Stuff For Crafts Fair

[Stewart]

Working on inventory to sell at a Craft Show.

Edited November 13, 2013 by Stewart

[artycpt]

I have yet to go to a craft fair to sell things. I am seriously considering it but haven't really built up an inventory. I am curious to know how much of an inventory you are going to create for a fair and what other needs are a must have (tables, chairs...)

[Stewart]

Well money for change, chair, Small table, shade, cooler( no beer ). Business cards. Samples of what I do and small pocket stuff that do not cost much cover Cars- sport teams, Religions, Women styled stuff. A portfolio of what I have done. one thing a flask that I have done for taste testing.

[joet]

I just finished my first craft fair a couple of weeks ago and found out the following. As mentioned above, a table and chairs; the fair I was at was indoors so there was no need for a cover. Water to drink, something for lunch or know of a fast food restaurant or the phone number to a pizza delivery service. Small items sold best or anything cheap. Cell phone cases sold the most, but must have them in many different sizes. Billfolds did not sell, but a roper wallet did, go figure. Bolo ties were not even looked at. Refrigerator magnets also sold like hot cakes (they were in the shape of little owls). High end items like small pictures didn't go at all.

As this was my first time I made an inventory of things to have on hand next time. Something to display the bolo ties better, like a form in the shape of a neck and body. Something to stick the magnets to, like a steel plate that was upright. A form to fill out for taxes after the show was over and a short term tax license. This may depend on location, state, city, country, etc. These are just a few things I came up with and I'm sure there are many more I didn't list. Just my three cents worth.

[Stewart]

Thanks Joet, That's the way I see it. Small things then a few larger stuff to get the feel of what to take on the next one. Same local area should have the same results. The Craft show that was yesterday rained out .Never thought about the tax deal. Get a strfoam head for wigs. My wife has one. Thanks again. Joe.

[cdthayer]

I just finished my first craft fair a couple of weeks ago and ..... I made an inventory of things to have on hand next time.

My wife and I have been vendors at quilt and craft shows for the past 7 years. We attend about 6 events each year. After only the first few venues that we attended, it was apparent that we needed some method of deciding what we needed to take, without having to think of everything on the spot, so I made up a "Remote Sales Check-off List" in Microsoft Excel. The same thing could be handwritten and copied if you don't want to be as granulated as us. We have set our booth up outside at some venues and inside at others. We've used electricity at some and not at others. Each booth type requires some different items that we don't want to forget to load, but we can't take everything. We use a pickup with a topper on it, and no trailer.

I have 6 columns and 260 rows in my spreadsheet. The column headings are:

Check - a 1/4 inch checkbox space to mark by hand on the paper copy

Take - a 1/4 inch checkbox marked by computer when selecting what to take to each venue

Item - Description field

Storage - Indicates where the item is stored (home, shop, pickup, shed, etc)

Location - Specific room or location at our storage sites (pantry, toolbox, storeroom, POS counter, etc)

Type - Category entry (commerce, display, document, electrical, outdoor, product, supplies, etc)

We've put every item that we've ever used or thought about using at a remote sales venue on our list. It's especially handy in those cases when we have duplicates of items (tote tubs, extension cords, tables, chairs). We start with a new full list every time we prepare to gather things to go to a show, even if we've been to that show before. Our list changes as we acquire items, so last year's list is only good to see what we took last time. The Take checkbox allows us to go down the entire list of things that we want to take and make an x in the box with the computer. Then the list is sorted by computer to trim down the list to what we are taking this time. That usually pares it down to about 100 items. Those items are then sorted by Storage and then by Location. Once the list is sorted on the computer, one paper copy is printed to use when we're pulling items. We put an X in the Check checkbox with a pen or pencil when the item is loaded or staged ready to load.

We get really itemized on our list, and it may be over-kill to some. Some item examples are:

10 Tub entries, one for each tote tub that we have (different types, sizes)

19 Table entries, one for each table and tablecloth that we have (different types, sizes)

2 Tax Permit entries (different states)

Scotch Tape (not just tape)

Duct Tape

Masking Tape

Packing tape

Measuring Tape

Pens (with a write-in quantity)

Notepad

Post-it Note Pad

We only have 34 Product entries, one for each product type, not individual items. We take different kinds of things to sell at each different venue, and only a limited quantity of each type. The specific items are selected on the fly when we load. The specific item list is more for the tools, equipment, and supplies that we'll need.

Back home after the show, we always unload every item, empty every tub, and put everything back where it goes. We tried to keep a tub loaded with basic supplies setting ready to go, but then found that we didn't keep up with what we had used out of the tub well enough. It takes the two of us about an hour to go from empty pickup to hit-the-road, and about the same amount of time to unload and put away.

CD in Oklahoma

[joet]

CD; you have given this topic a lot of information that is helpful. The craft fair that I was at, my group was in charge of and it was a first time affair. We have a lot to learn and a long ways to go to get there. Any information for putting on a fair would be helpful for the next time. I received a letter from one of the vendors and he gave us a lot of encouragement for the next fair. The only reason I had a booth was to fill in the spaces as we could have used about three or four more vendors. The space for the fair had no fee attached to it and it was in a good location. We think the timing was off as we were competing with seven other fairs that same weekend and the advertising was not as good as it could have been. Any more information would be helpful.

I need to add that my booth was the only leather related craft at this fair. Others were crochet/knitting, pottery, photography, art, jewelry and several others I can't think of right off hand.

[cdthayer]

Our Check-off List has really helped us have what we need when we go to a show. We typically go through the list 2-3 days ahead of time to decide what to take. We've known what size and shape our booth will be since we signed up, but waiting until just before time to go allows us to be able to consider weather conditions that we'll face. Forecasts are better close to the event day. Even when it's an indoor booth, we still have to get us and our gear from the truck to the booth in a downpour of rain sometimes. That takes rain gear that we wouldn't normally take, like large plastic bags to put inventory and gear in, extra rags to wipe down tables, totes, and larger display stands, and personal rain gear to keep us from having to work the booth soaking wet for hours. And if it's an outside booth, the wind forecast is important for considering display stand types and display weights to help keep everything from blowing away. Nothing like spending the day chasing the stuff that blows away from your booth.

CD in Oklahoma

[bigorange]

Thanks very much to all who responded , I suspected it was a low dollar item market and I will stock accordingly,

[Fat Dog Leather]

My husband and I are planning our first show the end of March. We too really appreciate the list of supplies and suggestions to make ready for the sale. Also the goods to sell; we assumed smalls would be best but it sounds like we should really concentrate on the small items.... Say under $20 or $ 30 price point and have a few higher end items. But this will be a learning experience for the show itself and the sale.

Thanks again all for the insight and any other words of wisdom are welcome!!

[Erystawi]

Soon there will be winters/christmas craft fair again, what do you sell the most? What is hot and what is not? Really good reading here!

I'm going to a craft fair in last of november, and are exited, and really would love to have some more ideas. At this moment I am making can covers and key rings.

Eva

[NVLeatherWorx]

It is indeed the market for the smaller, cheaper items which will basically walk out the door at any of these events. However, it does help to have examples of the bigger stuff or those special items that people always ask about so that you can get an opening for a custom order.

I always have key fobs/key rings on-hand, a couple of money clip wallets/magnetic money clips, a couple of biker style wallets with the chain, a couple of regular billfold wallets; all of this can walk out the door as cash and carry. I also have a range of belt sample ideas (the remnants of belts that I have done over the years), and a couple of handbags on display as well (these are actually my wife's but we put them on display as that is a commonly asked about item for custom orders). I also have some small home decor items on display as cash and carry such as coaster sets with a carrier.

I also always take a full work station with me everywhere I go and am actively working on a project during the event. This attracts attention and gets people into my little "leather zone" which then gets them watching how an item is stamped or tooled, or even when I am lacing or stitching, they are riveted to what they are seeing. I get about a 25% custom order response just because of this alone. I also get another 20% custom order response when I have spent time answering the clients questions about materials I use versus what are typically used in commercial production.

Off and on I include some wristband blanks that can be stamped out real quick and finished as a cash and carry item as well. I stay away from having high-end or labor intensive finished goods sitting out, that is what the custom order process is about and you have to be ready to take them when the client wants to place it.

And I too am always the only leather related vendor at these events and it doesn't matter where I go, even at the County Fair's where we have juried divisions.

[chrstn53]

From my experience selling at craft shows/art fairs, the question of what to bring and prices depends on the demographics of the area. I have done about 30 shows the past two years and participating in these shows is like riding a roller coaster with really high arches in sales and low dips. Most of my products are in the $20 to $250 range with products like wallets,journals,cigar cases, belts, leashes, flasks, bags and general accessories, but I also have a few lower cost things like key chains and card cases. Most of my shows are in southern Indiana with a few around Nashville, TN and Ohio. From experience I do not participate in any craft only shows in my area. My sales are always the lowest at craft specific only events which have as few as 100 people to 3,000-4,000 people. It seems that most of my products are purchased by consumers in the 20 to 50 year old range and for some reason I have never had one good show that was a craft only show, so I don't do them anymore. I do best at street fair type of events, juried art shows, and markets put on by fashion companies or "hipster markets". Most shows run from $20 to $75 for a weekend show but juried shows run from $150 to $1,000+. I have trouble knowing what to bring to a show even if I have been to the same show in the past because they are so sporadic. For example last month I introduced a journal cover for the moleskine notebooks and did not sell one in the first two shows I had them in, but at the third show I sold out of them with only 10 made and took three more orders for cases from patrons who did a walk through and came back after I sold out of them. It's like this at every show so I have a lot of extra inventory for every item I make on hand under the table. When I do my southern Indiana shows I only have a few of the higher dollar items on display, but when I do my two juried shows in Nashville, TN my setup is completely opposite with the majority of my tables filled with my mid to high dollar items with only a few lower dollar items. I have only been getting serious with the shows this year and have put a lot of money into displays and tents, but to show the difference from normal shows and juried shows: Best Normal show $876 profit after $70 fee for two day show (street fair event 3-4,000 people); Worst normal show $85 profit after $40 fee for two day show (craft show 2-3,000 people). Best Juried show $3,235 after $485 fee for two day show (40,000 people); Worst juried show $740 after $260 fee for one day show (5-6,000 people). Once you have done a few shows in your area you will get a feel for what people have to spend and what type of products they are looking for.

Helpful hints.

Fold in half tables with handles

Storage tubs

Sturdy Tent for outdoor shows

Display your items well

I'm always saddle stitching something when not talking to customers, it draws them in and gets them asking questions which has led to many custom orders. ( I still get at least 10 or more people a show ask me if I make any of the items i'm selling while I am stitching)

Make sure you have plenty of cash on hand for change. ( I normally have $200 in 1,5,10's at local shows and $600 at juried events).

Business cards and either a social media site or web site for custom orders and a place to show off your work

Cooler with some food and drinks. ( If i'm doing a show by myself without help from my wife or bother, I eat and drink before the show and nurse one bottle of water during the show with some beef jerky, so you don't have to leave your booth to use the restroom)

Always be friendly with other exhibitors and find out what shows they do best at. ( I have found out about my best shows from other vendors)

Sorry for the rambling,, hope this helps.

[Stewart]

Chrstn53, Thanks

After a year I am doing my first at the end of the month. see what happens.

[NVLeatherWorx]

Christian tagged it. You are always having to change the content of your larger items and try to target the demographic makeup of event attendees and that can sometimes be a huge task all on its own. The smaller things like key fobs and other such items are really more your impulse buy items so having an assortment of styles is not an issue, just don't have a million of them on display.

The supplies list as far as tables, etc. is bang on and will make your load out so much easier if you have these items set aside just for this purpose. I average about 25 shows per year and they are a split between all inclusive vendor types and craft only and my results are about equal for both. The trick to a craft only event is the location where it is held. If it is a craft only event but it is held at a Church (or any other Community type building) then you will most likely only see the actual "community" to which that venue typically sees as your customer base so your sales will be most likely very limited. This also hold true to any events that are held at shopping venues such as Outlet Malls; the target audience here is just looking for that cheap deal or just window shopping so you will see light sales there as well.

The best way to find out which events are successful is to "meet and greet" with other vendors and pick their brains for information; it helps if you have a list of events that you are interested in and then just ask others, point blank, if they participate and if so, how well do they do or what their impression of the event is.

A major issue in my area right now is there are several events that go on through the year where the promoters require a full story about your works, a list of your suppliers, photos of your works and you actually making them, and all of this other stuff that is fine for a Juried event but to participate in a traditional craft only event is about as bright as a 1 watt bulb. I tend to stay clear of shows that require more work just to submit your application than I would typically put into a full custom made saddle (including the tree); just doesn't make sense to me on that.

[irishsuperfly]

This is a great topic! Thanks for sharing experience.

A friend of mine is doing a charity show in two weekends and it dawned on me that I should be busy making key fobs and bracelets to sell there. Of course, it means I'll be on the hook to help her but it wouldn't be the first time so I might as well get some compensation for it! She started out around this time last year, just going to any local craft show she could find. The people who attend those things are so fickle. Since most of the shows were holiday related, she and her mom were doing really fancy ornaments and cute quilts with very little selling.

She's settled into a better niche now (that she's also passionate about so that helps), doing paracord braiding for horse and other pet gear, chooses her shows a little more carefully, and tries to stick with horse-related functions. Her sales are at least enough to break even at most shows but still not great. I keep telling her she needs to either pre-make or take some cord along to make bracelets on demand but she doesn't bother. I really think those type of small, impulse buys are what people will spend money on at shows. She's gotten custom orders but the people who come to her with specific needs are the minority. After the last show I helped her with, I suggested she make business cards that have a specific discount code on them so she can track how many sales she got from the show after-the-fact. I'm not convinced that many of the people who took a card with an "oh, I'll definitely check out your website and place an order" actually follow through with it.

So, shamelessly, part of my interest in making up some little odds n ends stuff to sell is to see if my theory is right. I'd love to see her get some profit at these things and maybe I can convince her that having more of the smaller, ready made things are worth having at her booth. It's not often I get to say "I told you so" either, so here's hoping.

Edit: I'll pass on the other idea mentioned here about actually working on an item during the show. Maybe people seeing her braiding a halter will prompt some more sales, so thanks for that suggestion! If I end up going with her I'll take along some things to work on. Better than sitting around doing nothing between potential customers.

Edited October 15, 2014 by irishsuperfly

[Stewart]

Well I went and committed to a booth. If I can sell Truck parts to truckers than I should also see there, less the cussing!

Have a Flyer,it's required to show your Name.

So who knows

[irishsuperfly]

We made it through the show yesterday. I didn't get to say "I told you so" regarding my own sales (but I did sell two key fobs! ) although most of my friend's sales were things she premade and only one custom order on the spot. I still think having more inventory on-hand and ready to go is the best strategy for sales, she just didn't have much time before the show to stock up. Hopefully she'll get some business afterward from people she talked with about custom orders. I wish there was a way to track those sales, but I can't think of anything other than offering a discount code related to the event for people to enter into her website when they purchase.

I didn't get any bracelets made in advance, which might have gotten me more sales. I got lazy and sat around twiddling my thumbs the whole time instead of working on making bracelets. I need a good, sturdy work surface for setting snaps, etc next time.

I think we did alright with the prep but a checklist would help things go more smoothly. Seems there's one thing that always gets forgotten!

[biglew]

i like many others are trying to find a local market to make a few dollars,, just curios what you typically charge for key fobs and assorted other Items. I don't want to be too cheap

[irishsuperfly]

I'm probably not the right person to offer advice on pricing. Others with more experience would be better. That said, I sold my fobs for $8 - a lot of people looked at them and had positive comments but not one person seemed turned off by that price. My friend and my dad said I was underselling myself but they're my first pieces and I really couldn't bring myself to mark them up any higher. I tried to do a little pricing research before the show but didn't spend enough time on it to get a good feel for what I should be pricing them.

[NVLeatherWorx]

The pricing game is always a tough one and everyone will have a different method to it. When it comes to a standard, run of the mill, key fob I set my price for a stamped version at $5.00 and a carved & tooled version at $10.00; my price always includes my sales tax and for that I just add the highest rate for my State as I tend to travel around where each County has a different rate. However, that pricing is for what is on hand; in other words the Cash & Carry products. If a person wants me to make them a fob to their specifications then it would most likely cost more as there is almost always a bunch of extra stuff that they want. I have had one custom ordered with a stamped border around the edge, a Carved & Tooled Old English Monogram, and they wanted the edge laced. That one went for $25.00 plus shipping (no tax added here as it was to be shipped out of State).

That is the way I do things but one thing I always try to do when pricing my Cash & Carry stuff is to make sure that I cover my materials and a larger portion of my time. There is some truth to the statement "a cheap price often gives the impression of a cheaply made item" and I don't list my stuff cheap; I list it fair enough to gain a little profit but any time a custom order is made based on what is on display I always do a full work up and quote to the client and I explain to them going into it that the price for a custom item will be different than that on the display item and I tell them why. No matter what, never sell yourself short for anyone or for any reason.

[biglew]

thanks

[Stewart]

There is a lot of good information that's been posted here. Seems that the prices are inline.

My show was last Saturday. sold 2 fobs and order for one more and 2 orders for baseballs.

Those are to be seen yet. This was the second time the Market/ Craft event has been held.

So I am on the ground floor and my table is next to the check in table.So it's encouraging

that that's where they want me.

Only two crafters there. A lady with a spinning wheel doing sheep's wool into yearn and I.

The rest was made up of food vendors-Honey sellers and herbs for health.

Edited October 27, 2014 by Stewart

[NVLeatherWorx]

Neat little table arrangement there Stewart. However, if I may make a suggestion? Be careful doing anything that has a licensed Trademark or Copyright item (cartoon characters, official sports logos, etc.) as that is against the law (unless you have a written document from the attorney's who represent the Trademark or Copyright owner giving you permission to do so). I say this because it has become a common thing to find crafters of all types getting themselves in hot water over the use of such things and there are several cases where the crafter has lost all of their equipment, supplies, etc. plus hefty fines (even know of a couple that lost their homes in the lawsuits). Don't mean to rain on your parade but I hate to see fellow craftsmen fall into this trap and find themselves losing everything over a stupid yellow bird or some black and white cat that can't speak clearly.

The baseballs are a nice touch, do they sell well?

[Stewart]

NV. Thought of that. The Fobs and baseballs attracted a few looks. I think I overwhelmed

them with having so much out at one time. Next time I will be selective.

The crowd was few as being the second time as a Market. What did puzzle me was it was

at a Church and the Bible type stuff did not get a look at. The kids did not even check out

the baseballs. Had a feeling that they thought they were all import stuff.