CRAFT FAIRS, TIPS & EVENTS
Well it seems we're into the season of Craft fairs!!
It's been a mayhem of fabrics, ideas, designing and snip, snip, snip, ,,, sew, stuff, sew..
Along with the usual questions like have I got a table?? how much stock do I take?? how much float?? ..
So I thought I'd pop together a few top tips to help new crafters along..
I hope you enjoy reading about my personal experiences or if there's something I've forgotten please feel free to add a comment or ask a question..
Okay so you've decided to accept a CRAFT FAIR in a few weeks time.. yeah that's good.. a few weeks is plenty of time to get organised isn't it??? ...So you would think..!! But you'll be amazed that when juggling families, maybe a day job , school runs, domestic bliss and playing taxi to the older children just how quickly the time flys!! If you're lucky you'll have a head start with items you've already made around the home, but at TAUPO we tend to mostly make to order to save on costs of items nobody wants..so for me it was manic mayhem with lots of late nights and early mornings..=)
TIPS
CHOOSING YOUR FAIRS
Always try to choose fairs nearby, or if it's an unfamiliar area then do your homework. If you have time do a trial run to find out how long it will take to get there, allow for morning traffic, and take a look at the place you'll be going. Take note of parking facilities~the last thing you want to do is have to hump your stock 3 miles to your pitch.!! Yes that's happened to me.. =)
SIGNAGE, POSTERS & BUSINESS CARDS
Try to be a little different from other crafters and make your pitch stand out with eye catching signs and banners.. I made mine but there are lots of different ways to let people know who and where you are..
From colourful bunting, to posters and signs.. make sure no-one can miss you!! And lots of business cards to either give out or pop into your bags after a sale ~ it means people can find you after the event. I use mine as labels for my items.
So you have the basics of your stall, find out if you need to supply your own tables or display stands as some organisers provide them .. make sure your displays ( boxes, baskets, stands etc) are in tip top condition ..
STOCK
That's a tough one.. I suggest you do some research on previous events the venue has held..If its a regular monthly fair then chances are people are already craft browsing fanatics and will return time after time, so be prepared. I suggest that you double your hoped for selling cost..ie. if you plan to sell 50-100 pounds of take a value of 100-200 pounds worth with you...you can never have too much really, but a little something of everything you make would be great...plus an order book so people can place orders of your makes if you're down to the last one.
DISPLAYS
Try to be eye-catching by using different levels for your items..These can be expensive to buy but if you have an old chest of drawers, old wooden shoe rack, or crate then simply paint it neutral and use that, like in this photo. The items act like shelves and you can get smaller goodies seen instead of them being stacked behind each other and overlooked.
Try to use a maximum of 2/3 colours only. Also try to ensure the material is floor length, that way you can store items under the table. Don’t over clutter your stall, you can always keep replenishing it. Too many items makes your tables look untidy !!
Lastly practice your display, before the event and take some photos, it may help you remember where things went. Time yourself too, so you have an idea how long it will take you to set up on the day.
PRICING & PACKAGING
Make sure your items are clearly labeled and priced up.. to save time on this you can use folded cards with any offers, descriptions and prices on.
Take an assortment of packaging and wrap with you..different sized bags and tissue for any delicate items ~ it not only looks good but you can pop your business card in the bags as well. If you have your name on the bags it can be FREE advertising for your stall.
ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO TAKE
Things to remember to take with you include a Calculator,
pen,
notebook (to write down orders and comments),
bluetack (to help stick things up or down if it’s windy),
pins,
sellotape,
mirror if people need to try things on.
Float money, take plenty of change and enough to pay for your stall, a money belt or somewhere to keep your money safe.
An up to date Sales list so you can keep track of sales.
Some food and drink, you may not get chance to leave your stall if you are on your own.
Lastly take something you are already working on or already making, handy if it’s quiet and people do like to see you making things...
MOST IMPORTANT **HAVE FUN, GET TO KNOW OTHER CRAFTERS, CHAT TO THE POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS and SMILE LOTS**
Enjoy yourself.. I hope this has been helpful..xx
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