So, I thought seeing as craft fairs have been on my mind a lot recently, I would do a post about what to bring to a craft fair. I did quite a lot of research on this topic before I did my first fair (quite a while ago now) and had to brush up a little for the fair I did on Saturday and it got me thinking... Is there a definitive list of what to bring with you? The answer to this I think is no. There are essentials, but there are also personal preferences. And the finished list will depend a lot on the type of thing you are selling. In case you haven’t yet looked at my Etsy shop, I make mainly handbags, but also some accessories and other bits and pieces, so my list will differ to someone who sells paintings or ceramics.
Here is my list of essentials:
· Items to sell plus extra to restock the table – this is fairly obvious. Make sure you have enough items to make your space look full but not overcrowded, and enough to fill up spaces when you sell things.
· Table covering – this can be as plain or as fancy as you like. As I use lots of bright and patterned fabrics, I have a plain cream colour tablecloth so as to not over power or take away from my items.
· Display props – having your items at different levels will give the customer something interesting to look at. It has also been proven that customers place higher value on items that are higher up, so I tend to place my cheaper items at the front of the table, mid price items in the middle and my most expensive pieces on the raised sections at the back of the table.
· Change – again, fairly obvious. I price all of my items at round numbers for example £8.00 or £12.50 so that I don’t have to carry lots of different coins with me. This way I just need some 50p’s, pound coins, a few fivers and £10pound notes. You will also need an apron or cash box with easy access to store your float.
· Bags – these can be new or just recycled supermarket carrier bags. I use plain white plastic bags from Bookers cash and carry, as they are smart and cheap!
· Promotional materials – a sign saying who you are, what you sell, your email address and how to find you on facebook/twitter etc is very useful. Also business cards with similar information are important so people can take your contact information away with them. I also have some magnets, which are identical to my business card that I give away with more expensive purchases.
· Price labels – this is very important. Make sure all your items are clearly priced. People don’t like to ask how much things are, as they can feel obligated to buy, or sometimes they are too shy to ask. Having clear labels eliminates any awkwardness that can occur between you and the customer about money.
I think this concludes my list of the essentials for the stall, but you also need to remember things to keep yourself comfortable, such as: water, food, painkillers and weather appropriate clothing. I also usually bring something to keep myself busy. Potential customers love to see the artist at work, it drives home the fact that the items you are selling are handmade with love by you.
Some other useful items:
· Sales sheet – I note down my sales in a notebook along with observations about the person buying. My intention is that after a few craft fairs I will be able to better establish my target audience and develop products according to who already buys my items.
· Receipt book – just in case someone wants a receipt. You can pick these up cheaply in most stationary shops.
· Stationary items – pens, scissors, blutack, drawing pins, bulldog clips and any other bits and pieces you think you might need.
· Sketchbook – for those moments of inspiration.
· Camera – to take pictures of your stall for your friends and family (and blog!)
· Guest book – create a mailing list. Don’t worry, it’s not as daunting as it sounds! You only really have to send out a newsletter every 6 months or so (or only once a year if you want).
Phew! I think that’s everything... Please comment if you think I’ve left something out, it’s an ever-changing list...
xo
