How To Sell at Craft Shows?

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How To Sell at Craft Shows?	March 2019
	Fairs and Festivals Staff

Photo Courtsey: rawpixel.com at Pexels

Craft shows can be a great opportunity to really get your name out, as well as your products. You can create a good following, but you need to do your homework first and be prepared before you send in your vendor application and put up a booth.

Research the Craft Show

It can be difficult to tell if a particular craft show is going to be worth your time and effort. Ideally you would have been able to visit the craft show in the years prior to you selling at it, as that will give you an idea of the audience you are selling to and what their spending habits are. The fact of the matter is that a lot of people browse and don’t buy at many shows. You have do some research and balance out the risk versus the reward. Shows can also be tricky, as just because the entry fee is expensive doesn’t mean you’ll sell all that much. At the same time, a local show with a small entry fee may actually be very profitable.

There are actually several publications and websites that will help you with your research before you take the plunge. If you know other vendors that have sold at particular shows before, it’s worth talking to them as well.

Minimize Your Risk

If you are traveling a far distance for a particular show, see if there are other shows along the way that you can sell at. This way you are making one trip turn into multiple selling opportunities while also allowing you to network and create future contacts.

Find the Prime Location

In the event that you are able to choose your booth space, always try to go for a corner. Sometimes these spots are more expensive, but they are always in the foot traffic and tend to generate much more business. The “frontage” is also a great place to be because the area is less crowded and even though your space may only be 10x10, the browsing space is larger for customers.

Make a Professional Appearance

While it is a lot of extra work, a professional looking booth can pay off dividends. Really show your work off rather than just having it lie out flat on a table. Work on your displays to ensure they catch an eye before a person is even standing within the booth itself. Shelves, racks, and easels will help you create a stand out visual by getting your product up and at eye level for consumers. Use lighting and color wherever you can. You really need to stand out, but be sure that your use of color and light compliments your product.

Stock Up

Some websites will provide you with statistics on what to expect in terms of foot traffic and sales figures from other artists. A good rule of thumb is to set a sales goal and then bring more stock than you’ll need to meet that goal. Another good rule of thumb if you don’t have experience in terms of sales is to fill your booth with stock and then add half of what you’ll need.

Market Everywhere

Don’t depend on the show to market itself. Be sure you are marketing yourself prior to the show on Facebook and on other platforms, such as via email marketing. You will also want plenty of business cards and other material to market yourself while you are selling at the show as well.

Comments

This first time a stained glass artist and looking for suggestions.

By Mrs. Alleyne on March 28, 2019

2 woodworker families have formed a “company” with bowls and flat ware as our prime eforts. “Flat ware” is tables (made from exotic and local woods), adirondack chairs, etc. We need the time , location, entry details of shows wiithin 50 miles of Madisonville TN to avoid packing large items and unpacking for short shows. It seems like these ar at a rare minimum and your listing helps but is not the total answer. Where do we got for shows applicable to our wares?
Thanks and great advice in your articles\

By bill leistner on March 28, 2019

On panhandle of Fl outside of Pensacola, I make freshwater pearl jewelry, please let me know any good shows that I

By Beverlee beard on March 29, 2019

I am a Leather crafter who specializes in mostly Leather belts. I have gone to a number of craft fairs as a consumer but I have never been a vendor. I am being forced out of my regular job due to age and issues with coworkers, it hasn

By cdraper on April 1, 2019

Hello,

For a new artist to start selling canvas paintings and mixed media art, what would be the ideal amount of art work to bring in? I have about 15 canvases but would like to know if it would be more ideal to bring in more of the art work?And are the tables available or do we need to bring in our own set ups? Thank you.

By angela on April 1, 2019

Hello

I sell

By Brooke Myers on April 3, 2019

I would like to get some ink about Art

By Gabi46 on April 4, 2019

I am interested in selling my art work. Please advise on space etc.

By Brenda on April 7, 2019

I am just starting to sell my Artwork publicly and am looking for well attended vendor fairs in Virginia and North Carolina. I work a full time job so I am really looking to maximize my time attending events. Suggestions GREATLY appreciated.

By Angiegrove on April 11, 2019

Curious about what to expect on prices to have a table/booth/tent at craft fairs. I’m just starting out and am not sure what to pay to be able to participate in these kinds of vendor events.

By Lainie on April 11, 2019

How do I sign up to be a jewelry vendor at NY craft fairs?

By MIchelle Marchese on April 14, 2019

By Copacabana on April 15, 2019

I am just starting to sell my craftwork and i am looking to attend art and craft fairs where to sell my dolls (sock monkeys) but it appears to me there are not to many places (arts and craft fair near where i live in miami fl)
Any suggestions?
By Monica Miami FL

By monica santiago on April 20, 2019

I am a new small business owner looking to sell at craft shows. Please tell me of some good shows to start off with.

By Tashae on April 23, 2019

I have recently started a Candle business and would like to start selling my items at craft fairs. Do you have any ideas for the Myrtle Beach, SC area. Thank You

By Kenneth Lauria on April 30, 2019

I would like to start selling my home sewing projects and am looking for a venue in the Southern Oregon area. Where can I get started?

By Deidre Putnam on May 4, 2019

I am looking to find vendor space where I can sell my Corsage Flower Pins that women wear on their clothes to enhance their attire.

Thank you

By ROXIE PEARSON on May 11, 2019

I would like to rent space at the craft/art fairs and want to know who I contact to set up a table.

By Penny Shol on May 13, 2019

I would like to sell my hand made crafts which include one of a kind ornamental bird houses. I would like to get listings of craft fairs in the local area around Coos Bay Oregon.

Thank you

By Annette Simpkins on May 13, 2019

I have a florals - wreaths, hanging items, tabletop items etc.

By Lanisfancy on May 14, 2019

By Magpye on May 14, 2019

I make all natural skincare products where do i fit in and which shows would work for me. thank you

By DeBorah Yeboah on May 22, 2019

I am interested in selling my silk scarves. Please advise on space etc. Thanks!

By Ella Dabek on May 22, 2019

I want to sign up to be a vendor at some the events. I don’t see how to do that. Can you help?

By Maurine on May 23, 2019

I am looking for craft vendor’s for our “Shaken in the Shell Festival”. September 13th and 14th. Located in Shell Knob Missouri. Our attendance was over 2,200 last year. Great festival! Please call Pam at 817-597-9598.

By Pam Lobb on May 24, 2019

I am an artist on canvas, multi-media, coasters, etc. I am searching for places in and around the Beaumont, Orange, Pt. Arthur, Tx areas to start with. I realize I am getting started late in the year but I have a lot of art to sell. In years past I was a craft vendor setting up. Do I need a tax number to set up at these shows. I have had one in the past, but hate to deal with all the “government work”! I will if I have to though

By Jerry Howard on June 1, 2019

I make unique, custom-made beach towel clips, called KRAZY KLIPZ, for your lawn, pool, beach or deck chairs!!!
I live in Arizona and am looking for Flea markets, bazaars, art shows or craft fairs in the Phoenix area where I can sell my Krazy Klipz.
How would I go about finding information or schedules on when & where these are events are held?

By KRAZY KLIPZ on June 6, 2019

Hi my name is Christina,
I make and sell miniature fimo & sculpey clay charms.
How how I get more information about art & crafts shows in Harrisburg, PA?
Do I need a license or tax number? I would like to become a vendor.

By Christina Cundiff on June 6, 2019

I am a new subscriber, and I am a Tees and apparel sales person.
I

By Musicman2018 on June 8, 2019

Hello ,
I am an independent makeup artist with Maskcara. How do I go abou5 setting up a table at event. I

By Joey smith on June 18, 2019

Hello
I

By Jasmine ford on June 27, 2019

I need a vendor application for the queens blvd event , baldwin and oceanside.

By Doreen on July 2, 2019

Looking for some vendor events - Fairs, Festivals, Arts & Craft Shows, etc. in the Houston or Southeast Texas area for weekends in July and August. I have an online boutique and I sell ladies clothes, shoes, jewelry, purses, etc. We are located in Dickinson, Texas and are willing to travel up to 75 or 100 miles.

By debrak3729@gmail.com on July 9, 2019

By Janis Chapman on July 11, 2019

I wan to exhibit African crafts and art , where can I book and pay for a booth

By james gachie on July 15, 2019

Lookin for opportunities to sell yard art, Birdbaths, recycled items, upcycled

By Eleanor Whissen It on July 15, 2019

Am new to this . Am interested in selling in the arts and crafts sale in Tuscon on October 19 and 20. Would like info plz on how to go about getting a booth,etc. Thankyou

By Malinda Means on July 18, 2019

Hi My Name Is Jason Peterson Need on Application to sale my stuff so please email me My Email Is .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

By JasonPeterson2358$ on July 19, 2019

Hello,

I offer hand made jewelry, however I make all the beads myself, using recycled paper. I’m new to the craft fair scene and would appreciate any advice you can offer. Thank you for your help and advice.

By Mandi Hoague on July 31, 2019

I would like to find out where to sell my handmade crocheted items in the myrtle beach sc area. thanks

By ilise dinkelacker on August 5, 2019

We make furniture—bedframes, dressers, tables & chairs, benches, mirror frames, shelves, cutting boards, etc. out of blue stain pine and aspen mostly. I would like to know if we would be considered a craft or is it mostly art & jewelry. If we could be at some of these fairs/ festivals it will be worth me signing up with you. If we do not fit into your criteria, do you have any other suggestions.

By Jennifer Bosanko on August 21, 2019

Single Tree Estates, Yelm, Washington is hosting its first annual holiday craft fair.
One day only on Saturday, November 16th.

We are looking for vendors and any food trucks that might want to participate - we have room for 2 trucks. If you are interested in selling at the craft fair, please e-mail: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) for an application form. Forms must be received no later than Oct 11th.
Food truck operators, if you are interested in setting up during the fair, please e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with your interest.

Single Tree Estates (STE) is located off of Bald Hills Road just outside of Yelm, WA town limits.

By Brenda Merriman on August 24, 2019

Hi, My name is Diane and I love sewing, I sew many different things. blankets, purses, children’s clothing and more. I also make many other types of crafts from wood , resin , ect. anything that come’s to mind. I live in a very small town far from ever thing so I have to travel . any ideal on craft fair that would be worth traveling to with the items I make.my zip code is 04746.
Thank you, August 26 2019

By Diane Parent on August 26, 2019

I’m starting my own business. I have a page on facebook its call “Kat’s Shop” and I’m trying to get my business out there I have posted to every group. Can you please tell me who I can call about getting tables at festivals or events please. Would I call the borough or what?

By Katara Adams on September 16, 2019

Good morning,
I sell very unique succulent arrangements. Yes, they are real succulents and are prepared for immediate gifts. I have a variety to choose from!
I also educate customers with the basic needs for the care of a succulent. And I have examples.

By Leah Grubbs on September 24, 2019

Hi we are looking to get into some October festavilles we sell shabby chic stuff and mosaic pieces one of a kind pieces and will also do custom orders We are looking for a space in the Sayville Apple fest and would Appreciate any assistance on learning how to get into the AppleFest thank you

By brendabaglio on September 27, 2019

I make beautiful crafts and dog clothes, I have interest to participate the craft show somebody can help me? I apreciet your help

By Florismelli Pollock on September 29, 2019

I make hand made jewelry. I’m a Christian man so all my jewelry has to do with being a Christian and some scriptures . I would love to sell my necklaces and bracelets at the crafts fair.

By Daniel Cressman on October 3, 2019

Looking for vendors for an art and craft Holiday Market In Denver, Co.
12/7 & 12/8. Hand made work wanted. No network marketing.

Contact: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

By jbauduy on October 9, 2019

I make handmade jewelry and decorative pieces that I sell in local boutiques and I would love it if I could have a small table at the crafts fair. Please let me know if this is possible. I can be reached at
(339)793-1061

By nicole rose on October 22, 2019

I would like to be in festival craft show I make Christmas wreaths, Christmas centerpiece , candy, jelly, Christmas shits and ornaments. Who can I get in contact with to find out price of a booth I was in craft show about three years ago and I lost the contact person who was in charge of rental of site for booth .

By Marsha baker on October 28, 2019

My name is Graham I sell whats known ceramic gratter plates they hand made and hand painted

By Graham on October 29, 2019

I am trying to find out if I could sell my bowl cozy at your craft show

By Lynda Naylor on November 8, 2019

By Kerri Clark on November 15, 2019

Wondering if there were any spots available for vending? Please email to.let me know. Thank you!

By Brittany Maytas on November 16, 2019