Craft Fairs ~ *Top Tips*

[incywincy]

Can you help me get ready for my 1st fair/market. :confused:

Post your Top Tips for doing a fair....

Things to do the night before (days before?) to prepare?
What you always take? Coudln't do without?
Things you always forget and wish you'd taken? etc etc

I know different crafts will vary, but I'm just looking for general guidance

THANKS guys x x x ;)

[Katianne]

I pack everything the night before. I put all the items for display on the stall in the same boxes, then have another box with spares should I sell a certain colour or design (not that I ever need the spares - sob!!!).

Maybe make a list of everything you need to take?

I have a log book to record my sales, order forms should anyone want something made to order, business cards, leaflets.

And most importantly, remember your food and drink supplies!!!!

[Mary]

Here's my list:

Make sure everything is priced
Make sure you have plenty of change
Coffee or your poison of choice
Pen
A book to write in
Somewhere safe to put the money
Something to do if it gets quiet - NOT read a book, but I take some beading to do - people get curious and you (sometimes) can get quite busy again

I'm sure other people will have lots of different stuff, but those are the things on my Don't Forget list.

[swirlyarts]

Calculator - you never know! Bags to put your goodies into. I took an apron to put my money in. I took some sewing to do during the quieter moments - I'd finished it by lunchtime!!
Take something to add height to your stall - mine was very flat. Erm I'm sure I'll think of something else later

[candles by lisa]

Plenty of change - because you are guaranteed your first sale will be for 50p and they want to pay with a £20!!!

Nice cloth to cover the table doesn't have to be anything fancy cause fussy patterns will take away from what you have on the table. I use a big plain coloured cloth that covers the table right to the ground on all sides - this covers all the bumph you have under there. Then I put a smaller brighter table cover on the top of the table. Cause it is Christmas a few Christmas decs too.

Take plenty of food with you because no point in eating your profits (literally) and a nice flask of something warm to keep you going. I make a big flask of home made soup and take a coffee flask too - gets really cold so at least feel a little bit warmer.

Really really thick socks (particularly if you are out doors - even indoors it gets cold standing about).

I find people are very nosey so if you are actually doing some sewing or something they will come up and have a looky so I would always do something - pity I can't melt wax a make my candles when I am at fairs but at least I can get caught up on making labels, tags etc.

If I think of anything else I will post later - too early in the morning.

Good luck.

Cheers.

Lisa

:D

[incywincy]

Thanks guys thats FAB! Keep em coming!!

Swirly~ Do you use paper bags? If so do you know of a cheap supplier? Was thinking of taking tissue paper to wrap items, but bags would be better ;)

[candles by lisa]

Sam do you have a Country Baskets anywhere near you? They are in Leeds, Birmingham, Manchester and Glasgow that's where I get my paper bags and they are really cheap.

If not ebay has loads of paper bags.

Cheers.

Lisa
:D

[Tip Top]

I also use paper bags - like curry takeaway ones and get them from www.kaleidoscope-supplies.co.uk (http://www.kaleidoscope-supplies.co.uk) - they are quick to send too. I'm thinking of using just ordinary brown paper bags too for smaller purchases (I also sell die cuts) as it will then help with costs. I print a small label off with my logo and website and pritt stick it onto the front of the bags.

I agree with Swirly - a calculator is a must!!!:D

[Snow angel]

A chair or a stool it can be a long old day standing up all day

[littledragon]

best advise I've ever been given is to set out your stall, at home, a week before the event. Take your time and make it look fantastic- then make sure everythings priced, clean, and safe (not going to fall over if someone breathes on it) and pack it all away! when you put it out at the show you'll know where everything is and where it should go. You'll be set up in record time and completely un-stressed. Second best advise? Keep smiling!!!

Oh, and thank you to Tiptop, just checked out kaleidoscope- much cheaper than the bags i'm getting at the mo- time to change supplier!!

[swirlyarts]

If you have a makro near you then that's where I get my paper bags from - it's a cash and carry so you do have to be registered there but as most of us could provide business paperwork then it shouldn't be a problem!

[Tip Top]

If you have a makro near you then that's where I get my paper bags from - it's a cash and carry so you do have to be registered there but as most of us could provide business paperwork then it shouldn't be a problem!

It's what I'm thinking too as p&p from Kaladascope is £6, but then again I get all the cello bags & envelopes from there too........ hmmmm!:confused:

[woodenlady]

As someone who has been in the craft circuit for over 20 years (married to a professional craftsman) despite all of your preparation for attending the fairs, you cannot prepare for the quality of the event.
To all you new crafts people out there my advice is to do your homework and visit many events before making any quick decisions.
1- If there are still spaces available a few weeks before the fair - walk away, by this time if it's any good the event will have been filled long ago.
2- Consider the cost and size of the fair, if too cheap what money will the organiser have left for proper advertising - simple math.
3- Ask the organiser about duplicate crafts if more than 3 at a small fair - walk away.
4 - Keep your craft pure and of good quality, Don't fill your table with any thing. It's better to have a few quality items properly displayed than filled with mixed tat.
5 - Remember you are the organisers customer - they should work for you.
6 - And yes we had 3p's in the 1980's to!
If you stick to your guns quality will out!
Woodenlady

[Ifor-Jones]

Lots of really good ideas here. I agree totally about the list - I prepared one for my initial show and put it on the computer, then I could update it as I thought of other things I needed. I then only have to tick the boxes as I prepare and know that all is ready.

[janetdc]

Make sure you know exactly where the venue is and check out the parking. Arrive in plenty of time so that you can take your time setting up. Other than that take coffee, snacks ad more coffee!!!
Good luck.:horse:

[Pinkfrog]

As we also have a craft shop we stay late the night before & look at the stock we decide to take.Pack it in the boxs we display it in.Make sure it's all labeled & priced.Take extra label & a little extra stock.Plenty of samples for our customers to get ideas from.You can't always visualise what a piece of paper can look like on a project when you are at a show.If customers can see examples they are more likely to buy your stock.We have also found that you sell completely different items in different towns so you need to constantly think of what you are selling. As you revist the different areas you will remember what sold there & can aim more at that particular area.

[Alpaca mad]

Being a cold person, have layers you can take off & put on as the temperature changes or if you end up stuck near the drafty door. Also scissors always come in handy. To give height to the stall you can use sturdy cardboard boxes or small plastic boxes that you have used to carry in the stock, put under the cloth & you can't tell what they are. At event where space isn't a problem or are outside I often pile up my large plastic carry boxes, cover them with a cloth & they make an extra small table.

[Anne]

Hi... some great advice. I have my first craft fair coming up this Sunday. My spare room is a total mess at the moment with all my stock & display stuff. I still need to add labels & prices to everything too...
I just hope it's going to be busy & I sell lots :D

[rudrakshapower]

Implement this: -

Choose right place of fair.
Update with latest craft goods.
Make good Marketing.

[Roseberry Crafts]

best advise I've ever been given is to set out your stall, at home, a week before the event. Take your time and make it look fantastic- then make sure everythings priced, clean, and safe (not going to fall over if someone breathes on it) and pack it all away! when you put it out at the show you'll know where everything is and where it should go. You'll be set up in record time and completely un-stressed. Second best advise? Keep smiling!!!

That's a fantastic tip. Will definitely remember that one when (or should that be if? ) I finally get the confidence to do a fair!

[youyours]

I would also bring some spotlights, maybe not needed if it is a market outside, but a inside venue always looks better with some light beams on your crafts. (I think IKEA have some for around £2 each.

Maybe a competition to attract people. I had a "guess how many candy in the jar" one. Winner got a necklaces. And I think I got some more people coming and looking because of that.

[clared]

I have one......don't leave your husband in charge of loading the car!!!

I was 6 months pregnant at the time and so left it all to him and went without checking he'd got everything and, yes you've guessed it, the bag with the table cloth, float, etc was left behind!

A far more practical suggestion is to have a box with safety pins, blu-tack, labels, pens, scissors etc. Even if you don't think you'll need them, I guarantee you'll use something from it!! This was sister-in-laws idea as she does a lot of trade shows at work and always has such a box with her.

[Ifor-Jones]

Good idea - I have lost count of the times I have gone to the aid of someone shouting "Has anyone got some scissors...." (sellotape, etc etc).

[Focus on Life]

How useful is this thread?! :):)

I've only done one fair so far, second this Saturday (woo hoo) but I definitely agree with keeping an ongoing list and ticking things off once you've packed em - my beginners list looked like this after my first fair:

Pad, biros, marker pen, receipt pad, competition box & slips, sellotape, duct tape, blu tac, window sucker jobbies, calculator, shedloads of leaflets, gift vouchers, flask, biscuits, camping chairs, stall decorations (tinsel, feather boas, whatever), bauble stand - oh and SAMPLES in case I forgot to pick my work up!!!!!

Shaz x

[emskidoo]

Hello! Im a newbie and im due to have my first craft fair in june at the Town hall in Ripley near Harrogete. Im booked in for three concecutive events there, but im concerened that i wont sell enough jewellery to cover the cost of table hire and petrol.

Has anyone been to this fair before who could tell me how popular it is i can't seem to find any information on this event and it's success?

Many thanks

Emma

[mymiyel]

Hello! Im a newbie and im due to have my first craft fair in june at the Town hall in Ripley near Harrogete. Im booked in for three concecutive events there, but im concerened that i wont sell enough jewellery to cover the cost of table hire and petrol.

Has anyone been to this fair before who could tell me how popular it is i can't seem to find any information on this event and it's success?

Many thanks

Emma

Hi Emma,

I was looking at booking this fair too - how did it go? I know this doesnt really help with your questions but I think it's too late now anyway!

Were there many people? What was the venue like? Did you manage to break even at least, or make a profit?? :)

[mymiyel]

This thread is great. I've recently booked my first fair for the summer and have been thinking of possible things that I need to prepare. This helps a lot! Thanks to you all!

Just a couple of things I'd like your thoughts on - how much change do you think I need to take (as in a total float?) and if I'm selling jewellery that will be either gift boxed or at the very least, wrapped in tissue paper - do I need to have bags as well? Could I not play the whole eco-friendly card?

[Ifor-Jones]

Float? That is a tricky one. I find the best way is to price things with round figures, or 50p or 25p at end so that you only need certain amount, but then you will always be caught out with the first two customers proffering £20 notes for a small purchase. Really depends on your prices, but a good float of £1 coins and 50ps and some silver (if you are pricing in round figures) and then some £5 and £10 notes - I generally find I never use as much change as I think, but it is better to have it. Also other stall owners will generally be prepared to change some money if they have any.

Bags - you could try the eco-friendly route, but if they haven't got a bag they need something to put the nice package in. I save plain carrier bags and then offer them as as "recycled" alternative!! I do however have some paper bags as I sell cards.

Good luck

[ROSE BASKET]

Hi, there is a "new to fairs page" on the rosebaskets website with a few tips, which you may find helpful. I'd give you the link address but it's against the rules as i've not posted 25 messages yet!

[alisoni]

i've done a few fairs now and have never offered a bag! my jewellery either comes in gift boxes or organza bags and noone has ever asked for a carrier bag

[photo-request]

my only advice for fairs is book busy fairs you have a better chance of making money.. Alway, and i mean always (well i do anyway) have some one stood up behind your stall, if i go to a fair i dont buy if people are sat there reading papers, I like to think im there to welcome people to my stall share information and sell. I got this advice from yorkshire fairs and it works. My last bit of advice is dont be nervous, just be calm, you put passion into making your stock now put that passion forward to others to get the customers involved in your craft.

[baines]

I have written a guide here that may help, it's based on experience and it's free info you won't generally find elsewhere. I tried to post the url, but as I don't post regularly enough, I can't do so. If you go to my web site and then look at the rights hand side there is an information guide called hints and tips for making and selling jewellery. I hope this helps.

[janetdc]

Hi Baines. I have just read your guide to making and selling jewellery and it is very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
:D

[Art n Crafts]

My tip would be... although its a pretty good idea to take something to create as it gets people engaged, I would avoid taking knitting or count cross stitch.

Went to a xmas fair in London end 07 and tried to communicate with a woman who was running a stool, however, she was so preoccupied with counting her stitches, it was to the point of rudeness!

After attempting to speak twice and being cut short with one word answers through gritted teeth and a number count... I preferred to walk on and buy my gifts elsewhere. (The karma was all wrong)

If you are there to sell then a good marketing strategy is to remember that the customer needs to feel that they are investing in something that you want to sell, not 'being an inconvenience'.

HTH

[Pebbles]

I am doing my first fair next saturday..... I should be making jewellery instead of spending all my time on the forum!

I have so much to make and I am so nervous.

Some good ideas for displays etc, keep 'em coming :sm:

[woodtattoos]

I am doing my first fair next saturday..... I should be making jewellery instead of spending all my time on the forum!

I have so much to make and I am so nervous.

Some good ideas for displays etc, keep 'em coming :sm:

Good luck with the first fair, Pebbles! My advice would be as previously mentioned... take something to make if you can, it gets people interested!

Si.

[beckyboo]

A pretty table is so important

Like most I use a floor to floor tablecloth, hides all my bags and boxes and means I can kick my shoes off under the table when they start to ache without anyone knowing

Displaying your jewellery can be tricky and you can find it hard to stand out from other jewellery makers ( theres always at least 2 of us at any fair) ,I use the small busts and glass paperweights for bracelets , I used to collect them so I can normally match a paperweight to the colour of the bracelet but clear ones can be found quite cheaply.

I take a kit of lots of different bits so I can alter the jewellery for the buyer if possible ( one lady at my last fair loved an anklet but wanted it as a bracelet so a few snips and hey presto she went away a happy bunny)

But I think the best thing to take is a huge big smile and a positive additude even when everybody seems to be walking past you .:D

[*karen*]

All these tips are so helpful. I've got my first fair on Sunday so have been making notes from your comments and writing myself a checklist so I don't forget anything.

someone has kindly answered my question about how much money you need for a float but what do you all keep it in? I don't have a proper cash tin and don't really want to pay out anymore money yet but would a tupperware pot look bad?

I've half set my stall up and it is already looking crowded and I don't think I will be able to fit everything on which means I am going to have to choose which items won't get displayed and therefore not sold. I started to choose my favourite and best items but I know my taste isn't going to suit everyone. How do I decide? :confused:

[linz]

someone has kindly answered my question about how much money you need for a float but what do you all keep it in? I don't have a proper cash tin and don't really want to pay out anymore money yet but would a tupperware pot look bad?



I keep my float in a money belt thats meant for when you go on holiday, and don't want pick pocketed.

If you can't get a hold of one of those, maybe you could keep your change in the tupperware pot, but keep notes in some deep pockets, or zippered pockets? I've never been at a fair where I think my money will get robbed, but it's more for my peace of mind that I like to have it on my person.

[Ifor-Jones]

I have a money apron - the sort that waiters sometimes have - and that is very good. Three pockets and a zip one, so I put notes in one (and my mobile!!), then pounds in another and change in the third. I generally have the balance of my float hidden away in a box under the table in case I need it - someone would have to crawl past me to get at it and know which box it was in!! I find it much easier to reach into a pocket for change than rootling about in a box and also safer. I got it from Dennys or somewhere on line and it was not expensive at all.

[smat]

At a craft fair do you think it is better to price items individually? or just let the customer ask you for the price?

Nat

[Ifor-Jones]

I think it is better for things to be priced - even if it is a sign with a "all at £.." near a particular item. You may be talking to another customer and if someone cannot see the price of an item they may walk away and you have lost the chance of a sale.

[janetdc]

I agree with Ifor-Jones. Besides when I see things without a price I tend to think it means they will be expensive and beyond my purse!!:mf:

[beckyboo]

At a craft fair do you think it is better to price items individually? or just let the customer ask you for the price?

Nat

I make jewellery , as soon as I have finished a piece I price it ..I tie on a pretty price tag then put in it an organza bag add the item to my stock list then pop it in my craft fair bag which are always packed with my other stuff ...tablecloth,lights,extension leads,paper bags etc ..and hey presto I'm ready to go.

I do think it is better to price your items at a round sum rather than ending at somthin pound and 99p , this makes it easier for you as totting up a few purchase at a time is quicker and easier for your customers.

another really useful tip is to take some babywipes with you...I know alot of soap ladies who take sanitizer gel which they clean their hands with after every sale

[incywincy]

Has anyone ever tried a bargain/sale box? I was at a fair the other week and one stall lady had a bargain box at the front of her table full of reduced bracelets and earrings and it was empty by the end of the day!

Might be worth a go, as a sign saying 'sale' seems to attract all the bargain shoppers ;)

[Ifor-Jones]

Has anyone ever tried a bargain/sale box? I was at a fair the other week and one stall lady had a bargain box at the front of her table full of reduced bracelets and earrings and it was empty by the end of the day!

Might be worth a go, as a sign saying 'sale' seems to attract all the bargain shoppers ;)

I have heard others say how well a bargain box goes and am thinking of doing it with some of my earlier cards (amazing how you improve as you go!!!) to see if I can clear them out as I never put them on show because I pick the better ones out. Might be interesting to see how it goes.

[GlamGlass]

HI All,
Great thread!!
I find that about £50 for a float is suffice when I do the attic sales etc
I have £20 in 1 pound coins £7 In 50p's and about £3 in silver and the rest as £5 notes.

I also feel that to chat and engage with your customers gets you much further than sitting ignoring them!!!

If you go to regular Fairs you will find people will get to know you and your products and will become regular customers if your customer service and quality of goods have been right!!!

I have been selling all sorts of bits and bobs and am only just now deciding to create, rather than buying to sell on.

I am fairly happy with some of the work I have done and am Hoping that in time it will improve.

Anyway great ideas on here!!

Cheers
Rach:)

[Glitterbug]

Lighting is the most important thing. It will draw people to your table.

[silvermaid]

Psychology always helps.
If you have a big display of earrings or necklaces always leave at least one space free. People are often put off by thinking they will mess up the display if they buy something and if one is missing they will also assume you have sold it and be encouraged to buy as well.
Never put a price sign saying 'from £x' people will always pick their favourite and assume it will be the dearest because it's the best one. They often won't ask the price and just pass.
If someone asks you to make something for them without really specific details, make two so they have a choice. I did this for someone and they bought both, then phoned me the next day for a third, again I made two and guess what, she bought both of them. So one sale became four.
If you are selling mainly components beads, toppers etc put a couple of finished items using them with quite a high price. People will assume that the value of the item is higher and be more likely to buy the stuff to make it themselves.

Melanie