Craft Show vs Home Shows

Home Parties versus Craft Fairs :

I admit that I’m an avid craft fair junkie; not only do I love going to one but now I’m also a participant. In the last forty years craft fairs has been a part of my life. Trying to make the perfect craft that people will buy is not always an easy task to master. So, over the years experimenting and trying to put my talent to use has been challenging.

Recently though I have teamed up with my girlfriend to sell jewelry. This venture has been so rewarding on a number of levels. Not only does this get me out of the house but I’m also making some extra spending money and that doesn’t hurt at all.

As any vendor will tell you, choosing the right craft fair that brings in the customer who in turns purchases your product can be a hit or miss. Some fairs we thought wouldn’t be the best have delighted us and others we thought would bring in the most money was a huge disappointment.

So, for a solution…..Karen, my craft fair partner, has suggested that we might want to try home shows. Home shows involves a person who will host a party, invites their family and friends, provides some refreshments and is guaranteed some free product.

I was reluctant to ask my friends and family because I’m not one who frequents Tupperware or Mary Kay parties and asking someone do this puts me off. So, I decide the only way to jump-start this project was for me to host the first jewelry party..

In January, 2012, Karen and I will host out first party. I will invite everyone I know in hopes that they not only will love and purchase our jewelry but will also volunteer to host a party in their home. We hope this will be the start to not only participating in craft fairs but will open a new possibility for selling our product.

Who knows what this will bring but if we are successful with home parties….maybe we can include other vendors with their wares to compliment our jewelry.

Needless to say Karen and I are looking forward to hosting our first Jewelry Party. Even if we aren’t as successful this first time, we will have gained experience that we both need and learning is the key to everything.

Any craft vendors out there please consider ‘Home Parties’ as a different venue for selling your wares.

Here are some Suggestions to consider :

1. Pick a day and time that is convenient for most people to attend. The more people the more sales.

2. Send out your invitations a month in advance. Remember calendars get filled quickly. Have people bring a friend and RSVP too.

3. Make sure your home is clean, nothing says a ‘turn-off’ like a messy home.

4. Have appetizers and drinks. Nothing to elaborate needs to be done but having some refreshments makes guests feel warm and cozy.

5. Make sure there is sitting for everyone, nobody wants to stand and be uncomfortable.

6. Remember, it’s a party so make it fun. Maybe including a few decorations or games would keep things lively.

These are just a few suggestions. After the jewelry party I might have more suggestions to add to this list.

So, I hope some of you found this hub helpful and beneficial; its always a good thing to think…..Out-of-the-box.’

Please, keep your finders crossed that the party is a huge success.