Well, I know it’s a bit late, but here’s an update on (and some pics of) my first craft show.
According to all the other vendors, it was a very, very slow day, so I don’t feel bad about only selling 3 items. But I did learn some important things:
Stuff to bring (other than the patterns, of course)–snacky food, mattress and toys for the Punkin (she liked her little cave)
, quilting project of my own design, comfy chairs and plenty of table space, something to donate (I didn’t realize it, but I guess it’s common custom to ask the vendors for donated door prizes and such. Took me by surprise.)
What not to do: Bring a computer (didn’t have time or electricity to use it and it was a pain to haul around), not check tablecloths beforehand (luckily we were able to hide most of the stains), work on a non-original quilting project (I was working on a Ricky Tims Convergence quilt, and had to keep explaining to people that no, it wasn’t an original. Bad for drumming up business.). Also discovered craft fairs right before Christmas not good for selling patterns–already finished items (such as these swimming cover-ups) are much better items.
How to chat with people despite being a very shy introvert: bring a quilting project and work on it while sitting at your table = instant conversation starter. Also, display at least one of your quilts (I had Cup O’ Joe hanging on a portable garment rack, and put the for sale pattern right in front of it.
).
I’m looking forward to doing this again, though the next show I’m trying to get info on is a quilt show, not a craft show. I’m hoping that it will prove a better place to sell my patterns.
This entry was posted on Friday, January 2nd, 2009 at 1:40 am and is filed under Personal, Sewing. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
3 Responses to “Craft Show Follow-up”
Drat, dang nab it!
I had a link to a site, which gave hints and tips on craft fairs. And I don’t know where I saved the info. I did a quick search on “What not to do at craft fairs”, and got a couple of hits. Here is one link http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/top-ten-ways-to-not-make-money-at-craft-shows-339829.html
Perhaps, if you have a minute or two, you can do a search, and maybe get some more ideas.
I hope you took lots of photos of your booth space. Go through them, and make notes of what you would like to change, add, remove, etc. Then just before you start the fair tour next time, refer to your notes and photos. Were you able to wander and check out other booths? A little late now, but take notes, of what you like/dislike… and what draws people in.
My first craft fair, I didn’t do much better than you. Don’t feel bad. Next time, people will be looking for you.
-Alice
Wouldn’t you know it… I start checking some of my bookmarks, and found the link I was looking for.
Hope you find the information useful for your next foray into the fairs!
http://woodmouse.typepad.com/woodmouse_loves_crafts/2007/11/craft-vendor-bo.html
That is _excellent_ advice! Thank you! I’m printing the page out and using it as a checklist of sorts, since my next vendor foray is only a month out.
You know, this is good enough advice, I think I’ll make a bigger link for it