Sunday, October 19, 2008
Results from my first craft fair.
Yesterday I mentioned that I was taking my show on the road! I thought I'd follow up and share the results of my first craft fair. It only cost me $25 to attend the fair as a vendor, so I figured I didn't have much to loose if it didn't go well.So, Friday I went shopping and purchased a few things. I went to Party City and purchased pink, green, and white plastic table clothes and some balloons, to match my business colors.
I printed out order forms and raffle tickets for a giveaway, as well as printing details from my website, since I wouldn't have access to the internet.
Friday night I stayed up late fleshing out my stock of hair bows and clips. I had 4 tutus (two of them were sets) already made up and planned to use those as displays only.
I arrived about 30 minutes before the fair started and got everything set up. Thank goodness I had some friends at this festival because I had so much stuff that it was hard to carry!
It didn't take me long to get set up but the first hour was really slow. There were a lot of families present but at first there was not much traffic in the "market" area where we were all set up. It picked up after that first hour.
There were probably 15-20 tables of people selling things, but I was the only one selling hair accessories and tutus (candles and jewelry tables seemed abound).
I had my tutus prominently displayed on a hanging rack and eventually it was the tutus that drew little girls to my table.
People expressed an interest in my hair bows and clips, telling me they were cute and reasonably priced, but there weren't a lot of orders in that area.
I got far more interest in the tutus. Lots of people (parents and little girls alike) loved them! Still, I only got 2 orders, but the orders were for tutu sets at $50 a piece, so that wasn't too bad.
I really wasn't worried about the fact that I didn't get a ton or orders because my main goal with attending that fair was to get my business name out there and talk to people. I handed out quite a few business cards and encouraged people to go to my website to see a broader selection of my products.
Before I left, the school rep that coordinated the vendor booths approached me and asked if I'd mind her creating a flyer to advertise my business within their school! She said she loved my products and would be happy to promote my business there. I was pleasantly surprised at that offer.
So, although I didn't get a ton of sales yesterday, I had fun talking with people. I got some exposure at the festival and may have even more exposure in the coming months if my business is advertised within this charter school!
Have any of you attended a craft fair as a vendor? How'd it go for you?
Labels: Sparkle and Charm Boutique
11 Comments:
Im glad you had fun doing it.
Sometimes it can be very discouraging doing these things, but at least, for a small fee, you got your business out there, and people will think of you when they need these products.
And you made your money back, so that is a good thing too.
Hope you have a great weekend.
Sounds like it will pay off in the school PR alone! Congratulations, you're on you're way!
Just the exposure is worth a fortune, OW. I imagine quite a few people are going to look at your web site and you may be surprised, the orders you get on line, just from the displays you sat up at the fair.
I'm not surprised the big interest is in the tutus - they're adorable.
No, I haven't participated in a craft fair yet but I suspect I will be this coming year. I plan to go armed with a ton of business cards!
I am planning on doing my first craft fair in November. Can you offer me any suggestions on set up, just anything that could help. Thanks, Michelle B.
I am glad you had fun. Will you be doing anymore craft fairs?
That's great! I'm glad that it was a success and I'm sure you'll be getting more orders soon once the holidays start coming around.
That sounds great! I am glad it was a success you products are really cute.
BTW canceling Gavin's trip made a differece. His teacher agreed that the rest of his week went a lot better, I am trying to incorporate more cause and effect, whether good or bad into our discipline.
It sounds like your frist effort was a success!
Just a suggestion, but maybe you could have a few tutus ready to buy right then? I've been to craft fairs and purchased hair ribbons and tutus for my daughter, but I would never order one. I'm all about instant gratification!
Congrats! The company I work with is doing publicity for a BIG Craft Market in a few weeks. I'm reeeally excited to go! Eventually, one day, I would like to go to a craft fair as an exhibitor with my earrings and knitting.
Sounds like you had a good time -- directing people to your website was a smart idea!
That sounds great! I'm sure you're very much in the learning part of your business and this sounds like a learning experience.
That is so great that they want you to make fliers for the school!
I'm sure that little girls were drawn to your table, and their mommas may have had to take them home hearing about how they didn't get one and think of you!
I haven't done one as a vender, but I have gone with my wallet!
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