Today I signed up for my first official craft/art fair! It is being held in Bloomington, IN (home of IU) and I am super excited! I have never really sold at a real craft fair, so hopefully I do well. I am basically taking this as a learning experience since I do not have an official sign, fancy set up, or credit card machine.
I started a thread about two days ago about craft fairs to see what other's tips and opinions are about them and tips for a newbie.
Fluffy Flowers' blog had some great tips for farmer's markets and fairs that I have been looking at as well! It is a whole series of blogs about set up, other vendors, promotion, pricing, etc. I found this very helpful, as well as the thread I started. Thanks for everyone who gave me input!
Tips to Remember:
-Put a blank book out for customers to sign up for an e-mail list.
-Have a drawing (place it near the book for them to sign up for the e-mail list and raffle at the same time).
-Put tables in a U shape if you have more than one.
-Use layers and levels when displaying items in your booth.
-Have business cards!
-Get a tall chair and do not sit behind the table the whole time.
-Make eye-contact and be friendly. If you are fake, it is noticeable!
-When people ask you how your day has been, answer positively, "Great, I am having fun." Customers do not want to hear you complain or that you have not sold anything.
-Have many items with different price ranges. Make sure some things are low in price for those who feel they just have to buy something!
Etsian CoryellDesign also put a nice list of things not to forget to bring (about midway though the page).
Have you ever participated in a craft/art fair? Do you have any tips for me or other readers? Please comment here! I would love to hear what you have to say.
Also, I have a survey at the top about things I should bring to sell at the fair this weekend. Please vote. I would like to see what is popular from my shop in your opinion!
OMG!Lia? also has a blog update about what to bring to a craft fair. CHECK IT OUT HERE!
6 comments:
First thanks for doing the blog exchange on Etsy! Good luck on your craft fair. I have done a few and the most important thing I can tell you is to be approachable. If you have something to work on while there that is great too. People love to see the artist in action. And the book, don't forget to have them sign up for future mailings. Have fun and let us know how it turns out:)
thanks for the tips, i'm doing my first "real" show in may, and i'm kinda scared!! i'll utilize that list!
Fluffy's series was great! I second everything she said. My only tidbit to add is to think about your setup and what it communicates. My color scheme tended to say baby when I had mostly handbags.
Thanks for linking to my post! What craft fair are you doing? I'm in Louisville, KY and going to IU bloomington next year so I'd be super interested in the show you're doing. Please comment on my blog or email me !
Great tips - thanks! I'm doing a couple of fairs in May and am panicking a bit. I'll be sure to check back on this list as I get prepared for the fairs. Also, Blue Orchid had good advice about bringing a project to work on.
Thanks for the tips! I haven't done a craft show yet, so these will definitely come in handy when I do!
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