Craft and Gifts Fair @ The Mall, Broadmead, Bristol

[ajennodesigns]

I have just got off of the phone with The Mall, Broadmead, Bristol (not to be confused with The Mall at Cribbs Causeway) and they are very keen to host a crafts and gifts fair in the summer of 2009.

Because of the current economic climate they have some conditions and have asked me to find out whether these would deter crafters from booking a stall.

Firstly - If the fair was to go ahead they would like to ask the retaillers located in the mall if they would like a stall as well so they dont feel as though the craft fair detracts from their sales.

Secondly - Instead of charging a stall booking fee they would like stall holders to contribute a percentage of their sales instead. They havent decided on a figure yet but it would be anything from 10% to 30% (so if you took £100 in a day and the percentage was 30% your fee to the mall would be £30).

They have said that if the fair goes well then they would like it to become a regular thing and perhaps rival St Nicholas Market!

It would be good to hear what other peoples thoughts are on this event and if you are interested then PM me and I'll start creating a list of interested parties.

Jo

[silversurfer]

That sounds like a great idea, it will probably be very busy in the summer

[Snow angel]

Sounds great

[Coburg Crafts]

Yes, I'll be most interested.

[Jeff & Becky]

Would be interested! Thanks

[ajennodesigns]

Well I've done it, I've taken the plunge and booked a date for the first craft fair at The Galleries.

The date has been set for Saturday 6th June, we have space for approx 20 stall holders. There is no stall fee but instead the venue would like 20% of the sales revenue generated from each stall holder.

I am just putting the info packs and application form together so if your interested in booking then PM me (if you've already sent me your contact details then no need to send them again). Once the application form etc have been sent out the stalls will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

Jo

[greannancrafts]

Hi

I have to say 20% sounds a little steep - how would this be monitored?

Jane

[Snow angel]

Hi

I have to say 20% sounds a little steep - how would this be monitored?

Jane

I was thinking the same thing i dont always sell much on the day but do get orders from it after so on the day my sells wouldnt be very good and also how would you know people are telling the truth about what and how much the sell. I have done many craft fairs and i have always found this way of doing it never really works if a stall sells a lot and there next to someone that doesnt well it doesnt go down to well

[ajennodesigns]

Sorry to hear that you think 20% is quite high. You have to remember that The Mall Galleries is located within the centre of Broadmead, houses over 80 retail units. Broadmead itself has an average footfall (on a Saturday) of around 40,000. If you took £100 throughout the entire day then your fee to the Mall would be £20.

I understand what you are saying about two stall holders being next to each with one taking substantially more than the other thus meaning a higher fee but you have to think that whilst the stall holder who took less money may have to pay a smaller sum they also wont have generated as many sales. For example if two stall holders were next to each other and one took £100 and the other took £50. The one who took £100 would pay £20 and the one who took £50 would pay £10. At the end of the day the one who took £100 is better off because they still have £80 remaining from their takings whereas the one who took £50 only has £40. It depends on which way you look at it. Higher fee but more sales or lower fee and fewer sales?!

As for monitoring - When booking a stall all stall holders are agreeing to submit 20% of their sales revenue generated from takings on the day. There will be no way of confirming how much people have taken so we are hoping that people will be honest. I am looking into ways that we could ensure everyone pays what they are required but without turning into Big Brother and monitoring every stall holders move this could prove to be difficult.

Jo

[Jeff & Becky]

Have to say I with Jo on this one! Always like commissions based craft fairs - don't mind handing over lots of cash to the organiser if I make loads of cash, but nice to know I wont be out of pocket if the day's a flop (which I'm sure this one won't be!) I think the opportunity to have a stall in such a high visibility space such as this has got to be worth it!

Jeff

[Coburg Crafts]

Yes, totally with Jo and Jeff on this - to me, giving a percentage of your takings is a much better system - and fairer. This event has the potential to be a real winner.

[AJONES79]

The Mall

Hi,
Would really love to do this, what information do you need from me,
still trying to get around this site! the pitch price sounds ok too.

Amanda
Midsomer Craft

[tollykit]

Hi,

I would love to do this fair if you still need someone. Let me know what you need from me.

Elaine

[silvercatdesign]

Hi

I would like to take part also, is this going ahead? and what are the dates? please pm me with details when you know them
I handmake feminine pretty jewellery using freshwater pearls, crystals and gemstone. see silvercat design dot com for photos etc.

Thanks!
Laura

[colinrayner]

Interested

Hi,

I'm quite interested in doing this. I sell my own photographic prints, unframed and framed. Mostly landscapes and flowers. I already do a number of Art Markets and Craft events.

Can you let me have more details ?

Thanks,

Colin.