Help - Craft Shows, what do I do?

[ducks and daisies]

I really want to do a craft show, but I've heard they are a complete waste of time. First you have to get there, pay for your site, then sell enough stock to cover your expenses. Im on Etsy, but the trouble I am finding with it is, its just too big. Theres far too many crafters on there, you really dont get a look in.

Any advice on craft shows would be very welcome, or any other ideas about how your ladies sell your items.

Speak again soon
Warmest wishes
Amanda
Ducks & Daisies

www.ducksanddaisies.etsy.com (http://www.ducksanddaisies.etsy.com)
www.ducksanddaisies.blogspot.com (http://www.ducksanddaisies.blogspot.com)

[mandijane55]

I've done quite a few craft shows and found that honestly the only people to make a profit have been the craft show organisers. In my experience and in my own humble opinion people come to craft fairs in search of a bargain and don't expect to pay alot for things that have taken alot of time and effort to make.
However, that could be just the type of craft shows that I have displayed at, I'm sure there will be other crafters along with different tales and experiences......

[LeonieM]

Up until 10 years ago, 'craft fair' meant somewhere you could go to buy handcrafted items such as painted plant pots, dolls, etc.

So, I suppose the point is that people expect a very different sort of thing from a craft fair these days.

The problem is, round here certainly people want to make their own things, so when they see 'craft fair' they think of it in the sense of stands where they can buy the component parts. I know that at the craft fair I held last summer, the people selling components did well; the people selling completed items did not.

I assume that you make and want to sell your finished items, so what you need is the old fashioned type of craft fair.

I suppose you could always try a boot sale or a stand at a school fete or something.

[sheilakb]

Hi therer, I am new to this, and trying to find ways to seel my cards, I really love making them, and am still collecting enough to make a craft fair or something worth while, but as yet dont really know how to go about it. I started out making cards for friends and family, but have nearly run out of both so far this year. I have far moe tcards than family!! Any suggestions or advice would be happily accepted.

Sheilakb

[Christine]

What about trying Car Boot Sales or Table Top Sales? I am going to give them a go in the Summer (when i don't have to work Sundays :()

Christine