There was a time that my life was all about the craft fair. If I wasn’t selling at one, I was attending one, or working one. It was rough, but I learned a lot about a lot of things. Today, I’m passing on some of my best craft show tips to you.
If done correctly, craft shows can be really lucrative. I know more than one person that paid their way through college, or put their kids through college, doing craft fairs. (*cough*) Here are a few tips and tricks to make this craft show season a successful one.
Great Craft Show Tips that You May Not Think About
Displays.
No one wants to pay for something if it’s just thrown about in a junk heap. Your items have worth, treat them as such. One of the best craft show tips is that well displayed items not only sell better, but they can bring a higher price. That’s more money in your pocket.
Table covers.
Sure, you can invest in expensive table covers, but I’ve always purchased a twin or full size flat sheet and used that. I choose a color that coordinates with my branding, and showcases my items the best. Personally, I’ve almost always gone with black, as it also hides dirt and debris.
Your emergency kit.
Mine includes scissors, paper, tape, bandaids, ballpoint pens, sharpies, safety pins, lotion, soap, and tp. Because you never know what the conditions will be like, and it’s always best to be prepared for a craft show.
The Setup
Make sure you know what the setup is going to be. This is probably the most important craft show tip someone can give you. Is the event going to provide tables? Chairs? Electricity? Is it inside or outdoors? More than once, I’ve had to make an emergency run to the store to get a chair or a table. If the venue is providing electricity, how? Is there an outlet nearby or is it an extension cord that’s being run across the hall?
The Audience
If the crowd of the show is there to ride rides, you don’t necessarily want to bring giant hand painted wooden signs. If the show is at a church, parishoners are usually there to support the church, and I find items in the $10 range sell really well. Likewise, if the craft show is in a venue hall that people have to pay to attend, they’re usually serious about buying, and will spend larger amounts.
Bring Plenty of Change
Believe it or not, people do still use cash! Especially at craft fairs where they’re not sure people will have the ability to take credit cards, or they may be a little uncomfortable handing over their plastic. Bring plenty of dollar bills and some coinage. I usually do 20 ones, 50 in 5s, and a couple 20s.
Have a Manual Way to Accept Credit Cards
If you can accept credit cards, have a manual way to take them. Your cell reception may be spotty, or non existant. Having a good ol fashioned knucklebuster where you can key the card info in later can save a sale. I don’t worry about losing out, either. In all my years of doing craft shows, I think I’ve had 2 credit cards that were declined later.
Last, but not least – remember to bring your stuff! All the preparation in the world means diddly squat if you don’t have anything to sell. While this has never happened to me, it did happen to a friend of mine. Don’t be her!!