Tips for Being a Craft Fair Vendor

I’ve always had an affinity for craft fairs.

I remember walking through holiday markets as a little girl, just soaking in all of the handmade creations that surrounded me. It never really occurred to me that I would one day be one of those people behind those creations. But here I am, decades later, giving tips on how to be a craft fair vendor.

This past weekend I got the chance to have a table at Greensgrow’s Holiday Bazaar in Philly. It was my very first time being a vendor, and while I won’t be able to offer you expert advice, I can tell you this: It’s a lot of work, but it isn’t hard. And it’s so much fun. Any of you seasoned vendors out there, please share your own tips in the comments!

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Bring a friend. As much as I like to be an independent person, I was so happy to have Naomi and Jana to help me set up and break down my table. Six hands are just so much more productive than one. If possible, it’s great to have someone stay with you the whole time. This way, you have an extra set of hands if you get a rush of customers – and someone to hold down the fort if you need to use the restroom! Plus, it’ll be more fun with a buddy.

Get creative with your table. My favorite part of the entire experience had to be setting up my table. It was so fun to arrange my items in different ways, and it was so nice to hear people say they loved the vibe. I would advise to bring extra materials like wood slabs, twine spools, scissors, tape, and even a hammer and nails. This way, once you see your space in person, you can let the creativity flow as you set up.

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Accept credit cards. While many shoppers will come prepared with cash in hand, the truth is we live in an electronic world – accepting credit cards will result in more happy customers. If you have an Etsy shop, you can actually get one of their credit card readers for free! It plugs right into your phone or iPad, and you’re ready to swipe! So easy. If you don’t have an Etsy shop, there are other companies that sell similar products, as well!

Pack food. I’m the type who eats about 16 times a day – and I also happen to have a restricted diet, so I can never be too sure if there will be something I can eat. Take a quick trip to the supermarket before setup time, and stock up on snacks and water. This way, you know you’re set no matter which food vendors are (or aren’t) there.

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Dress in layers. You can never be too sure what the temperature of the space will be. I was in a greenhouse, which ranged from warm and sunny to pretty darn cold throughout the day. If you dress in layers, you can add or remove as needed, and you’ll always be comfortable.

Smile! Maybe you’ll sell out of everything, maybe you won’t. It can be disheartening when people pass your table without so much as glancing in its direction, but the important part is that you stay positive throughout. Always have fun with it – you’ve just created your own mini shop! As long as you radiate positive energy, you’re bound to feel like the day was a success, no matter what the outcome.

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Please share your own tips below – and I hope to see you all at the next one! Something in Brooklyn, perhaps?

Follow Brigette on Instagram, and have a look at her blog and Etsy shop!

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9 years ago

Great, fun and inspiring post Brigette!
I´ve been thinking about beeing part of a craft fair myself. Hopefully I will be ready for it soon : )

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BirkaLexiaJewelry

9 years ago

super inspiring post, i love it :)
Thanks for all the good advices.

xSophie
http://www.sophysticate.com

9 years ago

Love this. I wholeheartedly agree with your tips. I admired your craft fair adventure via your insta posts – the setup was gorgeous! I did a craft fair with my mom and sisters last weekend and it was so much fun! We styled our table and brought lots of coffee and snacks; my aunt hung out for the day as well. Although we participated in a smaller craft fair, it was still a good time :) Also – it’s cool to walk around and check out the other vendors as well. I discovered a woman who makes natural soaps and lotions which I love.

9 years ago

This post was very helpful! I’ve only participated in a craft fair once before, and it didn’t go that great because I wasn’t as prepared as you were. I’ll definitely be using these tips if I ever participate in one again in the near future.

-Helen

http://www.sweethelengrace.com

9 years ago

Thank you! Been thinking about getting back into crafting lately and this is just what I needed to get motivated. :)
Gypsy Plunder Vintage

9 years ago

The credit card point is huge! As is sprucing up your booth and stand. Great tips.

Warm Regards,
Alexandra
http://www.littlewildheart.com

9 years ago

I’ve been thinking about dabbling in the craft fair world, but a little overwhelmed by what goes into it. You have great tips and your booth is so cute. I can’t imagine anyone walking past without a glance :)

9 years ago

Wow for a first time vendor you certainly sound like a pro! I’ve sold my wares at a few craft shows and I the thing that I would add is to bring something in case the wind kicks up – perhaps some paper weights, perhaps some rope.

You have such a gorgeous shop and a wonderful attitude, I’m sure you were a smashing success!

Best Wishes,
Susan
http://averyfairytale.wordpress.com/

9 years ago

This is such an inspiration post! i’ve been wanting to set up a table for a while and i totally didn’t know that about the card machine, thank you so much!
you’re work is amazing!
Love your blog!
lots of love,
Claire

xx

Natasha
9 years ago

This post couldn’t have come at a more perfect time! Thank you for the great tips, Brigette and for the inspiring photos!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/breathesun

9 years ago

Oh wow! I sure wish this post had come out sooner. I have been in two craft shows, selling handmade jewelry.

AJ
9 years ago

I absolutely love your creations… I follow you and your shop on instagram and if you are ever in a craft fair in Brooklyn or the city PLEASE let us (me) know!! I would be devastated if I wasn’t able to stop by and buy some things and say hi. I really admire your talent and think you have such a chill vibe, congrats on your first fair!

Talia
9 years ago

Thanks for the tips! Do you know if there is state-by-state list of craft fairs to check out? Thanks again! =)

9 years ago

Great things to think about, thanks!

9 years ago

Thank you for the great tips,I can’t imagine anyone walking past without a glance.Love your blog

9 years ago

Thank you for the great tips, Brigette and for the inspiring photos!

9 years ago

Great tips! And your hair is to die for! So thick and amazing!

9 years ago

love this!!!

9 years ago

The Free People Blog always reads my mind…I have been looking into participating in my first craft show for my Etsy shop, and as always, you have the best advice! Beautiful table, I hope it was a great success for you :)

9 years ago

Thanks Brigette! Your table looked amazing! One small piece of advice I have for others who are interested in having a booth at a craft fair is to put prices on all your items or have a visible price list at your table. It is a lot of work but customers are more likely to buy something if they don’t have to ask the vendor how much things are. Also, consider having a “sale” section, even if it is small. I usually have a $5.00 or $1.00 section and kids love it!

9 years ago

With the holidays right here there are so many cool craft markets to be part of and this post is a perfect tutorial/tip for being part of one. Thank you FP!!

Don’t forget my new bohemian and eclectic finds on Etsy here http://etsy.me/1ySbzw5

Happy Holidays!
xo

9 years ago

Awesome! So thankful for the tips!!!

http://juliettelaura.blogspot.com

Kim
9 years ago

Great tips! I’ve been selling for years at craft shows and now have a fashion truck! I think along with your list of items to bring here are some others I can think of:

Hand sanitizer (I use this to clean my hands and my phone since there are many hands that swipe on it when using my square)
Tissue paper: didn’t see that listed above and I feel like it just adds a cute touch to wrap your items first and then putting them in the bags. Also, alpha stamps can be an easy way to add your business name to the bags if you don’t have stickers or a company stamp.
Snacks…and water! And make sure you think about this the night before. I can’t tell you how many times I have forgotten until that morning and then if I don’t have anything, I’m out of luck!
Extra tags…they always fall off!

Edna
9 years ago

Great tips. Thanks for sharing

9 years ago

These are amazing tips + your booth set up was styled SO well!

My tip from my first art show was to display the prices of all items. I didn’t do this because I wanted people to start a conversation with me about the art I had for sale. But people just want to know how much it is right up front!

x, Paige
http://www.studioskateco.com