first craft fair

[Pagan]

ok, I've got my first craft fair coming up in the summer. What will I need - other than stock and a float obviously. Will I need a trader's licence, what about insurance..........anything else???

thanks

[kipper workshops]

Hi Pagan,

I remember my first craft fair. Very exciting, I was a bit nervous!!! But it was all good fun!

I did get traders insurance, from here...

http://www.cmtia.co.uk/index.html

They were really helpful and nice to deal with.

Some shows require insurance and some don't. Obviously it is very good to have insurance generally, but my advice would be, if you don't have to have it, do a few fairs first and see how things go. Insurance costs about £50.00 a year so I would see how the first few fairs work out before buying it.

Also, I have literally just finished writing a little report for my blog about tasks you can do at home before your first craft fair. So your post is very well timed.

I could send it to you if you like, you could give me little feedback perhaps, before I post it, let me know if it is helpful?

Just let me know if you are interested and I will send it to you.

Hope that helps.

Steve

[Pagan]

Thanks Steve, I'd love to read your 'tips for newbies'

[stallfinder]

Hi Pagan,
I've written a section on my website about what to take to events - it might be useful to you so let me know if you want me to send you the details.
Gail.

[Pagan]

Sure Gail, thanks - the more info the better. Can you pm me the web addy?

[stallfinder]

Hi again Pagan,
Just sent you a pm.
Gail.

[Pagan]

Got it thanks Gail - will have a look at it later and get back to you

[Fluffy Squirrel]

Just been reading this post and as a craft fair novice I'd love to read everyone elses views and ideas on what's needed - can you pm me the links to your tutorials and suggestions please?

[stallfinder]

Hi Fluffy Squirrel,
Have sent you a pm - my info is only based on personal experience, I'm by no means an expert and it's related to all events, not just craft fairs but you might find it useful anyway.

[Fortunejewellery]

Hi,

I'm looking to go to my first fair soon, does anyone know of any in Bristol?

Also, I'd be really interested in seeing your reports and tips on attending events, could you please send these to me as well?

thanks

[Fair Do]

Hi Pagan,

Feel I have to jump in here. My personal view on insurance is "better to be safe than sorry". I'm the first to admit that insurance is expensive, but in the 'blame culture' society we sadly now live in it's sometimes a necessary evil.

I'm afraid I found this quote from Steve (kipper worshops) a little contradictory ...

"Obviously it is very good to have insurance generally, but my advice would be, if you don't have to have it, do a few fairs first and see how things go."

... especially as he got insurance himself! To me it's £50 well spent for peace of mind.

It's entirely your decision Pagan, but playing devils advocate, I would just ask you to consider how you would feel if something happened at an event and you had a claim made against you? Believe me, it takes seconds for accident to happen ...and by it's nature you won't see it coming. Incase you're wondering ...no I don't work in the insurance industry! I suggest you talk to the people Steve recommends and take it from there.

Steve - Please don't be offended by me saying this, I just felt that someone taking their first steps into fairs should get a balanced view. Cheers.

Maybe others will join this thread and provide some info on how many crafters do and don't have insurance ...just a thought!

Regards.
Fair Do

[samantha]

I'm doing my first craft fair later this year ad will definately have insurance before it happens, just in case!

[woodtattoos]

I sorted out an insurance policy with CMTIA prior to my first show and they were very helpful. I would definitely recommend them.

There are also lots of threads on the Forum about useful items to consider packing to take with you to a crafts fair. I'm sure someone can point you in the direction of a thread if you struggle to find it. I can't remember where it is... I've got the memory of a... what d'ya call it... erm... orange thingy... opens its mouth and nothing much comes out... Dale Winton?

No, a goldfish!

Si.