Craft Fair Tips - Part 1
Introduction
aving dropped in on various craft chat rooms and message boards, I realise that there are many questions that new crafters are asking about displaying and selling at craft fairs so I thought that I would just jot down a few things that might be of help to you new people and might even be of interest to all you well established ones too! If I don’t answer your questions in this article please email and ask or post a message on the board! I will then email you back and also include the answer in the next installment!
Where can I start selling and how do I find out about craft fairs?
Start small and work up seems sensible advice. Do not throw yourself in at the deep end with a big fair that cost lots etc. That tends to put you off then you won’t want to continue. Try some school events or village events first. That way you will be able to practice different displays, will see what is selling for other people too, learn what the public do and don’t like about your work. Lots of shows are locally advertised or approach your local school fund raising committee. Once you have done one you often get invited back either later in the year or the next year. Stall holders on the whole are nice people, chat with them, ask them anything you are worried about. Lots will even share their fair dates list if you ask them. They will also tell you how they did last time as against this time and whether they would bother with it again.
How much should I be expecting to pay for a stall?
It really depends on the venue and the length of time you will have to be there. A school event often will be about £5 for a 6ft table, a village hall can be £10 upwards for the same space. A larger event can start at £20 but to start off with I would not pay more than £30 per event. Personally I like the ones that ask for £5 or 10% of your sales, which ever is the largest, so if you have a bad day it doesn’t seem so hard to cover your table money. Some organisers will also ask you for a raffle prize – but not all, so don’t panic!
his may sound a little basic, but really common sense is all you need here. Make it as attractive as possible. Have a cloth that will cover your table floor to floor each end and also to the floor at the front. That way you can hide all your boxes and clutter away under your stall. I suggest it goes to the floor at the ends too as it can look really tatty if you are at the end of a row and all your junk can be seen! Personally I have a cloth which is long enough to cover two tables as I often need that amount of space, I just fold it in half when not needed. But it is also useful when the stall holder next to you fails to turn up as you can then just expand and still look professional.
Actually professionalism is everything. I always feel that you should always present yourself and your wares in the best way possible. In this day of computers there is no need for tatty hand written signs when a quick blast on the computer can provide you with clear and attractive signs and price tickets. If you have access to a laminator they will also last a very long time. Remember that no matter how often Mum says "don’t touch", kids will! So put any breakable items towards the back and as stable a place as possible. Remember that you will be reaching over your stall, so don’t put them where you will knock them either! Small items at the front are also what kids like so if they are easily damaged move them back a bit. You also have to keep your eyes peeled for those small items disappearing! Try to get some height into your display. Cover some boxes with the same fabric as your table cloth or get some small shelves instead – but remember that you will have to transport these so try to get ones that pack flat if possible.
I think that might be enough information for the moment!! The next installment will tackle the actual selling prices and what happens at a show. I hope this has answered some questions for you.
Jude