Bartering at Craft Shows: Tips and Tricks for Trading at Vendor Events

[Chef Bobby]

I do a lot of trading at craft shows. I get Christmas gifts from other vendors in exchange for either something at my booth or with an order that I pay for.
I also exchanged PC for a rubber stamp of a chef and some "Thank You" stamps. I'm hoping she will be a recruit lead also. She asked lots of questions about our business.
I used to trade PC for haircuts, but now she's my latest recruit. I have to pay cash again.

 

[pampchefsarah]

Bobby, that's pretty cool. So, the value of the barter is retail value of the product, plus tax and shipping? Do you add the orders to a show, or place them as individual orders?

 

[Chef Bobby]

Bobby, that's pretty cool. So, the value of the barter is retail value of the product, plus tax and shipping? Do you add the orders to a show, or place them as individual orders?

The Craft Show was a fundraiser so I made it a fundraiser show from the $300 I got in orders.
I don't use the exact value of what I have as cash and carry but I have to if it has to be ordered. I told them what I was interested in from thier booth and told them to go find something from mine that they wanted. I lost money on my trade for jewelry but came out ahead on my trade for stamps.
I don't charge tax or shipping on my cash and carry items either since it's not going to be shipped.
I sell items at my booth to attract and get future customers. I don't try to make a big profit.

 

[wadesgirl]

One of my hosts is a photographer who actually says on her website that she will trade for stuff including PC. Too bad I don't need photos right now!

 

[Wildfire]

Hi there! It's great to hear that you have found success with trading at craft shows. It's such a great way to network and expand your business while also getting some great gifts in return. I love the idea of exchanging PC for a rubber stamp and "Thank You" stamps. It's always a good idea to have some unique and personalized items to offer at your booth. And it sounds like you may have found a potential recruit as well! That's fantastic. Keep up the great work and happy trading!