RE: Selling Crafts at Craft Fairs
If your craft is of the type that you can do WHILE at the craft fair, that can really help to attract attention to your booth. It also "proves" that you really did make them yourself. I used to set up my booth for wood burned pet portraits and wildlife plaques, and actually burn one during the hours of the crafting event.
Since I was young when I did this, it helped assure others that I was really the artist, and it also showed the customers how the art was created (since pyrography is often misunderstood). Also, it made my booth a bit more approachable. Instead of just sitting there looking hopeful and expectant when customers would approach, I would be working, and look up from my work with a smile and a hello. The customer could browse for a moment without me just staring at them twiddling my thumbs. Or, they now felt welcome to approach and ask questions about the work, which most of them did. I know that when I go to craft fairs as a potential customer, I feel hesitant about approaching a vendor who is just sitting there watching me (even if they're friendly)... especially when I am not quite sure if I want to buy the products. This is just my shy nature, but I know that this tendency is shared by many. Working on your products while manning the booth allows both the shy and the outgoing to approach your tables with ease, as well as displaying your talents. Best of luck with your venture.
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Request: Selling Crafts at Craft Fairs
I live in Essex in the UK and along with a friend, we would like to start making and selling at craft fairs to enable us to continue to stay home with our children.
I thought I would ask for suggestions on here as being an american site, you would probably come up with suggestions that we don't have over here.
Thanks in advance,
Tracey from Essex
Answers:
RE: Selling Crafts at Craft Fairs
Get some really nice business cards, business name or your name, some kind of tag line that really explains what you sell, phone number, email address or some way to contact you. Use them as tags on your goods. It will help people know how to contact you after they get your crafts home. Also, pass them out to people who ask. Even if you make the cards yourself with a stamp or handwriting it is worth it.
Make sure your displays are really good. If you sell earrings, look for earring racks or some unique way to display your earrings. If you sell dolls, make sure they can sit or stand to display them best. Whatever you are selling, make sure that it is easy to see from a distance what you have. Use nice table coverings that match and tie your booth, table or displays together.
I've bought and sold crafts for years and just like the big merchandisers how you present yourself and your products really helps make sales. It doesn't have to cost a lot but always stand back and look at your displays before starting your sale. Anything that distracts you from the "goods" should be avoided (i.e. a rusty table leg, a stain, dirty mirror, papers sitting around, loose threads).
Once you are selling, figure out what sells the best and concentrate on those items. Also pay attention to where the items were placed as that can also make a difference. Make sure all of your items are priced.
If there are two of you, avoid both of you sitting staring out waiting for people to come. Have one of you stand up, walk out and walk up to the booth, people tend to go to tables where other people are. It's funny but it works.
(01/20/2007)
By Susan from ThriftyFun
RE: Selling Crafts at Craft Fairs
I find that having to buy my supplies at retail stores increases the cost of my items. If you could find a supplier that is a wholesaler you would get better prices for your supplies and then could sell your items at a lower price or have a bigger profit margin. (01/20/2007)
By Persnickety Paula
RE: Selling Crafts at Craft Fairs
Hi Tracey,
My friend and I have been setting up at craft shows for about 8 years. We have gone with all homemade items and we have made items that are on the normal persons budget. Most of our items are $5.00 and under. We make crochet towels, crocheted slippers, mittens, hats, dish cloths, scrubbies out of nylon net, barbie cloths, and we also make many gag gifts that we sell for 50 cents a piece. We are busy from the time we get set up to the end of the day. People love to be able to buy something even if it just a little item. We do have a few higher priced item at different shows but keep your booth friendly and bright. We sometimes have a tape player playing very soft music, helps make people feel welcome. Good luck! (01/22/2007)
By dameemag
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