First Fair

[Quinn]

Ok... I must try to remain calm.... I have my first fair this weekend, it's a two day event and I haven't got a clue what to expect, I am so nervous that I have given myself a headache and an upset tummy. I have convinced myself that I have not got enough jewellery to last two days and then I backtrack and say "but nobody is going to buy my stuff anyway and everybody else's stuff is going to look really professional and mine is going to look like an infant school craft table!!"

I know that I have forgotten loads of practical stuff that I need, I'm sure my pricing is all wrong and my packaging looks shabby and basically I am panicking because I soooooo want this to go well.

Any tips or advice to ensure that things go smoothly?

[TizzyDizzy]

I recall seeing a thread here that had a checklist of things which you might find useful. Can't find it, but I am sure one of the regulars will have a link for you.

All I can say is be positive, smile and don't take it too seriously otherwise you will make yourself sick and put people off

Have fun and take pictures of the stall and let us know how you got on!

[jencel]

Good luck. Where is the fair?

[[email protected]]

First Fair!

Hi

I am no expert but have done a few fairs. I feel like this still before every single one! I am now more relaxed though when I am actually there and don't need to force a smile when someone approaches my table and makes eye contact with me. On my first few I was so scared I would be very nervous about talking to people! Surprise! Surprise! I didn't do too well! The only advice I would offer is try to relax and enjoy it. The more friendly you appear, the more likely you are to succeed! Sorry if I am stating the obvious just thought I could empathise with how you are feeling!

Good luck and hope it goes well!!

Jo x

[Quinn]

Thanks for your support, the fair is at Buxton Pavillions in Derbyshire, I foolishly googled the event and found a couple of exhibitors whose jewellery looks really professional and it knocked my confidence and made me feel like an unsophisticated country bumpkin. However I will try and put on my friendly face and pretend I know what I am doing..... now where are the nurofen?

and to stress me out even more....I have been in all day waiting for a parcel of last minute supplies and the postman just put a card through the door with my post saying "you weren't in " etc, very annoyed, the house has been silent all day and I even heard the postman put the letters through the door !!! And.... the card says I can't pick up the parcel until Saturday !!! grrr....

[zgirardot]

I did my first craft fair on Sunday, and like you I was really nervous. it went Ok, but the weather was awful and the organiser said it was the worst one this year..typical. But the other stallholders are really friendly and will give you all sorts of tips if you chat to them..the best one I found was to stand up as much as possible and say hello to everyone who comes over..some will speak, some won't, but just be friendly but not too pushy..mention the weather or something. Just enjoy it, I came away with loads of ideas and can't wait to go back in August. Good luck!!

[jinja jewellery]

I've done a few now I'm always really nervous before but my biggest worry is usually finding the place, once there I find the setting up very calming. All the fellow crafters i've met have been lovely and very supportive.
Even if you have a bad day sales wise I can guarantee you'll learn something so take that as a postive.
Also ignore any negative comments customers might say they do come out with some rubbish
Have fun and have a bottle of wine waiting for you at home you'll be shattered by the end of the day!

Good Luck

[Meljov5]

look on it as a day out the first time where you get to talk to fellow crafters and then it does seem so scary! Its true that you will soon learn where you went wrong and that you forgot some things but you will also learn the things that have gone well and can use what you have learnt for the next one. Dont stress!!
That said I am up til about 2am before each of mine trying to make just one more card in case thats the one I should have made ha ha!
Have a good time and let us know how it went, thinking about you!!

[itsamistry]

I'll be there to so pop over and say hello. Its always nice to see a friendly face (even though we've not met yet).

[Quinn]

that's fantastic Anita, I am so pleased that there is going to be friendly face. Have you been there before? Its the last weekend of the Buxton Festival so hopefully it will be quite busy...fingers crossed.

Thanks to everyone, I'm so glad that it isn't just me that gets nervous about these sort of things.

[itsamistry]

I've not done this one before but I am sure it will be busy. However that doesn't mean that people will want to buy so just keep that in mind and treat it as a networking event. Make sure you bring your business cards or leaflets with your contact/website details on so that you can hand them out to people who stop and look.

You'll recognise me straight away as I will probably be the only Indian there .

[[email protected]]

First fair!

Hi

Just seen your pics on your profile! You're jewellery is gorgeous!! I'm sure you have nothing to worry about! It looks every bit as good as anything else I've seen and probably better than a lot of stuff! One tip is to make sure that everyone knows it is made by you in this country! There are quite a few "crafters" out there who claim the stuff is handmade but it's imported rubbish! I've learnt that by really pushing this aspect with my jewellery I get a much more positive response!

Good luck!

Jo x

[Katianne]

I agree, your jewellery is stunning! All the best for the weekend and let us know how you get on

[C Hupfield Ceramics]

You've still got today for all last minute preparations!

Here's a great checklist by Laura aka Fluffy Squirrel, it really helped me so I hope it helps you too!

http://eljay1980.wordpress.com/2009/...ir-essentials/

Good luck

[Quinn]

Thanks everyone for your advice, just two more things, do you need a receipt book ( I haven't got one !) and how much float would you say would be appropriate, all my items are rounded up to the pound, at the moment I have £50 in £1 coins and £30 in £5 pound notes, do you think that is ok?

Thanks