Crafting is one of the most popular hobbies in the world, but it is also one of the most profitable. Each year, crafters put their best foot forward with their latest works of art and creations for inclusion in crafting shows. Typically held several times each year, a craft show features various crafters showcasing their products in exchange for a registration/set-up fee. Crafting shows are usually held in a high-traffic location, such as a mall or other hot spot for shoppers. Interested crafters are often required to obtain a business license prior to applying for a table at the show. In exchange for a non-refundable fee, crafters are offered an assigned space to sell their products.
The majority of crafting shows are held in conjunction with an upcoming season or holiday. For instance, many crafting shows are presented in celebration of spring with many of the products geared toward Easter, the July 4th holiday and more. Others, which are held during the fall and winter months, focus on the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. One of the most important aspects to garnering attention at crafting shows is to produce works that are in conjunction with the theme of the event. Spring crafting shows may feature Easter products and/or patriotic creations while the later shows may feature Christmas decor and specialty items.
While it is nice to coordinate your product selection with the crafting show's theme, it is also a good idea to present additional creations that will be suitable for everyday use. Such items may include scented candles, handmade soap, scented wax dipped stuffed animals and handmade jewelry. In order to gain the most attention at a crafting show, the presentation must be colorful, organized and possess a welcoming atmosphere. Many shoppers enjoy watching crafters at work so, if possible, many produce new creations at the site of the show. For instance, jewelry makers may quietly work on their next masterpiece while quilters may continue hand sewing their next work of art. In addition to attracting the attention of passers by, this is a wonderful way to pass time while waiting for the next customer.
The most popular craft show products include anything that is handmade. A number of sellers will bring machine produced works, but the ones that garner the most attention are those that were created solely by hand. The theory is that anything homemade is better in quality that manufactured products. Handmade soap, for example, features hand selected essential oils and fragrances before being carefully created with the perfect recipe. These products are beneficial to the skin in ways that other soaps lack, including the moisturizing effect that they provide. Many traditional soaps contain harsh ingredients that handmade soaps avoid, which is why they are often selected by those who have sensitive skin or who wish to retain the hand's natural beauty. Handcrafted scented candles, jewelry and personally decorated holiday products are among the more popular creations that may generate the most revenue at crafting shows.
You will not always know if the craftsperson who suggested a show has the same values as you until you check it out for yourself, so this is not always a concrete selection principle. But it's a place to start. If you belong to a craft guild or organization or subscribe to a trade journal, you may be able to get show recommendations there. Several websites are equipped with lists of local and national shows and all the contact information. Also log onto some of the craft forums where you can ask other crafters and look for some consensus on the best shows.
You will find information about where and when the show is and who to contact to apply. Once you call or check out their Web site, make sure you apply by the requested deadline. When you call the promoter of the show or visit their Web site if they have one, be sure to ask any of the questions you may have such as:
What was the attendance last year and what is this year's expected attendance? How many years have you been producing the show? How many booth spaces are there and how many applications do you receive? How do you assign booth spaces? What are the entry and jury fees? Are there any additional fees like % of gross, parking, electrical? Do I need any special licenses? What kinds of people attend your shows? What kinds of crafts do you select, who makes the selection and what are the bestsellers? What is the average price range of items exhibited? Sold? What are the average sales for exhibitors in my medium? What style is the show? What kind of promotion do you do prior to the show? Do I get some promotional materials? When do you notify the successful applicants? What happens if it rains or snows? What are the security arrangements? Any other support available?
A professional promoter should have this information and should be willing to share it with you. If they won't, you may be able to get it elsewhere-on the Internet or in some craft guides that are sold by subscription and have show reviews. Some shows request you send a self-addressed stamped envelope for the application. When you get it, you'll see the booth sizes, fees and what you need to submit. You also may receive a copy of the contract, which outlines your responsibilities as an exhibitor, such as whether or not the craftsperson must be present in the booth, what merchandise is and is not allowed in the booth, display requirements and for larger indoor shows, the rules regarding electricity, unions, fireproofing and the cancellation policy. Also, whether or not you need any special permits. Usually, your seller's permit is all that's required.
The best promoters are discriminating about who they select for their shows based on unique, original quality products and attractive displays, as shown in your photos or slides-which is why using a professional photographer is recommended by most craftspeople. They also look for a balanced variety of categories. Good vendors attract good customers and so everyone wins-the customer, the vendor and the promoter!
Both Jeffrey Dorrian & Natalie Goyette are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Jeffrey Dorrian has sinced written about articles on various topics from Work From Home, Health and Crafts. Jeffrey Dorrian is the soap guy. Really, that is his website www.thesoapguy.com. He has been making premium handmade soap for the past five years. "Handmade soap is a true inexpensive luxury anyone can enjoy.". Jeffrey Dorrian's top article generates over 74000 views. to your Favourites.
Natalie Goyette has sinced written about articles on various topics from All Rights Reserved Copyright, Crafts and Crafts. Natalie Goyette shows you how to make your craft show business profitable in her best selling ebook: Craft Show Success Secrets. Visit her site: . Natalie Goyette's top article generates over 4400 views. to your Favourites.