Articles
How To Earn More Money at Small Arts and Crafts Festivals? | March 2016 |
Image Courtsey: Stuart Spivack / Flickr.com
Many artists, looking to make some money while doing what they love doing, rely on arts and crafts festivals for their livelihood. While some artists only want to make some extra cash for the holidays, others make a full-time income selling their crafts at these events.
When choosing which festivals to attend and to make an investment in, artists are often unsure which one is better: a big event or a small show. Big events offer bigger traffic, which can, in turn, mean more sales. However, small events have advantages too.
There really is no surefire way to know which type of event (small or big) will increase your bottom line more, because many factors need to be considered –the type of event, the amount of people expected to attend, what you’re selling, and how you’re pricing your crafts.
Small arts and crafts festivals often have the advantage of being lower priced, so you can probably get a booth for a fraction of the price of big events. This is especially beneficial if you won’t have to drive a great distance to get to the show.
In order to earn more money at small arts and crafts events where less people are expected to show up, you will most likely have to rely on your interpersonal skills to make sales. This means that you have an opportunity at small events to share your story with the visitors on a more intimate level. Since there is less traffic, you can take the time to actually make a friend with each person that stops at your booth and encourage them to buy. If you make a good connection, they may even tell their friends and family about you.
Another tip is to make sure your products are priced correctly. You may have to be part of a few small festivals to find out what’s your best price point, but with each, you will find your sweet spot. Consider it an investment in your business. The more shows you attend, the more experience you will gain, and the more you will sharpen up your sales proposition.
Also, be sure to have business cards or flyers available at all times. If you don’t make many sales at the small arts and crafts event, you may make future sales by staying in touch with those who stop by your booth. Building a newsletter list and asking visitors to follow you on Facebook and Instagram is also a great idea. Focus on not only selling but also on building a fan base. This can be even more valuable than the sale itself.
Comments
Good info.
By Bruce w. Long on March 2, 2016
Please tell me where to find these smaller fairs etc.
By Lucille Adames on March 2, 2016
I would like to find out more about the smaller festivals even though I do attend the larger one as well. I am still trying to find tune my shows to see what fits me best. I am depending on you helping me discover this. Thank you very much
My phone 8652532989
By Mary Gail Gallaher on March 4, 2016
Looking for some smaller festivals in May in Western MA
I live in W. Spfld
By Arline Ely on March 6, 2016
looking for small craft events in the San Francisco Bay area
By Gwendolyn Morgan on March 7, 2016
I looking for a fair in Maryland the Friday, May 6 and Sat May 7th. I;m look to sale my crafts for Mother’s Day.
Thank you!
By Renee Coates on March 21, 2016
Looking for small craft fairs in the Nampa, Idaho area. Thanks, Linda Wolfe
By msrainylady on March 22, 2016
Can you sell food items? Do you charge tax? In Texas
Thanks
By CandyRosesFromTexas on March 23, 2016
I am looking for the smaller fairs in my area ( Orange & Rockland Counties) in New York. Where is the best place to find them?
By Barbara McIntosh on April 7, 2016
I am looking for small or larger craft fairs in the Sacramento/San Francisco area
By David Booker on April 20, 2016
Very informative. I wish fairs and festivals had share buttons, I would love share these things other crafter’s and friends on different websites.
Thanks for sharing.
By b & b happy craft shop on April 24, 2016
I am look for smaller ir largue craft fairs in The NC , NS, end June a do the years
Thanks!
Elizabete
By Elizabete Roselli on May 4, 2016
Hi I"m a airbrush artist and I need some info about rent space in the art festivals but my art is most visual I airbrush anything but in art shows we do many T shirts, I need electrical outlets for my compressor is that a problem? Please advice ,thank you
Julio Sapere
By Julio Sapere on May 4, 2016
Id love to know more about smaller craft fairs in temecula ca and murrieta ca. Id love to get more info/requirements how to participate. Thank you. ??????????
By Cece Smith on May 7, 2016
I sell handbags and Jewelry looking to sell my products. I looking sell bro ward and palm beach county
By Marlene on May 26, 2016
What does shortlisted meen?
By DnBworkshop on June 4, 2016
I am looking for art festivals in Connecticut time and please please help
By Noe alicea on June 20, 2016
I just moved to South Carolina and know little about the area. I would like to start selling at small craft fairs. I create jewelry and hand made items. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
By Rita Sassone on July 14, 2016
I make a product that I would like to sell at a craft fair. I live in victorville, ca area but would be willing to travel short distances. I’ve tried ebay and etsy to no avail. I don’t know how to get started. But would like to get it going.
By Trish on August 1, 2016
Where do I find prices for booth space
By Kenyatta on August 5, 2016
How do I become a vendor in the fairs and festivals in Louisiana.
Business:
Aroma Flame Candles
225-960-2219
By Byron Alexander on August 6, 2016
Looking anywhere I can sell my licensed sports items .
I am a vendor and need places to go that have a 20 by 20 spot .
I have a site on Facebook that calls Jens markdown page .
Please contact me there or at y e mail at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thank you in advance
By Jennifer on August 25, 2016
I am looking for reasonable priced booth at Craft and Bazaar events. Also interested in Fund Raisers. I live in Springfield, Illinois. Will consider up to 100 miles.
By Carol Boyce on August 27, 2016
Looking for a crafts shows and Antique show..
PLease message me
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thank you.
By MALONELYN@YAHOO.COM on September 20, 2016
Hi! I’m looking for some fairs to get into and how to start up my business
By Stephanie on September 29, 2016
i would love to get into more craft and art shows but in order to get into the good ones you have to fork over over $100 and more dollars. I would have to sell a good third of my supplies just to break even.
By estella on October 3, 2016
how can I find small fair in the surroundings of San Bernardino CA 92404
I am new in the craft business and would like some guidance
Thabks
By Rocio Wright on October 15, 2016
looking to sell baked goods wreaths stockings
By sylvia molfetta on November 5, 2016
I’ve been doing craft shows for over 40 years and need to do some new shows as I feel I have exhausted the current market of craft shows that I’ve been in both in Oct, Nov & Dec. I need more exposure. I do not own a tent and therefore look for indoor shows. Of course my limit in miles from our home is 50 miles. I look forward to your newsletters. I just signed up.
By Fran Dougherty on January 13, 2017
I am looking for indoor shows in and around Zephyrhills, Fl. Phone #207-323-5895
By Henna Smith on January 25, 2017
I am new to this but I have great products hand made to sell. I live in a great little college town but don’t have the experience or money to compete with the big dogs.
I live in Charlottesville Va which has a lot of little events and craft fair type things but I can’t seem to find any information before hand to get a chance to get involved to sell.
Can anybody help me out?
By Shelly Williams on January 28, 2017
Love the info. I would love to know about small event in western Iowa. Thank you
By Donelle Katzenberger on February 3, 2017
I would like info on small craft fairs and festivals in South Georgia
By Brenda Underwood on February 12, 2017
Would like info on craft fairs in the Mid-Hudson valley in New York Thank You.
By Debra J Brooks on March 11, 2017
Hi, My name is Teresa Keith
I am looking for craft vendor festivals & fairs large and small in the South Central
part of Pa or the Northern part of MD. My phone number is 814-330-0851 and my email is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). I appreciate any help I can get.
By Sparkling Sensations on May 10, 2017
Looking for craft shows in Tucson or Phoenix. I do scroll work.
By Jerry Culver on May 27, 2017
I am looking for events that I can showcase my homemade organic,vegan, vegetarian snacks in Phoenix or Sedona.
By Kathi Bobbitt on June 26, 2017
how much is it to purchase a booth there
By robin jackson on July 19, 2017
Hello,
I am reacquainting myself with the arts & crafts festivals after being away from for the last two years. I am looking for events to start for the Harvest Season on through the Holidays. Do you think you could help me find something. I live in the city of Sacramento, California.
By Rose Dougherty on August 6, 2017
I do all kinds of knitting and crochets crafts. I would like to get information on where there are arts & crafts fairs that carry these items. I live on the Gulf Coast in Mississippi. Thank you for your help.
By Anna M Smith on August 8, 2017
Looking for smaller craft fairs in Western Massachusetts. I live in Western Massachusetts, in Westfield
By Shelly Suslik on September 8, 2017
It’s occurs to me I may need to find a venue more open+ accepting to my creations of shabby chique/vintage open-frame crosses. I love making them+ they are all one of-a-kind+quality-made from upcycled frames. I like smallish shows but have done a large one. My heart says continue to create+ I want them to be enjoyed by others! Suggestions Please. Cedar Rapids, Ia.+ Locations within 25 miles would be great. Thanx?muchly
By Nancy on September 28, 2017
I would like to have information about the upcoming Arts and Crafts Shows near me at 30039 within 50 miles radius. Please contact about my request. Thank you in advance!
By RSC BAGS UNLIMITED on October 2, 2017
Hi, I would like to be on a mailing list or e-mail to advise when there will be small & large craft fairs and festivals in the Portland, Oregon area. I sell Jewelry and Photo cards.
Thank you.
Marcia Elaine Designs
By mkscsl on October 4, 2017
I would like some information about local craft fairs and shows I live in Lexington VA area, so could you please direct me in the direction of where I need to go to get some listings and contact information on some shows please
By Penny Boyd on November 8, 2017
Am interested in small craft fairs or any that have low admission prices. Been trying to sell 18” doll clothes well made by me including dresses and hand knit sweaterd. I know there is a market…just can’t find it. Lower Brevard county in Florida.
By Marion on November 29, 2017
Hi my name is Rhonda and I am interested in showing my crafts of all kinds and need help getting signed up them.I would love a list of events in Peoria, Illinois area or around a 50 mile radius. Thanks
By Rhonda Turner on December 2, 2017
I would like to know where is a small craft show in Decembrie 2017 my zip code is 60014 and i can go up to 25 miles i sell crochet hats, scarf
Thank you
By Cornelia on December 4, 2017
I am looking for small events now for March 2018 on Saturdays or Sundays.
But in April I’m looking for small and Large events.
Please let me know of any coming up and what the cost to set up will be.
Please check out my website!
Thank you so much!
Beverly
http://www.lillarose.biz/beverlystopknothair
By Beverly Triplett on March 13, 2018
I am new to Texas, I live in Round Rock, TX 78681 I would like to find out about larger shows in the area. I am willing to travel up to 30 miles. I do mostly Fall and Christmas shows for my floral arrangements, wreaths, centerpieces, hostess gifts and I always try and find unique vases and baskets to create my arrangements. I hope you can help.
Thank you
By Shirley on March 22, 2018
Looking for craft shows to show in around Atlanta suburbs. Church or school are fine…....... May or after 2018 I’m a jewelry maker. Have tried a few and I’m learning some do’s and don’ts. Looking for some good experiences
By Jill Kirchhof on April 18, 2018
Need some guidance. Iml located in Bergen county, New Jersey. Can u give me a list of where smaller craft shows are located. I
By Oreodobi@aol.com on April 20, 2018
I am a beginner at looking for shows, setting up a table and how to go about contacting and paying for a spot within the craft show. I am new to my area and a little nervous and excited at the same time to start this new adventure. I’ve made various pretty items for Mother’s Day, beautiful jewelry (which I’m eagerly learning how to make),I do not how to price my items…...Please if anyone has any suggestions and/or advice (or even your story on how you started, I don’t expect to become a pro over night)......email me. I read my email every day and respond back…..thanks and looking forward to hearing from you, Nancy
By Nancy Nicholson on April 22, 2018
I have crafts made of natural materials like wood, finished palm fronds etc. I am looking for small fairs in the south or near Tampa,Fl. Can you list some for the fall.
By Margaret on June 2, 2018
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