Articles
How To Earn More Money at Small Arts and Crafts Festivals? | March 2016 |
Image Courtsey: Stuart Spivack / Flickr.com
Many artists, looking to make some money while doing what they love doing, rely on arts and crafts festivals for their livelihood. While some artists only want to make some extra cash for the holidays, others make a full-time income selling their crafts at these events.
When choosing which festivals to attend and to make an investment in, artists are often unsure which one is better: a big event or a small show. Big events offer bigger traffic, which can, in turn, mean more sales. However, small events have advantages too.
There really is no surefire way to know which type of event (small or big) will increase your bottom line more, because many factors need to be considered –the type of event, the amount of people expected to attend, what you’re selling, and how you’re pricing your crafts.
Small arts and crafts festivals often have the advantage of being lower priced, so you can probably get a booth for a fraction of the price of big events. This is especially beneficial if you won’t have to drive a great distance to get to the show.
In order to earn more money at small arts and crafts events where less people are expected to show up, you will most likely have to rely on your interpersonal skills to make sales. This means that you have an opportunity at small events to share your story with the visitors on a more intimate level. Since there is less traffic, you can take the time to actually make a friend with each person that stops at your booth and encourage them to buy. If you make a good connection, they may even tell their friends and family about you.
Another tip is to make sure your products are priced correctly. You may have to be part of a few small festivals to find out what’s your best price point, but with each, you will find your sweet spot. Consider it an investment in your business. The more shows you attend, the more experience you will gain, and the more you will sharpen up your sales proposition.
Also, be sure to have business cards or flyers available at all times. If you don’t make many sales at the small arts and crafts event, you may make future sales by staying in touch with those who stop by your booth. Building a newsletter list and asking visitors to follow you on Facebook and Instagram is also a great idea. Focus on not only selling but also on building a fan base. This can be even more valuable than the sale itself.
Comments
Good info.
By Bruce w. Long on March 2, 2016
Please tell me where to find these smaller fairs etc.
By Lucille Adames on March 2, 2016
I would like to find out more about the smaller festivals even though I do attend the larger one as well. I am still trying to find tune my shows to see what fits me best. I am depending on you helping me discover this. Thank you very much
My phone 8652532989
By Mary Gail Gallaher on March 3, 2016
Looking for some smaller festivals in May in Western MA
I live in W. Spfld
By Arline Ely on March 6, 2016
looking for small craft events in the San Francisco Bay area
By Gwendolyn Morgan on March 7, 2016
I looking for a fair in Maryland the Friday, May 6 and Sat May 7th. I;m look to sale my crafts for Mother’s Day.
Thank you!
By Renee Coates on March 21, 2016
Looking for small craft fairs in the Nampa, Idaho area. Thanks, Linda Wolfe
By msrainylady on March 22, 2016
Can you sell food items? Do you charge tax? In Texas
Thanks
By CandyRosesFromTexas on March 23, 2016
I am looking for the smaller fairs in my area ( Orange & Rockland Counties) in New York. Where is the best place to find them?
By Barbara McIntosh on April 7, 2016
I am looking for small or larger craft fairs in the Sacramento/San Francisco area
By David Booker on April 20, 2016
Very informative. I wish fairs and festivals had share buttons, I would love share these things other crafter’s and friends on different websites.
Thanks for sharing.
By b & b happy craft shop on April 24, 2016
I am look for smaller ir largue craft fairs in The NC , NS, end June a do the years
Thanks!
Elizabete
By Elizabete Roselli on May 4, 2016
Hi I"m a airbrush artist and I need some info about rent space in the art festivals but my art is most visual I airbrush anything but in art shows we do many T shirts, I need electrical outlets for my compressor is that a problem? Please advice ,thank you
Julio Sapere
By Julio Sapere on May 4, 2016
Id love to know more about smaller craft fairs in temecula ca and murrieta ca. Id love to get more info/requirements how to participate. Thank you. 😊✌🏼️
By Cece Smith on May 6, 2016
I sell handbags and Jewelry looking to sell my products. I looking sell bro ward and palm beach county
By Marlene on May 26, 2016
What does shortlisted meen?
By DnBworkshop on June 3, 2016
I am looking for art festivals in Connecticut time and please please help
By Noe alicea on June 20, 2016
I just moved to South Carolina and know little about the area. I would like to start selling at small craft fairs. I create jewelry and hand made items. Any info is appreciated. Thanks!
By Rita Sassone on July 14, 2016
I make a product that I would like to sell at a craft fair. I live in victorville, ca area but would be willing to travel short distances. I’ve tried ebay and etsy to no avail. I don’t know how to get started. But would like to get it going.
By Trish on July 31, 2016
Where do I find prices for booth space
By Kenyatta on August 5, 2016
How do I become a vendor in the fairs and festivals in Louisiana.
Business:
Aroma Flame Candles
225-960-2219
By Byron Alexander on August 5, 2016
Looking anywhere I can sell my licensed sports items .
I am a vendor and need places to go that have a 20 by 20 spot .
I have a site on Facebook that calls Jens markdown page .
Please contact me there or at y e mail at (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Thank you in advance
By Jennifer on August 24, 2016
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