Anyone had a stall at a craft fair

[LizW]

A local school is havng a craft fair and I am wondering whether to take some of what I have made along and try to sell it.
I have never done this before, plus I work and I am wondering whether I am running before I can walk. It's just that it would be a great experience plus a chance to network. What advice to people have from their experience of craft fairs? I am clear about displaying, having a log book and change for float, also would take contact cards along.
However, what about the amount stock needed, quality control etc.
Fair is on 31st May.
Any feedback would be really welcome.

[Sue Noble]

Hi Some friends and I have done some small craft fairs with out Japanese Embroidery and it was both enjoyable and a chance to talk to people about our craft. Also if you would like why don't you add the craft fair onto whats on where so people that look at this site know about and might come and see you. That has happen to us it was most enjoyable chatting to someone face to face that I had been talking to on here. Look forward to chatting to you soon Sue

[Romilly]

Craft fairs differ in what they contain, and what the patrons expect. Some are expecting high-end art, some crocheted toilet paper covers.

When I did fairs, it was with stationery and paper goods, so YMMV - I found that the low-priced items would sell more quickly, people liked having note cards and note pads that they felt were affordable.

If I ever did it with my embroidery and/or jewelry, I'd make sure I had different price points available -- both art in the $100s range and quick little cards for $5.00 or under. I'd focus the majority of work in the $25-50 range, and the under $10 range. For 5 and under, i would probably take digital scans of my work and have prints and note cards made up, which allows people to get a bit of my work without the high cost it deserves. :P I had another post in the "has anyone made any money selling their work that explained my experiences in a little more detail... maybe that would help you?" (it's on page 5):

http://stitchinfingers.ning.com/forum/topics/has-anyone-had-any-suc...

[LizW]

If anyome is in the Stoke-on-Trent area, the craft fair I have signed up for is Stockton Brook Brownies may 31st.

[Claire Cousins]

Hi Liz
I have been doing craft events for the last year (so still a newbie) and one thing I discovered quickly is that the big craft organisations charge a hugh amount for the stall hire. Some up to £200, the best events are village carnivals and the secondary schools. A group of us artists (networked through other craft events) have decided to club together locally and organise it ourselves, we split the town hall cost between us, and make sure we book days when the farmers market is on (therefore the right type of customer). The big must have is the public liability insurance £50 per year, without it some events will not touch you. If you want more details on a good firm then let me know. The most successful event I have participated in is the Open Studio with the local art group, this is daunting at first but is well worth the go.
I sometimes price my items higher, so when a customer sees a piece I can lower the price and this allows them to feel special. In relation to quality if the customer does not think it is good then they will not buy, I produce pieces that I am pleased with and that if they do not sell then I am happy to keep them hanging on my wall. Remember are you producing work to sell or because you enjoy creating. I only sell my work because I produce too much for pleasure and it means I can buy new fabric etc I recommend that you photograph all the individual items and then you can use this as a visual stock list. When you sell them make a note where and how much for , then you soon get a record of the best venues to go back to. Do not worry if you don't sell anything, people may remember you and visit you again at later stage, I consider all events as marketing (even if it disheartening when I don't sell a piece)
P.s I also work and why not run
Enjoy!!

[Kate O'Hara]

Wow. Maybe it is just separation caused by a common language but I am not clear on

" having a log book and change for float, also would take contact cards along"

Is that writing every transaction down, a box with coin change and business cards?

Hope your sale went well.