How long to prepare for a craft fair?

[somerset artist]

Morning all, I am hoping to organise a crafts fair in the very near future and was wondering how long you need to prerapre for a fair?

Or to put in another way, how much notice of a fair would you like?

Some of you may answer "as long as possible" and i would tend to agree, but say a fair was in 4 weeks, could you do it?

Andrew

[Ifor-Jones]

It would depend what else was on in your area. If you only gave people 4 weeks notice and there were no other craft fairs around then people might be glad of a venue, on the other hand many people book up a long way ahead. I always like to know I have a few fairs lined up. Four weeks is not a lot of notice if you have to get booking forms out and returned and people signed up and paid before the event - do not leave it for people to pay you on the day, they then have no incentive to turn up if they change their minds.

[silvermaid]

I would be quite happy with 4 weeks notice as I don't have many fairs lined up at the moment, but it is not a long time for you to get all the publicity and stall holders together. On the other hand other events that are on rarely advertise more than 4 weeks ahead.

Melanie

[Focus on Life]

I make things to order so, for someone like me, 4 weeks notice wouldnt be a problem

And I've heard the same thing said about advertising the event, if you do it too early, people forget anyway

I cant speak for those who make enough items to sell on the day though - I guess theyre more likely to book fairs in advance - but maybe newcomers or those who rarely find good events in their own area might jump at the chance!

I have one booked as far away as Sept cos its fairly local - but as yet I need to get May & June sorted - go figure :)

hth
Shaz x

[Tip Top]

Personally, I would say at least 8 weeks notice. I make everything myself and I have a website which I sell through and have usual events, such as Valentines Day, Mothers Day for which I had a very high demand. Plus I get a lot of special commissions for cards, sometimes I get quite a bit of notice and sometimes not so I have to plan very carefully.

I also work full time and do a lot of North West travelling. I have 2 pre school children and support my husband with his buisness :pc:

So, I have to plan carefully and work out a making strategy!!

Having said that, the last fair I did I only had 4 weeks notice and managed it!!

Thing is, you'll never suit everyone but as much notice will help - and don't forget you need to advertise and get yourself organised so more time will mean less stress for you!!:D

Good luck!

[somerset artist]

Thanks for all the replies. I am currently working on about 6-8 weeks, although i am still awaiting replies from a couple of possible venues so it may end being longer.

Will kepp all posted

Andrew

In cold and windy Somerset!

[craftyfoxni]

I'm in the middle of putting a craft fair together for 15 March and it's starting to fall about my ears people who first of said 'no problem we'll be there' are now saying 'kids are off schol for easter' or 'i haven't enough stock' or 'saturdays don't suit me' but never fail i will fill all the tables and this on top of the fact i have a stall at the fair aswell and do need to make new stock so sometimes i dosn't matter how much time you give them