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June 26th, 2013, 03:02 PM
#1
Senior Member
Missouri Star
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?
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June 26th, 2013, 03:21 PM
#2
Senior Member
Missouri Star
Re: Vending at craft shows
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.
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June 26th, 2013, 03:52 PM
#3
Junior Member
Beginning Stitcher
Re: Vending at craft shows
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
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June 26th, 2013, 03:58 PM
#4
Senior Member
The Guild President
Re: Vending at craft shows
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+.
---Susan---
"When life gives you scraps - make a quilt!"
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June 26th, 2013, 04:05 PM
#5
Senior Member
Missouri Star
Re: Vending at craft shows
Check with forum member Baily65..........I know she has done craft shows before.
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June 26th, 2013, 04:19 PM
#6
Senior Member
Missouri Star
Re: Vending at craft shows
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.
Lorie
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June 26th, 2013, 04:20 PM
#7
Senior Member
Missouri Star
Re: Vending at craft shows
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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June 26th, 2013, 04:23 PM
#8
Senior Member
Missouri Star
Re: Vending at craft shows

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.
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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June 26th, 2013, 04:25 PM
#9
Senior Member
Missouri Star
Re: Vending at craft shows
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.
pat.
No rain....no rainbows!

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June 26th, 2013, 04:29 PM
#10
Senior Member
Missouri Star
Re: Vending at craft shows

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.
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
Lorie