How to Get Started Selling at Craft Fairs

Hey there! Are you ready to turn your crafting passion into a fun side hustle? I’ve been where you are, wondering how to balance family life with the desire to create and earn. Through my experiences with craft fairs, I’ve discovered a wonderful way to do both, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned with you!

Also See: Do I Need a License to Sell at Craft Fairs?

Why Craft Fairs Can Be a Great Opportunity

First off, let’s talk about why craft fairs are such a fantastic option for busy moms like us. Here are three key reasons:

1. Flexibility: You can choose which fairs to attend based on your family’s schedule, allowing you to be there for soccer games and school plays while still pursuing your passion.
2. Low startup costs: Craft fairs are a relatively low investment compared to opening a brick-and-mortar store or even an online shop.
3. Test the waters: It’s a chance to dip your toes in the entrepreneurial waters without diving headfirst into the deep end.

Best-Selling Craft Fair Items

So, what actually sells at craft fairs? From my experience, these categories tend to be crowd-pleasers:

• Handmade Jewelry: People love unique, personalized pieces.
• Home Decor: Think rustic signs, knitted throws, or decorative pillows.
• Personalized Gifts: Monogrammed items are always a hit.
• Seasonal Items: Capitalize on holidays and changing seasons.
• Food and Treats: If allowed, homemade foods can be big sellers.

Also See: Crowd Pleasing Crafts to Sell at Craft Fairs and Types of Products to Not Sell at Craft Shows

Tips for Craft Fair Success

Now, I’ve learned a thing or two about pricing that I want to share with you. Here are some key insights:

• Stand firm on your pricing: People will often assume you’re overpricing your items. Expect it, but don’t let this get to you! Your handmade crafts are worth much more than whatever ideal price they have in their mind. Stand firm in your value.
• Consider your price points: I’ve found that smaller items priced between $5-$15 often fly off the tables. They seem more affordable, and people are more likely to make impulse purchases in this range. If you can make these items quickly and the profit works for you, you can make a lot of money!
• Include higher-priced items: Yes, those little affordable items are great, and you will likely sell lots of them but you also have some big-ticket (and more profitable) items. And don’t forget to offer commissions for custom work!

Also See: 8 Side Hustles from Home: Make an Extra $1,000 per Month

Getting Started: Practical Steps

Before you jump in, there are a few practical matters to consider. Here’s your pre-fair checklist:

1. Research potential craft fairs: Before I started, I visited craft fairs as an observer. I took notes on the types of vendors, the vibe, and the customers. Don’t be shy – talk to some vendors to make connections and get insights! Pro tip: Look for local Etsy community groups. They’re gold mines for event info and small business tips.
2. Choose the right equipment: Most fairs only provide space, not equipment. If you’re just dipping your toes in, look for smaller shows that include tables or even tents in your booth fee until you can justify the investment in a proper booth display. Can’t swing your own gear yet? Consider renting or borrowing from a fellow vendor.
   
   Keep it simple but intentional—nice-looking boxes and minimal display stands can work wonders, and remember that presentation matters! An attractive, well-organized booth space can make a big difference in your sales.
3. Prepare your marketing materials: Find a way to share your contact info with shoppers. Business cards are great, but consider small freebies with your details—people are more likely to pick these up and remember you.
4. Make payments easy: Without investing in payment hardware, you can use cash and payment apps like Square or Venmo. If you have an Etsy shop, consider using Square to sync your in-person sales with your online records. This may be down the road, but Shopify users can use their hardware and app for in-person transactions too!
5. Be aware of copyright issues: It’s tempting to create items featuring popular characters or brands, but this can lead to legal troubles. Stick to your original designs – they’re uniquely you, and that’s what makes them special!
6. Register your business: Even if you only plan to sell at craft fairs occasionally, you are technically a business and must register it. Each state is different, but it generally involves choosing your business entity, registering for sales tax, and more. StartUp101 has a lot of great information on setting up a business.
7. Just start! If you’re waiting until you know you have a good product, you’ve found your target audience, and you’ve figured out the exact right pricing, don’t. Selling in person is the perfect way to test and figure out all those things. Trust me, there’s nothing like the real-time direct feedback you get from observing customers see, touch, and respond to your products in real life.

In conclusion, craft fairs can be an incredible opportunity to showcase your talents, meet amazing people, and, yes, bring in some extra income for those family adventures (or that nice bottle of wine – no judgment here!). It’s not always easy, but the satisfaction of seeing someone fall in love with something you created? That’s priceless.

So, what are you waiting for? Take that first step. Your creativity is a gift – share it with the world and watch the blessings flow back to you and your family. And remember, I’m rooting for you every step of the way!

Now, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever sold at a craft fair? What was your experience like? Or, if you’re just starting out, what questions do you have? Share in the comments below!