I have yet to sell at a craft show but you have 4-tips that I have not heard anywhere and I thought were great! 1-Do not engage in negative talk.; 2-Bring your own food and drinks.; 3-Bring a thick yoga mat, especially for concrete floors.; and, 4-Do not spend your business money on purchasing items for yourself. Oh ~ and 5-Bring extra tables and be prepared for changes. Thank you for this!
I disagree about business cards. I used them for 10+ years and they never turned into a sale, not even once. What they did do was let people get ahold of me when they wanted to exchange something or have it resized, or repaired. I do bead weaving so to have something resized often means starting the project over. I’ve learned the hard way that when someone says , “can you repair this, I have all the beads” usually means they lost a ton of beads and I have to make a minimum $500 order of beads to repair and item they’ve been wearing for years for on,y $5. I sell more not having business cards because people say “ oh you don’t have a card, I better buy this now”. Feel free to contradict me, but this is my experience.
I’m from Plainfield and I will say you are spot on with the big shows versus the smaller ones. I’m a woodworker, and I think it’s the same across the board with vendors. I’ve only been doing craft shows for 2 years now, but you so right. I’ve been trying to understand how I did just as well in the small shows as I did in a big show. Rockville is definitely a great place to go. I’m planning on covered bridge next year so we shall see!
Hi Neighbor!! I went to a bigger show this last weekend (the ICON in Danville) and I was kicking myself because it was bigger than I like (other than the covered bridge 😆) - but I was pleasantly surprised that I did as well as I did. I don't think it was ran great (booth sizes were 8x10 - ?!?!?! - multiple like items - they just didn't care who sold what and where they were placed). Maybe check that out next year if you haven't already! Good Luck with Covered Bridge next year!
Enjoyed this and found it very helpful! I used to do craft shows years ago and want to get back into them . Also good to hear from a fellow Hoosier! I live in Evansville IN
HI Neighbor!!! I love it when a follow Hoosier comments😃 Good Luck to you if you do get back into craft shows, I've started being a lot pickier with them than I used to be. They are work aren't they LOL
Thank you so much for this video. I'm about to do my first craft show and it all seems very overwhelming. I hope to do well but really looking to get experience for future shows.
Good Luck at your first show! It can be very nerve-wracking and overwhelming. Just I would say be ok to start small (not something I was ever good at LOL) - you are wise to take this one for the experience first and foremost. It will def get easier and be a better experience when you have a few under your belt!
That last one almost made me cry! I feel so guilty every time someone buys from me but I don’t buy back. I wish I could tell them that my business is starting and tiny and can not afford to spend any earnings on anyone else 😭
Aww, I get where you are coming from - but don't let anyone make you feel bad (even yourself!) it's fine not to buy, just thank them for the purchase with a heartfelt smile/thank you - I've never had anyone give me a look or anything. Most of it was pressure I put on myself! I wish you the absolute best in your new business!🤗
Thank you! I have my first show this weekend (haven’t done any in a while) and you gave some great tips - my table used too be too crowded and I love the idea of somewhere for people to set their purse/wallet or stack up items they may want! I’m thrilled to hear you’ve done better at smaller shows, it makes so much sense. I’m not ready for the larger ones (although w do have some great ones here in Buffalo, NY). Wishing you lots of success in your future!
Hi Neighbor! Yep, I broke my rule and went to the Plainfield Gingerbread Christmas show. It took me 5 years to be accepted...Barely made booth rent...again I'm saying "Never Again!" 😂
Wow the same thing happened to me I made more money on a small outside venue then when I tried a big holiday one and one the almost last booth they came too after walking the whole school I was on the top layer of gym and only made $100. So I know what you saying I learned a lot about craft fairs on my first year out.
Right?!?! Sometimes I learn my lessons the hard way - and this was one. I just kept going to the bigger shows thinking for sure they would bring in the money LOL - now I am perfectly happy (and richer 😜) staying in my small towns!
Very informative, just started craft shows myself, definately going to bring the yoga mat. My thoughts are to go to smaller venues within about half hour to 45 minutes arond my home base. I think people like and support local now more than ever, and I hope to be close enough to draw them back for home based business or curbside marketplace for future. We have a small farm of xmas trees/ wreaths and lavender.
ohh, a small farm like yours would be a perfect place to sell! Yep, I broke my own promise to myself - I finally got into a show I have been trying to get into for 5 years, so I thought, yes it's big but it's coveted and supposed to be a great one. Nope, not again. I didn't loose money but I didn't make enough to make it worth my time and trouble. It wasn't too far but still...I was so disappointed. Good luck with your craft shows this year!! 💖💖💖
The tip about walking around and meeting the other vendors is key. I would even venture a guess that some of the local vendor communities have Facebook pages where they share the upcoming shows and how to get in touch with them. In my experience we were still mailing invitations three months before the show so out of the gate at the new year we were checking out our vendor list and getting it ready to go out and writing the letter. But now with social media it’s a lot easier to get the word out and to find the vendors because a lot of them are selling on Facebook anyway. The tip about the food is good just be careful a lot of them don’t allow you to eat on the gym floor because of spills and staining and that type of thing. Which can be very difficult for a single person booth. If I ever do get started, I may enlist the help of my grandchildren in one form or another to be a gopher or to learn how to make a sale and count change and all that good stuff that my mother taught me when I was about six.
Great video! I make homemade soap but I do not sell it yet. I’m going to be selling crochet. I’ve tried to watch some of the crochet videos of craft shows and I will have to admit that yours was by far the best! Thanks for the tips!!😊
Thanks for subscribing! I'm glad you found good info on this video!! 🥰 I'm going to be doing another video of my new set up in a couple of months - I changed my tables / shelves a bit. Good luck with selling your crochet!😃
@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique Awesome I will keep an eye out! I had my first craft sale yesterday and sold three items! That was really good because it was really slow there and it was the church‘s first year having a craft sale. I sold a mini pumpkin for $10 and I sold two hats with furry pom-poms for $18 apiece!😊 This was a total spur of the moment thing with the craft sale I’m going to be opening an Etsy store. My fiancé signed us up for this on Wednesday of last week and the sale was on Sunday😹
As far as the yoga mat, they do make the kitchen mats that go in front of the sink or they make them for stand up desks that reduce the I don’t wanna call attention but um they cushion your feet while you stand. I don’t do yoga I don’t have a yoga mat, but I would buy one of those because I could use it all the time in my kitchen.
Thank you for all the good tips and advice. I will be doing my very first craft show in November. I have lots of questions. You have answered some. One big question is, do I have to collect taxes? I have a booth at a fleamarket, but they deal with the taxes. I wish that whoever is putting on the show, that they give detailed instructions to newbies. I am watching tutorials and it helps. I also don't know how much money I should bring to start the day.
Hi Linda, taxes are a tough one - some states allow you to price your products "tax included" at a craft show and some do not. You will need to check with your state. Indiana does not allow this, legally speaking, but about 95% of vendors do not charge tax. Taking all that change is a nightmare. Also - most shoppers do not expect to pay taxes at a craft show. Maybe one or two a day will ask if there is tax but most just walk up with a $5 bill to pay for a $5 item. as far as how much money/change to take - this is different for every show I go - but for big ones I will take 2-3 hundred in fives and 50 in ones. But honestly I never need this much change. For a smaller show I take 100 in fives and 50 in ones. I no longer take 10s at all. Hope that helps! Good Luck next month!!!
Thanks so much for answering my questions. By the way, I am from Lebanon, Indiana. I have a booth at a fleamarket and they handle the taxes. Being my first craft show, I have a lot to learn. I sew all kinds of
I sew all kinds of craft items and clothing, adult and children. There's just not as much foot traffic through the fleamarket as I would like. I am not making as much as I would like, sometimes just enough to cover my booth rent.
Great tips! I will have to go yoga mat shopping. I was looking at floor mats and just don't want to spend a ton on one! Adapting to a different space is very common and requires keeping calm and not freaking out. Ask me how I know LOL I've had to change things around often. At one of my shows this year, we purchased a 10x10 outdoor space...and then when we got there to set up, the coordinators had given everyone a 20x20 since they had the space for it. It was great, except that I don't have the tents or displays to cover 20x20, which meant people were using the 'aisles' on either side of my tent to get somewhere else. Oof.
oh my goodness! Well 20x20 seems excessive really, even if they had the space. How in the world would you go to fill that?!?! - that people were using as an aisle of sorts is kind of upsetting too, because those walkers are usually not in the shopping frame of mind. thanks for sharing your experience! 🤗
funny, I was watching your video and you mentioned you live in central Indiana - I live in Warren Park not sure where that is from Greencastle. Can you recommend some craft shows. Right now I'll be in the Lawrence Central Craft Show and the craft show in the fairgrounds - is there any others in Indiana that you can recommend?
Oh we are close!!! Just an hour away - Greencastle is almost exactly half way between Indy and Terra Haute. I am not familiar with Indy craft shows - the few I have done have been total disasters for me, sadly. there are some facebook groups that will give you info on when and where but they don't give any indication of if they are any good I'm afraid. Word of mouth in your area is probably your best bet. Have you met any vendors that sell other items that what you sell that could give you more info? That is where I got most of mine. I hear ICON in Danville is good, this is my first year and at $125 I sure hope it is LOL
Buying from other vendors is always my second thought. I will trade things with them at value for value. Most vendors will do this if your stuff is good. (I trade with soap makers all of the time BTW!)
What is your opinion on making trades with other vendors? If I see a vendor shopping my booth and I know they sell something I'd like to have, I usually offer that we do a trade at the end of the day. I've scored some awesome treasures this way. There is one food vendor that loves my jewelry and we have an ongoing deal where I let her pick out a pair of earrings in exchange for lunch from her food truck every time we are at the same event. It's funny because we look for each other on the vendor list -- I know I don't have to pack lunch that day and she will actually drop by my booth before we open and pick out what she wants and take my lunch order, since I might not have time later to do more than run over and grab it. She also wears my earrings at the events and when people compliment them, she sends them my way -- so I've gotten extra sales like that. The only time I take money from my cash bag to buy anything is if I have a friend helping me that day. I always buy them lunch and let them pick out a piece of jewelry to keep in exchange for helping. I can't really afford to pay them and no one even wants me to, but this is a small token they don't mind taking - I've had people sometimes just message me out of the blue and ask if I have an event this Saturday because they don't have anything to do, and and they'd love lunch and a new necklace. haha Works for me!
I actually love that idea! It is such a win win for both of you. My opinion is if it benefits you both go for it! You make me wish I had a food vendor to do that with LOL. I'm not sure how I would handle inventory/taxes on that but otherwise I love it. Well Done! 🤗💞
Thank you very much for this video it was really informative! I also really liked how you didn't try to be super professional like some of the other RU-vidrs. Can you tell us more about the Pin Reader you use? Would love the video about that
@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique Yeah, the little thing you use to take credit card payment at shows. :) I would love that! I have only done cash but these days I think I'd make more sales if I could take other forms of payment.
@@chantelle7275 sure! I can do that! Let me think on how to create a video for that and include it. I was thinking I would do a video on my set up for my big 10 day festival - I could include it on that one probably!
I’m curious where your products where at the Covered Bridge Festival? We are candle makers and just applied for this year. Weighing out if it will be worth the investment. Thanks!
Hi Andrea! Are you in Indiana then or coming from another state? Just curious. I'm in Rockville on the square. I have a video on my experience there if you want to check it out. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-oA1jn_RlJ9o.html Actually I have a couple but this one is from last year. I think you would probably find it worth the investment! Let me know where you will be if you go!
@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique thank you so much for the insight! I just found your channel and am finding it helpful. :) Thanks for sharing. I’ll check out your video. Yes. We are in Indianapolis. The Rockville square is where we’ve applied. Maybe our paths will cross in real life.
Yep, if it is close and cheap. I will give it 2 goes, if it is far or expensive 1 or 2 at the most. One of my best shows is in a town about 35 min away, I sold about 275 my first year and almost didn’t go back. But I decided it was worth one my try, and now I wouldn’t think of missing it. Go Figure LOL
Hi Susan, no it was in Zionsville I think. I finally got into Gingerbread last year, I was so excited because it took me 4 years to get it. I won't do it again. I broke my own "rules" with it because I had been trying for so many years. I made money but not enough to make the hassle of if worth it. Good Luck!😃
You’re absolutely correct! We stand for the entire show and smile and say hi to all the passing shoppers. More often than not they either stop to look or even make a purchase!
That is such a great tip about feeling obligated to buy from other vendors. I always have that guilt and sometimes other vendors even pressure me to visit their both after they buy one of my pieces. I am by myself for most shows and can’t really leave. I just think it’s so unfair of them to do that.
Thanks for the craft show tips, I’ve done one (very small) craft show just to see if anyone would purchase my handmade cards, and people did purchase them! This time my goal is to make $ to supplement my social security.
Yoga mat tip is my favorite, but the don't buy stuff because someone bought from you is probably going to save me just as much stress. Thank you! I'm prepping for my first craft show.
I always thought the same when I did garage sales. Neighborhood sales might bring more people, but you may not make as much with so many different sales to choose from.
I know I'm a year (well almost) late seeing this video but OMG!!! I needed to see this! I feel much more confident of what I should expect and how I should set up my tables!!! You've inspired me soooo much!!! Thank you, Thank you, Thank you my dear friend!! 💛💛💛💛
I agree with the bigger show issue. Although I don't think I can speak on it fully yet. The 1 I went to was huge, we got a massive snow storm and closed it down hours early. Roads shut down and everything, it was a night mare. My 1.5hr drive home became a 4hr drive. Lesson learned, don't travel far in the winter. LOL
I will be at my first craft show in December, so thank you for the advice. I wrote them down, and an anti-fatigue mat will be great, instead of a yoga mat, Harbor Freight Tools has 25 by 25 inches mats and four in the package, I use them in my kitchen as I have concrete floors, and I will get some just for the show, they are pretty inexpensive at under $10 for a set.
oh my! Debbee, thank you so much for that harbor freight tip! I will def go check those out! I work on a basement floor and bought one mat at Menards I think - ridiculously expensive! Off to Harbor Freight soon! 💕
@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique I hope you got the packages of four (they hook together like a puzzle), they aren't the prettiest they are a dark gray, but I don't care, I like them in my kitchen, and so does my dog! And by the kitchen sink, I double them up.
@@dlwcrazyblondeone I ended up not getting there but I'm glad now that I saw this first and will know to look for the four pack! Thanks! I would not have thought to double them up either so thanks for that little tid bit! 😃
the yoga mat is genius! I have problems with rheumatoid arthritis and I have been a little worried about the standing aspect of markets. thankyou for sharing!
Nice vid!! You're very personable 😊. I did a local church fair on "the green" ( I create jewelry) I happen to be first table to the left, people basically walk past, but then it got hot (August) people swung back again & bc I was under a huge shaded tree they stayed longer!! I made $140.00 in 3 hours selling items @ 1$, $2, $4 & $8. Some people came back 2 or 3 times!! Go figure!!! But 1 thing is that upon visiting booths, I liked the ones that had tables a little more tucked in away from the isles & people walking by, (it helps for shade while you look as well) & I like that the seller is attentive but not standing in front of me as that makes me feel obligated. I will look & buy more if given space & time... to pick, add, subtract in my head, visualize, ect. Also if I can see what the prices are for ALL items, & theres a "2for" or "3for" ect. I buy a ton of stuff!!!😊😊
All great points Maria! I too like to be behind my table, I was forced (due to spacing) to be out in front one time and I hated it - I tried to tuck myself in on the side so that customers would not feel awkward. I'm so glad you did so well are your event!! 😃
I agree with you 110% on the big show issue. We tried to get into a huge one for 8 years and finally got in. We tried it twice and lost our shirts both times. Devastating. People want to buy local so stick with the shows which are closest to you.
If you have logo T-shirts or can get a logo T-shirt or a pin with the brand on it, consider wearing that to the show. The more you can do to advertise, the better. I watched another video this morning and she was talking about her display items in and what she bought to use to display but she was talking about her cashbox and it was like a cash register with the clamps over the money and and all that and I understand having one, but she was talking about locking it so she could go to the bathroom. I’m not sure I would leave mine behind if I was a one-man booth. I think it would come with me. I was cochair for a craft fair at a local church where I worked for four years and we had two sections we had a food section and we had knitted and crocheted items and sewn items like pillows that kind of thing and at one point the food money went missing it was in a bank pouch like this other lady was talking about and we couldn’t find it for a couple hours. So even though we had lots of people manning this fair, I still would not leave it unattended even in a church building.
I'm glad you found it helpful Christina! My husband and son made the tiers - just screwed different size 1x4s or 1x6s to make a box and then we set a long 1 x 6 for the shelves. I did end up velcroing them on the boxes to make them a bit more stable . Hope that helps!
Totally agree on venue size as well as how many times the venue has been around. I am from Lebanon, IN and I have started carefully choosing the ones I go to. Thnx for the tips.
You are welcome!! I finally got into the Plainfield Christmas Market last year after trying for 5 years. I thought, this is bigger than I usually like...but it is supposed to be a really great one - well I won't go back 😠 - I didn't loose money, but I didn't make enough to do it again. I should have listened to my own advice!😂
Thank you so much for this advice. I am a watercolor artist just about to set up for my first show in 40 days… yikes! This video is just so practical and helpful, thank you so much for making this!
I'd add one more tip: Don't wear a shirt with your political or medical opinions/stance. That is terrible for your business. You will lose potential customers. 🤷🏼♀️
Thank you! Try it! My first show I was very lucky to be next to a sweet lady that really helped me - gave me encouragement and watched my booth for me...she ended up being like a friend at future shows! Hoping for the best for you!!♥
What I’ve done about buying or not buying from others is to ask the other vender if they would like to do a trade. If they have a $12 item I would like to “buy” then they can choose $12 of merchandise from my booth. Then I have exchanged without spending my retail price, only my cost . Then the other venders do this with each other also. And I have less to take home, not counting my new purchase. It works for me !
Saw this just today when RU-vid thought I would like it...and I did! I'm a papercrafter living in an area largely by retirees who do not like spending money, so a good show for me is n the 60-70 dollar range. I do know where Green Castle is as my eldest son is a DePauw graduate. Said son is probably older than you so it wasn't just a year or 2 ago. Great viideo.
You make such good points. The two that are the best, in my opinion, are the business cards and small number of vendors tends to be better show. True, so true. Have a drawing card like freebie or something in appreciation or a bargain. All goes without saying but so important. Thanks for the shared experience from your five years. One thing I want to notice - You are so likable, so engaging. You are perfect at a craft show I'm sure.
In the past I have found that with smaller shows, people will often come in and make a beeline for someone they know and not even look at anything else. I prefer bigger shows.
Hi Tina! Of course I have to start by thanking you so much for your service to our country and the sacrifice you made in that service! 💖 I think as long as you are in view and engaging you would be fine to sit. If you can, you might try one of those taller "director" chairs that brings you up to eye level. I have thought about those but I think that would kill my legs as I like my feet on the ground when sitting, but it's getting harder to stand all day so maybe... Good Luck!
sorry, I am so late in responding - I did a live (you can find that on my page under the live tab) all about how to find shows. There is some good info there but honestly word of mouth and google seemed to be the most common ways of finding shows - good luck!
Years ago I belonged to an association that ran a craft fair every year on Palm Sunday weekend on that Saturday. It was at a local high school that was on one floor easy and easy out and we got probably 40 to 60 vendors every year and the school didn’t charge us anything which was fantastic and we had booths for like 20 bucks. Everybody had to bring their own display including table and if they wanted electricity they could request that for an additional fee. We provided the concessions and we would make 1000 1500 just on concessions. If the weather was warm and sunny, we did terrible for attendees because it was spring and people were out in their yard planning and doing whatever. If it was cold and snowy we were packed. We sold more hot chocolate and hot dogs. We did have a janitor that was there all day and would take care of anything that went wrong or spills or whatever but we would tip him a 10th of our concession take. So they all used to fight over spending the day there. We used to have to go the night before because they have the tarps put down and then we have to tape off each booth for dimensions and put numbers out go there’s also something to be said for placement as you said being the third gymnasium was not ideal. They were the same people every year to fight over the first two or three spots and one was a 77 year old woman that crocheted him and towel toppers for your kitchen she had such a following that when she got sick and couldn’t come people were asking about her. Now that’s a little bit from the other side and sometimes it’s good to know how both sides are handled because it may change how you do what you do. The other thing I want to say is that you need to adhere to the set up and teardown time frames given by your host. I know the temptation to tear down early if there’s no business is huge but it does not ingratiate yourself to the host and if people did it consistently then we stopped inviting them. Back to the booth side of things this one lady had used books and she had a bookshelf that actually folded and closed and locked she didn’t have to unpack her books she left them the way they were close the thing up her husband carried it out I thought that was the coolest thing. I’ve done a couple flea shows I’ve not been a booth at a craft fair yet it’s sort of been in the back of my mind for a lot of years here but I found at the flea market you did much better when you stood as a customer approached greet them hello the weather is terrible today the weather is great today, whatever small tarp you can think of complement their coach or their bag or something. Try to engage them in small talk because they stick around longer. I found if we just stayed seated people would just kinda meander right on bye and not even stop to talk or even really look at what you had offered. We also would get a donation from each vendor and do what we call door prizes every hour or however many we need to depending on how many donations we got. It didn’t have to be anything big or expensive but it was something from the vendor and the vendor was announced who donated the item and people loved that and we would Mandarin sometimes we had so many it was like every 15 minutes for the six hours we were open and use a little karaoke machine so people could hear and announce the winner because people had ticket numbers when they came in the door. Not just for counting them but also for these fabulous door prizes. A lot of people would put candy or some individually wrapped food item on their table and that would bring people in as well. You’re absolutely right about the business cards and usually at a craft fair if you can have them be sort of crafty themed with like a graphic on it or something that’s really great and people do like business cards that are magnets. You can actually get peel and stick magnets the size of business cards at the craft stores like Joannes and Michael’s and hobby lobby and put your business card on the magnet and people will put them on the refrigerator and your name is always in front of them. Make sure you either have a burner phone number or you can use like Google voice which will give you a phone number it’ll reroute to another number but that’s fine but it also gives you a little bit of privacy and you’re not inundated with phone calls at all hours of the day and night if you find yourself that popular. I know a lot of people that do the food at the craft fairs and they always have something in the crockpot made like tastefully simple will make a soup and they have like little Dixie cups to give out samples off. And here I am rambling too, sorry just how the thoughts are hitting me, the smaller shows generally are the best. I have been to the big ones and not purchase anything because I get overloaded, too many choices, too many people and I can’t wait to find a quiet corner where I can just go look out the window. At that point I’ll usually go to the concessions and get a muffin or cup of coffee or something. This is funny and I’ll include this just because it came to mind. One of the later craft show venues was a community college and this was a show before Thanksgiving and it was an event for about three counties, we’re quite whirl so that wasn’t surprising. But it was a jury show so people had to be approved with their stuff and they had to actually have everything homemade. Nothing was bought on Amazon and sold at the show. And again we were doing concessions and we were able to use the cafeterias kitchen what does fantastic and in order to make coffee we had 5 gallon plastic containers and we had to wheel them down to the locker room showers to fill them with water. We spent the entire day before making sandwiches. Food at that time was not as regulated as it is now and as long as we adhere to the hats are the hair nets and the gloves then you know we were fine we didn’t need a license which now in my state you do. Trick I learned just for kicks is if you’re doing like chicken salad tuna salad even ham salad you coat the bread with butter if you make the sandwiches before hand which we would never have met the demand if we didn’t. That keeps the moisture from the salad itself from leaching into the bread and making the bread soggy. Then we wrap them up in I think we had Ziploc bags at the time. I did actually write up a business print plan to host a craft fair venue and maybe that’s what will end up being what I do. I just can’t knit and crochet enough to make product fast enough for craft fair because I have carpal tunnel issues. I think the market saturated with card makers and they’re also subjective as our T-shirts and tote bags and all that stuff that you do with the heat press and the cricket. I see people doing it on Facebook in limited quantities so that would probably be easier but still you’re running around delivering and collecting money and, I don’t know if I can have the energy to do all that at my age.
Thank you so much for your advice. The first time I watched this back in August 2022, I used much of your advice - did a test setup, purchased business cards, got a credit card reader, and brought something to eat - and things went well. Next time I will have small items that are less expensive that folks can pick up on a whim. Not quite free stuff, but $5 items. Just one question, though... You say bring extra tables for indoor events, but what size tables are standard? I've just gotten started and have only done 2 shows so far but both were outside under a standard 10x10 with 90% of my stock hanging from the rafters. I have a single 6' table and 4' table; would I need more if I do indoor shows?
Hi! Thanks for watching!! If most of your items actually hang, I'm not sure tables will be much use to you. But if you have things that you can display on a table I would bring an extra 6 or 4 foot one. It's more for options than anything. I used to use 2 6 foot tables and a ladder. Now I used 1 8ft 1 6ft and a shelving unit. Most of my shows are indoors. I think it is smart that you are including those $5 items! Good luck in your future shows!!!
Thank you so much...you are so authentic, and your information is very well presented and easy to listen to ! I have been doing craft shows for about 20 years ( off and on), and regularly for the past 4 years. I appreciate your perspective on what works for you, it is nice to have some helpful hints and advice ! Especially on the subject of large venues compared to smaller ones. I have the same outlook, small, familiar venues tend to be the most fun and the most rewarding. Take care, and happy selling ! 😊❤️
2 years after your video was made, I see this. Did 9 shows since this time last year. Great tips. I used to live in the Carmel, Westfield area 4 years ago. We did 4 shows in Kirklin this year. Only about 30 vendors. Even the weekend it rained, I did good. So in Sept I did a show in Brookston where there was 200 booths. I did about 350, but was very disappointed. Small towns do seem to be better money makers.
ugh, I hear you! I heard about a show it Center Grove (high school I believe) that I get asked often if I will be there. There were 400 vendors! Well the ones that were placed well did great, the ones that were in the back gym did awful. I instead was at a show this weekend in my small hometown with 40 vendors and sold 850. That is a really good day for me around here as my normal is around 500-600. yep - I'll stick to my small ones LOL thanks for your comment my Fellow Hoosier!! 😊
Putnam county hospital! I just saw your shirt! I’m from there, but in Texas now. What a small world that I just happened upon your RU-vid channel today! I’m preparing for my first craft show since moving to Texas, thanks for the tips!
Having done many shows since the 80s, I must say, it's not just about the show size ... It is about what people are looking for. And what Season the show is held in..Good vetting of crafters' work counts too. ( November and December shows have always been the best of the whole year for me ) Over the years , I have made my biggest money at the largest and smallest shows and the least money at the largest and smallest shows.
that's a great perspective. Yes, the time of year can def make a difference! I should have made that point. Although even at Christmas time the larger shows didn't work out for me - but again, you are right, location matters too. thanks for your comment!!
I really enjoyed watching your video and appreciate you posting your advice! I have my first craft show coming up! Great job! You’re happy, smiling personality shines through 😊
Very engaging and informative, as a vendor for years I agree about size of show not always equaling more sales, also I have been on the pity sales end of it! Actually I would rather not have the sales because I want to sell to people who love and want my items! One show where a return customer wanted all of one item to complete her collection, I felt I needed to make arrangements to make more and deliver to her! I purchase items for gifts at shows because of variety! Like your tip of using personal funds for this! Keeps business separate!
Hey Tammie! Yep it is with a Y - when I was a kip I always told my mom that if she stuck me with the name the least she could have done was given me a fun spelling, but NO just boring old Tammy LOL Oh the things we think as kids and how it changes when we are older LOL - I'm now glad she spelled it that way and not Tami LOL Thanks for watching!
Great tips. Several of which I have never heard before! I am in SW Michigan during the summer. Finding craft events is really hard if you don't want to be outdoors.
I'm so glad you found them helpful! yes, finding indoor shows can be hard - I don't do very many shows in the summer at all - which is hard but most of them aren't well attended down here. there were 2 that I was at and it was 90 degrees for them - very few sales of course. I was just talking with a friend and she was telling me how she was at one recently where the winds came up at 60-70 miles per hour, people were screaming ,kids crying and tents and products flying everywhere. I hate outdoor shows - of course I'm signing up for one in Sept 😂😂😂 - I'm desperate, what can I say haha - good luck with finding yours!
love thoese tips, thank you. i totally agree on your tips. i don't buy from someone who sits down and not look up at thoese people passing by. and the yugo mat is genious, thank you. I will attend my first show this fall and will use all your tips, so thank you
I stand and smile at customers too. I find that make small talk even with something as simple as the weather or things that they like tends to draw them in to look at my booth. Even if they don't buy, I have had them recommend my booth to their friends or family.
I love all your tips and advice! Thank you so much for sharing... I have my first "big" festival this Saturday and feel very nervous. Absolutely agree 💯 with everything you've said! 💐
I appreciate all of your tips!! My first vendor show in Nov worried about my tent and weights to hold it down, but as you said make a preset up before hand!
I agree about show size/wealth of the area. My first show last year (in 25years) was in a very wealthy area. But the high school was old and run down (don’t ask me how except Robin Hood laws). And I was placed in a connecting hallway on a 6x8’ spot. Despite thousands of customers there were almost 140 vendors. It seemed like no one did well and the booth fee was $185 incl paying $10 for kids to help. Next two shows were$70 and $80 with many kids helping at no extra cost (it benefited their choirs and they had groups singing all day). Loved those!
oh man that sound familiar Susan! Yep I will stick with my smaller shows - 40-50 vendors is my sweet spot! (other than the covered bridge festival! but that is completely different in my mind - but even then I have days of less than 300 in sales)
At first I thought you were saying the customers were deluded…. Lol not the marketplace was diluted. 🤦🏻♀️😂😂😂😂 thank goodness for context ❤️😜& q-tips for my ears 😂
@@WalnutCreekBathBoutique no, you are perfect! I have family all over the US ; I should’ve turned on my ears for any accent. I went back to listen again so I could stuff down & have no idea how I thought “deluded”…but it definitely made it funny. Thanks for the tips, I’m doing my first show on Saturday for wreaths & you had lots of great ideas. Something you said made me think to check the forecast for that area & Omylanta! Thank goodness!!! We are getting a cold front Friday & I would’ve frozen into a popsicle. I’m not going to tell you what that temp is unless you’d like to laugh hysterically (I live in FL so that’s a hint😜). Thanks again!
Thanks for this video, great helpful information! I agree with your take on the "big shows". I've found great success at small ones 25-50 vendor size and haven't ever tried a big one, because I figured between the competition and the size of the show that people have to walk, it wouldn't be worth it!
