Even though it is not quite yet Memorial Day, now is the time to schedule your fall craft fairs if you haven't already. Most fairs are organized 2-3 months in advance, but many require even more time.
Start with what you know. What craft fairs do you see every year in your area? Where are they held? Which would you like to be part of? Find the coordinator of each, and call or write for the vendor guidelines and application. Pencil them into you calendar.
You may find that a fair you are interested in is juried. This means that in order to set up at that fair, you must apply and show your intended items for sale to a group of people, or jury, for judging. If your items meet the criteria they have set, you will be invited to their fair. There is usually a charge to be juried and another charge for the booth should you be selected. This is an excellent choice if you are looking for feedback from craft enthusiasts about your work. Juries are held anywhere from 1-3 months before the fair.
Remember that craft fairs are a lot of work. Many will require that you bring your own table and chairs, in addition to your display(s) and your product. They usually allow 2 hours for set up. Do you have the energy to schedule a fair every weekend? Do you have enough inventory to sell? Can you fit everything into your vehicle?
Crocheted items that are not starched to maintain their shape usually do not take up lot of space, but you do not want your items to look like they've been used as packing material. I find that plastic bins work well for both packing items for transport to and from the fair as well as organization at the fair.
Plan out your craft fair season well in advance. This will give you the time to adequately prepare for each show. When you are prepared, it's easier to relax and concentrate on the task at hand. Craft fairs should be both enjoyable and profitable.
No comments:
Post a Comment