the stuff I sell is the affordable for anyone type stuff. As for insurance, I have never had to have it so I don't know. Prints should be in mats and clear bags, but I would forget the frames. They look plenty nice in the mat/ bag combo, and are more affordable.

Just remember, grab their attention, offer them something they can afford, because they aren't just shopping your booth. Noone wants to plunk down all their cash at one booth when they go to a craft show! Everything should look consistent and clean in your display, and make sure you always smile!!

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Permalink Reply by BeadWhisperer on April 13, 2008 at 11:34am

Sure, why not? At the very worst, you'll get your name out there to people who don't shop online, or don't know you are online.

Some other craft show helps:

I keep a small tool bag with duct tape & scotch tape, string, a small hammer, bug repellent, sunscreen, and a bottle of aspirin/advil/ibupropen, and a small first aid kit.

I agree with bringing something to work on instead of magazines.

Bottled water & snacks.

Get to know your neighbors, for they can spot you if you need to go to the bathroom, and vice-versa.

Don't expect to sell everything.

Make sure you have enough change.

Smile.

Engage your customers but don't smother or pounce on them.

On my table there are items in all price ranges-a bunch of little things can make your expenses for the day.

Business cards.

And above all, remember to have FUN. It's not brain surgery for goodnessakes! :)

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Permalink Reply by Corinne Sullivan on April 13, 2008 at 1:57pm

another good reason to make friends with your neighbors-if they are semi local also, you may find a group who will "tip" each other off about other shows. In my area, there's a group of us who all let each other know when we hear of another show, since sometimes it is who you know when it comes to getting into a show!

I also make sure my business cards have my website on them,, and I give them to everyone who stops by with a smile!

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Permalink Reply by Golcar House on April 13, 2008 at 2:23pm

Thanks for your tips Corinne....I'll definitely put a wow factor piece on my stall and good idea about the business cards too - I was thinking about printing up some free bookmarks with my website details on there. Sounds like you're a craft fair pro!

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Permalink Reply by BeadWhisperer on April 14, 2008 at 6:01am

Bookmarks!! AH! Brilliant!!

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Permalink Reply by Golcar House on April 14, 2008 at 6:31am

Yes, I figured people are more likely to keep them or pass them on if they are bookmarks and if they see "free bookmarks" they're more likely to pick them up in the 1st place - everyone likes a freebie! And if my website details just happen to be on there as part of the design then everyone's a winner! ;)

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