Retail Items at Craft Shows

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by James Dillehay on November 14, 2010 at 4:26pm

Unfortunately, this was the case even twenty years ago, before the net when shows and stores were basically it for selling your work. I'd like to add to your complaint that promoters continue to raise booth rent fees without putting any more money back into promoting the event to the public.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Kathy Cassell on November 15, 2010 at 6:23am

I tried craft shows a few years back and for the size of the venue they were expensive. Though I entered juried events I found that there were retail items permitted. The amount of people coming through the door was not large; not enough promotion and maybe craft fair overkill - lots of them!
Speaking to one crafter who had been in the business for years, he said that 15 - 20 years ago the craft scene was good and he made a decent amount from his crafts but it had been going down hill for various reasons. But crafters were competing with retail goods and what people "perceived" as hand made/inexpensive, too many shows, low turn out, lack of promotion, etc. he thought too. His prices were not high, low I thought and he produced items that I have not seen anyone else do.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Mary Datwyler on November 17, 2010 at 9:34am

I agree with James, this was the case years ago and has been ever since. The other "booth filler" that annoys me no end is Avon, Pampered Chef, Amway, etc....a craft venue is NO place for these vendors.

As a former show producer of a highly ranked show in the Pacific Northwest, most small or first time promoters have little idea of how a show is actually conducted - especially now that EVERYONE is holding craft shows. it's more along the line of "it would be fun" or "how hard could it be?" with visions of big bucks in table fees often dancing in their heads. This doesn't apply to all show startups; there are exceptions. New or first time promoters typically don't understand show layout, traffic flow, safety, electrical requirements, fire marshal inspections, licensing, taxes, first aid, insurance, etc. They often don't know how or where to advertise. I ask a LOT of questions of show promoters whether the table fee is $25 or $200.

I've learned to "audition" new shows by attending them first rather than participating in them whenever possible. This takes planning in advance but it gives you a real idea of what you're getting into. When I sign up for a show as a vendor, I try to make a strong and positive impression on the promoter or organizer of the show, especially if I like what I see or experience. I see if they have other shows at other times. That gets me invitations to his/her other shows and sometimes preferential treatment as a returning vendor. Even still, not every show is going to be the best show ever.

When I am asked at a show to participate in an upcoming show I never leap and say "yes" right away. I ask for written information and tell them I'll be in touch. Just remember, it's really nice to be asked, but often you are asked because you'd make the PROMOTER look good to other craftspeople by being able to draw someone of your quality to their show, not the other way around. Sometimes I'll call later and say yes, but more often than not, I'm going to say no thanks.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jeff Lee on November 26, 2010 at 6:06am

I am new to the craft show business; I have been selling online for a while but have become more serious about building a business in the last few months. I agree with the frustration at some craft shows but I absolutely love doing them; of course this may wear off after a couple of seasons. Having the one on one interaction with the customer has been very valuable. I always take a note pad with me to jot down suggestions or request the customers may have. I have learned so much. I toke a suggestion from a customer who did not buy anything from me at my second craft show and it turned into $80 plus sales of a $2.50 item at the next show. At this last show a customer asked me if I had a sample of a completed handmade photo album I sell; I do not she bought two anyway but guess what I am working on for my December shows. I will also add photos of the completed albums to my online descriptions too. When I notice a really positive reaction to my products but no sales or little sales I pay especially close attention to the questions customers ask; or any hint as to why they may not purchase the item. I hope to translate that feedback into better merchandizing of my products, adding products and so on. I guess because I am so new at this business I find the feedback from customers worth the time and effort to do craft shows. I have developed a couple of regular customers too. I do live in an area with a large handmade/artisan community so I do participate in handmade only shows monthly. No big promoters just basically the artisans/crafters promote everywhere they have a chance too; so we are all have a vested interested in getting the word out.

Here is a our website: www.thecraftcrawl.com

A number of us in this group support local festivals at a organic marketplace and will be pariticipating in a Art Gallery festival too. These are not huge shows in terms of the number of people who attend but it is our target audience; so I have been very pleased with sales; not going to be able to quit a job to do this any time soon but hopefully it will continue to grow.

I also look for crafts show with a little history to them; there is something to be said for a show that has been going for 10 plus years....mainly a lot more traffic and generally people who are looking for handmade items. I have done both types of shows. I always chat with fellow vendors to find out how many are returning vendors...that is usually a big clue as to how the day will go as far as sells; helps me adjust my expectations. But I have learned something at every show which I find to be very valuable. I personally would not give up doing the shows but finding a good selection process is necessary in order to have a chance a being successful.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Frances Robson on December 3, 2010 at 8:11am

That is why I like to go only to juried shows or those who have to apply and be selected after showing their products. This weeds out the cheap, imported items. If I go to an arts and crafts show, I only shop those areas

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by cqGin9911 on December 15, 2011 at 5:43pm

Hi Tiger Williams, I have to agree on this also. I'd suggest looking into the idea of hosting your own 'Craft Faire' ;) I go to a craft show expecting to see nothing but hand made items and to find cheap mass produced stuff-is very disappointing. It takes away the 'uniqueness' and 'creativity' of the crafts people. Not sure how to combat a craft fair that carries on such practices other than passing the word along they don't truly host 'true handmade crafts' :(  

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion