It is the final week of my mini master class, Casual to Cash and it has been such a delight to bring you tips from real veterans of the handmade crochet small business world. Nathan and Marissa feel like it is important to pass on the knowledge that they have learned through trial and error to you so that you don't have to make the same mistakes that they made in those early days chasing their dream.
There are so many things that can be learned from those that went before us. Henry Glassy was a US historian, and he said that “history is not the past, but a map of the past drawn from a particular point of view to be useful to the modern traveler.” So my fellow lovers of crochet, may you follow the road map that those before you have drawn so that you never have to wander around lost.
To conclude this series I want to explore more in depth setting up and operating a craft fair booth. It isn’t something you can throw together overnight, I assure you. Here are some tips for setting up a great craft fair booth that will set you apart from the competition.
- Plan, plan, plan:
- Know your audience
Find out what items usually sell at that particular fair or show and know your competition.
- Do your research
Ask questions when you sign up. Such as, what time people usually start setting up? What size is your booth space? Do they provide a tent and table or is that your responsibility? Is there access to electricity? If you are doing your registration online, then look for a phone number to contact so that you can find out everything that will prepare you for opening day. Setting up for a night time show is so much different than a day time show. Be prepared for heavy winds, and rains at all times.
- Prepare your booth at home, not the day of the fair.
You want to set up a booth that invites in traffic.That's what a craft fair is all about. Before the day of the fair it's a good idea to contact the person organizing floor plans and ask for the rules when setting up your booth. Consider the items you want to display and plan accordingly. I even suggest setting it up in your garage or carport a couple of days before the craft fair so that you can see how everything is going to look. This will ensure you have the time you need to put things just the way you want them without monopolizing this time on the show's starting day. Pro tip: Get there as early as possible your first few events. Time yourself, and you will know exactly how long it takes you to break down. For example it takes longer for us to set up at an outdoor festival because of setting up the tent, weights, and side walls than it does doing an inside show.
- Presentation:
- What your buyers see first is your display, and this can mean the difference between making a sale or not making a sale. When you plan for the execution of a set up, keep in mind that the viewpoint that matters is what they will see, when passing by and this first impression is what will draw them to you.
- Utilize all the space you're given, and don’t forget about vertical space. Don’t overcrowd your table and display a wide range of price [points to accommodate every shopper.
- Use long table cloths to store containers used to bring everything in. This will declutter your space and make moving out day a breeze.
- Pack a care package for incidentals. Include thumbtacks, a staple gun, tape, glue,clothespins, just about anything you can think of that will save the day if needed.
- Utilize an Artisan Market Checklist that is prepared by a veteran of these shows. Nathan and Marissa go over their list carefully the night before while packing to ensure they haven’t forgotten anything. By signing up below for our newsletter you can get a free copy of the exact list that they use for every show. Or if you want a complete business planner that will help you keep track of your finances, invoices, inventory, artisan market checklist, expenses, a calendar for important meetings and show dates, marketing tracker and so much more, you can purchase the entire digital bundle for $9.99 in their shop on Etsy at littleluvinstitches.etsy.com. This planner will keep you organized and ahead of the game.
- If you are selling handmade crocheted clothing or accessories, provide a mirror. How many times have you walked away from a purchase because you couldn't see what it looked like on you?
- Have business cards out in several places. Include one with every purchase and hand one to each person who does not make a purchase. Include your contact information and invite custom order requests. Make sure to have your social media contacts on your business card.
- DO NOT display anything that is not priced. It is frustrating for buyers when you are busy to have to stop and ask prices. Many times this will deter a potential buyer and send them on their way. A great way to display your business cards is using them as a price tag. They will see it later when they must remove it from their purchase and this Is less likely to be thrown away than a business card just thrown in the bottom of a bag. Pro tip: Have your pricing easy to see. If you look at our Instagram @LittleLuvinStitches you will see we make it very clear how much something costs. We never want someone to fall in love with something, and then not be able to afford it. I hate small price tags!
- Sell Yourself:
- It's extremely important that you don't shadow your customers, but at the same time you want to appear available. A good way to do this is to bring a project and crochet as you stand or sit at your booth.This way your customers don't feel like you are in their face and you're utilizing your time to create more inventory. This could also invite potential buyers because not everyone is as skilled as you are and the experienced crocheter makes it look so easy that it draws people in with curiosity and admiration.
- If you were selling handmade crocheted clothing items, it’s a good idea to be your own mannequin. Are you selling adorable beanies or beautiful scarves? Wear them, show them off, let someone see what they actually look like on you. This is a much better selling point than just laying something on a table or hanging it up for people to see.
- Doing Business:
- Packaging is important. Spending a little bit of money offering quality packaging goes a long way to making you look professional and singing the praises of your brand.This doesn't mean that you have to splurge on expensive packaging for it to be effective. These small soap boxes would be great for smaller items and they are a great deal on Amazon. And these brown paper bags in assorted sizes would be beautiful with the right touch of tissue paper and a hanging thank you tag for that something extra to make your packaging stand out from the crowd.
- ACCEPT CREDIT AND DEBIT! Unless you are going back in time to this fair, you will need a point of sale to accept credit or debit. We use Square Payments and have for years. You can sign up and receive an incentive by utilizing this link
- ( Square Payments ).It’s important to post a sign saying that you accept credit and debit. Pro tip: It is very smart to offer other payment options like Venmo and Cashapp. I put one together for you so if you want to print out the sign that I made, giving yourself one less thing to worry about, send me your email and I’ll send you an 8.5x11'' printable file for a framable sign that you can print on your home computer, at a public library, or have professionally printed. It’s your choice and it’s free! Just sign up below and I’ll send you both your artisan market checklist and your sign to accept credit and debit cards.
- Handmade business thrives on custom orders, so have a portfolio of past work available and out so that it can be thumbed through by potential buyers. This lets your customers know that what you have on display is just a fraction of what you actually offer. Lay it on the table open to your most popular design and let it do the work for you
- Promotional sales are a hit at these events. Offer a small item for free with a large purchase such as a $10 keychain free when you purchase an $80 scarf.
- Mingle:
- Get to know your neighbors. At these events talking to people in neighboring booths can land you valuable insight for future shows. Not to mention they would be likely to send buyers your way if you have something their customer is looking for and in return, you can do the same. See, instant friends!
- Do not ignore your customers.I don't feel like this needs to be said, but I'm going to say it anyway. Scrolling through your phone and ignoring prospective buyers is the worst thing you can do to attract buyers. Enough Said!
- Time keeps on ticking
- Give yourself plenty of time to set up and be ready when the show opens. And remember for every minute you think it will take, at that first show, it will probably take 2, maybe 3. It is always better to be ahead of schedule than behind so plan your booth set up with as much time as you can. This will lower your stress and nervousness giving you a more professional look when it is showtime.
- Find out when the weekend ends, how long you will have to tear everything down and get it loaded to take home. This way you can plan accordingly and be ready when the gates lock.
There is so much more that I can tell to save you time, money and effort when you get ready to start your own handmade crochet business. From online to shows and fairs, buyers are abundant. You just have to figure out how to get your products in front of the right audience at the right time.
Even though my series Casual to Cash is wrapping up this week, I will still create content that helps you on your journey to being a business owner. The makers of these beautiful handmade crafts are my focus because in helping you grow your business, I can assure that the art of crochet will be available to future generations. So continue visiting me every week to get more tips and insight into selling handmade crochet items online and at shows and fairs.
The late Steve Jobs, former CEO of Apple, said “The only way to do great work is to do what you love.” That's why guiding you on your journey to small business ownership in the handmade crochet industry is important to me. Because I would love to see everyone doing what they love and enjoying what they do.
Happy crocheting and I’ll see ya next time!
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Amazon window shopping list, delivered straight to your door with free shipping for Prime members. The suggestions made here are not the only products suitable for the purpose intended, however they seemed a great option at the best price. May it inspire you while saving you cash!
Yarn Yarn Yarn!
Himalaya Dolphin Baby Yarn Knitting Yarn 2 Skeins
Estako Velvet Chenille Blanket amigurumi Yarn
Hooks and More Hooks!
73 Pack Crochet Hooks Set, 13 PCS 2mm(B)-10mm(N) Ergonomic Soft Grip Crochet Handles Yarn Knitting Needles Kit with Case for Arthritic Hand
Yarniss 14 Size Crochet Hooks Set,MultiColor,2mm(B)-10mm(N) Ergonomic Crochet Hooks
Bags, Bags, Bags!
MYBAGZING Crochet Bag Organizer, Quilted Crochet Storage Bag with Hanging Hook, Yarn Bags for Crocheting, Yarn Holder, Knitting Bag
HOMEST Large Crochet Bag with Customized Front Compartment for Knitting Accessories, Yarn Storage with 6 Oversized Grommets, Tote Organizer with Drawstring Closure
Professionally Display It!
Amazon Basics 6-Cube Wire Grid Stackable Storage Shelves, 12 x 12-Inches, Black, 12.6"D x 26"W x 38"H
Black Grid Wall Panels with Rolling Base Floorstanding Wire Grid Wall Tower with Casters for Retail Craft Fair Display Rack, Show Rack, Art Display Stand
Wire Cube Storage Organizer, 12 Cubes Converted into 14 Cubes Freely, Sturdy Metal Grids Storage Shelf
Retail Display Stand 7 Tier for Store Display Movable Shop Spinner Jewelry Keyring Socking Hats Toys Show Rack, Black, 17''D x 17''W x 63''H
VEVOR 2' x 5.6' Grid Wall Panels Tower, 2 Packs Wire Grid Panels with T-Base Floorstanding, Double Side Gridwall Panels for Art Craft Shows, Retail Display with Extra Clips and Hooks
Babion 6 Panel Pegboard Display, Peg Board Room Divider Pegboard Freestanding Folding Privacy Screens Pegboard Display Stand for Craft Shows
6pack Acrylic Sign Holder 8.5 X 11,Vertical T Shape Clear Plastic Sign Holder Stand
Tables, Tables, Tables!
Flash Furniture Elon 6' Rectangular Plastic Folding Event Table
Custom Table Runner with Business Logo - Custom Signs Customize
2 Pack 6FT Table Cloth for Rectangular Fitted Events Stretch Black Table Covers
Package It Right!
HORLIMER 6x4x3 inches Shipping Boxes Set of 25, White Corrugated Cardboard Box Literature Mailer
qiqee 60 pcs Kraft Bags with Handles 7.6"x4.75"x10.5"
Holographic Resealable Bags For Small Business - These Cellophane Bags Self Adhesive For Convenient Packaging
Thank You Poly Mailer 10x13 Inch
Build Your Own Stickers/Labels - Any Design + Logo
Customize It Cute!
Custom Labels for Crochet and Knits Projects,Personalized Handmade Leather Embossed Tags Embellishment
As you can see I have included a little of everything to inspire you as you begin your crochet craft small business journey. These are just a few of the products available to enhance your image as a craft show booth owner and give you an edge that will let you stand out in the crowd in order to attract customers. The possibilities are endless and I will add to this list weekly to help you grow your small business. Appearances are important, from the quality of the products you sell to the set up of your booth and online website. Everything you can do to enhance your brand image is another opportunity to make a sale. Learn in my next article how to combine the two selling platforms to create a beautiful, profitable crochet craft business. Happy crocheting family!!