Tips for a Successful Craft Show: Marketing, Planning, and More!

[pamperedchef88]

Ok so I have a craft show in two weeks that I will be setting up a booth at for PC. There are suppoused to be at least 200 people there and there are other vendors who do direct sales but primarily its crafts and homemade products. I have read many threads on booths but I think there may be some specific advice for this type of show that may be helpful to more then just me! For instance

What kinds of thing should I take into consideration when planning for this event?

What would be your suggestion for marketing to this demographic?

I am planning on having gift set samples there just to spark intrest. I will have virtually no cash n carry except for a few spices (maybe)

My goal is to get enough sales to qualify as a show but primarly my goal is for bookings and recruits.

Any and all suggestions are appreciated!

 

[wadesgirl]

Here's my point of view on craft shows - you never know what you will get but the times you put a ton of work and effort into them, it never pays back. Over the years I've just set up a booth like I do a normal show (as far as products). I do bring some extra to create height - the stainless bowls stacked together, my crate on it's side, stackable cooling rack with DCB. I do bring information with me on our various offers - bridal showers, fundraisers, etc. I do not hand out catalogs, if they want one, they need to fill out the door prize slip and I will mail them one and follow up with them. I also do not do cash and carry except for what I have on hand but you have to be careful because some booths require you to collect the tax on them. I do not do "door prizes". I tell people who fill out a door prize slip that they will be in a drawing for a free kitchen show - everyone wins in the end. I had out recipe cards to everyone who passes by.

 

[Jules711]

There is a ton of info on craft fairs on here and lots of opinions. I like having some cash n carry and have good luck knowing what do bring (mostly the obviously popular stuff). Or if I'm going to give PC as gifts, I may bring that. If I sell it, I just buy another. I also bring any PC stuff I don't want/use. And have been known to sell my own products...at the insisting of a customer who doesn't like to order anything .

Main point is to get new names. I do a drawing for a gift certificate (redeemable through me). Makes it easy to get to them. Be happy, be friendly, don't stalk them (I fiddle with my booth a bit as people look). Enjoy it.

 

[Donna Althoff]

During the holidays, I do alot of craft/vendor fairs, host my own. I make up gifts with products to sale: Cookie mix with a scraper tied with a ribbon, simple additions with spices, soaps, candy, again wrapped and looks nice, I sale alot of the sm batter bowl with the ingredients ( cookie/brownie) mix in them, again wrapped, a put candy, coffee, hot chocolate, in the prep bowls, I tie the ice cream scoop to ice cream toppings ( now we have our own), I've been doing this for years and do well.

 

[pamperedchef88]

During the holidays, I do alot of craft/vendor fairs, host my own. I make up gifts with products to sale: Cookie mix with a scraper tied with a ribbon, simple additions with spices, soaps, candy, again wrapped and looks nice, I sale alot of the sm batter bowl with the ingredients ( cookie/brownie) mix in them, again wrapped, a put candy, coffee, hot chocolate, in the prep bowls, I tie the ice cream scoop to ice cream toppings ( now we have our own), I've been doing this for years and do well.

How much do you charge for the sets then?

 

[ShelbyMichalek]

My only advice about craft fairs is don't try to push sales. You'll get some sales, but what is more worth your time and theirs is to suggest a cooking show. People love free stuff and a craft show is the perfect opportunity for you to get bookings.