Talking about craft fairs...

For the last year and a half I have been doing lots of craft fairs. Any kind of craft fair you can imagine, the tiny ones (only 5 or 6 artists in a very small place), the big and very well known ones, the new ones, the just started ones, outside, inside, during any season and time of the year, successful ones, crappy ones, you name it! I have even sold in a public square below a mountain in Montreal where people gather on Sundays to play drums and have a lovely day outside and where a bunch of artists and hippies sell their stuff on the ground. After all this I can proudly say I can tell you I have learned a thing or two on this topic and I would love to share it with you.

First of all I would suggest you do your research right. There is a bunch of information you have to consider before doing a craft fair and these are some points I think are important:

1. Is it a well known fair or is it new?

2. What kind of crowd attends this fair?

3. How much is it?

4. Location

5. Indoors or outdoors (both have their complexities)

6. When is it?

1. Is it a well known fair of is it new?

I have done both and even though I have had pleasant surprises with new craft fairs, I have also had bad ones. For example; the location was not as good as promised or no one knew about it so there were no clients at all! A well known craft fair or design fair has gained its reputation over the years by making things right, buy choosing their vendors right, by choosing a good location and a good time to make their event and also by doing a good advertisement of it. A good and successful craft fair will be able to provide you with photos of previous events and you can even ask other artists who participated on it about their experience. Do your research!

2. What kind of crowd attends this craft fair?

This is very important because if you go to an event with the wrong crowd you`ll have no sales. Do you know which kind of people appreciate and buy your work? Age, gender, profession, background, etc...

3. How much is it?

Some craft fairs are less expensive than others. Make a budget that includes the cost of the fair, transportation expenses, your display and your packaging supplies before making a decision to participate. To have a successful event you`ll have to make profit after paying all this previous expenses, so if you have never done a craft fair start with an affordable option so you can have the experience and see how it goes.

4. Location

For people like me with no car and living in a city where taxis are super expensive this is very important. I usually pack everything on a big (rather huge) suitcase and go like a gypsy carrying this and another big bag on the metro and buses, not the most gracious way to go around but I deal with it and save myself some money, sometimes one of my friends would be super kind with me and drive me to the fair (and I would be so happy when that happens). If you have a car (lucky you) check the parking options beforehand, you don`t want to be going around for 30 min. looking for a parking place when you have to set up your table by 11am!!! Location is also a good indicator of what kind of crowd will attend. Check if there is an ATM nearby, must of the times only cash is accepted in this events and sometimes clients don`t have enough so this could help your sales.

5. Indoors or outdoors (both have their complexities)

I usually prefer indoor fairs because I don`t have to deal with rain or wind (I`ve found myself hanging from a tent trying to stop it from flying away!) This also depends on your work. In both cases make sure what is going to be provided to you: table (check the size), chairs, a tent (for an out door event), wall space, rack space, electricity, etc... In my case I try to get wall space to display my cards hanging from a thread but in some places you cannot nail things on the wall so take this in consideration).

6. When is it?

There are craft fairs all year long. Best ones of course happen at the end of the year due to all the gift giving frenzy, but depending where you live, there are some other times of the year that are excellent or maybe not that good for doing a craft fair. For example, here in Montreal everyone goes out for the summer and I discover this while having 3 very bad craft fairs last summer. I just could not understand why I was not selling at all until someone explained this fact to me so now I will not do summer fairs.

Once you have decided to participate in a craft fair you have to plan many things. What are you going to sell, do you have stock or you need to prepare for it?, how are you going to display your work?, price tags, packaging, business cards, etc... I always take some tools to repair any of my dolls or jewelry in case something happens to them and I make sure to have enough change. Remember, you are going to be there for many hours so the least you want to be is hungry, bored or uncomfortable, take water, a yummy lunch and a book or whatever you can do while being there that will entertain you. Oh oh oh and do charge your cell phone before going, you want to be able to make a call in case... well, in case you need to!

In my opinion craft fairs are an excellent opportunity to show your work in a different way and to meet your clientele in person. It makes me happy to see the smiles of people faces when they see my work and I have met wonderful people and even made some good friends doing craft fairs. Even in the events where I have had very little profit I have gained something or learned something so I have never had regrets. Some of the retailers that sale my work have met me in a craft fair and some of the customers that knew me in a craft fair have looked for me later on to buy a doll or something. You never know!!!

My last advice would be to attend a craft fair yourself, specially one that you would like to participate as a vendor. Go and spend some time there, look at the crowd and get some ideas for your display from other vendors, ask questions, get the feeling of it! This will give you a very good perspective of the event itself and then you can go ahead and try it!

Good luck!!!

Photos: Alícia Roselló

Craft Fairs 101 - Part 3

(photo of Pie Bird Press and Honeylux from Renegade)

Part three of Craft Fairs 101 will cover some things to consider for the day of the fair, as well as a few more photos of beautiful displays. Things can get pretty hectic the day of a craft fair, especially if it's your first, so it's good to have a checklist.


(Craft fair photos from Unique LA)

A short list of things to remember on the day of the fair:

* Lots of inventory! An inventory list comes in handy, too.
* Tables, and enough chairs for everyone planning to work in the booth
* Sales displays
* Tablecloths
* Signage
* Plenty of cash change, and a money holder (box or belt)
* Credit card processing device
* Promotional items (business cards, pins, postcards, etc.)
* Calculator/receipts
* Bags, boxes, tissue, for packaging sold items
* Booth helper (someone to let you take a break!)
* Wet naps/purell
* Snacks and/or lunch, plenty of water


(photo of Bird Mafia from Renegade)

Big events like craft fairs can be very taxing on your body and your voice. Keep in mind that you'll want to take a few breaks during the day, to have a snack, or just to walk around the rest of the fair. You may want to ask a friend or family member who knows your work to help you run your booth, so that you'll have opportunities to take breaks and relax a little. Having a booth helper means you won't accidentally get caught shoving a sandwich in your mouth by a customer ready to buy your merchandise... no one wants crumbs on their purchase.


(book fair photo from Lena Corwin)

Many shoppers will want to chat with you about your work, but many will also want to shop in peace. It can take a while to learn the art of body language and subtle social cues, but it's always smart to look available for your customers, in case they have a question. This means staying off of your phone, computer, etc, and smiling as people walk by your booth.


(photo of Love, Daniela from Renegade)

You will certainly encounter many people who are eager to compliment your work, but don't let the occasional negative comment get you down. We've all been there, someone makes an off-hand remark like, "This is overpriced," and you grit your teeth. Try to take these comments in stride, and use it as a moment to educate your shoppers. Perhaps remind them, "My work is all one of a kind, and made entirely by hand." Of course, you can always choose to just ignore naysayers, but I've turned a few skeptics into customers after educating them about my materials and methods, and the benefits of buying handmade.


(photo of Krank Press from Renegade)

It's a good idea to introduce yourself to your booth neighbors, and to be as courteous as possible to other vendors during the show. Manners matter, and a good impression goes a long way towards getting you accepted into the fair next time. Craft fairs can be draining, and it's easy to get crabby after a day or two of non-stop work. Keep in mind that the connections you make at a single fair can set up months of future sales, that should keep you feeling upbeat!

Most of all, have fun! Participating in craft fairs is a great way to expand your business, and to meet your target customers in person. It's a fabulous opportunity to make professional and personal connections, so enjoy the experience!

Craft Fairs 101 - Part 2

(Above: Oh Hello Friend)

When you are preparing for a craft fair, it is easy to get caught up in just making enough stock to sell! However, a thoughtful display will help you sell your work by drawing customers in, and showcasing your beautiful designs.


(Photo of Urban Heirloom by Oh Hello Friend)

It’s important to consider how you will get to the fair, and what the conditions will be like when you arrive. Consider how much you can fit in your car or suitcases, and keep those space restrictions in mind while you design your displays. There’s nothing worse than spending days creating a beautiful display element, then realizing the day of the event that it won’t fit in the car. Try to visualize the size of your booth by marking off space in your living room, so you can better predict how you can organize your space once you get there. Will you event be outdoors or indoors? Will you be under a canopy, or will you be in full sun? Lots to think about, location wise.


(Photo of Something's Hiding in Here, by parallelbotany)


(Photo of Tugboat Printshop and Spin Spin)

Once you’ve accounted for the location conditions, the best thing to think about while designing your booth space is the mood you want to create when customers visit your booth. For example, if your company is focused on eco-friendly handmade items, perhaps you’ll want to use a natural linen tablecloth, or display plants to reinforce the eco themes. Think about how you can brand your space, the same way you’ve branded your packaging or your business card. As always, think creatively about how you can use materials and items you may already own, or even recycled materials, in creating your displays.


(photo by Amy Stocklein)

One great way to maximize your booth space is to think vertically, not just horizontally. How can you build up your booth to have multiple eye-lines, or to create more visual interest? Many sellers use risers or small shelves on their tables, to help draw customers’ eyes, and to be able to display more items. Try to visualize how your booth will look when it is filled with customers. Will passers-by be able to see your signage or items when people are standing in front of it?


(Photo of Lulu Dee's booth by Margaret of Paper Pastries)

Clear signage can be a big help to shoppers, especially shy customers. Not everyone will want to engage with you about prices or materials, so it is important to have all vital information clearly displayed. Try to share vital information through signs: is everything in your booth made locally? Do you donate any proceeds to charity? Do you take credit cards? Having this info available without having to ask can allow customers to shop without worrying about having to feel awkward.

After you’ve designed the displays, you may want to consider where you will keep extra merchandise that won’t fit on the table. As items sell throughout the day, you’ll want to replenish your stocks. You want your displays to look full, but not overflowing. Don’t pack your tables so full that customers risk toppling items onto the ground. You’ll want to find a way to keep extra merchandise safe and clean, and your personal belongings (purse, lunch, etc) out of sight.


(Photos from the National Stationary Show 2011 by Fugu Fugu Press)

The most important thing to consider is the overall experience customers will have when shopping in your booth. Think of the craft fair as your opportunity to have a tiny retail store; how would you treat your customers if they were entering a brick and mortar store for the first time? Try to make shopping at your booth as fun and comfortable as possible, and you’ll find that during the show you can concentrate on meeting your customers, and enjoying the process of sharing your work in person.

Up next: Part 3 of Craft Fair 101, things to consider for the day of the craft fair!

Craft Fairs 101 - Part 1

(above: thousands of visitors at Renegade Craft Fair)

As the summer craft fair season gets into full swing, the time seems right to talk about selling your goods in person, and bringing your Etsy magic into the real world. This is part one in a series of three posts about how and why to participate in craft fairs, art and gift shows.

First off, some great reasons to participate in a craft fair:

1. Extra income! Many artisans like to do craft fairs throughout the year to supplement their income, or just as a regular paycheck. Some people even tour the country during the year, participating in large craft fairs many months out of the year.

2. Local exposure! Craft fairs can be a great way to attract local buyers. Even if shoppers don't purchase from you on the day of the fair, many people will grab your business card, and perhaps make a purchase from you at a later date. The added online traffic after the fair can be just as profitable as the sales you make the day of the fair.

3. Additional promotional opportunities! Many bloggers and magazine editors visit craft fairs to discover up-and-coming designers. A feature on a well-read blog or popular magazine can be an invaluable boost to your business.

4. New wholesale accounts! Buyers for many local businesses often come to craft fairs to scout for new merchandise for their stores. This can mean new sources of income, as well as more exposure for your business.

5. Networking with others in your field! Craft fairs are a great place to meet other artists and craftspeople. At a busy fair you can make connections with tons of new people, both customers and potential collaborators and mentors. Perhaps you'll meet a gallery owner who'd like to show your work, or another artisan who you can collaborate with on a new project.


(just a few of the many craft fairs you could participate in!)

While participating in craft fairs can be a bit daunting at first, a little planning can make things much easier. First, do some research about what fairs might attract your target market. It's important to find a fair that will attract both a good number of attendees, and advertise to your target market. You may want to start with craft fairs in your town, but it may pay off to look for larger fairs that you can travel to easily that are a little further away.

Think about how much you'd have to sell to break even, after considering booth fees and setup costs (renting tables, buying display elements, paying for travel, etc.) It can be a bit of an investment to begin doing craft shows, but these added costs can pay off big time if you find a show that is suited to your wares. Be practical about what you can afford for your first fair, and once you've considered all the costs involved, apply to a show! Many craft fairs are juried months in advance, so keep that in mind as you plan for upcoming craft fair seasons.

Next up in this Craft Fairs 101 series: You've been accepted, now to plan your craft fair booth! Lots of tips about how to display your awesome goods, coming soon.