My first craft fair! And some tips!

HI!

"Crazy lady" is not so crazy any longer and she is back!

My first craft fair was wonderful, tiring, taught me a lot and left me wanting more!

As far as sales are concerned, I did not sell out of course (was I expecting that?!?!), but I sold 30 pieces in an empty fair. Yes, not much people there. All the vendors were saying that it was very low attendance. But I payed for my booth and got extra cash, so I am happy.

Most of all, I am excited about the contacts I've made (a baby photographer loved my headbands and maternity sashes and we exchanged cards. I will definitely follow up this lead).

I would love to help crafters/readers out there who might be getting ready for their first craft fair. I have jotted  down some valuable pieces of advice:

What did work:

1. Getting there early: On the first day the fair started at 5 pm and I got there at noon.

This gave me lots of time to deal with unexpected stuff, to figure out my displays, to tidy my booth up, to use the washroom with no rush, to snack and to "rehearse" for the sales. 

2. Taking some displays already assembled, like the frames with the headbands.

3. To have price tags/signs for all the items displayed.

4. To have a wide range of prices (from $3 to $25). Actually, more than one people pointed to me that I was underpricing my pieces. The feedback I had was great! People loved my stuff. And this feels great.

5. Have lots of change. I took $100 in change.

6. Bring light snacks, such as cereal bars, nuts and water.

7. Have a different "look" to your booth. I used stuff from Sofia's bedroom (most of it!), revamped thrift pieces, etc. People loved it. Some even wanted to buy my displays :)

No, not for sale:)

What did not work:

1. Next time, I will bring an extra table, even it is smaller, to spread out my crafts more. I felt it was a  bit cramped.

2. I assumed that people would know it was all handmade. I approached some customers to let them know and they were surprised (pleasantly of course).  This should be stated clearly on a sign.

3. I did not have time to make a professional banner, so my sign was cute, but small and not so professional looking. And I notice that people look for the  name of the company/crafter.

4. I took too many small containers with my stuff. Next time, I will take less containers but bigger ones. And , yes, buy a cart to take everything from the parking lot to the table.

Overall, it was a very nice experience.

Pick me a Rose

Handcrafted Fabric Blossoms

I made this ruffled "skirt" the night before and a lady thought it was for sale!

Remember this thrifted piece?

And these? Old cutlery boxes with a new coat of paint and some sanding...works wonders!

Yes, have a draw! It attracts people! 

Sofia's furniture 

Love that price tag. Thrifted $.99 cents frame, painted, glazed and chalkboard paint inside. 

Ah, and one of my cute flowers to give it the nice touch.

A handmade sign, with some of my rosettes. 

Old frames for headbands

Maternity sashes

I love those sashes.

I had too much stuff...good or bad? dunno...

Remember this piece? ??? Much better with the rosettes, uh?

Me: first day

Me: second day

A sweet visitor. My first customer and my inspiration!

Me: last day.

Ready for more!

Linking up to:

Southern Lovely

Someday Crafts

Sew Much Ado

The Life of Jennifer Dawn

The NY Melrose Family

The Trendy Tree House

My Girlish Whims