More Tips and Advice For Art & Craft Vendors

Some of my time was and is spent participating in Art & Craft Fairs, along the way I have picked up a few pointers that I would love to share here on HubPages.

What brought this all to mind was a craft fair I attended over the weekend that my girlfriend was involved in. Her resent specialty is making jewelry and it seems every weekend she is in a craft fair and I really have to give her credit for being so dedicated.

Walking through the gates to view the fair, I was busy looking at all the vendors, what they were selling and along the way I also like to see how they set up their booth, because lets face it, this is what draws people in. When I rounded the corner there was my friend sitting in her chair and not talking to customers but on her cell phone. A big no-no in my book.

Her booth looked like she was at a garage sale, three tables with a tablecloth on each and some jewelry displayed on each table. Not very appealing or attractive. She did tell me later, that she plans on making some new adjustments to her display for a better presentation.

My friend looked like she just rolled out of bed and her attitude was less than happy. Now, don’t get all bitchy at me, I have my reasons for saying this and will explain later in this hub.

The weather wasn’t bad, a little windy and my poor friend seemed like she had one of the windiest spots. I hope, if she decides to do this show again that she asks for a better vendor location.

Now, we all must remember that if your going to make a decision to participate in a craft fair, it’s a job that shouldn’t be taken lightly. The booth space is not free and my friend has a considerable amount of funds vested, like most crafters.

Here are a few suggestions I would recommend to my crafting friend.

1. Always assemble your canopy….its always more inviting to the public to view your wares. Make sure your display looks the very best. Eye level is always considered a must for better sales. Plus, your canopy is good to shelter all kinds of weather.

2. Although, talking to the public may not be something you like to do, you have to converse with your customer. Its called good customer service, even if you just say “Hello, how are you?” Sitting in your booth with your cell phone txting or reading a book is rude. Consider how you would feel at a retail store when you are being ignored? Plus, it looks like you are bored and could careless.

3. Always look nice….if you look fresh and happy, believe me, people can sense this right away. I think we all know what I’m talking about here. If you look like a homeless person, no one is going to buy from you, that’s just the way of it.

4. Smile and smile more. You don’t have to be oozing with sweetness but at least seem like your interested. Remember it was your decision too be there, not the customer.

5. Know your craft. A women asked my friend what material a certain necklace was made with and she didn’t know. Did she make the sale? NO!!! The potential buyer laid the necklace down and moved on. No matter what you make or buy to sell, know your product. (Note: I later found out that only some of the jewelry displayed were made by her, others she bought.) Either way you should know what you are selling.

6. I have always found that only selling one product is better than displaying ten different things. My friend had four completely different items on her tables and in my opinion she should choose what she really wants her main booth to be.

7. Jewelry is hot and the most popular venues out there. Competition is huge….I would encourage her to sell something else.

Trying to make money from art & craft fairs is not easy. Having a product that is different, inexpensive to make and sell, is the key to success. Its extremely difficult and at times hard work to make a good profit. Your overhead can be substantial.

On the other hand, if participating in this venue is something you enjoy doing then remember my advice to make your experience more profitable and enjoyable too.

As always…I hope my suggestions, tips or advice were helpful in some way. Remember, being a vendor at an Art & Craft fair is a job and shouldn’t be taken lightly or sitting down….(no pun intended).