Why I’m retiring from craft shows.. 

UPDATE! On Sunday morning the doors opened at 8 for vendors to arrive and set back up. There was people lined up at the door to get in around 7:50. The director showed up around that time and hid behind a pillar that was next to me then proceeded to say “idk why people keep lining up”. I also spoke with other vendors and they all said this was a terrible year! People who do it every year and almost always sell out, basically sold nothing. The economy definitely had an impact this year. Overall, I just appreciate everyone being so kind and validating. While I’m disappointed, I’m not holding onto it! I just thought this would be a funny story and really put into perspective how unpredictable these shows can be! I managed to sell a lot of my hats through my business Facebook page and the rest is going to the woman’s shelter!

That's too bad there were so many negatives; construction, placement of booths, rude director. I don't blame you for being angry. You're still really talented. I hope you can find other avenues to sell your work.

That sucks. The Director should've apologized for the placement of the other booth and the vendor selling commercially produced hats should've been shutdown.

I did a craft fair this past weekend too. Knitter also. I do beanies, infinity scarves, scarves, shawls, variety of yarn types and weights. I did HALF of what I did last year. I don't know what was going on. My booth neighbor sells these fancy pants caramel apples, they're huge, dipped in caramel, chocolate, rice crispy treats and have different types of candies stuck to the outside. Every year she sells out at like 2-3 pm both days. This year, she had 20 or so apples left. I don't think people are spending like they have in previous years. I also know for a fact there were other fiber ppl at the sale, new ppl, their stuff was nice, but it was massively super duper under priced. Making my stuff look expensive. Hopefully my other fairs and etsy will go better. Hugs for you!

Wow what an awful situation! I am so sorry this happened to you.

It’s interesting how things can differ so much from area to area! My best shows do maybe $1.5k at absolute best case scenario 😅 my worst was probably a 2 day show (8hrs each day) that was part of a multi building event while it was raining so hardly anyone showed and nobody wanted to buy. Never again! Also standard booth fees here are like $150 😅 for one day

I really hope you follow up and send an email sometime next week after you process a bit. I would absolutely be sending a firm but professional email explaining the situation and I would honestly go as far as asking for a partial or full refund of the entry fee or booth charges. That’s unacceptable and they should not be allowed to get away with that.

This is heartbreaking. I am sad that you won't be creating anymore and that that this badly handled show messed it all up. I do events myself although I'm through a DS (coffee and tea), and I so respect the hard work, time, and creativity of crafters and makers. It's rotten when organizers fail to separate the spaces and act consistently and kindly. I hope you find joy in creating again and maybe find an alternative way to sell your work.

It is total B's you two were next to each other for sure. I will say I did a show I usually make bank at and it was like a third this time. You had a lot against you and I also think with the economy what it is it's definitely a challenge. Thanks for sharing Lori💖

Hi Lori, I’m sorry for your terrible situation at the craft show. What are your plans for your leftover crafts? Etsy? I was just wondering. Take care Rosy