Do Big Arts and Crafts Shows Mean Big Dollars?

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Do Big Arts and Crafts Shows Mean Big Dollars?	February 2016
	Fairs and Festivals Staff

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Are you an artist interested in selling your crafts through arts and crafts shows in your area? Are you wondering whether you should get that booth at the next big event in your city or if should you start at a small show?

If you are wondering whether big arts and crafts shows mean you will make more money, you may be in for a big surprise. Generally speaking, a big show does not mean you’re going to make a lot of money. In fact, many artists are left with a full stock of inventory and an empty pocket after big arts and crafts events, so you want to consider a few important factors before securing that booth.

First of all, consider the theme of the event and whether the product you are selling matches this theme. If you sell modern superhero t-shirts, you’re probably not going to do very well at a renaissance festival. Your product should be in tune with the festival’s topic.

Secondly, ask the festival’s organizers how many people are expected to show up and what the demographics information of the audience is. Are your products appropriate for this target market? Will these people be interested in buying your product? These are questions that are important to answer before committing to a big show booth.

Also, although you won’t know until you try a big event, if you do your research well, you may have a better idea of whether that event will mean big money for you. Check online for event reviews and what other people are saying about it. Are they raving about the awesome items they found and bought, or are they saying they couldn’t find anything worth buying?

Always keep in mind that one of the most important assets that you can get from a big arts and crafts show is a fan base. Turn each visitor into a fan. Ask them for their email address and have them follow you on your social media accounts so you can continue to sell to them in the future, well after the event ends.

A lot of artists do not realize they have this asset in their hands. They only focus on selling more products, without seeing that these people could buy more from them in the future if their contact information is collected. After all, sales are about making friends.

Comments

Great info!

By Sandy J Mitchell on February 25, 2016

I moved here from NY in December and was wondering how to get back into do vendor shows here in my area. I started doing the larger shows last year but because of my move I am back to square 1. Can you recommend how to search for the shows in my area. I currently live in Clarks Summitt.

By Wendy Rivers on March 13, 2016

I am a Jewelry vendor I hand make my jewelry My friend Shirley Stanga how great the show was and I am interested in a booth My number is 985 320 4408 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) I am interested in Vintage Market days in Amite Louisiana

By Lovebirds on May 1, 2016

I am an Artist using a Seashells as a Medium. Custom seashell mirror, pict. frame and other decorative objects . Can you recommend how to search for the shows in my area?

South Fl .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

By Rita F on June 13, 2016

I sell Sun hats of all kinds. Please contact me 316-644-8719

By Marquita Landry on June 26, 2016

I make and sell all types of things. Everything from teddy bears to primitives and folk art.Everything is handmade and one of a kind. I have done many, many, many craft shows and would like to get into more in this area. Please contact me by email.
Pam Morse
.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

By Pam Morse on June 27, 2016

I am a consultant at Pure Romance. We sell bath and body for women/men and massage products. Please contact me at my email. Thank you

By Jenny Waddell on July 6, 2016

Hi, I’m a craft person, I’m new in the area.
I would like to have a guide for Florida.

I do necklaces, earrings, hand made using stones, quartz, clay, and hemp .
Thanks

By Mercy Medina on July 15, 2016

I am interested in selling my products at the Winchester Craft Fair in September. I handmade Crochet Products such as Beanie Hats, Scarfs, Mittens, booties, sweaters, Ponchos and more.

By My name is Malvia Earle on July 20, 2016

Hi
I like to bend , but the last couple I did had no luck .
I sell Scrapbooking 2 page layouts and hand made cards, would love to be a vendor with similular
Thx Belinda

By Belinda on November 3, 2016

Hi! I am a vendor. I have a home based business sell leggings. These leggings are unique because they are buttery soft and super comfy. They are also very Autistic friendly because of the material being so soft and comfy. I created my own legging at home business for me and my son who is a special needs adult and loves to greet and thank everyone :) I would love to be a part of any venor events coming up in Town and Country and Ballwin area on the 11th of Nov or 12th and 13th. You can take a look at my Facebook page @ The Legging Specialist’s.

By Carrie Martinez on November 4, 2016

Hi I am a LuLaRoe fashion consultant. The clothes are fun,comfy and very unique as only 5,000 prints on any style clothing are made and distributed world wide. No 2 consultants have the same product and the quality of the clothes are very well made and affordable. Our Company is one of the hottest clothing lines and a big customer draw. Come take a look at our clothes, LuLaRoelorettaharris or contact me at 843-602-5105. We also have our LuLaRoe shop on wheels and can travel pretty much anywhere for vendor events.

By Loretta Harris on Novenber 4, 2016

By lularoelorettaharris on November 4, 2016

I and a beginner,Could you tell me what type of market or fair or event, I should vendor at. I make a soft doll, a fine art doll, very lovely and detailed about 12” tall

By Donna Chenard on November 29, 2016

Hi I am an artist of hand embroidery.I am making different kind
of handmade coushins tableclothes and bed covers….
What i have to do to participate in festivals or shows in Usa. Thank you.

By ÐœÐ°ÐºÑÑƒÐ´Ð° on December 14, 2016

Hi! I sell Paparazzi Jewelry and Accessories and am looking to sell in the St.
Louis area, and I am just starting out! Please help me find a vendor. My website is Amazing5dollarjewelry.com
Thank you!

By leslie13 on December 18, 2016

Big shows don’t always mean big profits, especially when handcrafted jewelry is in direct competition with the cheaply made imported jewelry sold by people who are resellers of merchandise. Handcrafted artisans cannot and should not have to compete with their competitors who simply buy cheap and sell cheap. Big shows are usually run by big promoters who don’t care about having quality vendors, they only care about selling booth space and making their profit…more often than not. I have done shows for over 12 years and have seen this as a growing trend. Stay away from big shows unless the promoter specifies that the show is “handcrafted” only.

By Sandy Hartman on January 15, 2017

Hi! I’m a sweetgrass basket maker. Do you get a lot of vendors with sweetgrass baskets?

By Sharon Richardson on January 25, 2017

Hello, I sell paparazzi jewelry and accessories. I live in a small town. What other ways can I find festivals and craft show. I have looked on line there are so many places that went you to pay to fine craft shows. So what other options do I have. I enjoy sell my jewelry. Thank you for your time. By Judy Sanchez 2017

By Judy Sanchez on February 24, 2017

LOOKING FOR VENDOR AND CRAFT FAIRS FOR THE SUMMER AND FALL SEASON

By REGINA LATHAN on May 12, 2017

How do I join?

By Cathy Watkins on May 14, 2017

Greetings were is a good place to sell photos fine art and my skills

By Angela Buyck on May 22, 2017

I’m searching for any/all arts and craft shows to set up display with Pampered Chef. Please help??!!

By Mary Yoder on May 25, 2017

Hi, I am looking for all events to set up to promote my new company. Pure Beginning 4 You. I NEED INSIDE BOOTH. http://www.purebeginnings4you.com 580-548-6771

By PB4U on May 26, 2017

I am a beginner. We have a smoker and we smoke a lot of BBQ at our store. We are wanting to start getting in to nothing but festivals. Can u give me any advice on what the requirements are?

By Brandi Lipscomb on June 5, 2017

We are a beginner and we do fruits smoothies, real fresh fruits Strawberry, Mangos. Pina Colada, Pineapples, Peachs. along with cotton candy, and Nachos….We are looking for all events to set and do.

By odessa Smith on June 7, 2017

Hi all. I make body jewlery mostly but other stuff that includes double chained necklaces, chockers, wrap brnecklaces and so on. I have never done a craft show and was wondering if there is any special tips you could give me to stand out.

By Jo Ann Holtmyer on June 25, 2017

I would love to find out how to sell my Paintings.

By Walter Dugan on July 1, 2017

information is quite impressive…love to visit here Thank you for your article is very useful for us, an honor for us if you are willing to check article below

https://areataruhan.co/

By sheren on July 21, 2017

I love to know, is any sites posted free informations on a craft show, for Knoxville TN ?
Very hart to find any useful information, where I can sell my work ( I knit all kind stuff from hat to socks).
Please help if you can !
Thanks!

By Lyuba V. on October 12, 2017

I am an independent distributor for a lipstick, cosmetic and skin care company. Do I have to look at only shows that allow commercial vendors?

Can I search by cost?

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

By cheryldrice on February 22, 2018

hello everyone, i am self-taught artist in coral springs that specialize in self portraits and also family portraits. the medium that i use a basic number 2 pencil! i would love to have connections with people in the art field and hopefully be featured in any art festival. just email me for any questions or for anything (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) and also follow me on instagram @keonskingdomart

By keon campbell on May 10, 2018

I am an artist and I use acrylic painting on all size of canvas. Check out my portfolio at Yaritza.portfoliobox.net/artwork I can be reach at 617-785-4321 Monday through Fridays thank you

By Yaritza on June 16, 2018

I base how well I do at a show by the number of times I make my booth fee back. For example, I did a show in Monument, CO a few years back. The booth fee was $310.00 and my gross was only $590.00 so I only made 1x booth fee plus a little extra. The best show that I did was in Alamosa, CO. The booth, back then, cost $75.00 and I almost made 1000.00 gross in 3 days. I will take a small show where I can make 10 or 12 times by booth fee versus a huge show where I only make my booth fee back and some change.

I look for shows where booth fee is under 100.00, so I don’t do the huge shows up around the I-70 nor the I-25 corridors. I live off the beaten path in Del Norte, CO so I look for shows in the Sal Luis Valley, CO, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Montrose, Gunnison, Salida, Canon City, Florence and even Pueblo. I am looking at shows in northern New Mexico as well. One other factor is lodging costs. If I have to pay for a hotel it makes it more difficult. I try my best to do one day shows now that are within 150 miles. I do this so that I can keep my costs down as well as prices. Lower prices tends to lead to more sales. I have been doing this, off and on, since 1999.

One more way that I keep costs down is that I make my own displays or I look for thinks that will work at thrift stores. I have repurposed some old bakers racks. I get the ones that fold flat. I then make wooden shelves to fit n top of the metal shelves. This adds weight, stability and a flat surface tor my wares. Folding tables cost money, but I make my own. I find folding table leg hardware and then get plywood so for $70.00 I can make to 2 foot by 8 foot folding tables. If you are truly creative, you can come up with a hundred ways to save on the ancillary costs that are not obvious when you do your first show, but rear their heads as you are setting up for the first time (in some cases the 20th set up).

By mmlsales on August 21, 2018

Hi my name is Lovie. I start making jewlry in 2008. It started with very simple pieces and then I’ve became good at it. I have been doing this as a hobby. So many people have said to me that I should start selling my art. For awhile I was reluctant to do that. Because I enjoy what I do and I never want it to become a job and loose interest. Now I think I’m at a comfortable point where I am ready to do so.

By Lovie Mcgail on November 30, 2018

My name is rapho I am artist, I have many products I want to sell them. I need support because I have a group organization, please how can you support me?

By rapho on January 2, 2019

I am an Artist. I paint landscape pictures. I am looking for better Art Festivals. I need Saturday Art Festivals near my home, Somerset, KY.

By Rebecca Williams on March 14, 2019