Tips for Preparing for Your First Market

By Artisan Joy Staff

Many successful creative entrepreneurs earned their first sales at craft fairs and art festivals. Setting up a booth can be daunting for newbie sellers. So, we read maker forums and interviewed experienced vendors to help you prepare for your first show.

Before Exhibiting

Watch out for fake shows

Scammers have set up phony craft fairs on Facebook. Be sure to vet events and even confirm their legitimacy. “Call the place where the event is happening and verify if they are hosting the show and who the organizers are.” - Noreen Christofaro, Hidden Treasures Jewelry by Noreen

Is the show’s vibe right for your work?

Check out shows before participating and note the vendors and their goods because the quality of the vendors around you can enhance how show goers perceive your work.

Also notice how the vendors set up their displays to get ideas for planning out your booth. “My best advice to any new vendor is to make a pleasing display. Invest in quality tables and buy tablecloths that fit your tables. A nice display draws customers in. And then it’s up to you to talk to them and sell your product.”

- Alice Petrone

Practice setting up your booth

One artisan advised that new vendors “set up their tent display in their backyard or even living room a couple weeks before your show and practice setups. Take pictures of what you like. Move things around and try different setups. Take more pics to remember how you ultimately liked it, so you remember how to set up at your first show.”

– Christopher Rowe, Falcon Wood and Laser Works

Make a checklist

Experienced craft fair and art show vendors recommend using a checklist to prepare for a show because there are many things to remember—from your products to payment processing technology to a first-aid kit.

“Have a go bag of items. Things you could need like first aid, deodorant, bug spray, sunblock, hair ties, pens, notebook, ones, fives, tens, bags for items in different sizes, water, snacks, tape, scissors, permanent marker, business cards or postcards or pamphlets, extra price tags or labels, additional inventory” - Beth Peltier, Hush Little Baby Cakes & Gifted

Determine the right pricing

“Check out prices of similar items to yours, so you’ll get a fair price for your product.” - Noreen Christofaro, Hidden Treasures

Jewelry by Noreen

One maker advised that new vendors, “sell multiple price points. If you sell a product with high price points, carry a few lower priced items—they always sell.” – Bethany Rawcliffe-Burke, The Workshop n More

Do the paperwork

Check with your state to determine what its requirements are for selling goods at craft fairs, art shows, festivals, farmers markets, etc. You may need a sales tax permit, business license or another official document.

Advice for The Show

After unloading your merch, keep packing boxes out of sight to reduce visual clutter and present professionalism.

Always keep an eye on your money box. Consider investing in a vendor apron to wear your cash.

Engage with your customers.

“You have to be engaging even if you just say hello or good morning and smile…Be present to everyone...You are there for such a brief period of time, so make the most of it.” – Nancy Howlett, Fashion Wraps

by Nancy