Your First Craft Fair
We have done a number of craft markets and fairs, and each is so different. We have definitely experienced those moment where you walk in and you are like "Oh no, I forgot _____". So, I figured I would put together a list of things we wish we would have known before our first craft fair. Hopefully it might help you think of something you may not have before.
Do your research
We have done a number of craft fairs, and to be honest this can be tricky. We did one show where they said they had 300 people normally come through, yet when the sunny day came ... foot traffic was incredibly slow. I would recommend you doing some research of your craft fair, and if it is an annual fair check out photos on Facebook from the previous year. Often times that can help you get an idea of what the event and turnout looked like. If you know someone who did a show a previous year, definitely ask them too!
Bring a pal
I was blessed because David is a great salesman. He is so good with people and can talk with them and bring them in, while I am helping a customer or keeping track of the logistics side. You definitely can go solo, but it helps when you don't have to be doing everything yourself. And, it is just more fun!
NETWORK WITH OTHER VENDORS
At every show I am so surprised at how many of my products are bought by other vendors! People will walk around as you are setting up, so don't be afraid to set something aside for them or make a sale before the show starts! Not only do the other vendors buy products, but it is so fun to collaborate and connect with other creators. Often times they have blogs as well where you can follow along, and if you are in the same area you may seem them again at another show. Connect with them on social media, because collaborations are so huge now you may even do a styled shoot or giveaway together! Who knows!
Price point
Decide beforehand your pricing approach. We have gone 2 ways.
High prices: Pricing your items at a more expensive price can be beneficial as it gives them a sophisticated look and, well, you make a lot more when you sell a product! However, you will need endurance during the long days because you will be selling the "quality" few over the quantity of a lot of products. At some of our craft fairs, I didn't have a lot of product so this was helpful because we didn't run out of product too fast!
Low prices: You won't be making as much profit on each of your items, but customers probably may be more likely to buy stuff. And that might mean more sales. Our first fair we priced some products at a low price and found that suddenly a large majority of the crowd at the fair was carrying our large wood signs. Other people saw people carrying them, they asked them where they got it... and it brought more people to our booth. We sold out of products that show. However, it left me with a low stock so you will just have to make the call!
A STUNNING Display
This might be because I am a marketing major, but how you display your pieces is a huge part of your brand. We love using vintage pieces to accent our products. But be careful, because customers will often ask if the display is for sale! (But hey, for you maybe the price point would be right).
COMFY SHOES
It may sound silly, but these days can belong. I always like to dress cute, but do prepare! If it is cold out, make sure to bring sweaters and layers. If you are going to be standing a lot, I recommend getting supportive shoes. I would definitely encourage you to bring water/coffee and everything you need to make sure you are powering through the long day!
BRANDING
As you see in the photo above, I wear stripes to a lot of shows. In my logo there is an icon of me in a hat and a striped shirt. It may sound silly, but people would pick up my card and say "Hey, its you!" And to me, that meant I did something right. People will be looking through so many booths, so to stand out you want to make your brand evident. Display can be a big piece of this. People will remember your products, but they also can remember how you display them. Not to mention, they are interested in knowing the creator behind the product. Make sure your interactions match your brand!
Checklist.
Did you remember pens? Tape? Spare change? Our first show, we totally forgot to get change until the night before, and it was an absolute mad house trying to run to the bank the night before and figure out how many bills to get! Lucky for you endeavorer, I designed a little checklist to help you along! Of course, you have to cater it to your event, what season you are in, what your venue provides, and what products you are selling, but hopefully it might help a little!
So maybe you knew a lot of that, but maybe it helped you think of something new. If you have any advice you can think of, or if you think of anything additional I would love to hear about it! Good luck endeavorer!
XOXO