I had my first ever public craft sale yesterday. It was a fairly small event at a local private school and lasted only three hours, but I think it was the perfect introduction into selling face to face. It was way less stress and I was able to focus on learning from the experience. For anyone thinking about getting into craft fairs, here are a few tips for you.
- Apply early. I discovered some holiday craft markets in my area that have application deadlines in August. So do your research, get on the mailing lists, and mark your calendar for next year.
- Know when to stop making. I was sewing right up until the morning of the event. I'm glad I did because one of the items I finished sold. That being said, I would also have liked a chance to relax while packing everything up and prepping myself. If you are able, give yourself some time rather than stressing about finishing one more thing.
- Make presentation a priority. Use colorful fabric, beautiful baskets, and display racks that accentuate your wares. If some of your items are decorative, set up a little scene that gives people an idea how to use or display it.
- Arrange your items with buyers in mind. Think about what people are most likely to buy and put those items front and center. Don't make them search for what they want. Let them find it and get to the sale before they move on. You may only have one chance to catch their eye. And don't be afraid to do a little rearranging if you notice an item is more popular than you thought it would be.
- Approach or be approachable. It's usually easier to sit behind your table and pretend that your stuff will do all the work of calling people over to buy. But, the truth is, people are more likely to come to you if you look like someone they can talk to. Stand up, make eye contact, smile, say hello. Even if you are too shy to approach people, your manner will let them know that you are approachable.
- Chat with other sellers. It's great to make connections within the crafting and making community. You are likely to see many of the same people at different events, so get to know them. Other sellers can be a wealth of information. Talking to them will help you learn how to succeed. They can also provide you with a list of other events you can attend as a seller.
Wow! That was a lot to learn my first time out, but I'm so glad I did it. I'm already excited about the possibility of attending another event to sell. Have you ever attended a craft market as a seller? Are there any tips you found particularly helpful?