info needed re craft faifs

[franny]

Hi there.. I'm new to all this and haven't a clue how all the craft fairs work. Can anyone give me some info on how to get started ie do you need permits or insurance or anything like that. Also how do you find out where they are ?. Have tried looking on council websites but not much luck... would be really grateful for any info you can share.
thanks lots
franny x

[Caroleecrafts]

You don't need a permit to exhibit at a Craft Fair but Public Liability insurance is good I know several crafters who do not bother with this but it does cover you if there is a problem with any sale.

Try googling your local Parish Councils our local ones have an on line newsletter and they always list fairs etc on this. I know it can be difficult as sometimes you see a fair when it is due not prior for exhibiting. A good idea is look in the local paper and visit the fairs first, that way you can see what is selling and talk to the organisers or if you just want to jump in ring and see if any tables left.

where are you based?

Good Luck

[franny]

thanks caroline for the info.. i'm in cardiff
franny

[craftynclothy]

I have Public and Product liability but I'm sure many people do craft fairs without either. Depending on what you're selling there may be other restrictions - soap for example you need certification for, toys have safety regulations too.

I've found that by googling "craft fair location" you find a few fairs. Bear in mind that it's not always the most expensive that are the best to go for. Think carefully about who will be visiting the fair and whether that's your target market. Also consider where the money you pay is going - it's no good paying out for a stall in a great hall if there's no advertising iyswim. If it's someone that does regular fairs go along to a couple to see what they're like - how much footfall is there, is it obvious where the fair is, that sort of thing.

[Ifor-Jones]

More and more organisers seem to be requiring public liability insurance for all stall holders. You will gradually build up on craft fairs. The first year I started I only had a few, found in local papers, internet etc, but gradually as you do fairs you get added to the list for the mail outs for the next year and hear of others through word of mouth etc. Not easy to start with, but it will develop I am sure. Good luck.

[franny]

thanks very much everyone for the info....franny

[UrbanAngelJewellery]

Hi Franny

btw x

Try going to stallfinder's site she is a member here but I have recently found a gift evening by searching her site www.stallfinder.com that is about 2 miles away, I also found out about fairs on here and through the local papers.

I have found that the forum is great to bounce ideas around and everyone is so nice and helpful x

Best of luck ...what do you make? Asking out of pure nosiness

[franny]

hi Ren thanks very much for the info, will look into that. I'm making beaded jewellery and trying to suss out the craft fair world!!. Bit tricky trying to find them tho but i appreciate all the tips...fingered crossed !
Fran

[UrbanAngelJewellery]

you are very welcome franny x

You'll have to get some piccies in your album (on your profile page) I'd love to see some of your work