| About a couple of weeks ago I got an email from The Homespun Chic Marketplace’s organizers, Kari and Amy. They were telling me about an upcoming craft show they are putting together in Longwood Community Building, on Oct 9th from 2:30PM to 6PM. I immediately fell in love with the idea of participating at this local craft fair, since I tried to submit my application form to the Mount Dora Craft Fair, but the application process for vendors was already closed almost three months before the event. I am happy the way it ended up working out, since a small venue is a better place to start for getting some exposure. |
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I was very excited when find out I was accepted as one of the Homespun Chic Marketplace vendors. This craft show will be my VERY VERY first one. I cannot wait to meet the talented floridian crafters that are participating with me. I already saw some of their products and they are all beautiful.!! For those who live in Central Florida, I would love to see you there supporting your local crafters !!!  |
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| I have read really good articles on how to get ready for a craft show. This is what I have learned so far! |
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| LOTS OF PUBLICITY!! |
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- If you are like me getting ready for a show, we need to spread the word out there!!!. Do a blog post about the show, update your FB/twitter notifying your fans of what you will be doing.
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| DISPLAY |
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- Ask the host of the fair if they have stats for the previous events, so you have a better idea of how many people the show should be expecting. It will help you decide how much inventory you will need. For the The Homespun Chic Marketplace, I was told around 300 people attended the 1st year, so I am planning on making 250 soaps/ bath bombs.
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- Bring you products forward. Display your most eye-catching items up front!! We need to bring people to our table!!
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- The table or booth should be welcoming, organized and warm. It helps if you draw a set up before the event, so you already know where you are going to display your products.
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- Cover the table with table cloth or a queen sheet. ( I got this last tip through a soapy friend on Bramble Berry FB fan page). Hide the extra inventory underneath the table.
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- Restock immediately. If you sell one soap or the product you are selling, replace it with another. If you run out of replacement stock, reduce the number of shelving or display units, or have something on hand to act as a filler.
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- Have all of your items clearly priced, some people are hesitant to ask about pricing. Hang signs that explain what you are selling and what it costs.
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- Have a sign with information about where people can find your shop or with a small description/story about your business. Also if you have a newsletter, you could have people write down their email addresses for coming updates!
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| PAYMENT |
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- Bring at least 100 dollars in change.
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- It will help you increase the sales if you accept credit cards as well. The SundayAfternoom Hosewife’s bog has a really good entry about the Square. Suqare is an app for your smart phone (android or iphone) that allows you to accept credit cards. No monthly fees, no gateway fees, no yearly fees. Square charges is 2.75% plus 15 cents for each swipe on a card. I already set up my account and I got my credit card ready last Friday.!!:D
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| OTHER TIPS |
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- Make an inventory list to check off the products as you sell them in the craft show.
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- Bring your own dollie or something similar to help you move your stuff from your car to your craft table (you do not have idea how far it would be)
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- Bring your lunch or snack and lot of water or any drink!!!
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- Bring your camera so you can take a lot of pictures of your table
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- If it is possible go to the show with a friend. It will be much easier to have someone to help you set everything up and for those bathrooms breaks, so you do not leave your booth or table unattended
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| I will keep blogging about the inventory I am working on for the show, as well as how was my experience on the BIG DAY!!. Very excited !! |
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| Happy Soaping! |
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| Ada |
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Kati on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 11:47 am
Sounds like you’ll be well prepared for your first show! Excited to see you there!
SoapMuchLove,LLC on Tue, 6th Sep 2011 1:52 pm
Thanks Kati!! I am very excited too. There are so many talented crafter coming this year.
I need days of 48 hrs, my girls (1 year old and almost 3 years old) keep me very busy, no to much time for soaping as I wish lol. Have a great day!
Lauren on Mon, 20th Aug 2012 9:14 pm
Good advice.. Thanks. I know it’s an old post…but I’m doing my first show soon…
SoapMuchLove,LLC on Sat, 25th Aug 2012 2:19 am
Glad you found it interesting Lauren. I always look at it whenever I have a show! XD
Donna on Mon, 27th Aug 2012 1:53 am
I love this! Thank you so much for re-sharing! I’m doing my first craft fair in oct as well and have been reading up on sites and taking notes. I found this post very helpful!
SoapMuchLove,LLC on Mon, 27th Aug 2012 2:03 am
I am glad you found it helpful!! Good luck in your upcoming show. Have fun with it!!
Patty A on Mon, 27th Aug 2012 8:27 pm
Did you end up selling a lot?
SoapMuchLove,LLC on Tue, 28th Aug 2012 6:03 pm
HI Patty Yes I did great. That show was my very first one. Here is a post after the show.
http://www.soapmuchlove.com/craft-showsfairs/craft-fair-after-the-show.html
Big hugs