Saturday we finally did it. What did we do? Oh ya, we attempted to sell some quilts by putting a both at a out door boutique that was held in Millcreek area, here in the Salt Lake Valley. As for the success, this is our first attempt to set up a booth and I think we did a fantastic job. We had tables, quilts, patterns, and some chairs to sit in. What did we not have? Any customers! There were under 30 people who were not vendors there.
Well it was not all was bad, I had a good chair and a good book. I would have been happier if there was any one that showed up to the Craft Fair. Its location was changed shortly before the scheduled date. Those that put this on, it was their first time putting one on. They tried hard, but the location mostly sucked and you can't help that.
Have any of you done a craft fair before and either succeeded well or failed as bad?
9 comments:
I know the feeling. I used to do markets with a friend and had a few school fetes that we did not make a sale or not many people turned up or customers are all little kidies :)But we did have really good ones though so don't give up
I suggest checking out fairs you are interested at vending in the year before (if possible) That will give you a better idea of location, sales and crowd. If the things that are selling are far more or less expensive than yours, it probably isn't a good fit.
Your booth looks very nice and love your sign. Moving a location late in the game will really hurt. Like Gene said, check out other fairs in your area - ones that have been long established. I don't do outdoor venues anymore as you get mostly lookers and 'handlers'. I only do indoor shows that have been running for 20+ yrs - well established and well advertised.
Your booth looks great, I wish you luck in your next one.
I have not had success with craft shows...I did one at a high school that was really well attended but mostly lookers (sadly, I think this was more of a social event for the attendees). For two years, i did a higher quality show that lasts 3 days, but still sales did not recoup the expenses to make what sold and the cost of the show. For me, it has been much more successful word of mouth, sadly.
Your booth looks really great. I think you did a fantastic job of organizing and setting up. I'm sorry it was such a low turnout. As Elaine said, I think the last few years have produced more lookers than shoppers; folks just looking for a day outdoors. I hope you can find one that be more well attended and show off your stuff, because you really do have a great booth setup!!
Sorry about the fair. I've never done one before. I have helped with the Quilts of Valor booth at Sewing and Quilting Expo's the past few years. This past year was bad. Well over half the vendors were not there this time (they were at another event held the same weekend in another state). Very disappointing. Maybe a 'tried and true' event will work for you.
I have done fairs for years and I know the feeling. I have good one's and bad one's. First shows are usually not very good as most people don't even know about them. I do the established shows and one's I know will have lots of people. Annual festivals are good one's to do. Also, holiday shows that are well known we do really well at. Keep at it and find the good one's and the sales will come. :)
I have only done one craft fair, and didn't even make back the booth fee. It's so important to find the right venue, so you attract the people who expect to buy your level of items. My fair attracted people who wanted something under 10 dollars so it was a bad fit. Your booth looks very enticing, and I'd have come if I lived nearby!
LeeAnna Paylor
not afraid of color!
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