The Things I've Learned About Craft Fairs

Hey all, Emma here with some tips I learned by doing 8 craft fairs this summer. Some will be common sense, some might surprise you. Here are my "Craft Fair Cliffs Notes" for 2010.

1). Shocker here! The best and busiest season for craft fairs isn't the summer (like I thought it'd be) - it's the AUTUMN! As in RIGHT NOW! You may be too late to get into the big fairs this year, but lots of local ones keep accepting applications right up to the date, and even have waiting lists in case someone cancels last minute. At the very least, go to some fairs this fall, and take a notebook. Note what spots at the fair have the best traffic, what kind of crowd is in attendance (is it mostly families with little ones, older folks, teens, etc), and what the weather is like so you can prepare for next year.

2) While this should be common sense - I didn't do this well. RESEARCH what the craft fair is like. How many people attend each year approximately? (That's the ONLY question I remembered to ask). How many years has the fair run, is it a longstanding tradition in that area, or is this it's first year? Is it handmade items only - or is it also an antiques market? What I most importantly forgot - WHO ELSE WILL BE THERE vending - specifically - how many other vendors with your type of product (for me, jewelry, which, I'll say is particularly cut throat). Are companies allowed (say, like Lia Sophia)? All these factors will help you determine if that vending fee is worth it.

I asked the HMGG's Facebook fans to show us their set-ups. It looks like Beantown Handmade may have done this before!

3) The best investment I ever made for vending in general was a canopy (mine is an entry level EZ-Up) and a lightweight, plastic, folds in half table. If you are going to these events by yourself, do not underestimate how hard trudging across a field carrying your stuff is. A light table will make a big difference over a huge plywood folding table. And the canopy? Saved me in rain (yes, it rained during one of my fairs, ugh) and blistering sun. It also gives your set up a much bigger "presence." Eye catching is the key.

4) Which brings me to your set up. A professional "look" will do wonders bringing people over. Make it cohesive, work your branding, have signage, and let the product speak for itself. Too many props will confuse the buyers, a totally plain table with just product looks "flea markety" - keep your set up decluttered but not so fussy that no one wants to touch your stuff. And SMILE! No matter how nice your product and professional your set up - if you're a grumpy puss, no one will approach you!

Look how eye catching and inviting To Boldy Fold's chalk message is! What a creative idea!

5) Once you figure out your look - I suggest a practice set up. Even just once. I? Did not practice...so I learned how to put together my canopy, and how I was going to exactly lay out each pendant...the first time at my first fair. It took me just over 90 min to set up that first time. Which brings me...

6) ...to giving yourself plenty of EXTRA time that first fair. It will take you longer than you think that first set up. It's ok - don't get frustrated. But especially if you are on your own - you will need to stop occasionally and step back to check how things look or line up. Eventually - you will get better and faster at setting up - I can do a whole set up now - from canopy to straightening my pendants in just under 30 minutes now.

Here's a photo from my first fair, this took me an hour and a half!

7) Here's a good one to know as well. You've packed everything up, checked your list twice, and you are on your way! Bet in all the selling excitement you forgot yourself - 2 pm is a long ways away at 11 am when your stomach starts growling. Bring a snack, or lunch if it's a longer fair. Yes, fairs often have food vendors, but who wants to spend money while trying to make it? And bring yourself a bottle of water, especially if it's supposed to be hot that day - as many late summer/early fall fairs are.

8) This was the shocker for me that I totally didn't expect. Craft fairs? Are not REALLY about the sales. Honestly, the money I made from all the fairs, after the work I spent building a big enough stock to warrant a table, paying the vendors fee, buying my canopy and table, paying for signage, and gas to drive (sometimes well over an hour away each direction) - wasn't phenomenal. But you know what? Craft fairs aren't about the money made that day. It's about networking, getting your business cards into people's hands, your smile into people's memory, and your product displayed in front of prospective future customers and shop owners, I've made some lovely after-fair sales AND wholesale contacts even when the event moolah was dismal.

Here's a lovely display by My Little Chickadee Creations

9) Because sometimes you don't make great money, heck, sometimes you are lucky to break EVEN on your fee - you are probably going to feel blue after the fair. I know I felt some "post fair" blahs. Don't give in. Get back to your creating, get on the computer and email the people who's info you got, and keep plugging away. It wasn't your fault, and it's not your product - you're doing fantastic, so don't get discouraged!

10) Lastly, afterward, give yourself time to recuperate. Typically 1 day fairs are held on Saturday. If you don't work Sundays, give yourself permission to lounge around in your PJ's or take a bath, or go shopping or hike with the dog if that's what unwinds and re-energizes you. Craft fairs, even small ones, take loads of planning, are physically exhausting, require lots of customer service smiling chatter, and can sometimes can leave you feeling low the next day. Those who don't vend, don't know - so don't make plans for Sunday with your in-laws. Instead, spend that next day doing what you love. Probably - more crafting!

Here's a view from Louise Price Designs' table at a school open day.