My name is Jeanie and I’m a craft show failure. And I’m here to tell you about the lessons I learned regarding craft shows.
If you’ve been wanting to sell your crafts at a show, and have wondered what it’s like, read on:
This is not a craft show advice post. There’s plenty of that out there.
I’m just sharing my experience of being a craft show failure ; )
Maybe people just don’t like my stuff? Or maybe I’m asking too much? Or maybe everyone read my tutorials and have made their own!
I mean, who doesn’t want their kid or grandkid to have their own personalized Santa sack????
To be fair, the “shows” I participated in weren’t really “craft” shows.
Well, the first one was. Or should have been. There just weren’t any customers/shoppers!
And what’s up with the home party/show vendors? I thought craft shows were for crafters! Not tupperware, 31 bags, Scentsy stuff, Pampered Chef, etc.???? What is that? Is that the norm? Can you tell it’s been a while since I’ve been to a craft show????
Lesson #1: is it REALLY a craft show? or is it a VENDOR/CRAFT show? There’s a difference.
If the shoppers are there to buy handmade crafts, you’ll probably sell more!
And this show wasn’t even advertised!
Lesson #2: make sure event is advertised!
(I DID sell a Santa sack – to another stand holder – she was the only customer I had all day!) I ended up leaving early – what a waste of my day!
I’m just not sure I’m cut out for this craft show business.
But I had to give it a go! I have received tons of email requests over the years asking if I sold the projects that I’ve shown on the blog. I always had to respond “no”. But now that I’m “retired” and a full-time blogger, I thought, “hey, let’s try this selling thing”. Where are those people now??? ; )
So, not one to give up after one attempt – I tried it again. This time it was a “country fair”.
Very well advertised. Lots of people. However.
These people were NOT there to buy handmade gifts. They were there to look at the classic and antique cars, the square dancing demos, and the AKC events.
Lesson #3: only participate in “craft only” shows. Not multi-purpose shows.
So now the question is: will I try to sell at a “real” craft show. The answer is short: ETSY
How about you? I would love to hear about your experience and/or advice regarding selling at craft shows.
What a shame Jeanie! Your stuff is awesome 🙂 I know that the few craft shows I do go to are usually juried (which obviously they are being judged on their craft) and therefore have some pretty high quality crafters, however I have been to craft/vendor shows as well, heavy on the vendor side of things!
I hope you announce the opening of your Etsy shop soon! Your crafts are too good not to share with the rest of us!
Tupperware and 31? What’s up with that? I have to admit that I NEVER go to craft shows, so I don’t really know what is selling these days. I do one show a year, and never get to see anything because I’m only 2 booths away from the port a potty. I am asking for help this year, so maybe I’ll be able to shop (look) a little bit.
Your items look great! I love your signs, they are super nice. The measurement (grow charts) I couldn’t sell mine for $15. 🙁 Well, I did, but it took 3 years for all four of them to get sold. Yours are a LOT nicer than mine were.
A lot of what I’ve read lately says to limit your stock to a few things…I have stuff of ALL kinds. I usually sell almost everything I take, but we’re talking probably 25-50 thousand shoppers are in the area on one day. It’s huge!
I wish you all the best on Etsy, if you ever have any questions, I’ve had a store for two years… so I’ve learned a few things along the way.
So much to say about this!! We have shows around here that I like to call pyramid scheme orgies because it’s all stuff like diet shakes, handbags, those crazy essential oils. Gah! When I ran our farmers market, I stressed hand made only. I participate in a hand made only show twice a year and sell out every time. It’s amazing what people will buy when it’s a craft – specific show. You’ll sell out next time for sure.