What makes you buy things at craft/Christmas fayres?

[JollyHollyChristmas22]

I have name changed as fear I may be recognized by other posts.

I just wondered what makes you decide to make a purchase at a stall at a craft or Christmas fayre?

I often don’t get many sales at these types of fayres and wondered if I am wasting my time or if I just need to do something different.

I decorate my table nicely with a nice table cloth, fair lights etc and my products are clearly displayed and nicely presented. (Children’s books I write myself).

I charge a few pounds less than what they cost on Amazon and they are all signed. I take cash and card payments.

What would you pay for a children’s book?

What makes you decide to buy or not buy?

All tips welcome!

What are range are the books aimed at? Are they illustrated?

They are aimed at 3-8 depending on which one. They are fully illustrated (beautifully so by a professional illustrator). ☺️

I don’t buy self-published books ever so (a) not your target audience for your stall or question but (b) I think people shopping for books for Christmas are more likely to go with a Waterstones 3-for-2 or a “name” author with a display in Smiths or whatever. And people going to a Christmas craft fair may not be looking for books.

Depends how big the books are but maybe £2-3 a book if they were by a self published author at a market.

I wouldn’t buy a children’s book without either (a) having read some good reviews about it or (b) quickly scan reading it myself before purchase to check it’s a good story. Obviously I wouldn’t be able to get reviews at a fayre and wouldn’t stand there scanning it in front of you, like I would at Waterstones, because that would be really awkward (especially if I didn’t like it) so I just wouldn’t approach your stall. Probably not the answer you we’re looking for, sorry! I’m probably a bit strange though!

They’re full picture book size ( around 8x8). They cost £4 each to print so need to sell for atleast a few pounds more to make any profit.

I would feel really awkward flicking through or reading it in front of you, especially if I knew you were the author (sorry).

When I just saw your title I was going to say: things that look professionally made, are unusual/ a bit quirky and not something you could get anywhere, and are reasonably priced.
Having read your post, I would agree that I would be unlikely to buy a self published book. I would definitely want to flick through it first and I would feel awkward doing that with the author sitting there.
It wouldn't make any difference to me how lovely the table looked.
What might make me buy a self published book - if it was about something really specific that chimed with something my kids were interested in- like guinea pigs or cycling. And I had flicked through and it seemed well written and not too twee.

Maybe I need to have a few open with a sign actively encouraging people to pick them up and read them!

It’s the awkwardness though, ha ha. If I read it and don’t buy it, I’ll feel really mean so I would avoid it.

One way to get people to your stall is maybe to have a competition to win a book.

The number one reason for not buying at a stall is the stall holder stares at me as I approach and then is over helpful. It puts me right off.

I love Christmas markets and your books sound lovely. I think social media is the best bet (then advertise you are going to be at the market)

I recently made a big purchase but I had viewed it and wanted it on Facebook and Instagram

Sorry I'm the same. I'm always a bit embarrassed at craft fairs and only buy things I can see everything about including the price, when I stroll past on the first trip round the hall. I hate being sold stuff by the maker, so will only put myself through it if I am already pretty sure I want to buy.

2 weeks ago I bought earrings, Christmas decorations, a small postcard size print, a fused glass pendant and a mug with a picture I really like. I didn't stop at the book stalls. Maybe Christmas decorations which look like small books?? I'd quite like something like that.

I'm more likely to approach a stall if I'm not feeling watched and if there's a big and obvious price list.

I think most people going to a craft fair won't be expecting to buy a book there. Can you sell framed pieces of the artwork as your main product and some people might buy the book to go with it?

I only really buy cards, tree decorations and cakes at those sorts of fairs. I'd maybe buy a children's book if a local bookshop had a stall there with a variety of traditionally published books to choose from, bonus points for beautiful illustrations (nothing too cartoony). I never buy self-published books.

I wouldn’t buy a self-published book. Have you sent it off to publishers?

So how much are you selling them for? I'd be unlikely to ever spend more than £5 on a children's book when famous titles/authors are less than this on Amazon, the Works etc.

Also as PP have said I would always want to flick through an unknown book before buying for a child, and I'd feel super awkward doing that in front of the author. So I probably wouldn't approach the stall in the first place sorry 😥

Could you print off some reviews and have them displayed?

I’m not sure it’s the right venue for sales of your book. Have you tried going in to sell it in schools. There is an author local to us who pops in and reads her new book to the children. Also beautifully illustrated. Dc like it so we buy a copy. You could donate a quid a book to the school.

It is difficult op. I really love books and do buy a lot of books for my children. I have never approached a book stand at a craft fayre though. I usually buy following recommendations from others, or having seen reviews. Very often I am looking for a specific topic if non fiction, buying a new book by a favourite author or buying a book we know is a hit from the library. I am not sure what would get me to check out your books. I think it is just that it feels a bit awkward reading in front of the author.

Yes definitely have a few open to show off the illustrations. Maybe at children's level for pester power.

I agree with what people are saying. People aren't going to buy a book without reading it and standing there reading a book in front of someone knowing it might be terrible and then I'd have walk off is not a risk I would be willing to take. I'd rather have no book.

Can't believe no-one has suggested doing a children's reading! Just an extract!
Go to school fairs, chalkboard with reading time... if you need to encourage audiences maybe digestive biscuit halfway through? 😂

I've been stung a couple of times by self-published children's books - I've got into conversation with the author, with my dc present, and ended up thinking "oh it's only a fiver, why not" ... and both times the book has been terrible. So,although it's really unfair and your book may be great, I wouldn't approach your stall and put myself in that position again.