New to trading at craft fairs? Here are a few tips
We will assume that you have found your craft market, checked that it's a long-running, genuine event (there are some scammers out there!), table and chairs supplied (unless you have already invested in a folding table etc).
Next. The List
Preparation is everything. The aim is to minimise the stress you may be feeling prior to your first event, so have a hard copy list to hand - here's my suggestion:
Table set up: Base cloth or fitted cover that will reach to the floor on three sides at least. Creaseless fabric is the best, unless you love ironing. Maybe a more decorative runner or smaller cloth if you need to add a bit of colour.
Display: Avoid a flat display of your crafts as much as possible. Look for decorative boxes, trays, mirrors, anything that is going to show off your items to best advantage. DO a practice run of your set up at home, look at it from various angles, ask for feedback from family/friends because they will look at it differently. Once you are happy with it, take a photo on your phone to refer to on the day.
Pricing labels & table signs: This will depend on your type of craft, so look at your table and goods from a buyer's point of view. What would you expect to see if you were interested in a piece? Is there something on there that tells them who you are, that your items are handmade by you (good conversation opener), what the raw materials are (e.g. Hypoallergenic earring fittings, recycled, upcycled, sourced from a UK supplier). No need to get complicated with signage to start with, just make sure you have something there. Whenever you get the chance, walk around the venue, see how other traders have organised their pricing and signage. Even better, have a nosy around a couple of craft fairs prior to the one you have booked!
Taking payment: Make up a cash box with small change. Certainly consider a card reader - not many people use cash now. There are some very good and inexpensive entry-level machines available. We use SumUp but there are others just as useful. Remember that the WiFi connection at some venues isn't always good, so a connection via your phone is worth looking at. Pricing of your items is a tricky one, so I won't even attempt a discussion on that, but do consider whether to factor in the small charge taken by the card reader company.
Pack & wrap: Your first sale (YaY!) - so how are you going to present your goods. Are they small enough for a paper bag, or do you need tissue paper and/or bubble wrap? Scissors, sellotape on a holder, pens and small notebook, anything else you think you may need. Making up a little 'admin box' is really useful to keep these things together.
Packing for transport: Try to minimise the number of journeys you have to make from your vehicle into the event hall. If your items are lightweight, then those lidded plastic crates/boxes are ideal and, if you have loads of boxes, a lightweight 'sack truck' type trolley can ease the load. Packing your vehicle with the table set up/admin box on top is also useful. It will be the first thing you need.
Your comfort: Basic and rather obvious, but we do forget our own needs at times. Warm clothing layers - feet can get very cold in some venues, cold drinks and snacks, cushion for your chair perhaps? Something to do if the event is very quiet. Maybe your particular craft lends itself to working on at the event? Take a few things with you to finish off? It can also be a good conversation starter if someone sees you working on a piece.
Meet & Greet: These events can be a bit daunting at first, especially if you are not naturally outgoing, but a welcoming smile and greeting usually breaks the ice. No matter how shy you are feeling, do not hide behind your phone or iPad or earphones. Apart from looking unwelcoming, you could miss that one important person who's going to make your day and BUY something.
You'll soon get to recognise when a visitor doesn't want to be chatted to and there's always that one grumpy bod who's having a really bad day! Don't let it bother you. The next person to stop by will be admiring your work and more than happy to have a chat.
Feedback: Leading on from that last comment - if you are having a friendly chat with someone, why not ask them for a bit of feedback, both on your craft and the layout of the table. Other stallholders are generally a good source of help on this as well. We learn a lot from the negative as well as the positive responses.
ABOVE ALL - enjoy yourself. Treat it as a fun day out and don't feel knocked back if you don't take oodles of money on the day. It happens to the most experienced traders, we all hit on bad days, and is just part of the business of selling to the public.
PS: on the subject of feedback, I'd love to hear from you regarding this article and any suggestions you may have, something I've missed out and so forth.
Very best wishes and I hope you do well
Kathryn