Tuesday 21 January 2014

Top Tips for Craft Fair Success!

So, you're an artist/crafter. You've been a hobbyist for some time now and you've finally taken the plunge to make some money from your work. You've got a business page on Facebook, a Twitter account, you may even have your own web page. You might also have a few commissions under your belt, but you feel like something is missing. Perhaps you have art work that you can't shift, or that business is a bit slow. Well, craft fairs can be a great place to sell your wares and network, and having done a fair few craft fairs myself and having organised a very successful craft fair with my other half, I thought I would list my top tips for getting the most out of it (I was going for a Top Ten Tips feature, but I ran out of tips...) Oh, and I used to work in retail, where my sales figures were through the roof and I scored 100% on Mystery Shopper reports, so I know a thing or two about selling and customer service... just saying...


Top tip: Do your research


 

Ever done a craft fair where you are the only artist with a stall? I have, and, guess what, I didn't sell a thing. Whether you find your craft fair through an ad in the local paper or via a Google search, do a bit more research before you commit to having a stall. If it's a local fair, ask crafty friends if they have heard of it and whether they would recommend it or not. If it's a regular event, check one or two out as a visitor first to assess the footfall, variety of stalls, any similar businesses to your own, etc. If it's something further afield, there are a number of helpful craft groups on Facebook, such as Clearly Crafty Community, whose admins and Likers may be able to advise. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned pro, I would advise sticking to local fairs anyway, as your stall fees plus travelling costs may result in zero profit being made from any of your potential sales. A good place to start looking for craft fairs, or any type of fair for that matter, is a website called Stallfinder.

Top tip: Dress rehearse
 


Your stall is your shop window. This is what will attract potential customers to your wares, so you don't want it looking cluttered, and you certainly don't want it looking sparse, either. Even though craft fairs are about artists coming together as a community of like-minded people and it's all sunshine and lollipops, the bottom line is you will be competing with the other stalls for business, especially if there are others selling similar items to yours. This might sound harsh, but it's true. The night before the craft fair, experiment with different layouts and ask family and friends for their opinions. An artist I did a craft fair with put her biggest and best piece of work on an easel on her table. It was also her most expensive, and it didn't sell. However, she spoke to me afterwards and said that she didn't think she would sell it, but she used it as a decorative piece to draw people to her stall... and it worked! She sold a few pieces and got commissions, too. So, this would be something I would advise considering when planning your stall. Also, clearly label your pieces with a price, and attach these labels in a way that won't damage your work when removed.

Top tip: Promote, promote, promote!


Take a healthy supply of business cards, leaflets, etc, anything with your contact details on. Keep them in view at the front of your table for passers-by to pick up, as some may want to buy off you in future. When we arrange a craft fair, we have an “information table” at the entrance for any extra promotional material that the stall holders wish to place there, so that craft fair attendees can collect them on their way in or out, so take extra in case the craft fair you attend offers the same opportunity. Also, don't rely on the marketing skills of the craft fair organisers to guarantee visitors. Whenever and wherever you can, promote the fair yourself through your Facebook page, Twitter account, blog, etc. The organisers should be delighted with your efforts, but ask their permission first, out of courtesy. If you decide to put up posters or push leaflets through letterboxes to advertise the craft fair, get official material from the organisers. When putting up posters in public places, you must ask permission from whoever owns whatever you are sticking the poster to. Another important thing to remember is that any craft fair organiser worth their salt should not ask or expect you to pay for any promotional materials to be delivered or printed. You should not be spending money or using up your resources to promote a craft fair, as this will also eat into any profit you may make at the fair.

Top tip: Make sure the Devil does not make work for your idle thumbs...
 

 

Take something to do for any quiet times during the craft fair, and I don't mean your Nintendo 3DS or the Take-A-Break wordsearch! What really impresses passers-by is an artist at work, so bring a project to tinker with. It's a great conversation starter! Make sure you are still facing the customers and that your project is in full view above the table. You never know, it might generate an extra sale or a commission. This will also be a life-saver if it is quiet, as you don't ever want to leave your stall because your bored, even if it is just to have a wander around the other stalls. You might miss a sale, or worse, you might get something pinched. Of course, toilet breaks are important, and if you are manning your table alone then the stall next to you should be happy to keep an eye on things, and the craft fair organiser should be available to do the same. In regards to your project, I would take something that can be easily put to one side and that also doesn't make a mess (leave your paints and pastels at home, people!), as you will want to deal with customers if they strike up a conversation and you don't want to be faffing around trying to tidy up. It doesn't look professional. Having something to occupy yourself with also prevents you from staring at passers-by with that desperate “buy from me!” look on your face that can be difficult to contain for even the most experienced craft-fairer. A polite smile and a cheery “hello” towards everyone who slows their pace and looks at your stall is recommended. Make eye-contact, but not for too long, and then busy yourself with your project until they engage in conversation.

Top tip: Be prepared... is not just a slogan of the Villa!

 
Here are a few things you should consider before the craft fair:

  • I can't attend the craft fair now. Will I get my money/deposit back? If you've paid a deposit to secure a table, it is unlikely to be refunded if you decide not to do the craft fair. If you paid in full, you may get some of it back. I would advise checking this before you send off your booking form. Wherever you can, inform the organisers as soon as possible so that they can fill your spot. You may also want to do a craft fair with them in future, so keep on good terms.
  • Will refreshments be available at the venue? I would always advise bringing your own food and drink in any case, as you may not like the refreshments on offer...
  • What time can I set up/pack up? You should be allowed at least half an hour before the craft fair starts to set up and at least half an hour after to pack up, but check this with the organisers. Also, some organisers do not like anyone to pack up whilst the craft fair is in full swing, so, if you have to leave early, tell them in advance or as soon as possible on the day if it is unexpected.
  • Is it indoors or outdoors and will it be warm or cold...or wet? I would never do a craft fair outside, as the weather is unpredictable. However, take an extra few layers in case it is cold, even if it is held inside.
  • Do I need a power point to display my work? Check with the craft fair organisers if power points are available well in advance of the fair. If they don't know, alarm bells should ring! If power points are available, make sure you tell the organiers well in advance so that you ensure that a) you get one, and b) the organisers can adjust their floorplan to accommodate your request.
  • Are the table and chairs provided? Very, very important. If this isn't clear, then check. If you have to supply your own, make sure the size of it is suitable for the space you have been allocated. I would advise investing in a pasting table, as these are the standard size of tables used at craft fairs (in fact, they are used at craft fairs!). Even if tables and chairs are supplied, if you're going in your car, keep a pasting table and fold-out chair in the boot...just in case...
  • Is there any parking at the venue? If there is, ask if it's free and, if not, how much. Ask if it is limited. If there is no parking at the venue, find out where the nearest parking lot is and how much it costs to park there.
  • What if I get a commission? The last thing you want is to be searching for a pen and piece of paper to write down customer details and orders, so take these with you. Also, make sure you receive a deposit (it's up to you how much), just in case the buyer changes their minds. Make sure you take a receipt pad, too, which are fairly cheap to buy from the shops.
  • What if I make a sale? Make sure you take plenty of change of all denominations. You would rather have pennies and not need them than need pennies and not have them...

These are just a few things I have come across as a craft fair organiser and a craft fair stall holder. The list isn't exhaustive, so be prepared for all eventualities.


Top tip: Dodge the ambulance-chasers!
 

I cannot stress enough the importance of having Public Liability Insurance. If a customer buys your work and it somehow causes them financial loss, or they trip over your stall because your table cloth draped onto the floor and into their path and they had time off work as a result, you could be sued. And I'm not talking hundreds, but potentially thousands! You can find cover for under £50, which isn't much to pay for peace of mind. If you don't know where to start with looking for an insurance provider, the arts/crafts groups on Facebook will be able to advise.

Top tip: Not so Great Expectations
 

This is my last tip... promise, and here's hoping you will never have to remember it. You might sell so much at your craft fair that you will have a problem stocking your next one, but you may find that, on occasion, you may not sell a thing or get a commission. My advice is to never ever let an experience like that knock your confidence. I have done craft fairs where I haven't sold or got a commission on the day, but by doing the craft fair I got commissions at a later date from passers-by who picked up my business cards. So, never feel despondent. I would always look at a craft fair as an opportunity to advertise first and foremost because this type of marketing is invaluable, as you get to promote yourself directly to the public. Other reasons why you may not sell or get commissioned could be that the craft fair was deserted due to poor advertising , terrible weather conditions, etc. However, if everyone else sold or received commissions then it may be worth looking into areas where you and your stall could improve. It's always a good idea to evaluate your craft fair experience and assess what went right and what went wrong and use this knowledge when planning your next one... and be honest with yourself when evaluating. The more craft fairs you do, the more you'll learn.


and that's it! Crikey, I've waffled on a bit, and there's probably a lot more I could tell you, but, in my opinion, these are the essential tips that I hope will help you get the most out of your craft fairs. If you have any other tips or any comments on the above, please feel free to share them.

Right, I'd better sign off. I've got a craft fair to prepare for...

Saturday 11 January 2014

Ang and Claire's Craft Fairs

Hello all

My fianceé and I run a craft fair group on Facebook called Ang and Claire's Craft Fairs.  We organised a very successful craft fair at Light-house Media Centre in Wolverhampton last October, and we are making plans to host our next one in Perton Civic Centre in May 2014.  Your comments and suggestions would be much appreciated, so please visit
https://www.facebook.com/groups/406736379442235 to post.  If you are based in the West Midlands and you are an artist or crafter who would like a stall, you can vist our Facebook page or you can email angandclaire@hotmail.co.uk

 


Thursday 2 January 2014

100 Likes!!!

Woohoo!!!  I've just reached 100 likes on my Facebook page!  I'm absolutely delighted, and a big thank you to everyone who has liked my page and supported me since I launched my art work online, which was March 2013.

To celebrate this milestone, I'm offering 10% off all my work until 1st February 2014.  You can use the code 10JAN14 in my Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyEdwards to claim the discount, or you can contact me directly through my Facebook page www.facebook.com/ArtbyEdwards , Twitter www.twitter.com/ArtbyEdwards or email artbyedwards@hotmail.co.uk .

...and there's still free postage and packaging.

Wednesday 1 January 2014

Hello!

Hello, and welcome to the Art by Edwards blog.  I am an artist and a crafter, and I will be posting blogs about all things related to arts and crafts.  I have been drawing since as far back as I can remember, but it was only last year that I decided to sell my work.  Since then, I have sold my work locally and internationally, and I have been commissioned on several occasions, from handmade clocks to portraits of pets.

I will be posting a new blog soon, but, in the meantime, please feel free to check out my Facebook page for examples of my work.  The address is www.facebook.com/ArtbyEdwards .  You can visit my shop, which is www.etsy.com/shop/ArtbyEdwards , and you can follow me on Twitter, which is www.twitter.com/ArtbyEdwards .

Here are a few examples of my favourites: