Local Craft Shows
Sunday May 6, 2007
When starting out I always recommend attending local events. You will save money on traveling and lodging and you will also make attending your first few events easier by being close to home. However, local events can also be a great way to make money with your established business. When you cut costs, you increase profits, which is what business is about. Rising fuel costs should make everyone think about less travel time and more events this year!
Comments
My advice to beginners,for most crafts, is to avoid the big festivals and the flea markets. People go to the festivals for all the activities, seldom to shop. At flea markets people are looking for bargains and may want to chizel you down to lower prices. Just from my experiences.
Craft fairs can be fine but watch out! The last two I was in had store bought items. And, the spring tends to be very slow. I think I will be working in the fall only from now on.
Craft fairs can be fine but watch out! The last two I was in had store bought items. And, the spring tends to be very slow. I think I will be working in the fall only from now on.
I agree, that the spring is slow, but local small fairs should be viewed as a way to test your product, set up and logistics. When we started out, we took a year and visited craft shows, talked with vendors and promotors and looked at displays, tents etc. and asked many questions. Our first couple were local and we made mistakes but had few expenses so we did not lose much money.
Local craft shows are great for beginners. Unfotunately, it’s almost impossible to avoid “buy/sell” items. However, you have a chance to listen to reactions of the people attending. This can be very helpful and you will find out what you need to do to have a good show.