mrsj82

I just got signed up to do my first craft fait. I'm so excited! It's november 2nd, so I don't have a lot of time to do stuff for it. The question I have is what should I bring, and what prices should I charge? I make tote bags and table runners and wall hangings, as well we quilts. Should I bring a few of each to take and sell?

This is mostly rambling, but I'm just so excited to be getting my stuff out there...I need any tips/advice that anyone has to offer...

Maride

I have done several. The main suggestion I have for you is to make an atractive display. If your table looks pretty people will come to see. Also, make your prices reasonable until you make a name for yourself. Now, don't take me wrong and make them too low. You have to be able to make a profit, but like any business, the beggining can be slow. If people like what they get from you, next year they will come back or send a friend and once you have clients your prices can go up.

I have also started looking at my projects with another set of eyes. I used to make only things I like. I would sell some, but I had to love what I was making. This year my husband lost his job and I work full time plus sew to sell. I started looking at projects and thinking...I would never put this in my house, but there are people that like that. I live in the northern Adirondacks (NY) and this year has been my best year ever when it comes to selling quilts. People here like things with leaves in fall, loons, deer, etc... those, I can barely keep in stock. They sell quick. I suggest you speak to your friends and ask around what would they like to see.

I also have my quilts in a cafe in town, and anything country does not sell there. It is mainly a college area, I am selling a lot of art quilts. Abstract figures, funky colors, intricate quilting, and my best seller, is a simple wall hanging made out of a fabric I found at walmart that has african ladies and children dancing. I put a leopard print border, quilt with stipples and it is sold.

One more thing, make sure that you have on your table very inexpensive items. I make small wallets from a pattern I developed and sell them for $3.00. Those attracted by the quilts but unable to buy them, will get a small item instead.

There is more... have bussiness cards made. They may not be able to buy a quilt now, but they may want it later. If you intend to continue selling, a card is a most. Vista Print will send you 250 cards for the cost of shipping. It also comes handy when someone likes the quilt but wants it in a different color, or a little smaller or larger.

Last but not least, I always keep free candy on my table. Anything that attracts them to the table. You can work with them to convert them into customers.

Please let us know how the fair goes.

Maria

mrsj82

What great tips! Thank you so much for all that great advice! I will definitely keep that in mind. I've got a list of things that I'd like to sell, and quilts is only one of them. Wall hangings and lap quilts and baby quilts are what I have in mind. That and tote bags are on my list of things. My small items will be things like coasters, pillow cases, table runners and baby bibs. Thanks for the advice!

justquiltin'

Got no tips, but I wanted to wish you luck anyway. Let us know how it all goes. :D

chairjogger

You are getting great tips.. I found the lesser priced items sell .. especially in this economy. I have found beautiful ( ! ) quilted items but priced good, I agree on time ( ! ) and know about fabric costs.. to get the 200 plus value of a quilt in a craft fair is really hard. People are usually looking for much lower prices.

I took a laundry dryer ( wood folding thing ) for my display as well. even put it on the long table I was given.

Yes, business cards are great ! run a few off the computer. and Price everything ! you can loose a sale for some buyers will just walk away!

Be ready to sit ! Bring lots of cash to give out change and enjoy the aptmosphere !!
Ellen