Craft Shows/Festivals

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by IBN Member Charlene Sevier on October 26, 2009 at 12:13pm

Hi Nashonta,

Make sure you know what will be provided and what you need to provide (table, chairs, etc.) If it is outdoors, be ready for any type of weather. Wind is the worst enemy.

If you are alone, try to make plans for someone to help you with bathroom/food breaks.

I do not have a credit card machine and right now this is a limiting factor in the shows I can do. I hope to overcome this at some point.

My worst experiences have come at shows that are really more general festivals than specific arts and crafts shows. At the general festivals, it seems like people are just looking to get out of the house and have something for the kids to do at no/low cost. At art and craft shows, they are at least coming to look for items to purchase.

I hope it goes well and even at my worst shows, there was something to learn.

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Permalink Reply by Nashonta M on October 26, 2009 at 2:03pm

Thank you Charlene for your response

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Permalink Reply by IBN Member MelissaAnderson-Stowe on October 26, 2009 at 12:56pm

Hi Nashonta,

I love doing shows!!! It is a wonderful way to meet people and other vendors. I have meet so many wonderful vendors at shows and we keep intouch! We help each other and support each other. Great way to network and find other shows in your area.

I don't have a credit card machine. My sales don't justify me having one at this time. I haven't really lost many sales from not having one. I just explain, I take checks & cash. Most people are like that's fine and write a check. No big deal.

A few tips for setting up. If using a tent make sure it's water proof. Nothing worse that a down pour to mess up all your hard work. Also have the right amount of weight on all sides of your tent. The wind can pick up a tent very easy. I use stakes if allowed and 25lbs on all four sides on bungee cords.

Displaying is key!!! Don't just place your product on a table. Use different levels. I use bookcases for bottled products, baskets for the soaps, glass jars for fizzies, ect..... Oh and your packaging is key also!!! Needs to catch the eye and bring customers in. I always say "It's the packaing that brings them in to buy and the product that gets them to coming back for more.

Hope this helps! Let me know how your show goes!

Melissa Anderson-Stowe
Mellabelle Designs

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Permalink Reply by Nashonta M on October 26, 2009 at 2:06pm

Thanks Melissa for your reply.I agree with you on the part of the product needs to catch their eye. Have you had any bad experiences with taking check from customers at the shows?

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Permalink Reply by IBN Member MelissaAnderson-Stowe on October 26, 2009 at 7:56pm

Hi Nashonta,

Nope! No bad checks so far. 3 years running.

Melissa

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Permalink Reply by Melissa Rivera on October 26, 2009 at 2:30pm

Hi Nashonta

I did one in May in my hometown and the fair was labeled as a Handcraft Fair. The nice part was that everyone there created the merchandies, except for the table selling Tupperware?? LOL

The organizers were clear about the size of table they were providing and they told you what you needed to bring. So I had a table and 2 chairs andI just had to bring the table cloth and my goods.

I don't have a credit card machine so I can't really say if it would have made a difference. I didn't make much but my friends did come by and shop so that was nice and helpful. There were 2 other woman there selling similiar products. Interesting enough, The Little Soap Shop was in the middle of my table and the other woman. I think she did really well because her table was the first to be seen. Mine was situated by the bathroom and the other woman was on the other side but her products were on the high end price point spectrum.

I can say that the location of the venue was nice because it was indoors, there was a parking lot right next door and off a major train station. However the sales were bad because I just think the location was not near a major shopping area. I know they did a lot of PR work to get the word out but it just didn't seem to be bustling. They did have another event in Sept which I didn't partipate in, and again the turnout was low. I am slated to do the December event and I am hoping it will get better.

I think overall, I live in an area where it is becoming trendy and there are many wonderful creative artists. The problem is that the others do not understand why the price points are what they are and they don't shop.

I will keep you posted on my December event. Hope all works out for you too!!

Melissa

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Permalink Reply by Nashonta M on October 26, 2009 at 2:46pm

Thanks Melissa....keep me posted!

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Permalink Reply by Kris C on October 27, 2009 at 7:32pm

HI. I did my first craft fair in early October. It was outdoors, which was fine for me because I did not have a tent, just an umbrella, it got really windy in the afternoon and tents were flying everywhere. Be sure to have plenty of weight if you have a tent outdoors.
The fair itself was very slow. The vendors beside me both sold less than I did but encouraged me to try again closer to the holidays. They were regulars and said it was just a really slow show. I am going to do another one the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The biggest thing I would do differently is my displays. I spent so much time making products for the fair and then I was so nervous when I was setting up that I didn't use risers and make my displays attractive. I really like the comment about using a bookcase for bottled products. Having been a catering captain, I know how to make an attractive table and next time I will spend much more time on my displays.
Good-Luck!

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Permalink Reply by Marsha Travers on October 29, 2009 at 3:03pm

Hi Nashonta,
I completed my first festival in mid Septermber. It is a lot of work, but also a lot of fun. I did fairly well and everyone commented on how great my display looked and that my booth smelled better than any of the other booths. I sell soy candles, so I had several tealight holders lit and it really made the booth and surronding area smell nice.
I have another festival this Saturday and I will let you know how it turns out. Since it is halloween and they are having a costume contest after the festival, I'm hoping it will draw a good crowd.

Good luck!
Marsha
Simply Vanilla Scents

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