Are Craft Fairs a Good Idea for Felters?

This past December I participated in my first craft fair. My Dad is a professional artist, so I felt going in that I had a pretty good idea of what to expect.  In the past I hadn't attended many craft fairs but instead Dad's art shows and thought...how different could it be? It was so much fun!  I set a sales goal for myself and actually met it.  It can be a viable option for felters wanting to sell their work. Here are a few things to know that may help make your experience more pleasant.

​What to know:

• How to find craft fairs? If you go online and search craft fairs in your area you should get a good idea. A decent one will run you about $75 to $100 dollars. Try this site: http://www.craftlister.com/
• What kind of products will you sell? People that attend craft fairs don't expect to buy high ticket items. Have plenty of products available that are inexpensive.  I brought two large sculptures just to draw attention without the expectation of selling them. I sold more $22-$30 dollar items.  Trust me...those sales add up. 
• Price Everything Make sure your prices are visible. If someone engages you, you have won half the battle by letting them know your price. Be prepared to make deals. Everyone loves a bargain. Having tags is also a good way of keeping track of what you sold. Just keep the tags in an envelope after the purchase.
• How will people pay? If cash, make sure you bring a bank of singles, fives, tens and plenty of change. If you choose to accept checks, make sure you ask to get license information. You may feel excited about the sale and feel embarrassed to ask, but cover your bases. If you are excepting credit cards, you will likely be using the square or Etsy card reader. Make sure you have Wi-Fi available. I ended up using my phone instead of my iPad.  Have all of that worked out before you go. 
• Shine a light on the situation Craft fairs typically happen in convention halls that are dim and grey feeling. Bring light and purchase electricity. You will need it for charging your phone anyway. If it's the holidays you will also need it for Christmas lights.  Illuminated booths get lots of attention.
• Bring bags it’s up to you how professional you want to look, but if I buy something, I like it packaged nicely. I used Plastic goodie bags that had red stripes and people LOVED it. Always remember to include a business card in the package for future orders. Try not to use recycled grocery bags...it's cheesy. 
• Details, Details, Details If you look at this experience like you are opening a shop for a couple of days, it may make you think how you would like your shop to look. Obviously, you would like your brand name somewhere. Remember...it's your shop.

1. Bring a clean flat table cloth that reaches the floor all the way around and create a display that is cohesive and inviting. I suggest you set up a table at home and take a picture. The details in your display make the difference and make people come to your booth.
2. Bring things like safety pins, pens, promo videos, business cards, boxes ( to create variance in height) and a clipboard to collect email addresses.  You will want to thank your customers by email and sign them up for your newsletter.
3. You may rent chairs (always get two) bring cushions for them or your butt will hurt later. Keep chairs close or they will become seats for the public.  
4. Be friendly and helpful to your neighbors, you will see them at other fairs.
5. Don't be obnoxious to potential customers by stalking them or being over zealous, treat them as you would like to be treated.  On the other hand, don't ignore that there is someone at your table, greet them and say "let me know if I can answer any questions". 

 
Hope you found this post helpful. See below an image of my table and my elf Cason.  Please visit my site often to read other posts regarding needle felting!