Can anyone tell me how to get my items (soaps, candles, bath products) into a local craft fair or show? ?
I’m new to the idea, but I’d really like to try it out. I don’t know ANYTHING about having a table at a show, but any and all info would totally be appreciated. I was wondering things like how much does it cost to have a table there? and if anyone knows of any coming up in the Chicago & Suburbs area?? Thanks
Thanks for your help!! I’m pretty young (19) so the local people i’ve asked have been a little discouraging. So Thanks =)
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You need to locate the city that is sponsoring or having the Craft Fair, and they will or should have a contact person. Start there. And good luck to you
While I not familiar with your area, I have worked with a guy that ran a booth at local computer shows. I imagine that it’s not much different from what they do at craft fair/shows.
Attend the show you want to have a booth at. Look for a vendor that you would NOT be in competition with, and ask for a name & number of the person or company that run the event. Contact that person or company and take it from there. Ask for prices for tables/locations.
When I worked the computer show, the cost of the tables varied by how popular (read “money making”) the show was. Shows that were slower, tended to have lower prices, but you tended to make less in sales. Also, (at least for this company) you got a discount if you did 3+ shows in a row. It was a bit of an incentive to not skip shows. I my case, (and this was many years ago, and in So Cal), I recall the tables costing 100-500 per day. Your results will vary.
I wish you the best in your business venture. Have fun with it and give it a go. With the winter holidays coming up, it may be a interesting time to get into it, especially if you package your items as holiday gift items and such. Again, best of luck!
All of the craft fairs I have done have asked for my tax number, so go ahead and get yours, if your state has a sales tax. You’re old enough, and it’s free from your state tax bureau. Add the state tax onto the price of your items and they will give you instructions on how to turn it over to them.
If you are using store bought molds and store bought ingredients, you’re really not allowed to make a profit. But you can recoup your expenses and maybe a tiny bit extra for your time. The things that sell the most are things that people would not be able to do at home, with craft store ingredients.
To find craft fairs, go to your local newspaper website and search for “craft fair” and “crafters wanted”. Make sure you go back a year to see what fairs were held last year, and call the person to ask if they will be holding their fair again this year. Most of them book their crafters anywhere from 2 weeks to a month ahead. It usually costs $10.00 or $20.00 for a table.
They will tell you in the contract, or you can ask, if table and chairs are included. Usually they are, and you just need tablecloths and any display materials. For your products, I recommend bringing some shoe boxes and putting them under a tablecloth to give you different heights for your items.
Make at least a hundred items because shoppers will avoid a skimpy booth. Put the price on everything. They will not ask, they will just leave. Have one of each unwrapped for display, but try to avoid things getting handled too much. Don’t let kids handle your stuff at all.
Don’t allow yourself to be drawn into long detailed conversations with anyone. It scares away customers. You’ll hear the other crafters doing different things when a customer comes by. Some just look up from their reading and smile, others launch into a full blown sales pitch. You can pick your own style. Just be aware, if you are next to someone who does a pitch, you will be hearing that same pitch all day!
Brings lots of change, some water, your lunch, and have fun!
PS -about your uber-competitive neighbors – it’s their loss. I have always found it worthwhile and profitable to share information like this. No, I would not reveal my methods or my special ingredients on things I have invented – but it helps everyone to get information on where and how to sell!
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I’m across the country, but there are lists like craftlister online that give details of shows and will email you when there is new listings in your area. Also check your local paper and nickel ads. Talk to schools and churches. Go to yahoo groups and find some candle and soap groups and talk to people there. They are generally friendly and willing to help. Many of the shows actually advertise through the lists. Post your business cards wherever you can. Often grocery stores will have a bulletin board. Don’t feel discouraged if some people are unfriendly, rude or try to tell you that you shouldn’t do it. It could be the mood they are in and others are afraid of the competition. Ignore it and make the best product you can.
Many of the good shows require that you send in photos and good descriptions of what you will carry. Some even require a face to face interview. Talk to people who have done these shows before you get a table or you could end up doing a lot of shows where your lucky to get your table rent back.
I’m not sure why previous poster said you are not allowed to make a profit on store bought molds. That is not completely true. You do need to check with manufacturers on things that are licensed, such as Disney products. Often if you contact the artist you can pay a royalty and sell your item. There is a lot of controversy and gray area about this. Be careful about using things like coke glasses, etc. People have been sued for that. If it’s not intended for your product be careful. Using a pillar mold from the craft store is generally not a problem. Candle and soap suppliers are aware that people are going to use their supplies for commercial use and expect it. If you have any doubt, it doesn’t hurt to ask. Better to be safe than sorry.
Table fees vary widely depending on the venue and revenue generated. I’ve paid anywhere from $10 up to $500.
Another thing besides your state license and taxes is that if you are going to use another name that’s not your full name you will need to file a DBA (Doing Business As). It may be called something else in your state. It will protect your right to use that name in your state. In my state if I don’t file a DBA and then get sued, I’m not allowed to fight it in court.
You might want to also to look into the SBA(Small Business Administration) at http://www.sba.gov/. They can help you get started. Check with your city, county and state. You may not be allowed to sell your items you made at home without a home occupation permit or business license. Things get a little crazy, because everyone’s rules are different. Some places have a maximum you can make before it’s considered a business and others say if you sell anything and don’t differentiate between hobby and business. However the IRS does, so make sure you check into tax filings too.
Some shows require you have liability insurance on file. You should get it anyhow. It’s very important to protect yourself. If someone burns their house down you may need help defending yourself in court. It may not be your fault, but it doesn’t stop people from suing.
Good luck to you!
Check with your church social director – go to craft shows and ask to speak to the person in charge. They usually are happy to put you on their lists for future shows.
Look in your Town paper or Pennysaver, or whatever little paper you get. There are many who list upcoming shows and contact numbers in those.
It may be slow going at first, but it won’t take you long to get “in the circuit”.
Show tables run from $5 (as in our local factory show)…to $300.00
( Shows like Letchworth State Park October Craft Show and Elmwood Art Festival that last 3 days) – and anywhere in between.
Most VFW’s, churches and firehall and schools average between $20 and $40.
When you do a show, browse the other tables, strike up conversations and be friendly. Crafters are a friendly bunch…just some seem to be cautious about expanding the show size.
Don’t get discouraged.
The people I’ve made friends with – at shows I have done – now exchange upcoming show information via emails with me.