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Original poster

Thinking of doing a craft market next year

17 replies

Blusmurfette · 15/12/2013 10:07

I make purses, cushions and little girl dresses, hairbands, etc similar to what I've seen mentioned on Mumsnet and various social media sites.

If I were to have a stall at a craft fair, how much would I need to make? Is this the right way to sell my stuff?? My friends on Facebook have many of my things as gifts so looking for a wider market.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks!

OP posts:
SoloXantiaClaws · 15/12/2013 10:11

I have been considering the same thing! so will be watching your thread with interest! I hope you don't mind :)

Good luck btw!

squaretoes · 15/12/2013 10:15

Hello, I run craft fairs in Lancashire, PM me if you are around here and I can let you have a stall for cheap for your first one. I would say make more than you think you will need, stalls look good full. Also, make sure you have a range of prices as cheaper stuff tends to sell more. Check out reviews of the organizer to make sure the fair is well advertised, I am also a crafter and I've had some really bad experiences with this :) good luck!!

squaretoes · 15/12/2013 10:17

Ooooh also set up a Facebook page for your business so people can come back to you after the fair if they decide they should have bought it. Vista print have super cheap business card offers often, makes you look a bit more professional

Original poster
Blusmurfette · 15/12/2013 10:42

Thanks so much for your tips. Whereabouts in Lancashire are you squaretoes? I'm from Manchester. I'll be in touch soon for details, thank you.

I'm very naieve with all this but if I were to have a stall selling bags, purses and cushions how many would I have to make? How much do you normally produce for your stalls? Also as well as Facebook and business cards do you really need a website, I don't have good enough pictures plus would be unsure whether it is necessary.

Thanks from an excited but early craft seller in the new year! All tips from experts appreciated.

OP posts:
squaretoes · 15/12/2013 10:59

I'm in Preston.

I honestly don't think a website is necessary, they are lots of work to make and maintain. Have a look into etsy and folksy (I prefer folksy) to sell things online instead. I would say to make a basket of headbands and one of purses with around 20 in each and depending how big the bags are then maybe 10 ish. Normally you get a 6ft table so try setting out your stock and seeing how it looks.

There are loads of photos on my events page of stalls so you can see if anyone has similar things what they look like.

Also think about display, are you hanging anything up or do you need different levels on your table?

My event Facebook is www.facebook.com/lovecraftlancashire if you want to have a look at pics.

Original poster
Blusmurfette · 15/12/2013 13:24

Thanks will have a look at your page. I assume the same amount with cushions too. You've been really helpful Smile.

With regards to etsy and folksy do you find you get many sales?

So much to plan and organise after Christmas!

OP posts:
workfromhomemum1 · 15/12/2013 14:06

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squaretoes · 15/12/2013 17:02

I have had a few sales online, I am really crap at keeping them up to date though, one of my news years resolutions is to make my online presence more appealing and more up to date.

If you need anymore help just give me a shout, I have so much fun crafting and organising fairs, the vast majority of crafters are lovely lovely people and I love knowing so many people will be opening things I made on Christmas Day :)

osaraf · 15/12/2013 17:17

I was a stallholder at your event last week squaretoes, it was great! you should definitely come and join us over from Manchester! I would also say make more than you think you need. and what you think will be a big seller might not be and something you didn't think would be popular might sell really well. I take comissions for personalised stuff as well but by far the most popular was the cheaper ready to wear bracelets. people go wanting to spend money and treat themselves there and then. I have a website but think it's probably unnecessary as most of my sales are from fairs and Facebook. I also have an etsy page but there is so much competition online unless you have something unique. just take the plunge and book a fair, it's a fun day out even if you just cover costs to start with. you'll get lots of ideas and help from other stallholders. Grin

BaltiPie · 15/12/2013 17:50

Hi, I have just got home from my first ever craft fair. I make hula hoops for adults and kids, but sparkly, colourful ones!

I only decided to do it a few weeks ago, as a test run for next year.

Had no idea what to expect. it was held in a small Jacobean manor house, with lots of activities for kids. I wasn't able to check out the venue in advance unfortunately. It was loads of fun! Definitely take more than you think you will sell - just in case!

Presentation of the table is important, if people are just glancing over the tables if yours looks fabulous and enticing they will come and check it out instead of moving on.

What I will do for my next craft fair (Easter probably) is check out the venue in advance, ask if I can specify the location of my stall (to allow more room for hooping demonstrations and try outs) and have lots of hoops for people to play with.

When I asked the organiser (at the END! Stupid me) I could have had my stall in a different position if I'd have only asked!

What worked well was having a couple of boxes of Celebrations/Heroes to lure people towards me! The room where we were was a bit out of the way, and these got people in the room, over to my table and they had a good look at the hoops and took a business card while they were there.

I do sell online, I made a basic website with Wordpress, but most of my sales are though hoop classes or meeting up with other hoopers for workshops and hoopjams!

Original poster
Blusmurfette · 15/12/2013 21:01

Oh my goodness, I'm really impressed with the support on here, thank you.

squaretoes that's lovely that a fellow MNer has endorsed your fairs, am definitely interested so will be in touch.

baltipie am impressed too with your hula hoop business! I need to be brave and instead of stalling (if you pardon the pun!) get on with it!

I do appreciate all your advice and support x

OP posts:
Original poster
Blusmurfette · 15/12/2013 21:02

Hoopjams? Excellent!

OP posts:
squaretoes · 15/12/2013 21:46

I know!! Well and truly outed myself there.

osaraf · 16/12/2013 07:23

ha ha, me too! Smile

squaretoes · 16/12/2013 09:28

Hmmm not quite, which stall was yours?

osaraf · 16/12/2013 19:24

cassam jewellery. You have a lot of stallholders to remember! it was my first one with you, and only my fourth ever but it was definitely my favourite and will be back next time if you'll have me!

squaretoes · 16/12/2013 19:43

Of course!! I really enjoyed Hoghton Tower too :)

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