Wise words from the craft sellers on this thread

[lifeistooshort]

I am so excited I am jumping up and down like a jumping bean. After about fours years of dithering I have finally decided to try to sell some of my crafts and have booked space at a craft fair. As it will be my first one I was wondering whether any of you would share some wise word of advice.

So far I have listed that I need to do:

• my stock
• take up a craft insurance (any recommendations would be greatly appreciated)
• presumably I need to register with HMRC?
• I need to think about the layout of my stall
• think of the packaging
• need to order some business cards
• am in the process of setting up a website.

I am sure I am missing loads of stuff but can't for the life of me think of it.

Also anyone willing to share their experience of their first fair so that I know what to expect?

Thank you

[ICameOnTheJitney]

I can't help but what are you making!? {excited}

[GemmaTeller]

Vistaprint is your friend!

Sign up and wait for the free offers, labels, business cards, flyers and stall banners -

I get brown or white paper bags with handles from ebay or pound shops and put a label on (like small takeaway bags).

Stall apron/pinny so you can have your money/change on you at all times.
Notepad and pen
Sellotape
Plenty of change (someone will def offer a £20 note to pay for something costing about £3)
Some sort of small shelving or large noticeboards you can pin stuff on to give your stall height.
Look on pinterest for craft stall layouts
Make friends with the stallholders on either side of you
Try not to spend the time just sat down behind your stall not doing anything.
Try and have some small pocket money priced items for children to buy.

Try //www.cmtia.co.uk for insurance

[574ejones]

I did a blog post a couple of years ago about Craft Fair tips lifetimemrsjones.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/craft-fair-tips-and-tricks.html

I use Ian Wallace for my insurance.
Good luck!

[lifeistooshort]

I will be making fabric stuff: bunting, cushions, placemats, little purses etc...

Gemma supertips thanks I will definitely do that! I hadn't thought of the apron, sellotape etc... I clearly have lots of things to think through still!!

Mrs Jones brilliant, I will have a look at your blog and thank you for the recommendations for insurers too.

There is so much to think of at this stage, I am hoping I won't forget anything.

Also would you have any idea of an approximate number of good would be?

[GemmaTeller]

This might be of help, and its got a link to an apron on it - gotta love pinterest

brightoncraftaganza.wordpress.com/2011/03/16/cheklist-what-to-bring-to-a-craft-fair/

I take all my stuff in three big storage boxes and put enough out so the stall looks good but not overcrowded and leave other stuff in the boxes so it can come out to replace anything that sells.

[lifeistooshort]

Thanks Gemma. The apron looks good.

I too love pinterest. In fact, I have just signed up to pinteresters anonymous.