first ever craft fair, help!!!

[meala]

Hi there crafty mumsnetters.

I have always loved crafty stuff and have been making cards and jewellery for friends and family for a while now.

I have taken the plunge and booked a table at a local craft fair in November. I've never sold in public before and am a bit worried in case no one likes my stuff or I don't do something essential.

What I was looking for was any hints and tips on how to make things go smoothly. Are there any essential craft fair rules of etiquette that I should know.

Thanks in advance for any help, any comments would be really appreciated!

I wrote something a little while ago on my blog which might help and take a look on the UK Crafts Forum in the Craft Fair section as it is a regular topic there. Good luck and let us know how you get on. :)

Thanks so much latte for your post. I'm having a major crisis of confidence now! .
I'll check out your links now.

Thanks again-

Wow Latte, your blog is great. So much that I hadn't thought about.

Your stall looks amazing too.

I'll get planning and mass making and hopefully things will go well. I'll let you know!

Latte, what a great blog post (and blog).

meala - I can't add much more than on Latte's blog re the set and and prep, but regards to the day and sales - do NOT be disheartened if you don;t sell as much as you would like to. I've been selling at fairs for almost 2 years and I still get wobbly and downhearted when people don't give my table more than a cursory glance. It is hard to distance yourself from your product cos you made it, you love it, but everyone has different tastes.

And expect that some customers can be rude, talk about your products as if you're not there (when they are being negative of course), tell you you are too dear etc

I've had - your soaps are too smelly, not scented enough, I'm too dear, they can get 4 soaps for £1 in Aldi's, people using my tester creams on their hands cos they forgot to put theirs on that morning (that one bugs the life out of me, at least pretend to be interested).

BUT, do enjoy it when you sell, when customers tell you how lovely your stall is, products are, when they call their friend over to look and buy.

Most of all, enjoy your day - you will have fun, meet loads of nice stall holders, customers and will learn so much to take with you for your next fair. Good luck.

Hi Polly
Thanks for your advice. I'll try to take everything on board, especially not to worry if not much sells! It's all a learning experience I suppose and I have to start somewhere!

I can't believe that people could be that rude about your products right in front of you! I'll have to develop a thick skin .

Thanks again.

Meala
I am in exactly same position...first one in November. Apprehensive is not the word....concerned re price as my paintings are £45 ea which I know is considerable and a considered purchase but I am earning less than minimum wage at £45 per item.

Its all such a worry...but I think I believe in my stuff and I also know there are always people out there who want 'something for nothing' too....www.facebook.com/pages/By-Matilda-Charlie/136401719779048

Maybe we could gee each other along!? xx

Hi Matilda and Charlie
Sorry it's taken me a while to get back on to this post and reply!

I've just had a look at your paintings, they are fab!! Absolutely lovely, you're really talented. It's so hard to try and decide on prices that people will pay but that are also "fair" considering the amount of work that goes into them!

I am still having a crisis of confidence. I need to get my act together and start making though or my stall will look really empty . I'll try to take pics of some stuff and upload here, maybe you could all give me opinions (honest please, if it's rubbish I'd rather know).

Hope all the fair planning is coming on well. I'd love to have a craft fair buddy to keep me on track too!

Hey Meala

Thank you for your compliments, I appreciate them. I need to get 8 samples made up for the fairs - I can't have them reasy there and then for people, which may hinder my potential success??

Definitely try and get some pics up/link to pics cos it helps if you have genuine feedback.

Keep me posted x

Hi again
I lost this thread and have just managed to find it again.

How are craft fair preparations going? Have you got all of your samples made yet?

I finally have some pictures online of my craft making. Pleases have a look and tell me what you think. Pictures here

That bracelet is beautiful. I want it! Where are you selling your stuff?

Thanks Prima! I really appreciate your nice comments . I'm selling at a craft fair on Saturday in Greenock (near Glasgow). Really nervous in case people don't like my stuff as this is my first fair. I've just set up my facebook page too here so hopefully people can get in touch through there if they are interested in anything.

Thanks again

meala, your stuff looks great - exactly the type of thing I'd be looking for at a craft fair; quirky but really pretty. I love the snowflake decorations!

Thanks ice. I'm hoping that others agree. Will see on Sat!!

I survived the fair!!! Thanks everyone for your comments and advice. I sold a reasonable amount of stock and had some lovely comments too.

Thanks again!