Craft Fair...I am a little disappointed

[Bailey65]

I had my first Craft Fair of the Season today and I am a little bit disappointed. I am hoping tomorrow will be a better day. I am shocked that I did not sell 1 tote bag. All of my tote's have machine embroidered designs and a solid bottom. And I did not sell even 1

I am thinking about possibly starting an Etsy Shop. People praised my stuff but like I said there is always tomorrow. I am thankful that it is a 2 day Craft Fair.

Here's a link to what I was selling:

http://forum.missouriquiltco.com/mem...ir-s-2013.html

[Joan@DebtofGratitude]

Wow, I'm surprised too. Your stuff is adorable.

My cousin has a booth at an upscale antique/flea mall. I gave her several of my things to sell -- three quilts, three table toppers, a quilted pillow. It's been 3 weeks and nothing has sold. I, too, am thinking of opening an Etsy shop. I think it's really tough to get your stuff noticed. And there are so many inexpensive quilts. But I'm going to give it a go.

Keep your chin up. I figure we just have to find our "audience."

[HdWench]

Hey Fannie, sorry to hear this, BUT you have 1 more day!

you know I own a small business so here 1 of the tips to do going into a "new" location

Make a Simple Signup sheet (Name- email - Phone) but use a printer and put on a Clipboard so it looks more professional.

Everyone that purchases from you, down to the smallest item will be "Allowed" to sign up for a chance to Win your Drawing.
Hold your drawing mid-day tomorrow, thank them for signing up for this drawing and remind them to come back at (xyz time). I read you are worried about your Bags - so think about making this Drawing for a Free Bag perhaps from a selection you would like other's to purchase?

When time does this open? 8 or 9 am? Have the drawing 1. You are beginning this craft fair so now to encourage people to come around your shopping area. Or you can allow everyone to signup in hopes for a larger crowd. All of this is leading to 2 things - One the Most potential customers around your "shop" at a given time, and (2) Someone walking around telling people about YOUR bag! That word of mouth = priceless

Look at it like the Daily Deal - They are not making any money off those - BUT when you get the daily deal, what are the chances that you WILL buy something else? I would bet it's 60-75%??

Reasoning = When a booth is very busy and there is a lot of activity, everyone wants to go and see why so many others are there :-) The old saying it takes money to make money.

Also it does help if you set this up as a business. Get a Business Tax ID, frame and Display this. These are very reasonable to purchase (many states free) I don't recall what the Federal EIN charge was? But, they are cheap and worth it if owning your own business IS something you keep doing. Set up a "business" ie. do you have the capability to accept most credit cards, have professional looking biz cards if you want to take phone/email or "website" orders.

Have plenty of a variety of well displayed and stocked items... this shows potential customers you are ready to earn their business.

Please let me know if you have any questions. I try to keep very private about my business, but realize what I have learned may help others just beginning and I'd love to see you succeed too!

Debbie

[Carol336]

I can't believe your totes didn't sell.....they are amazing. Good luck tomorrow

[Juliadlf]

I am also surprised but in this economy many are not buying as quickly as they would have before.
I think that Debbie gave you some great advice on doing a drawing. Nice tip.

[Lisapc]

The truth is that some items are more popular with a little different market. I hesitate to show anyone a tote around here because they are all into those "insert designer name here" fabric totes that cost an arm and a leg. I would be swamped. Yet those totes won't sell 20 minutes south were leather bags rule. You could take your whole shop to a different fair next weekend and sell out the first day.

Your product is great and Debbie has a lot of solid advice.

Good luck tomorrow!

[Andrea F]

So sorry to hear that, your bags and stuff are so pretty. Keeping my fingers crossed for many sales today.

[easyquilts]

Your totes are really nice.... I'm surprised tou had no sales.... Better luck today!

[Alpha O]

The truth is that some items are more popular with a little different market. I hesitate to show anyone a tote around here because they are all into those "insert designer name here" fabric totes that cost an arm and a leg. I would be swamped. Yet those totes won't sell 20 minutes south were leather bags rule. You could take your whole shop to a different fair next weekend and sell out the first day.

Your product is great and Debbie has a lot of solid advice.

Good luck tomorrow!

They are nice, but I wouldn't buy one as I have no use for it. I prefer having hands free. I never see anyone around here using one, unless it's a diaper bag, or grocery tote. My friend makes them for herself and I never see her with one. So Lisa is right. It's where you sell. Around here, shoppers wait until closing, then make a ridiculous offer hoping you just want to get rid of stock. I hope you don't give in to that crowd, and do find a place to sell.

My friend runs a booth in the local mart, and the consensus of all the vendors is that this town is a *&(()
to sell in.