I've done a lot of shows and markets and find the best basic set up for me is three tables in a U shape. From what I've experienced, most people have no issue with entering the space at all. Sometimes there's even a line to get in! And if I do see someone kinda lurking, I'll just wander over and start a conversation. That usually does the trick.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

I was considering switching it up to having 2 tables and put the grid wall BEHIND one of those tables. Big reason? People didn't even notice the bags that were on the lower 2 levels of the bookcases.

@kathytabb

Жыл бұрын

@@fiercekittenz another great idea. I know. What is that? People never look down.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I had to laugh when you said no one knew your stand spins because ive seen soooo many people knock stands over trying to get them to spin when they dont😂

I absolutely love your channel!! As a new bag maker your channel has been immensely helpful. You’re my kind of people.

I love your honest feedback! I have done just a few Farmer markets and the items $10 and under have always been my best sellers. Coin purses and pencil bags.

Thank you for this information. I like how this was "raw". It was nice to here from someone who isn't a vet at this. Starting markets or in person selling are overwhelming but intriguing. Would like to how the next one goes for you, see the charges you make, and if those changes worked or didn't.

Great video. Can’t wait to hear more about the next one. My SIL and I want to start doing fairs locally but we’re in a somewhat rural area and let’s be real the bags are a bit more higher end even just because of time commitment. I really want to make some smaller, less time intensive stuff like scrunchies, coin purses and maybe pencil bags to at least get people to browse. An idea: if you want to do tiered pricing make the tags out of a specific color of like card stock and then put that color on your price board. Then you can place the bags as you like aesthetically and people won’t have to flip the tag over to see the price as they will be able to see it from afar. See you in the Sew Whatever group 😊

@fabricdragon

8 ай бұрын

scrunchies and hair bands (and dog bandanas or collar bows) sell like crazy around here. the main issue is you have to get your production time and costs down or you "lose" money. there are some really good you tube videos on "mass producing" good scrunchies. good luck!

Nice review of the event and your results! I'm glad you did as well as you did. 🙂

I have done a lot of fairs and when I first started out did smaller venues which were pants! exhausting and soul destroying- I believed in my product and went for top end markets and fairs and these were a total game changer - folk going to these events want something handmade ( not mass produced) quirky and different. The day goes faster ‘cos you’re busier ( still exhausting! Lol) and you come away with a profit and encouragement to make more of your product. They are hard work and being older it does take me a couple of days to recover😂 A very informative video, which I enjoyed immensely. Love your channel and your energy!!👌🏻🌸💖

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

I definitely aimed for funny, yet not crude. I do have crude items in my online store, but I wouldn't put those out at a market because of little eyes that may read. I think my success may be due in part to the fact that I was taking credit cards. I need to have a sign that says that though! I forgot to make one :(

Thank you for sharing your experience. Great content! Love your humor!

Thank you Georgia! Fantastic presentation❤❤❤❤I have never done a craft fair, but have entertained the idea quite a bit. Having this presentation as a resource will help me immensely if I ever do one! Congrats on your first fair!

It’s great to share your first experience as there will always be someone that is going to do it for the first time ❤❤

Thank you so much! I have been considering participating in craft fairs, so everything you shared is extremely helpful as I am planning.

This is very valuable information. Thanks for sharing your experience 😊

Thank you so much for making this video!!! This gives me so much more confidence and insight to join my local Farmer's Market. I appreciate all of your amazing content. You're awesome 💯🙏💫

I love this content as it's relevant to me specifically but I would watch you even if you are just taking out your garbage. But I really needed more oohs and ahhs! 😂😂❤

Thanks for this video! I've done one before that got rained out after about 2 hours and have been scared of them ever since.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Ouch! The next thing I want to do is be brave enough to approach local businesses about wholesale.

@ivoryhenson1285

Жыл бұрын

​@@fiercekittenz definitely keep us in the loop if you do that. I have a few little shops that I want to approach carrying my stuff because they fit so well with the theme but I'm so lost on where to start with it

So helpful and love hearing about your experience. Ive been wanting to do this and after watching you I think I might :)

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Go for it! Always be prepared for no sales, but gaining a lot of experience for the next one instead of cold hard cash. I was lucky this time - two Twitch friends popped by as well as my family. It made the booth look busy haha!

This was a great video. I sew things that I want to see too. I have only been to one craft fair and I sold 2 things. Yeah, not a good day but I learned alot and I got a lot of compliments so I will try again. You gave me alot of ideas!

I am so happy to hear that you had a good experience, despite a few mishaps. My Mom and I used to make and sell wood-painted items at various craft shows and markets. I think that the first show is always going to be mostly for the experience and to learn more about your customer base and your products. It can also be very comparable to Etsy in trying to figure out what will sell and what won't. Thank you so much for another great, informative video! You don't have to be an expert. I think we all love the fact that you share the wisdom from your own experiences with trial and error. Until next time! 😊

Good info. Thanks bunches.

I’ve been binge watching your vids since Saturday 😅 This vid is great because my MIL is wanting to do a arts/crafts fair/festival type event and I’m thinking about baby gear and tote/drawstring bags. Yes, I know they don’t go together. I came to say Thankyou for you videos, 35:53 and to suggest magnetic paint for your folding bookshelves so it can sit flush along the edge? instead of sticking out and possibly get knocked off during transport/storage. Okay, bye 😊

@fabricdragon

8 ай бұрын

i sold tote bags and baby stuff at one fair pre covid, and... they both sold. people with babies need tote bags

Thanks for sharing, your experience is valuable for a beginner like me .❤

Thanks for your experience with a fair.

Thank you so very much for sharing. You are always so generous with your knowledge and experiences. I am hoping to have my first table this fall, and I have learned such valuable lessons ❤

On the lazy Susan, take it! Just set it up so that it's off axis a bit, so that people can see that it has been spun some!

Very useful insight into the Craft Fair experience

I'm glad it was an overall positive experience for you! I started vending at local craft fairs to kinda dip my toes in the water before working up to larger events and cons, and I definitely learned a lot doing that. Learning what your audience likes is the hardest part, I swear.

@renar11d11

Жыл бұрын

Amen, know your market. The average income? Just exactly what sells a little research. Digital economy pay. My head hurts. Been there done that. Good luck 🤞

So much good info!!!!!

Excellent ideas. I've only been in 2 events so far, and am still working on getting things in a vertical display for smaller items. Love the idea of the grid system. I'm working toward a larger display for spring of next year (2024). For your banner, use the larger nickle-cad magnets to attach it to the edge of your pop-up. They are super strong, don't require holes to be poked into anything, and you can pack everything away very small. If you prefer the known security of grommets in a banner, then hang it from the rafters while the popup is fully opened, but the legs haven't been extended yet. This allows you to reach the connection points.

@fiercekittenz

8 ай бұрын

OOOH thanks for the magnet idea!!! Sad thing is I had my hip replaced in mid-June and haven't been back to a market since :(

I've done 3 craft fairs and they were all indoors in large buildings and with 100 tables spread out over about 5 rooms. The indoor setting comes with its own set of rules about your space, if a table is provided that is your 6 foot space, you may not have any raised displays higher than 20 inches. Nothing can be standing in front of or next to your table. Weather is a factor since the bad storm we had one day resulted in no foot traffic before noon so we shopped at each other's tables. It is a gamble to see what to carry along and to see what the vibe is that day for buying. I consider it a success if I pay for my table, make a few bucks, and meet nice people to swap stories with. Makers are willing to help each other when needed for sure! Sounds like you did OK for your first.

Very helpful, thank you. I owned a laser business in the UK up to 5 years ago when I retired and now live in Taiwan. I have a couple of useful suggestions. Have you used your laser to cut out your fabric? Since you say its the least enjoyable part of your hobby. Not only is it fast, but of course very accurate . (also works well with leather.) ALWAYS have a fire extinguisher within reach of your machine. We had a couple of small fires, a customer burned down his whole facility, 200,000 pounds of damage. NEVER leave your laser unattended when you are using it. Oh and if your machine software allows it, adjust your flyback time to a minimum. It will save you a lot of time. Best wishes Robyn

@fiercekittenz

9 ай бұрын

Yes, I've used the laser to cut out fabric. I have a video on that, actually. I also have a laser safety 101 video where I cover fire extinguishers among a plethora of other things.

I am planning on my first craft sale in September. Your experience with your 1st gave me some great insight. You had a lot of good advice. Please let us know how your 2nd one goes. Just so you know I love your long winded videos and your wit.

I feel the one of the reasons to do a fair is to help build an email customer base. People usually don't mind giving over their email address or taking your QR code. Also, I have seen at the big artisian shows signs that say do not "try on" earring for sanitary reasons. Why people don't know this is beyond me. It's up there with trying on underware and then putting it back on the shelft. EW people EW.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Oh, I need to make that sign SO BADLY. Thank you for the idea!

Congratulations on your first craft fair. I do have many suggestions for you and would like your email if that is okay. As you do more shows, you will be able to gauge your audience to price point and know what will sale. If I am interested in doing a particular craft show, I always attend it first to see what everyone else is selling, so next year I can make the decision if my item will be different from the rest. Also this will help you with pricing, give you an idea on foot traffic. Try to stay away from seasonal items because you will have inventory left over. Back in my early days I use to do any and all craft shows, now I only do Christmas and side orders throughout the year. Shop around for display items (store going out of business, thrift stores, Ikea, etc.), move away from plastic bags and use shopping bags that you can customize. For example, this year I plan to give to my returning customer a vinyl gift bag who spends $25 with me. This gives me additional advertisement to draw people to my booth. I only plan to make 30 bags and will let you know how it go. I have more to share, but need to go to sleep. Be blessed Sandra

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Thanks! I do have a contact form on my website, though I'm sure most people would love to hear your thoughts here too!

Congratulations for leaving in the green! Good insight on the price labels. I would definitely have pinned a little tag to every bag too.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

I'm definitely going to make it less awkward for shoppers next time! I may hang some of the bigger ones up from the edge of the tent, too. We'll see. I broke my hip, so I need to figure out when my hip replacement surgery will happen. I may not be able to do the one in June anyway :(

@bobbinwithbrittany

Жыл бұрын

@@fiercekittenz oh no! I’m so sorry to hear about your hip 😞 that sucks so bad. All the best in your journey to fix and heal ❤️‍🩹

Good info.

So interesting to hear your experience with a craft show. I've done dozens of them in 3 states. My business (ministry) is called Gems of Light. I started it around 25 years ago. I spent a year making jewelry before doing home jewelry shows and then craft shows. I have done a couple in farmers markets. I started out with a fireplace screen to display the jewelry, along with bracelet, earring and necklace stands. Windy days are not your friend! I used available tables, white flannel flat sheets for a covering and made a fleece sign to hang on my main table. I still make some jewelry but now do jewelry workshops more. Have met some sweet ladies and we have a lot of fun. It might be something you might consider, a simple purse workshop, or jewelry making. I used to teach how to sew classes and wouldn't mind doing that again. I've gotten back into sewing this year and watched some of your videos for making purses. Bev

Note to myself. Put a strip of tape across the back of earrings on cards. 🤯🤯🤯

Thanks for sharing :)

This was a really informative video!! Your booth looked great! I did one craft fair (more of an art fair) that my university hosted. I don’t even know if I made a profit - probably not - but I sold mainly stickers and some prints. I had the vistaprint banner, some cash in a lockbox, a Square reader, paper bags with my info on each bag, and some display easels for my small original paintings that didn’t sell. I had a couple negative experiences - one guy explaining to me that I should lower the prices of my small (like 6” x 6”) oil paintings. They weren’t even that expensive. And another lady who clearly was confused and maybe even disgusted by one of my prints which was a drawing of a skull lmao. Wasn’t gory or anything, just a realistic skull. Looking back I dont think my art was good enough for a fair at the time but it was a really interesting experience and I’d love to do it again some day.

Holy crap I didn’t realize how close you are to me now. I hope to see you at the next one, I’d love to buy something from you in person. I have my first craft fair coming up in a couple weeks and I’m finding myself stressed.

I love a good Fierce Kittenz Seamrippin'! Perhaps have some additional signage that clarifies that your bags are designed and handmade by YOU (NOT SOME Sheiny sweatshop. And if you do custom orders for any coasters, Xmas ornies, keychains, etc. etc. then have a clipboard with an order form available. Clipboards make everything official. Ha! Looking FW to hearing about your next one!

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Oh yes, absolutely should have a sign that says "Yes, they are actually handmade by me." with a photo of me dead on the floor in front of the Juki. The custom orders thing I absolutely need to do. I'd rather take custom orders for laserable products though. I really get irked with the bags for some reason. I stopped doing commissions ages ago.

@rondamanuel3067

Жыл бұрын

@@fiercekittenz "Yes, they are actually handmade by me." It would definitely suit your personality. Why can I hear you saying that in my head?! lol!

I didn’t think about the small tags and the anxiety! I bet that’s been my issue!

I use a bracelet/watch stand to hold my key fobs. Every live event/show that I attend I have several people ask if I made them and looked shocked when I say that I custom make all of my items. Every event is different; it seems like I make a little money or I completely sell out. There is no rhyme or reason to it.

Thanks for sharing your experience - I've got friends encouraging me to jump into craft fairs & don't know the first thing about it.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Hey, join the club! I only knew what my friends had told me. They have channels here too: Quiltoni and ImperialsWorld.

Thanks for this video. It was a really great breakdown of the good and the bad. Sounds like it was a great first experience and a successful learning opportunity. As a major introvert, the ideaa of a craft fair feels draining and overwhelming.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

I may look like an extrovert, but I'm very much a socially anxious bean. I had a rough time trying to look busy while someone was in the booth. I was advised not to talk to them, let them peruse without being hounded. Easier to do that if it's a busy booth though.

Also I have Janome h9 and love it! You have all the equipment I want though with the 10 needle embroidery and laser cutter lol

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

It's about to get so much worse LOL!!!

bear in mind my experience with farmers markets in in the north east, so... not the same. BUT especially with embroidery and some of your existing tools? look at making aprons, tote bags, and YES those silly hanging towels. people love these and the farmers market crowd up HERE anyway, will totally buy these, especially if your signage is something like "if you like locally grown by small farmers- try locally made by individual crafters!" as long as your aprons and totes are different enough from "i see that in walmart" you can take advantage of the "buy local" that farmers markets are known for

I love your videos. Thank you so much for sharing. I do have a question - in a previous video (I don't remember which one, sorry!) you mentioned something about a video on gussets... Are you currently working on one for that topic? If not, I would totally love to learn more about gussets, how to design them, etc. Thanks so much again, love your content!

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Ahhh yeah I should look into that! I will write it down on my working list of video ideas. I'm trying to sprinkle in topics like this between sponsored content.

Thank you so very much for this revealing video. So many venders seem to exaggerate a bit about there success. I’m getting some stock made up now to do one or two shows in the fall. Do you mind saying where you got the canvas bags? I’m trying to keep to small items and inexpensive with out being cheap!

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Yeah! I got them from this listing: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CWE8W0C

Ok I flippin love you already SUBBED! Lol Congrats on a successful 1st market! Woohoo! I’m a wax artist (I don’t make regular candles lol) I make a bunch of shit and am a plant seller. I have my very first market in October so I’m super excited! I get to make creepy shit cuz it’s a Halloween show! Lol

@fiercekittenz

10 ай бұрын

HAHAHA heck yeah!!!

Thanks for this video! I was thinking of doing this at some point. Also I’m considering teaching classes at out local quilt store, have you ever ventured into teaching a face to face class? If so share your experience lol I’m psyching myself out of it

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Oh I'd LOVE to teach face-to-face, but most of the shops around here are only interested in quilting lessons. I don't do enough quilting to teach anything about that. I leave quilting to the professionals.

@beverlyprice8801

Жыл бұрын

I used to teach basic sewing classes in MI and really enjoyed it. So rewarding to have a student go home and make a duvet cover after a couple classes. Of course most are too afraid of their sewing machines to strike out on their own that soon. 😅

Thank you so much for sharing. I’ve done two small neighborhood events but have a bigger one in June so the info is super helpful. I had a question on the tote bags. Did you sew them? If so, what material do you use? I wanted to make some and use HTV too but wasn’t sure if I should sew some or purchase blanks.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

No, I didn't sew them. I bought them in bulk from this listing: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CWE8W0C/ They're great quality! They have a much heavier duty version with webbing for the handles, but then you need to charge a touch more to compensate and I just don't think the market is there for it.

@KristeenaD

Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for your feedback!

For me, I always feel awkward going into a tent and not buying anything. I don’t want them to feel like I don’t like their beautiful items, but I just don’t have the money most times and am mostly walking around for fun. I guess that is why having stuff right in front so I don’t have to go in at all, works best for me. If I had the money, I would buy something from everyone to encourage them and let them know how appreciative I am of USA made items!

Imma have to look into the vinyl key chains. I've done cork key chains, and those stitch out fairly quick. Also cork coasters. Love making cork coasters. The main annoyance for me with craft fairs is that unless you're doing one that caters toward fine art, you get a lot of people coming through that think craft fair = flea market, and then you have the vendors who cater to that demographic because money (capitalism ftw), which makes you the odd one out if you actually price your handmade goods for what they're worth. (Also, every time someone goes by and tells me how beautiful my work is without buying, I think to myself, 'compliment me with money.' 😂)

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

I definitely got that vibe at times. I do understand when some of my bags may be too pricey for some. One little girl stared and pet one of my mini backpacks for 5 minutes while her mom went to the florist booth across from me. I’m determined to make a version that’s super small and more reasonably priced.

@paulalabonte7346

Жыл бұрын

@@fiercekittenz That is a great idea! I make some snack bags that appeal to kids but I love the smaller backpack idea!

Funny story, you're like 2 hours away from me and the big thing I would sell in this area around Christmas time at craft fairs were hand towels and matching pot holders. I sold them every year and always sold out. It's a thing here I guess lol Your right, places should make sure there's a variety of items for people to shop from so everyone selling has a better chance. The one in my town does that and they are so organized, I make great every year and there's like over 500 people who come and shop every year because of that.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Oh when the holidays approach, I fully plan on going hog wild on ornaments, towels, potholders, etc.

Not bad for a first craft fair. Also farmers' markets are not that good during mid year as you said people are coming for fresh produce. Dog peeing that would really hack me off. I would have said something, but that's me. Regarding the question did you make this?. Happens all the time. People read my sign which says made by my name in my town and country and they still ask increduasly 'dis you make all this? ' 99% of what I sell at markets are bags. They range from small coin purses right up to full sized hand bags. I'm now trying to sell more online than markets as there is a drop in buying at the moment. Thanks for this video. Always great to hear people's pov. Oh price tags are okay, just make them look like hand made price tags 🙂

There's constantly weekend craft fair/markets here in Vegas and you have to unfortunately apply months in advance and they only allow a certain number from each category (like everyone wants to do body products etc). I would absolutely love to do one, but with no vehicle and no assistant to help with a booth, there's no way that I can do it at the moment. :( I do need to go to one to check out what is there though - but I am annoyed they have an entire area for MLMs.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Ooooh I wouldn't even bother going if they were allowing MLMs. That's a big NOPE from me!

@serephita

Жыл бұрын

@@fiercekittenz Yeah, they have specific people who are allowed to sell their MLM products. They have a Tupperware lady, I think they have (or did have) some of those leggings companies. Stuff like that. They're in a different section than the rest of us, but they're at every. damn. event. so there's no escaping it if I end up doing one :(

As a shopper the experience is not much different than browsing a store in a mall. Many people live relatively isolated lives in their apartments and suburban homes and do not have a wealth of experience engaging in social conversation. So they sub-consciously avoid situations where another person may approach them and initiate a conversation such as in a booth or store where there are no other people. If I walk into an empty Tupperware booth or leather goods or mall store I get the feeling that I just led a conga line into the place. There are suddenly people squeezing in front of me blocking what I had hoped to see and as I attempt to engage the seller I'm slowly but surely getting squeezed out. So I am imagining that now that I have entered the others no longer feel the intimidation of a seller possibly asking if they like anything or or want to look closer at an item, because that seller with approach the first person and then they can dodge out of the way. heheheh. But if the seller is making something that seems to attract their attention and lower their apprehension when curiosity takes over their inhibitions. I'll bet if you have access to a few hundred watts of electricity and a UPS in case it gets overloaded that setting up one of those machines like your slower low wattage laser engraver or embroidery machine that that will break the ice on getting a constant flow of people into a booth. Even a laptop and large screen of your production might be enough to break the ice. After all lots of people watch KZread why not at the booth of the producer! Just my thoughts and observations while at the agricultural fall fairs of my area.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

I thought about bringing a sewing machine, but as it's my first event, we didn't want to go tooooo overboard. Powering it we can do from a battery unit we have for when we camp, but it IS a hassle to drag all that out. The Janome HD9 is still pretty hefty, but less awkward to carry out than the M7 was.

I'm curious to know how much you were going to charge for the potholders.

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

$12 each or $18 for two.

Do you plan to have a symbol sign and a sign saying not to try on the earrings? I think it fair 😂

Do you need a seller's permit, and have to charge sales tax?

@fiercekittenz

Жыл бұрын

Yes, absolutely. Most events won't even let you vend there if you don't have a state sales tax ID.

Well-made sign that indicates handcrafted items - let people know.