Craft Fair Recap

Hello everyone! This week we don’t have a craft or baking tutorial, but instead we are going to have a little chat about craft fair season! For those of you that do not know, November through early December is peak craft fair season here in New England. I did a post around this time last year about some rules for craft fair season and today’s post will be somewhat similar, but more of a general commentary on the pros and cons of the craft fair experience for the customer and the crafter.

My mother and I typically do craft fairs together and either buy two tables next to each other or share one table. Since nearly every craft fair will require that you pay for your table, I recommend that you only buy one table for yourself (even if you have a lot of stuff) or to share with someone else unless you have been to the craft fair before. My mother and I’s first craft fair this year was one that we have been to for several years which we knew that we would sell quite a bit at so it wasn’t bad for each of us to buy our own table. The two other crafts fairs of this season, we decided to share a table as we were not sure how much we would end up selling.

Here is a little snapshot of my full table at the first craft fair we did!

I think it is important to mention that there are both negatives and positives to craft fairs as a crafter trying to sell. The major positives are exposure for your cratiness and the ability to make a little money for yourself. If you plan on being a regular craft-fairer who wants exposure through the entire year I would recommend making yourself some business cards. I do have some business cards which have info about my blog, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube channel (which I only have 2 underwhelming videos on) so that people can learn more about me if they want to. Even if you don’t have a website, a business card with your name and email is helpful if you are interested in being contacted throughout the year about potential craft projects. If you want people to leave you alone and are only interested in selling what you have once a year, then skip the business card.

The negatives are how tiring the day can be and the often unwanted commentary from customers. Craft fairs are usually around 5-6 hours so it can be a lot to lug in all your stuff, set it up, be pleasant all day, take everything down and then lug it back to your car. There is also the tiring aspect of interaction with sassy humans. You will be asked more than a few times, “what is this?” Some people just don’t understand the crafty vision! Or people may try to haggle on the price, but don’t forget that you are there to make money!

Finally, if you are reading this and have never been a customer at a craft fair, please consider shopping at a few this year or next. I’m not saying that you can’t find some nice gifts at department stores, but there is something nice about buying something that you know someone put their time and heart into. Even if you don’t end up buying anything, take the time to talk to the crafter and let them know that their craft skills are appreciated. I do understand that sometimes it may feel awkward to look someone in the eye and then not decide to buy their products, but if you approach it in a polite way, they will most likely be fine. Many crafters will understand that their style of crafting is not for everyone, but do appreciate being acknowledged and not simply walked past without a glance.

If you have any questions about craft fairs, feel free to ask in the comments below and I will happy to answer as best I can!

 - Rebecca