Anyone regularly have a stall at a craft fair... Can I pick your brains?

[bluecheesefiend]

I'm thinking of craft fairs, Christmas fairs, street markets - all that sort of thing.

I'd like to start selling a product that you would buy as a gift for a mum-to-be. I live in a very mumsy area, teaming with bumps & NCT groups so believe I have the target market.

So lately I've seen dozens of signs pop up for Christmas markets but (complete novice that i am) I've discovered that once they're being advertised they're already fully booked.

So my question is, how do you go about getting a stall or more importantly, finding out who the organisers are so that I can get on a mailing list for upcoming events?

How far in advance of the actual event do you need to book your place?

And what kind of costs are involved? I know it will vary (I'm in SW London) but are we looking at a £10-£50 admin fee or a £200+ license...?

Any other info or advice that might prevent me falling flat on my face??

Thanks!

Try Stallfinder.co.uk

Thats where I get all mine from - never had to buy a licence and usually cost £10-£20 but I am warwickshire

Great thanks, will have a look!

Anyone do something in London?

I sell gifts at school / churhc / sports club fairs rather than proper craft markets. I find out about them as I've got children at the schools (x4!). Also I had a look online and have found out about others via word of mouth. Quite often people look at your stall and have a connection to another group also having a sale, so will give you details of who to contact. I pay between £10 and £20 for a table for a fair lasting between 2 and 6 hours.

If you're looking at more public craft fairs you're likely to need liability insurance which can be expensive. There is a specialist broker who deal with craft fairs, you'll find them if you google.

If you're finding it too late to book for this year, I'd be tempted to start selling via a facebook business page (invite all local friends, look for local freebies groups and put a link there, freecycle cafe page etc).

Good luck :)

BCF, you might find this helpful... it was a blog post I did about prepping for craft fairs a few months ago. :)

That's great, thanks!