For creative small business selling at craft fairs is an excellent way to gain business and grow customers. It’s a great way for artists and creative people to connect with a new audience all while having a great time.
Craft fairs are typically inexpensive and allow you to markup your goods to reflect a good profit on what you create. Making money and building customers at craft fairs takes research, planning and a positive attitude.
Tips for Craft Fairs:
Attend Shows
Before you sign up to sell your wares at your first craft show be sure to attend a few first. It’s a good idea to check out who is selling, what kinds of products are featured and selling. Take some time to chat with the vendors to ask questions and get a feel for the environment. Find out which fairs are best for your creations.
Do Research
Gather all the information necessary before you take the plunge. Be sure to find out the cost to have an exhibit and what the expected attendance is. When calculating costs it’s important to factor in travel costs, shipping costs and the cost for your table and display. Determining your potential profit and loss will help you make an informed decision.
Small Investment
Try to keep you investment small to begin and build a customer base. You might consider sharing a booth with another vendor or taking a small space with borrowed equipment. Starting small will take the pressure off as you assess how craft fairs work for you.
Price counts!
Customers who attend craft fairs are from all walks of life. While cheaper items often sell quicker you might consider offering a items priced at all price points. Selling a fewer number of more expensive items is very possible. Keeping tabs on the market at hand will help you succeed on many different levels.
Build Your Mailing List
One of the most important ways to build your customer base at craft fairs is developing a good mailing list. Customers tend to come back year after year to frequent their favorite sellers. Use creative ways to entice customers to share their contact info. Find unique individual giveaways or even offer them a chance to win a piece of artwork when they share their business card or contact info. Once you have your list you can send out notices promoting your business and inviting them to your next show. Be sure to collect emails as they are far cheaper than snail mail.
Learn how to be successful at your next craft fair!
And so much more!