| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| CurlysQuilts |
Posted - Jun 17 2011 : 1:40:32 PM
I'm doing my very first craft sale on the Fourth of July. I realize this may be too late for getting myself pulled together, but I'm wondering what some veteran crafters would recommend for shows and specifically for outdoor craft shows. I've got price tags with my shop name on them, and displays, or at least ideas for displays (baskets, clothes hanging rack for my quilts, etc.) but it just seems like there is so much more to do, and I don't want to go overboard since I don't plan on doing more shows, just this one. Do I need a tent/pavillion? A sign for my table? So much to think about and I only have two weeks! Eek!
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=66
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
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| 10 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| CurlysQuilts |
Posted - Jul 05 2011 : 7:04:41 PM
Hello ladies! I'm finally back in the forums after having been completely insane the last two weeks getting all pulled together for the show. The show was in my village and it was outdoors, but it was only three hourse, so I felt like it was a good testing ground to see if I could manage a show. It went well I thought. I only had one sale, but I think the experience was worth it. I'm sorry I forgot to take pictures though. Thanks to all of you who gave me such great advice. There was another crafter there who was new too and I must say I felt like I was better organized than her. And that's due to you guys' help. Thanks again!
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=66
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
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| owwlady |
Posted - Jun 18 2011 : 4:50:32 PM
Make sure you have enough change. Some people will pay for a $5.00 item with a $20.00 bill. Too many of those customers and you'll be out of fives and singles in no time. If it's outdoors, make sure your displays can take some wind gusts. If it's a hot day, plenty of water and ice in a cooler and something to munch on. If you don't have a canopy to set up, try to get a chair that you can attach a small sun umbrella to the back of it. Good luck and let us know how it turns out. |
| CurlysQuilts |
Posted - Jun 18 2011 : 3:15:44 PM
I love my Vista Print business cards! They are the best. :)
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=66
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
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| Dusky Beauty |
Posted - Jun 18 2011 : 2:57:25 PM
You can use a cash box OR a fanny pack. They may be ugly, but nothing beats them for access to your change and assurance that no one has made off with your box in my humble opinion.
Check VistaPrint.com for business cards (they only charge you for shipping) and if you decide you need more printed stuff to expand later (banners, shirts, etc) those are services they already supply reasonably, and they will have all your information.
"After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him. The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut. ~Will Rogers |
| CurlysQuilts |
Posted - Jun 18 2011 : 08:34:01 AM
Thanks you all so much! I didn't think of the secure cash box, so that's good you mentioned it. And I will set up inside, that makes so much sense! Great suggestions everyone, you've helped me so much. I'll see if I can't borrow a pavillion from somebody. Thanks thanks thanks!
Curly's Quilts
www.curlysquilts.etsy.com
http://farmmade.com/index.php?option=com_ixxocart&Itemid=9&p=catalog&mode=vendor&vid=66
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. - Micah 6:8
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| knitnpickinatune |
Posted - Jun 18 2011 : 07:06:16 AM
While this won't help you now,there is a wonderful book that covers all this & more-it's called "The Handmade Marketplace" by Kari Chapin. Do pick up a copy-an easy read & loaded with info. Best of luck!
http://www.mandolinbabe.com
http://www.fiddlebelle.com
http://www.gigulele-bag.net (Zibbet Store)
@MandolinChick on Twitter
mando pickin,uke strummin, & fiddle sawin' Farmgirl #702 |
| Joey |
Posted - Jun 17 2011 : 10:00:41 PM
Good ideas from all..and business cards. If I see something I really like and can't afford that day, i will take a card and write on the back of it what I wanted and the price. When I get home and a week goes by and I still want it then I contact the seller. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
| oldbittyhen |
Posted - Jun 17 2011 : 3:22:10 PM
Less is better, don't over do...keep alike items down to one on display, set cute, but simple displays, everything needs to be clean and shiny, use only price tags that will come off easy, sticker types, can sometimes damage...have a friend/family member be there to help, so you can take breaks, walk around abit, use the restroom, etc...watch for shop lifters, small children who are not being watched by their moms(sticky, gooey hands will ruin your items and day), put up a sign that says "If you break it, you bought it", BUT, most of all, have FUN!!!
"Knowlege is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad" |
| FarmDream |
Posted - Jun 17 2011 : 3:17:31 PM
I agree with setting up before hand to see how it really looks. Having the canopy helps a lot with weather. It's just more pleasant. White table cloths, never a bare table. You can buy the cheap plastic ones. If you have time to make a banner type sign that can go across the front of a table or hung from the canopy.
Some of my biggest help comes from looking on Google images for craft fair/farmer market booths/displays.
~FarmDream is Farmgirl Sister #3069
Live Today, Cherish Yesterday, Dream Tomorrow
http://naturaljulie.etsy.com
http://julie-rants.blogspot.com |
| quiltin_kate |
Posted - Jun 17 2011 : 3:08:32 PM
This may sound a little absurd, but you might try setting up at home to see if you have enough containers or if you have enough room on your displays. Take a look at it, does your table/booth look appealing, something to draw a person in? Would you need table cloths, doilies, basket liners - that sort of thing? Since it is outside, you may want to have something for rain cover. There are pop-ups that a generally the size of a vending space, I think 10' x 10'. Secure cash box. Pens, markers, tape, cardstock, extention cord if you have any electric things to hook up.
Sun block, hat and stuff like that - as though you were going to spend the day on a beach... Buying food at a craft venue can get expensive, so you might wish to have that in mind...Plenty of water and food for you/helper. Hope this helps.
This is all stuff that we learned while promoting events, it is the same basic principle as a craft venue. Take care of yourselves so you can remain coherent, happy and appeal to the prospective customer.
Kate
Farmgirl Sister #862
http://www.wildwomanglamgirl.blogspot.com/ |
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