Maximizing Profits: Tips for Selling at Craft Fairs and Flea Markets

[tinat51796]

I was just wondering. When you do craft fairs and things like that do you have a lot of product on hand that you are selling? Or are you taking orders? Or looking for bookings? I'm just starting out so I don't have the product to sell but I'm interested in doing some shows that way. Thanks for any info! Tina

 

[lockhartkitchen]

Tina,I take orders at summer fairs, but my focus is on bookings. At my holiday bazaar that I'm organizing with other vendors, my focus is holiday gift giving ideas, and I will be taking orders. Most everything I do you could do with what you have in your kit. Using the batter bowl, I make up a holiday cookie mix that is layered inside the batter bowl. I put a pretty bowl on top and I take orders for this (bowl and ingredients gift). There is also a soup recipe I use and pair it with the beer bread. (I used to borrow a batter bowl from my director when I first started out, so I could show both gift ideas). I'm using the trifle bowl to display gift ideas.The simple additions caddy and bowls you can fill with candy, (gold wrapped chocolates look really pretty in it.) My three tiered rack will have the cranberry candy from All The Best Recipe book, and other foods I prepare.I always display the cooling rack and cookie press, a pile of nuts with the food chopper and cutting board. I try to pair up things to remind people of the holiday season. Your director would be a great one to borrow merchandise from. I set up a miniature Christmas tree and tie our products on with curly ribbon. It makes a unique tree and gets peoples attention. I also hung garland behind me on the wall with products tied on. I hope this helps.There is a great thread someone started that people are going to add their gift giving grouping ideas. Check it out. I also have a wish list that I have out available for women to take home, fill out, and their husbands can order by phone or website from their wives' wish lists.

 

[pckelly]

Great ideas Julie, may have to use some of those!!!!

 

[bethsbiz]

I take nothing with me to "cash and carry"... to many products to try to figure out what folks would want.

I set up a display of larger items and if I have room, a card table showing off a good amount of simple additions. My focus is on bookings and recruit leads.

I do take orders too....

I get lift on my table so it isn't flat and I don't believe in just taking "paperwork" to such an event (some consultants do this, it is their choice).

I do a door prize at the end of the event. If I share the booth with other consultants on my team, we split costs and everyone has to add something to the door prize basket.

 

[carissaz]

I really don't go too nuts with cash and carry. I usually have several Quickcut paring knives on hand, as that seems to be what everyone asks for the most, and they are inexpensive. Other than that I just have what ever extras I end up with. I don't put out too much money into cash and carry.