Does anyone do craft shows? Can I ask some questions?

[ThisIsNotAIBUPeople]

Hi, I posted in Arts and Crafts too

I am thinking of setting up a craft business and would probably do most of my selling at craft shows and fairs. I have a few questions if anyone can help.
Do you have to declare your income for tax purposes? I'd only expect to make a small amount of money as a sideline to supplement my main income.
Do you have to register as a business?
Do you need to take out any insurance of any kind?
Any advice or links very gratefully received, thanks.

I believe you can earn up to £1000 a year from a small hobby-based business without having to declare or pay tax.

That is very helpful thank you renzy

You also need public liability insurance... most craft event organisers insist on it

Ok thank you I'll look into that

I'd also research your market very carefully - do you have a popular product and is your design something that makes you stand out?

Most craft fairs also charge a fair whack for a stall, which can really eat into any profits, so you'd need to factor that into your pricing.

I'd recommend getting a mini card reader (there are a few different brands) as lots of people don't carry much cash about any more.

Keep a careful spread sheet of all your costs (materials, stall fees, labels, stall set up etc.) and don't forget to add your time into the pricing!

Good luck xx

I do them. Sometimes I make a fortune, sometimes very little. It's tedious and time consuming and you have to deal with a lot of hmmming and hawwwing about stuff. You will hear people make negative comments about your work right in front of you. People will haggle and try and get things for very little.

However, a lot of the people you meet are nice and happy to have a wee chat. As long as you don't think it will turn your fortunes around then go for it. And I'd avoid huge outdoor events if you sell larger items (weather issues). Indoor events are better but you can lack footfall depending on where you are. I was stuck at an event the other day and there were about 7 people in 5 hours. Fortunately one of them had specifically come to see me (I'd advertised my presence online before hand- I was having a sale), so I made good money? But I literally sold nothing else all day. And yes, keep accounts, buy a sum up machine and get insured.

Good luck!!!

Thank you SignOnTheWindow
I'm fairly sure I've found something different to make and sell, have been round a few craft shows and not seen much like it, however I am nowhere near having enough stock so am just at the research stage.

Thanks surlycurly for your honest and helpful insights

*Yes to registering as a business. However much money you make it is still income and therefore possibly taxable, especially as you have a day job too. Speak to HMRC first re what amount you can earn before tax.

*Advertise,AdvertiseAdvertise on FB and everywhere else where you're going to be - start 3-4 weeks before the event, and keep posting it up.

*Definitely public liablility insurance. PM me if you want to know the one I use - it's specifically for artists and a good price.

*You will need transport to and from the venue - can you park there without paying massive parking charges.

*Practise setting up your stall at home. It needs to look good and stand out from the crowd. Equip yourself with interesting display bases. Build your stall up to give it height, width, interest.

Everything that SignOnTheWindow and SurlyCurly* says.

@FlamingoFlamenco thanks that's really helpful, I will PM you