Craft Shows
A great way to sell your handmade products and grow your business!

What are the benefits?

• Make money
• Networking with other creatives
• Meet your local community and develop name/brand recognition
• See what is trending
• Positive affirmations on your product
• Opportunity for wholesale
• Gain confidence and experience
• Grow your social media and mailing list

What are the challenges?

• Physically demanding
• Inventory
• Booth Staging
• Costs related to registration, staffing, travel, inventory
• Logistics related to booth set up/take down, staffing, managing inventory
• Payment processing

Am I Ready?

• Do you have inventory
• Do you like interacting with your customers
• Are you looking for new opportunities
• Do you want to grow your community
• Start small and work your way up to larger shows

How to Find a Show

• Local Resources
  • Word of Mouth
  • Chambers of Commerce
  • Church/School Fundraiser
• Regional Resources
  • www.festivals.net– basic info is free; pro service varies- purchase by month ($15) or annual ($60); includes ability to list your items for sale
  • www.fairsandfestivals.net – basic info is free; detailed info is 1 year membership ($34.95) or 3 months ($19.95)
  • www.artscraftsshowbusiness.com – basic info is free; details and annual membership with quarterly newsletter ($48.95)

What Expenses to Expect

• Show registration fees
• Business license/Vendor license if required
• Travel- hotel, gas, food
• Booth set up/seasonal decorations
• Show assistant
• Payment processing fees
• Local/State taxes
• Insurance

Ask Questions before Committing

• Is the show well established or is it new
• How many are expected to attend
• How is the show marketed- locally, social media
• What are the entry requirements? Juried or non-juried
• Are there other handmade crafters or MLS vendors
• Are there other vendors in your same niche
• Does the show provide security? If an overnight show, is security 24/7
• When can vendors set up/take down
• What is the cancellation policy? Rain or shine
• Indoor or outdoor booth
• Local accommodations for lodging/food
• What are the requirements on booth size, design, types items

Set a Show Goal

• To get the most out of each show, set expectations and goals
• Types of goals could include:
  • Growing your email list
  • Developing new relationships with other vendors
  • Getting local brand recognition
  • Growing your social media following
  • Selling for profit $$$
  • Developing a customer service strategy
  • Developing sales skills
  • Learning what works and what doesn’t

Inventory
Develop a strategy

Determine How Much to Take

• Option 1: Based on vendor fees
  • Popular technique- 8 to 10x show fees
    • $75 entry fee x 10x= $750 in sales; bring enough inventory to meet this in sales
    • Avg wreath $50- would need to sell 15 wreaths
    • Avg wreath $85- would need to sell 9 wreaths
• Option 2: Based on show attendance
  • Figure a 1-3% conversion of attendees to sales
    • Anticipated attendance= 500; 3% conversion would be 15 sales
    • Avg wreath $50- would net $750 in sales
    • Avg wreath $85- would net $1275
• Option 3: Based on sale goal
  • Set sales goal and bring 2-3x sales goal in inventory to meet goal
    • Sales goal= $1500
    • Would need to bring $3000-$4500 worth of product to meet goal

Maker’s Timeline

Once shows are scheduled and you have determined how much inventory is needed, it is time to determine your timeline!

• Determine your inventory goal
• Figure out how many days/weeks/months you have until the show (don’t work right up to show day!)
• Inventory goal is 60 wreaths
• Show is 3 months out= 12 weeks
• You will need to make 5 wreaths a week!

Now you know how many wreaths/items you need to make to have enough!

Other Inventory Considerations

• Make items in a variety of price points
• Be sure to include a showstopper item
• Make more than one of each style
• Make small quick items (bows, small florals, pre-made wreaths with your bows, etc)
• Determine how you will bag your items after the sale
• Make a plan for restocking during the show

Let’s Talk Booth Space

Design your Space

• Find out booth space from show organizer
• Look at show map for traffic patterns and how other vendors are spaced around your booth
• Have a plan for indoor set up and outdoor set up (depending on show)
• Will you require electricity? Ensure your cords meet the requirements
• Find out the show guidelines/restrictions on set up- tent specifications, display table requirements, signage allowed

Booth Success Tips

• Practice your full booth set up at least a week before the show
• Make a show check list of all items you needed when you practiced your set up; take pictures if needed
• Make a contingency plan for inclement weather
• Clearly display your pricing and price your items early
• Leave room in your booth for customers to walk freely- consider those with walkers, wheelchairs, and baby strollers
• Set up a check-out station
• Take snacks, bug spray, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, chapstick, paper towels, extra clothes, towels, tool kit

Conclusion

Tune in on Wednesday, January 19, 2022 for our Q&A session in the Facebook group at 7:30 PM EST!

Next segment will cover:

• Marketing Strategy
• Processing Logistics
• Post-show Analytics
• Developing a mindset for success

Get a Free Craft Show Timeline:
Text “craft show” to 334-373-1443