Vending at craft shows

So, I'm an entrepreneurial type of person. I've always thought of owning my own company, even a small one, while working a regular job for health benefits. And now that the quilting bug has not only bitten me, but has become imbedded into my soul, I am thinking of trying to sell. There is a craft show locally, every spring and fall, where you have to be juried to get in, but the crowds are enormous. I am thinking of investing my time and sewing into making small quilted items, and seeing if I get in. The jury fee is only $20 so I'm not out much if I don't get chosen. So far, I'm thinking of wine bags, tote bags in four sizes, placemats, napkins, coasters, potholders, tree skirts, table runners, and wall quilts, no bed size anything, as I only have a domestic machine. Most everything will be fall or holiday related. Plus, NYS is very simple for setting up an LLC, I can handle the paperwork myself, and the tax forms are a cinch for me.

Can I get some wise people to give me advice, ideas, etc? Would you sell? And for a show that is heavily attended and advertised, how many items would you make? And what price would you put on items?

Amy, I don't know much about making things for a craft show, but as a buyer, you seem to be on the right track. I have also thought of making for a craft show. At least, my husband wants me too. Good luck with your new adventure.

Lots of color and variety.....try for eye catching and usable stuff. Sounds like what you are planning is the right type of stuff. Have as much inventory on hand as you can. Color....display are key in attracting people's attention. Try to be unique as you possibly can so your stuf isn't "just like everyone elses" Try to make your booth/table inviting and not overcrowded. Get some things up at eye level so customers aren't just looking down at a table. Old wooden ladders make good display racks....shelves on pegboard or some kind of small shelving unit.....can you tell I do craft shows. Just a few ideas to throw out there. Pot holders placed in an eye catching manner in baskets etc. I think you can get the idea.

Hope you do it....make good sales....meet lots of new people....and have a good time.

Sheryl

My only advice for craft sales is to have a variety of prices. Have some smaller inexpensive things under $10 with a nice big sign to draw people to your table, and then have your nicer/larger things priced higher of course. But those lower priced items help draw people in who wouldn't necessarily stop at a table where it was all large items of like $50 or $100+.

Check with forum member Baily65..........I know she has done craft shows before.

I like your variety already. How about some wearable items such as the cute Moda charm square scarf. If you go to the Bake shop they have other ideas. I did a couple of shows but it was just Christmas ornaments. It's nice to have a friend sit there with you too.

That was definitely one of my big ideas - have a good percentage of my items in the affordable range. Right now, my list is:

Wine tote - $12
Small tote - $15
Medium tote - $20
Large tote - $25
Extra large tote - $30
Placemats, set of 4 - $20
Napkins, set of 4 - $10 (made to match placemats, and "show special" of placemats and napkins for $25)
Coasters, set of 4 - $10
Potholders, set of 2 - $10
Tree skirts - $40
Wall Quilts - $75
Runners - $20 to $30

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Originally Posted by Hulamoon

I like your variety already. How about some wearable items such as the cute Moda charm square scarf. If you go to the Bake shop they have other ideas. I did a couple of shows but it was just Christmas ornaments. It's nice to have a friend sit there with you too.

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The great part is, my mom works every other weekend, and she's off that weekend, so there's my boothmate! Wearable items are a no go - they are categorized as apparel in NYS and require more permits, but totes are accessories, and are thus able to be classified as crafts.

My sister and I used to do shows every Christmas when we did tole painting. Our booth was set up so it invited people to come into it. We had three walls made out of lattice that were painted white that went down both sides and across the back, some shelves set up at the base of those to showcase items. In the center, inviting people to walk in and around was a table with things displayed on that. We also had small white Christmas lights....I think we paid a bit more for a booth with electricity but it was worth it.

We would have certain items that were quite involved that we would only have a few of and when it got to the last one, we would take orders only, so you may want to be prepared to do that. However, making a quilt or four, on short notice before Christmas would be a hard thing to do.

Hang things, hold things, set and display things in a creative manner, and you will do fine.

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Originally Posted by nyscpa2be

The great part is, my mom works every other weekend, and she's off that weekend, so there's my boothmate! Wearable items are a no go - they are categorized as apparel in NYS and require more permits, but totes are accessories, and are thus able to be classified as crafts.

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Well that's no fun :( It figures the fashion mecca would make up a rule like that. They would probably steal your ideas anyway. lol

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hulamoon

Well that's no fun :( It figures the fashion mecca would make up a rule like that. They would probably steal your ideas anyway. lol

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Haha - actually, under the Lanham Act, clothing can be copied and sold by different manufacturers, which is where the fashion industry would be lobbying. However, the law in NYS is that garment manufacturers have to register as such yearly. I believe it dates back to sweatshop times, and its just a hurdle I don't want as I'm starting up - in the future, maybe.

Hi there...you have a pretty good variety of items for sure..but here are a few more...sm and med. bean bags (hot/cold for boo boos)
wallets, business card holders, eye glass cases...these all are fairly small items, can be made out of scraps and are easy to make. Also doll quilts and baby quilts....I agree that making full bed quilts for a craft show is not worth it, because they take so long to make and you have to charge a real good price. I find people when going to craft shows, they are looking for small gifts for someone. Also, if someone sees a smaller quilt and really likes your work, you can always take orders for larger items...hope this helps.
Carol

I think $40 for a Christmas Tree skirt sounds low!! Maybe if it is a smaller/shorter size $40 would be good, but I've seen quilted large skirts for $100 or more at the stand where we buy our trees.

I was going to question your price on placemats and napkins. Four napkins take quite a bit of fabric. You might want to bump your price up $5.00 on each of those two items, them if people buy the special sets you will still make a little bit.

Amy - what a cool list of ideas!!!!

Not much to add except you may want to think about Business cards and a smart phone card swipe (PayPal's I beta tested and it's great NOT the Square it's unsecured). A cash box with some 10's, 5's and a ton of 1's. Sales Tax license? Are you required to collect it etc...

Sounds like tons of fun and all the best wishes for a BIG success!

:-Debbie

Isn't a tree skirt a garment? Okay stupid..lol


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I love ideas with hoops!

https://www.google.com/search?q=embr...h=521&imgdii=_

I did 4 Fairs last year and intend to do them again this year. As for the Credit Card Swipe thing.......out of the 4 Fairs I did the swipe thing was only used twice. Business Cards are a must. I used them on every item I sold to write the price of the item and then they had my name, e-mail and phone number in case they wanted additional items. I am SO excited for this years Craft Fairs.....I have been a busy bee!

How about the iPad pillows (filled with rice); or heating pads filled with rice; Christmas ornaments (the no sew quilted look with styrofoam balls), and don't forget some college/NFL team things such as potholders etc.