Great point about packaging and ease of transport. Years ago I purchased some beautiful ceramic dishes from a vendor. He packaged up each item in newspaper, then put it in a paper grocery back. It was filled to the brim, and had no handle on the bag. I am a small person, so I put my arms around the middle it to walk the 1/2 mile to my car. Just as I started walking the items on the top sort of "floated out" and then popped out and landed on the ground and broke. I was very upset, as if he had provided a different style of bag (one with handles) or if I had brought my own bags (although I went to the faire to just "look" and had not planned to buy anything), so I went back to explain what happened. He felt sorry for me but didn't think he was responsible in any way. He did offer me a small discount and I purchased replacements for the ones that broke. Even so, it was a very sad situation in my mind and I still felt he should have done a better job on his packaging and anticipating what could have happened with the way he packaged the items, maybe even by putting it in two bags that I could have rolled the top of down to seal and grip them from the top instead of the middle of the bag.
Excellent comment and thank you for sharing. This could prove valuable to other shoppers and vendors as a good learning experience without having to go through the frustration you went through.
I really appreciate the content in your videos. I organized my first craft fair for my church last September as a fundraiser for us. (I'm not a crafter, but I am fairly organized and it was a learning curve.) I am looking forward to your videos on organizing and hosting craft fairs. I learned a lot by hosting one, but the more good information I can find the better! I am currently working through ideas for advertising to attract both vendors and shoppers to attend the event, plus all the details of taxes, insurance, logistics, security ect. Thanks for the time you invest in making these videos! They are great and I refer many vendors here for some excellent information and inspiration!
Thank you so much for this video, it was so helpful! I ran into an inventory issue last Fall/Winter. I make wire wrapped jewelry and was blessed with some awesome sales at several events causing me to go into panic mode trying to fill my booth with new items. When I sell 40-45 individual pieces these all needed to be replaced and then I had scheduled myself with back to back weekends of shows, I couldn't make inventory fast enough. I actually had to reach out to one of the coordinators and cancel my space with her which is not a good look. Fortunately she was super nice and understanding. I learned my lesson and moving into 2024 will make sure to have inventory and limit the number of events I participate in knowing that I am only 1 person and can make only so many pieces.
How we schedule our event calendar is a huge factor in how much pressure we’ll face to keep inventory up throughout the year. Good on you for recognizing this! It will help you tremendously to stay ahead of the curve in 2024! 😃
You got this! Just remember that all vendors at one point were “newbies” as well. It’s easy to be a little intimidated by a first-ever craft fair, but once you have your first, you’ll be hooked! 😃 Thanks for watching!
Hello I love your videos and they are so helpful. I'm curious if you could do a video, poll, or inquiry about POS systems. I currently use my phone with Shopify POS but I'm in the market to purchase a tablet. Mainly for when someone is working with me and I need to step away, I don't have to leave my phone behind, or we can fulfill multiple transactions at once. If this was done already and I missed it, please direct me to the video. Thank you!
Do you suggest the check out area be in the front of the booth, the back or the side of the booth? Again, thank you so much for these tips. These help a lot. I am year three of craft fairs and really changing the look, going for new banners, logos and such this year. i sure hope it makes a difference. I am taking January and February time frame to beef up my inventory and create new items for 2024. I hope to enjoy the craft fairs this year instead of stressing a bit before each one!
Great question and comment! I would recommend the back of the booth, centered is fine or a corner. The reason you want it towards the back is because you want the focus to be on your items because people are there to shop and they want to see the goods. Have that be what draws people into or towards your booth and then have your checkout area clearly defined in the remaining space. Good job taking some proper time away. It’s definitely needed to avoid feelings of burnout, so it’s always good to see vendors investing time into the refresh & recharge portion of the year! 😃
Do you have any visual examples of a separate check out area? My first event is coming up in 4 weeks. Thanks for this video. Picked up some great tips.
WOW Thanl you for this video your tips are excellent and helpful !!!? One reason I enjoyed it, you were preparedn and so professional you stayed on point. You didnt waste time just talking, I just watched another video for 5 tips the lady went on & on saying the same thing over at least twice sometimes three times. I look forward to more videos from you👍👍👍👍👍
