Can i make money at craft fairs
If you have, or wish to have, a home craft business, sooner or later you will want to do a craft show. Craft shows can range from the tiny small-town celebration, six booths, outdoors to the enormous large city, booths, convention center.
There are many different categories of crafts shows, but it all boils down to two types: Very simply, juried shows are pickier about the quality of the crafts they allow in than non-juried shows. The diversity of products offered for sale can be wider than in a juried show. This can be a good thing or a bad thing. For a juried show, you will be asked to send in a craft application along with photos of your product.
Send photos and descriptions of all the different types of items that you sell. The craft coordinator will determine who is accepted to the show based on the quality of the product, the professionalism of the booth, and the compatibility of the product with the theme of the show. He may also limit the number of vendors with similar products — for example, too many jewelry applicants.
Booth fees are — or should be — based on show quality. A small show that is not juried, that will attract fewer customers, and has a limited number of booths should not be charging such a high booth fee. What makes a high booth fee worth it?
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Look for high-quality vendors with most or all of their products hand-crafted; look for excellent and broad advertising; and find out the anticipated attendance. If a show is expected to attract a maximum of people, make sure the booth fee is low. It depends on the show.
Some shows are so popular that you need to apply literally years in advance and get on a waiting list. The only advice is to contact the show producers and ask. Most juried shows have application deadlines a few months in advance so that they can jury the applicants. Have a selection of photos handy so that you can apply with ease.
Always make copies of any applications or other paperwork, including checks, to keep for your records.
Always bring acceptance letters and copies of cashed checks with you to the show. Sometimes, paperwork glitches occur, and you may need to prove you were accepted and have paid for your booth space. Some shows are themed. If a costume is required, wear a costume.
Whatever the rules of the craft show may be, it is your duty and responsibility to follow them. The rules should be clearly laid out in the paperwork. Be aware that the shows themselves often must follow rules and laws such as requiring booths to be treated with a flame retardant , laws that you also must obey.
These laws include fire safety codes, health department codes, guy wires, public safety, etc.
Be sensible and comply. Other rules to follow: Sell only what was juried in. Get your vehicle off the show site as soon as possible. Make sure you understand that the published opening time of the event is not when you show up, ready to construct your booth. The opening time means you are ready to open for business: It goes without saying that your booth is attractive and not sloppy.
You are wearing appropriate clothing that is neat and professional.
You have a nice, friendly smile. Selling takes a certain psychology, as any good salesperson will tell you. When customers are browsing, the last thing they want is to feel pressured.
If you do that, I can almost guarantee that the customer will back-peddle out of your booth with a mumbled excuse about meeting Cousin Bob somewhere else. A little humor sprinkled in makes the customer feel more comfortable. Being friendly with your customers improves your chances of making a sale, but trying to make them your best friend by nagging them will damage sales.
And, of course, most people will walk into a booth, and then walk out again. Booth layout is difficult to discuss, because every product is different.
Some items need to be behind glass with bright lights shining on them such as jewelry. Some items need to be dangled from above. Some items need to be displayed on tables.
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But, in every case, the key ingredient is visibility. Consider the power of a vertical display. Items that are displayed where the eye can sweep over them at a glance — and see the entire selection — are far more likely to result in higher sales. Keep your shelves full. Instead, they will glance at your nearly vacant display, and walk on. So, if you sell one piece, replace it with another piece.
Always try to work a booth with another person. Cultivate a sense of humor. Display a sense of humor. This person is valuable to you. To a passing browser, there is safety in numbers. People are more likely to enter a booth when someone else is there ahead of them. Some shows supply booth, tables, skirting, and signage these are usually the more expensive shows. Others provide nothing but a square of grass. Selling at craft fairs should be — and often is — fun. But, craft shows can be frustrating, as well.
Simple Tips to Make Your Experience Successful.
Craft Fairs and Art Shows How to Effectively Sell Your Products I
Simple Tips to Make Your Experience Successful by: Juried versus Non-Juried Shows There are many different categories of crafts shows, but it all boils down to two types: How Far in Advance Do You Apply? Follow the Rules It seems obvious, but you need to follow the rules of the show. How do you bring customers into your booth? Booth Layout Booth layout is difficult to discuss, because every product is different.
Love the Life Selling at craft fairs should be — and often is — fun. Previous article Copyright Concerns. Next article Doing Craft Shows: Sign up to receive our free e-mail newsletters. Copyright Handmade Business formerly known as The Crafts Report.