I love having kids visit my booth. It often sparks great conversations, gives them the idea to come back with their folks (or with $$$ from their folks), and I learn a lot. I do Zentangle art, and some local schools are now teaching this and talking to kids about their experience with this kind of art opens a door for greater communication and potential sales to their parents. So, I can tell a local teacher that I met a 3rd grader that day who was doing the kind of art that the teacher was doing in her/his classroom, and that sparks extra interest.
I have one of my best experiences with a little guy about 10, who made a comment, that I often get from adults ‘wow that’s a lot for’ for a crocheted stuffed animal. Because he was a kiddo, I felt comfortable sharing with him, how long it took to make the item, how much the yarn cost and that we have to pay to be at the craft fair. He got this ah ha look on his face, and said that makes sense.
That’s nice that you took the time to approach him and explain it that way. It’s always good to at least have an appreciation & understanding of the true effort that goes into creating art & crafts. Well done! 😃
Great tips, especially about not discounting kids as customers! Thanks for doing all that you do to help us put together great booths. I'm really enjoying your content.
I try to have something interesting to show kids about the process of my craft. I make bags out of cork fabric so I have a piece of tree bark they can touch & feel along with photos or a iPad slide show of photos of how cork is turned into fabric. Parents love when their kids are entertained or occupied for a few minutes while they shop.
You nailed everything in this video. Makers supporting makers is so important. Shop from others and support their social media posts too. Just a quick like goes a long way. Thanks John for more great tips.
Thank you for your kind words! You are so supportive and I hope there’s a lot of people out there that are inspired by the example you set! I know I am! 😃
I always offer something for the kiddos like $1.50 Teddy bear honey soaps, critter soaps and toy embed soaps. If they're very well behaved, I even give one away to them for free just to see them light up. Stuff like that is a win win even if no one buys anything the kids are happy, moms are impressed and they get to try your stuff and maybe who knows, they'll remember you the next go around and make a purchase.
I like this approach. There’s no telling how much of an impact a vendor can make on their visitors to keep them coming back, or to even give you a chance in the first place. In a general sense, it might be good for vendors to be giving & welcoming to their guests as opposed to wanting & expecting a certain outcome.
I’ve signed up for my 1st craft fairs and they have been very transparent on mlm and direct sales companies being there. They have a smaller (50 booth) crafter only event and a bigger (100+ booth) event that allows mlm and direct sales companies. The pricing for their booths is really good, so I signed up for both to see how it goes.🤞 I also know I want to sign up for my towns Christmas event this year. They have very limited vendor spaces. It’s our Christmas tree lighting and parade, so the whole town comes to enjoy it.
The transparency aspect is good! That’s encouraging to see from an organizer and shows that they care enough to let potential vendors know what the situation is like. I hope the shows are a success for you! Learn as much as you can and HAVE FUN!! 😃
Im a Woodturner and sell $1 tops. They're made of scraps I get can for free and they don't take me long. Kids love them and it gives them a chance to get something fun for themselves. I like buying from other vendors but I LOVE trades. Traded a wood bowl for a ceramic chip and dip bowl that I love
That’s awesome! It’s nice because it’s a great opportunity to make a solid connection with another vendor. You’ll remember them and they’ll remember you. Networking with other vendors and establishing some connections is an important part of craft fairs, and this is a fantastic way to make that happen while getting something you really enjoy in the process!
Great points of views! My audience is a lot of families with small children. I notice a lot of time that the parents are not into buying annything (what are you going to a craftfair then? To say no to your child all the time? Not fun, begging childrens..) or they say to their children "pick one thing or you already had this.." For the children it is better when they come with their grandparents to a craftfair haha! Or I like it when children get their own pocketmoney so they have to be wise and choose what they spend it on.
Kids with Grandparents at craft fair = gold mine 😂 Really cool to scroll through the comments from this video and see how many vendors experience very positive interactions with children’s at their booths. 😃
Great thoughts! So important to engage the 'littles' we always make an effort with this - and you know what - it's super fun - watching their expressions -that they were included - and many parents have reacted positively as well! YES! - it is so important to support your peers - and much of my Christmas shopping is done this way - it's also an extension of your appreciation of supporting creativity, and the items are waaaaay more unique and personal for the recipient.
Basically Mary Kay, Scentsy, Lularoe, etc. The companies that mass produce items and have “reps” of “consultants” sell items and typically also have the ability/responsibility to recruit additional reps. Also known as MLM (multi-level marketing).
I always take kids seriously. They buy right away, they come back with money to buy and they also bring the parent back and I make more sales when mom or dad sees something else that they want too. Kids are great shoppers. I love craft fairs that let us set up the day or night before. Then I go in at the regular time and I can casually do my shopping, if they are not set up yet, I go back later. I wish more shows offered day before set ups, it helps so much for the vendors. I know I definitely feel less stressed. If I can't set up the day before, I will find time some time during the day to at least hit up the booths that I know I will purchase something. While I prefer all crafts craft fairs, I will do them with direct sales people too. I buy from them too. However, If you are advertising as a Craft Fair, you should limit the amount of direct sales and don't change it later because you could not get crafters. If you are a good coordinator of Craft Fairs, you should not have any problem to get handmade crafters.
Barb - tremendous point when you mentioned coming in the morning of the event as your casual/shopping time if you're able to set your booth up the day before. That is a great use of time for sure for vendors to do their shopping and mingling! I believe organizers have three paths to go down when it comes to having direct sale vendors at events: 1. Stick to 100% crafts and let everyone know it's going to be strictly arts/crafts/handmade. 2. Have a blend (typically a capped percentage of crafters vs direct sales). Let everyone know there's going to be a mix of crafters & direct sale vendors. Consider publishing vendor lists leading up to the show. 3. Have a blend of crafters & direct sale vendors, but don't disclose to anyone that there will be direct sale vendors in attendance. I believe 99% of crafters & shoppers are okay with situations 1 & 2. Its situation #3 that gets organizers in trouble.
Can you explain further what you mean by target demographic? I understand that some vendors & products are geared more towards adults vs kids, etc. How narrow do i need to go?
You don’t need to get overly specific - just what will help you find your ideal event in the future. So some events are marketing towards families, or women, or anyone. Also, think about whether your products resonate more with people in the city or people in the country/rural areas. Maybe it’s everyone and it’s pretty balanced? All that you’re trying to do is set yourself up for success by signing up for events that give you the best chance of showcasing your work to the type of people who’ll be most drawn to it.
Do you think that a high school choir craft show that also allows direct sales will still be good? I was banking on the fact that the parents would support the sale and that it’s been going on for many years. Just paid my booth fee today so hope it will be good. I did know that there weren’t a lot of rules but it was cheaper than some others. I am hoping that fewer handmade will mean less competition but hope that shoppers still come. One gripe I have with organizers is when it fills up prior to July for a Nov show due to a hall being closed for Reno. Why didn’t they allow outside booths? Seems like the church will miss out on vendor income and customers may be disappointed.
Sometimes shows at high school get really good crowds, but one thing you can look at is how many years the event has been happening. Only a few or a first time event, lower expectations. For a long-running show, there’s some reason to feel optimistic.
@@howtocraftfair yes that’s what I thought. The two I entered are well established. Unfortunately the only one in my area is like you say fairly new and not out there for 2023. Plus the charity wasn’t a high school group. I’m surprised there aren’t shows at all the high schools. Such a great venue and paired with a booster group seems like such a good idea. But checking around I had to go an hour away to find them. Perhaps the school district isn’t accommodating?
Would it come off as insulting if I were to set up a video camera at my booth? My thought process behind it is to be able to go back and assess how people react to my booth or how I interact with others. An overall way to be able to look at my booth the way any customer would look at it. I wouldn't want any of the customers to think that I was watching them. Come off like I don't trust them not to steal. What are your thought on this? I'm asking anyone who wants to give their opinion.
I wouldn’t say “insulting” but it might make some people feel uncomfortable or just keep people from coming into your booth. There is also a potential conflict issue where in certain situations you aren’t allowed to film people at an event without their consent. Don’t quote me on the specifics, but that might be something to consider as well.
As a Pediatrician I 100% endorse taking kids seriously and inspiring the new generation! 💯💯💯 Absolutely SPOT ON ! ❤️❤️❤️
Have to show them the good in the world, people included! 😃
I love having kids visit my booth. It often sparks great conversations, gives them the idea to come back with their folks (or with $$$ from their folks), and I learn a lot. I do Zentangle art, and some local schools are now teaching this and talking to kids about their experience with this kind of art opens a door for greater communication and potential sales to their parents. So, I can tell a local teacher that I met a 3rd grader that day who was doing the kind of art that the teacher was doing in her/his classroom, and that sparks extra interest.
Yes - you never know what kind of sales it can drive. It's also great to show kids that craft fairs can be a wonderful experience.
I have one of my best experiences with a little guy about 10, who made a comment, that I often get from adults ‘wow that’s a lot for’ for a crocheted stuffed animal. Because he was a kiddo, I felt comfortable sharing with him, how long it took to make the item, how much the yarn cost and that we have to pay to be at the craft fair. He got this ah ha look on his face, and said that makes sense.
That’s nice that you took the time to approach him and explain it that way. It’s always good to at least have an appreciation & understanding of the true effort that goes into creating art & crafts. Well done! 😃
I sold my first product to a child! She came, tested the products , got what she wanted and I gave her a little freebie. It was so cute.
Very cool!
This is the most inspirational episode yet
Awww thanks! Yeah it felt good to open up a bit more in this one 😃
Kids LOVE to buy gifts for their moms 🎉 They bring their $1 and ask what they can get for that amount of money. Soooo cute!!
One of the greatest lessons I learned while working for Nordstrom was to treat every customer who walks through the door the same-respectfully.
Great motto to have :)
Great tips, especially about not discounting kids as customers! Thanks for doing all that you do to help us put together great booths. I'm really enjoying your content.
Thank you so much Andrea! 😃👍
I absolutely are guilty of this sometimes…great tips I’ll incorporate
It’s okay! Finding areas of improvement leads to opportunities for growth! 😃👍
I try to have something interesting to show kids about the process of my craft. I make bags out of cork fabric so I have a piece of tree bark they can touch & feel along with photos or a iPad slide show of photos of how cork is turned into fabric. Parents love when their kids are entertained or occupied for a few minutes while they shop.
You nailed everything in this video. Makers supporting makers is so important. Shop from others and support their social media posts too. Just a quick like goes a long way.
Thanks John for more great tips.
Thank you for your kind words! You are so supportive and I hope there’s a lot of people out there that are inspired by the example you set! I know I am! 😃
I always offer something for the kiddos like $1.50 Teddy bear honey soaps, critter soaps and toy embed soaps. If they're very well behaved, I even give one away to them for free just to see them light up. Stuff like that is a win win even if no one buys anything the kids are happy, moms are impressed and they get to try your stuff and maybe who knows, they'll remember you the next go around and make a purchase.
I like this approach. There’s no telling how much of an impact a vendor can make on their visitors to keep them coming back, or to even give you a chance in the first place.
In a general sense, it might be good for vendors to be giving & welcoming to their guests as opposed to wanting & expecting a certain outcome.
I’ve signed up for my 1st craft fairs and they have been very transparent on mlm and direct sales companies being there. They have a smaller (50 booth) crafter only event and a bigger (100+ booth) event that allows mlm and direct sales companies. The pricing for their booths is really good, so I signed up for both to see how it goes.🤞 I also know I want to sign up for my towns Christmas event this year. They have very limited vendor spaces. It’s our Christmas tree lighting and parade, so the whole town comes to enjoy it.
The transparency aspect is good! That’s encouraging to see from an organizer and shows that they care enough to let potential vendors know what the situation is like. I hope the shows are a success for you! Learn as much as you can and HAVE FUN!! 😃
Im a Woodturner and sell $1 tops. They're made of scraps I get can for free and they don't take me long. Kids love them and it gives them a chance to get something fun for themselves.
I like buying from other vendors but I LOVE trades. Traded a wood bowl for a ceramic chip and dip bowl that I love
That’s awesome! It’s nice because it’s a great opportunity to make a solid connection with another vendor. You’ll remember them and they’ll remember you. Networking with other vendors and establishing some connections is an important part of craft fairs, and this is a fantastic way to make that happen while getting something you really enjoy in the process!
#Letsgrow
Nice series
Thank you so much! 😃
Great points of views! My audience is a lot of families with small children. I notice a lot of time that the parents are not into buying annything (what are you going to a craftfair then? To say no to your child all the time? Not fun, begging childrens..) or they say to their children "pick one thing or you already had this.."
For the children it is better when they come with their grandparents to a craftfair haha! Or I like it when children get their own pocketmoney so they have to be wise and choose what they spend it on.
Kids with Grandparents at craft fair = gold mine 😂
Really cool to scroll through the comments from this video and see how many vendors experience very positive interactions with children’s at their booths. 😃
Great thoughts! So important to engage the 'littles' we always make an effort with this - and you know what - it's super fun - watching their expressions -that they were included - and many parents have reacted positively as well! YES! - it is so important to support your peers - and much of my Christmas shopping is done this way - it's also an extension of your appreciation of supporting creativity, and the items are waaaaay more unique and personal for the recipient.
Great insight! 💯
A couple of very rewarding aspects of craft fairs that just make you feel good!
Very good info.
Thank you so much! 😃
I am new to this world but am very interested in learning more. What is a "direct sales" vendor?
Basically Mary Kay, Scentsy, Lularoe, etc. The companies that mass produce items and have “reps” of “consultants” sell items and typically also have the ability/responsibility to recruit additional reps. Also known as MLM (multi-level marketing).
I always take kids seriously. They buy right away, they come back with money to buy and they also bring the parent back and I make more sales when mom or dad sees something else that they want too. Kids are great shoppers.
I love craft fairs that let us set up the day or night before. Then I go in at the regular time and I can casually do my shopping, if they are not set up yet, I go back later. I wish more shows offered day before set ups, it helps so much for the vendors. I know I definitely feel less stressed. If I can't set up the day before, I will find time some time during the day to at least hit up the booths that I know I will purchase something.
While I prefer all crafts craft fairs, I will do them with direct sales people too. I buy from them too. However, If you are advertising as a Craft Fair, you should limit the amount of direct sales and don't change it later because you could not get crafters. If you are a good coordinator of Craft Fairs, you should not have any problem to get handmade crafters.
Barb - tremendous point when you mentioned coming in the morning of the event as your casual/shopping time if you're able to set your booth up the day before. That is a great use of time for sure for vendors to do their shopping and mingling!
I believe organizers have three paths to go down when it comes to having direct sale vendors at events:
1. Stick to 100% crafts and let everyone know it's going to be strictly arts/crafts/handmade.
2. Have a blend (typically a capped percentage of crafters vs direct sales). Let everyone know there's going to be a mix of crafters & direct sale vendors. Consider publishing vendor lists leading up to the show.
3. Have a blend of crafters & direct sale vendors, but don't disclose to anyone that there will be direct sale vendors in attendance.
I believe 99% of crafters & shoppers are okay with situations 1 & 2. Its situation #3 that gets organizers in trouble.
Can you explain further what you mean by target demographic? I understand that some vendors & products are geared more towards adults vs kids, etc. How narrow do i need to go?
You don’t need to get overly specific - just what will help you find your ideal event in the future. So some events are marketing towards families, or women, or anyone. Also, think about whether your products resonate more with people in the city or people in the country/rural areas. Maybe it’s everyone and it’s pretty balanced?
All that you’re trying to do is set yourself up for success by signing up for events that give you the best chance of showcasing your work to the type of people who’ll be most drawn to it.
Thank you!
Do you think that a high school choir craft show that also allows direct sales will still be good? I was banking on the fact that the parents would support the sale and that it’s been going on for many years. Just paid my booth fee today so hope it will be good. I did know that there weren’t a lot of rules but it was cheaper than some others.
I am hoping that fewer handmade will mean less competition but hope that shoppers still come.
One gripe I have with organizers is when it fills up prior to July for a Nov show due to a hall being closed for Reno. Why didn’t they allow outside booths? Seems like the church will miss out on vendor income and customers may be disappointed.
Sometimes shows at high school get really good crowds, but one thing you can look at is how many years the event has been happening. Only a few or a first time event, lower expectations. For a long-running show, there’s some reason to feel optimistic.
@@howtocraftfair yes that’s what I thought. The two I entered are well established. Unfortunately the only one in my area is like you say fairly new and not out there for 2023. Plus the charity wasn’t a high school group.
I’m surprised there aren’t shows at all the high schools. Such a great venue and paired with a booster group seems like such a good idea. But checking around I had to go an hour away to find them. Perhaps the school district isn’t accommodating?
Would it come off as insulting if I were to set up a video camera at my booth? My thought process behind it is to be able to go back and assess how people react to my booth or how I interact with others. An overall way to be able to look at my booth the way any customer would look at it. I wouldn't want any of the customers to think that I was watching them. Come off like I don't trust them not to steal. What are your thought on this? I'm asking anyone who wants to give their opinion.
I wouldn’t say “insulting” but it might make some people feel uncomfortable or just keep people from coming into your booth. There is also a potential conflict issue where in certain situations you aren’t allowed to film people at an event without their consent. Don’t quote me on the specifics, but that might be something to consider as well.
@@howtocraftfair Thank you for the feedback.