So ladies, a quandry....

I am doing a craft fair this summer. There is estimated to be about 1000+ People in attendance. It's a music festival with an arts/crafts section. Two days....July 2-3.

The questions I have are these. What kinds of things should I bring? I've got a list below of the things I plan to bring. But is it too much/too little? And how mcuh inventory should I bring? IT's two days with 1000 + people...I don't want to sell out, but Id on't want to bring too much either....

Also any tips on doing a craft fair would be helpful! Thanks!

make the things you love, but try to be a little different than the regular stuff that everyone always has. There a lot of folks who don't sew but would love to have something handmade. Lace

Cover table to the ground (looks classier than a plastic tablecover ending 2' from the ground). Store boxes under table. Make sure you bring bags, change and the most important thing...a smile. No one wants to buy things from a grumpy person.
I don't know what you make, so can't suggest what to bring. Do what you like making....Good luck.

make sure you have a full table and you can put extra inventory under the table so you can always have the things you've made on hand!! store it all in rubbermaid containers too. good luck and have fun. take it ALL!! hope you sell everything!!

Since it is the 2 and 3 of July go heavy on your independence day inventory. Definitely take as much as will fit in your booth without looking cluttered.

Good luck on your sales!
Maybe do a search of what others here have done for craft sales.
I've had potholders, table mats, doll quilts, baby quilts, twin size quilts. Soft books, embroidered towels, table runners and some totes.
Others have had book marks, aprons and other small kitchen items.

Yes, make sure you have a good selection.
Just my opinion...make just so many of each thing. More of one than another if you think that item will be a hot seller.
Americana colors do sell well in certain areas.
Above all....don't overprice!

My DH and I do several craft shows each year. You want to have a variety but not so much so that the people are overwhelmed. Unfortunately what will sell at one show may not sell at another. Don't forget to take yourself something to sit on and water in a cooler. If you plan to do future shows make sure that you keep track of what did sell and those things that people did like or improvements and changes that people might like. If there is time before the show you might want to walk around to see what other prices are so that you will know if you are inline with others. We are just starting our research for any new items that we will add this year. My DH does woodworking and I do sewing and quilting. I find that my baby quilts and grandma's paddles sell the best. Try to have everything visible and easy to get to. Change is a must. We use cloths for our tables in plain colors.

Remember that paintings & prints are so expensive that people are looking for alternative ways to decorate their walls.

Our park is having a craft in November and I thought Candle Mats will be one item I'm going to make. I bought a book Big Book of 20 Pieced Candle Mats by Ruth Swasey. A House of White Birches book.

They look pretty fast and easy to make.

Judi

BRING SUNSCREEN! Even if you have a tent to sit under. The sun will slide off to one side and you will cook if you're not careful. And bring a hat with a brim. If you share the sunscreen you will make great friends with your neighbors!

Also... I would strongly suggest that you keep your money in a waist pack, not a cash box. I learned that the hard way, at what *should* have been a very profitable Thanksgiving weekend craft show long ago.

What is it that you make?

Here's a thought about an item that might sell for you: baby bonnets. There are always a lot of parents that forget to bring a bonnet for their little one... and so they'll buy one out of need. For boys, you can probably find a pattern for a little hat that looks like a train engineer's cap. Girl bonnet patterns are easy to find.

That is a GREAT idea!!!! I think I'll actually do that! Thanks!!!

What part of the country are you in? Make something that fits the area. I do a show on the water, so I lean toward nautical, boats. I found prices between 10.00 and 25.00 sell the best.

I just signed up for one May 15th, witch city, guess I better go look for witch patterns :)
I too cover my table with cloth to the ground. Years ago I found white demask tables cloths for $5.00! Now these are old, one has a stain I make sure is covered, another a small hole again I have it covered.

Good luck! Oh bring extra tags in case you want/need to change a price.

I went to a craft fair last summer and the reversable quilted aprons were selling like crazy. They were priced at $25. I also saw a lot of people buying an over the shoulder, sling like carrier for water bottles. I saw them made from fabric and crocheted with cotton yarn. Try to have a partner with you --- for when you need a break for lunch or the restroom, and to help with setting up and carrying everything. Good luck and have fun! :D

We live in Nashville TN. The festival is in Smithville, so very country themed to it. All of these suggestions are awesome! Thanks so much guys!

Hi, I am from the Boro. The Fiddlers Jamboree!! That is a great bluegrass festival. Let me know what booth you will be at I will stop by and say hi. You will have a blast there. You need to come to Uncle Dave Macon Days in the Boro in July. I demonstrate there in April and October. If you are looking for more ideas you should set up there for there spring opening in April. Contact Cannonsburg Village through the Parks and Recreation Dept. I think it is pretty reasonable to set up very minimal fee. It might help you figure out what you want to sell.

I demonstrate basketry, quilting, bedrugs, and tatting there also at Ellington Agricultural Center on Edmonson Pike in Nashville, they are always looking for craftsmen for their events. If you are interested contact the museum and ask for Ann Dale she will help you. Good luck to you.

Hi,
I agree with the rest - keep your money on you, cover the table all the way to the ground, keep extras under the table, etc. What I haven't seen in the responses:

1. besides a table, are you going to have any other displays? My hubby and I created a wooden step ladder - but instead of steps, we slid boards in between the 'rungs', and then we had additional display space.

2. Have a tent! You will need heavy weights to keep it from blowing off. You will need a way to raise and lower the side walls to block a stiff wind, or to get a little breeze to cool off.

3. Be prepared for rain. So many people aren't prepared for that.

4. You can have a stack of something if each piece in that stack is the same thing but colors are different. Otherwise, each item needs to be displayed separately, with prices marked plainly. You can put a bunch of $10 items together and make a sign that says everything in this bin is $10, but otherwise, they need price tags.

5. You will be amazed at how fragile wood is. We do paper towel holders, napkin holders, quilt racks, wooden intarsia, all wooden. My stand was set up, everything was ok, then somebody was goofing around in the next tent, and they fell against the tent wall. My shelves were 12 inches away from the tent wall, but everything fell. all of it broke.

6. Be very watchful for thieves. I have talked to vendors who have watched someone pick up a pair of mittens, put them in their pocket and leave. before the vendor could get around the table, the person and the mittens were gone.

last one, I promise
7. If it is at all possible, have a second person in the booth with you. They can take payment while you answer questions from other shoppers, they can bag merchandise, they can watch a couple of shoppers to see that they stay honest while you are busy with someone else.

Hope this helps,
casa2manana
aka Vicky :D

Yes, all of the above of what CasaManana said.
Make sure you watch, watch, watch your wares. Even those cute little blue haired ladies have sticky fingers. Ask me how I know? Beware of those that come and talk to you and have someone else with them. They try to distract you as their friend/accomplice will pocket small items. Ask me how I know? Make sure if you have things behind you, NO ONE but YOU can access them them. Those items can grow legs and walk. Ask me how I know? lol

When you count out change to someone. Take ONLY the amount of money from your pouch for change. Have the person that is paying hold their money until you get the correct change out. Then, transfer the money between hands. Don't put THEIR money in your pouch until the transaction is over. It's a HUGE scam that I have had people tell me about that happens. The person/buyer will tell you they gave you a $20, when in fact they gave you a $10. Since you already put the money in your pouch, there's really no way to prove what was given.
Just things to watch for. It doesn't mean that it WILL happen, but always better to be safe than sorry.

But, most of all....have fun. It's a learning experience for everyone!

I agree with everything said. I think the most important thing is to not overprice!
Be prepared to lower your prices if you find things aren't selling. And I always have something inexpensive (under $5) for kids. That way they'll stop nagging Mom!

Don't expect to sell out of everything. It never happens. That's just the way it is.

Good luck and have fun!

coasters you can never have enough of them.

May I ask what Grandma's paddles are? Are these done in wood by your husband?
Hugs
April

sounds like you will have fun

OMG!!! SOmeone local! We got to Uncle Dave Macon Days every year! It's so much fun! This is the first year that I'm trying to be a vendor though.

Such great advice guys, thanks so much!

mrsj82, If you need an event in the fall The Music and Molasses Festival is so much fun to do, If you haven't been there it is the same weekend that Bell Buckle has the Crafts Fair, unfortunately but it is fun. It is held at Ellington Agricultural Center off of Edmonson Pike in Nashville. Contact the Museum and they will send you the info for vendors. Talk to Sally, Terri, or Ann Dale. I demonstrate in the Pioneer village. They are always looking for new vendors. If I don't see you at the Fiddlers Jamboree I will see you at Uncle Dave Macon Days. Don't forget Cannonsburg has their Spring event coming up in April, you could set up then very minimal cost. Just to get a feel for it. I will be demonstrating in the village on the Lehman Cabin front porch, at least come and say hi.

So here's a list of what I've preliminarilly decided to make and charge. Take a look and tell me what you think.

potholders-----$5
table runners-----$35
doll quilts-----$20
baby quilts------$45
twin size-------$100
totes--------$25
quilt kits (Pre-cut, illustrated quilt pattern 40''X49'') $35
bookmarks------$3

I may be adding/removing thing, but for now this list plays to my strengths let me know what you think

DSJ, I'm in the Boro too. What is the Spring thing? I try to get to Uncle Dave Macon every year, but may have to change my work schedule this year.
MMMMMM....funnel cakes and fresh squeezed Lemonade. Can't wait!
Carol B

It's coming up in April I think it's the weekend of the 17-18. If you contact Cannonsburg they can tell for sure.

I think your prices look good and I like the idea of the quilt kits. Totes are very popular. You have a nice variety of things. I do know this the shoppers at Cannonsburg like things under $10. Check out some craft fairs that are coming up and see what's selling. I know Smyrna has a crafts fair coming up and Lavergne's Old Timers day is coming up too.

Mrsj82 your list looks very good and you have been given some great advice & ideas. What about hot pads the sz of a 9X13 pan so it doesn't harm your table or cabinet? A lot of casseroles are made in that sz pan.

Casserole Carriers might be another item. There are free patterns on the net. Just google them. Great to carry to potlucks, Guild meetings, etc.

Aprons are good. Pillow Cases for Children in kid prints. Even some in a print for Teens.

Do you have business cards just in case someone wants to contact you later, maybe to order a BB quilt or table runner or get a quilt kit? Whenever I see something I like at a craft show, I always write on the back of the vendors card what it was they were selling and why I liked it so I know which vendor they were.

Mrsj82, Just a few ideas: BBQ aprons, picnic sets (napkins and tablecloths), hot pad holders,medium sized quilts for
people to take to the fireworks, no-sew flannel blankets,
something quick to make. I saw a pattern for a kids travel
tote bag that had individual slots for crayons and then the coloring book would be put in the bag,or substitute drawing pencils and sketch books for older teens. Another idea is
short sets or little sundresses that are simple.
The fair sounds like alot of fun. Good luck. Let us know how it was. Eiltcoq.

Everyone has great suggestions.

The best thing you can do is have an object to get attention of people walking by. It might not be for sale but it gets people into you area. These ladies have given some very good info. Good Luck.

Check this out: http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-30656-1.htm#881602

Dear Mrsj82
My DH & I have done craft shows for over 20 years now. Each show is different as to what sales or not. But some suggestions - be sure to display your items in different heights. I make stuffed animals from old clothing and coats along with sewn items (aprons, bibs, quilts, etc..) My husband makes Marshmallow Shooters. We display on tables with tableclothes going to ground in order to cover our overstock we keep underneath in see thru tubs. Our quilted items and shooters are on metal grids which allows us a variety of displaying options.
We found the biggest boost to our sales was to be friendly and sincere to everyone we come in contact with. Greet everyone that comes by your booth with a big smile and be sure to have something to work on while you are there. Customers love to see what you are doing and that you are actually the artist making the items.
Surprisingly, some of our best customers are the other vendors and many have now become dear close friends to us.
Go with the intentions of having a really good time and you will.

Wow all of you have great Ideas and have helped me a lot for I am new to selling also.

Cookie

I would make as many items in the time available leading up to the craft show. Try to have a wide variety of items in all price ranges for sale. Put one or two of each pattern or style on your display table even if you have multiples of that same item. This could possibly decrease the amount of merchandise that walks off. You could also take pictures of your wares and put them in a binder to show potential customers all the styles and colors you have available. The binder could also be used to keep track of the inventory you have left if you mark it off as you sell them. Make your items stand out from what is available in the stores. Maybe meander instead of doing all grid quilting. Even if you have items left over after the sale its okay because Tennessee seems to have an abundance of festivals and craft fairs. Good luck.

Bring an extra cooler of water and sell for .75 per 8oz bottle.

I have done a craft fair here for 2 years in a row and did very little. Make some inexpensive kids jewelry.

I have to add to make a small flyer up with your name and phone number (or e mail) on it and put one into each bag of items that you sell. You will get repeat business sometimes from that. Or maybe commissioned work.

Do you actually make a profit selling at these prices? If so, I'd like your secret! I spent well over $50 just for the fabric for a baby quilt. (Admittedly, I have some leftover...perhaps that's part of the problem.)

I like the quilt kit idea...do you include just the precut fabrics for the quilt top, or also the backing? I assume not the batting.