How to Sell Crafts at Fairs and Shows
There’s something about seeing people admire your crafts. Products you worked tirelessly to complete and perfect are suddenly picked up by strangers, and if it works out well, they buy it; something you worked on is now out of your life and a part of another’s. As scary as that may sound, it’s more so rewarding—many crafters and artists turn to selling their crafts to see someone fall in love with what they meticulously created.
When it comes to craft fairs and shows, and feeling that gratification, there are few different things you should think about. Though it’s exciting, you don’t want to purchase a booth and leave without selling enough product to cover your costs. To keep this from happening, we’ve come up with a short guide on how to sell crafts at fairs and shows, so you can get have the satisfying experience that comes with selling your crafts.
Pick the Right Fair
If you want to sell your crafts, you have to make sure you sign up with the right craft fair. There are so many different shows throughout the year, and if you want to get the most out of it, you have to participate in the one that’s best for you. If you’re a beginner, you don’t want to sign up for the fair with some of the best of the best in the area there. You also don’t want to sign up for a fair that doesn’t have a crafting focus. Do your homework on the different local shows, and make sure you select the one that will offer you the most opportunity for success.
Share Before the Fair
One of the most important things you can do to sell your work is to advertise. Let people know you will be at the fair—post on social media, head to your local businesses, and share information about your booth. You won’t get many people coming to visit your booth if they don’t know it exists. Also, the more passionate you are about selling your craft, and the more you share that passion, the more people will get excited about visiting you. You could even post on social media once a day about the different things you will sell, so people can get a taste of what you will offer.
Pay Attention to the Set Up
When it comes to the day of the fair or show, make sure you pay attention to how you set up your booth. Not only is the location of your booth important, but so is how you display your product. Ensure people can tell what you’re selling from both up close and far away. If you can afford it, professional signage can market your space. Also, make sure your tables are not too crowded or have too much open space—there’s a balance to showcasing your crafts, and the more shows you do, the more you’ll figure this out.
Show Off Your Craft
Apart from having your pieces on the table, make sure that (if you can) you wear the things you’re selling. If you sell jewelry, wear it; if you knit scarfs, wear one. You want to showcase the product you’re trying to sell. Not only is it a way to spark conversation, but it’s also a great way to show people how it looks on. If you sell more products than your body can wear, present them in the manner for how it would best be worn or used.
Make Sure the Price is Right
While cheaply priced items may be easier to sell, they won’t do much work to cover your costs and make a profit. In that same realm, if you over-price your product, you run the risk of never having anyone step up to your table. Offer a range of price points for customers. A good way to do this is to double the price of your material cost. For example, if you have a scarf, and the material and knitting supplies cost you $15, then sell it for $30 at the craft fair.
Think About the Packaging
Quality packaging is something your customers will be extremely grateful for. Spending a little bit of money and offering quality packaging can help bring customers to your booth. Just a nice bag with some tissue paper, rather than a plastic bag, can help people notice your brand throughout the fair. Make sure you have little cards to place in the bag, too; they should have everything from your contact information to care instructions.
Bring A Credit Card Machine
One big way you can get people to not come to your booth is to not accept credit cards. Yes, people used to only carry cash at craft fairs and shows, but if you want to sell your crafts now, you need to accept credit cards. It’s rather simple; you will lose sales if you don’t accept them. This is especially important if your work is higher priced.
Upsell, Upsell, Upsell
Finally, one of our most important tips on how to sell crafts at fairs and shows is to make sure you upsell your products. You will not sell as much as you can if you don’t focus on selling your product. Craft fairs are more than just people walking by your booth and you hoping that your products will catch their eye. When things slow down, it can be all too easy to focus on just one single sale, when in reality, you may end up failing to point out complementary or similar products to someone. Get yourself in the habit of asking “would you like [blank] with that” or “this also pairs wonderfully with that product.” You’ll see your sales increase much faster the more you upsell your creative products.
If craft fairs are something you’re interested in, make sure you get stocked up on all the different goods you’ll need, from fabrics to needles. Turn to Lindley General Store for all of your crafting needs. Let us help you put your best foot forward for your next craft show!
