Craft Fairs

Charityworker

Has anyone ever had a regular selling table at craft fairs and if so what do you sell. Some of you may know that I have recently started a small business doing temporary tattoos, body art and mini makeovers at craft fairs but I was wondering what else sells well? I'm really interested in alternative clothing and accessories. Do you think theres any scope for this at craft fairs?

Rummer

Not had one myself but I have visited plenty of fairs and have a friend who sells at them.

What we noticed was that people with inexpensive items, £5 or less, were very busy for example the soap stall however they would have had to have sold a LOT to make any real money. There were also people who were selling expensive items £40+ who didn't sell on the day but did take orders for their items.

The stall that did the best on the round of craft fairs that we went to was a vintage inspired jewellery stall. The pieces were lovely and very affordable and there was always people buying every time we saw this stall.

I think though the most important thing is to select the craft fairs you go to carefully. Our local bar/restaurant has a monthly one but most people were looking and not buying. However the theatre had one and people were there to buy so the results were much better. There is a weekly street market in our local city centre which also does really well.

Remember too that you can ask to visit local playgroups etc and sell through those channels.

sally0101

Hi, last few fairs I have been to the things were very reasonably priced (handmade cards, cakes, knitted dolls clothes, bags, jewellery, jams etc) and people were still not buying much. Last few I sold things at were the same. I brought most of it back home. Was selling home made bags, cards and dance costumes. My cards are quite nice and even when i reduced them to 20p people werent buying them! I think people just havent got the money.

sally0101

also, have you thought about face painting and those hair thread wrap things where they wrap decorative coloured threads on a bit of your hair.

polgara

Hi my partner and I run a craft fair business and can safely say that sales have decreased over the past year - more people are getting into crafts but conversely buyers are scarce - lots of people looking, not so much buying.

There may be scope for your area but it will depend on what type of fair it is - lots are handmade or specialist.

jess_the_cat

Hi you could try a few items online to see whats popular i think its folksy that does the craft things..

Charityworker

I have toyed with the idea of face painting but one I hate doing it and two mums always seem reluctant to let their kids have it done.

I'll look into hair wrapping though. Sounds like something that fits in well with what I'm already doing.

Any other ideas?

Cupcake_Mummy

I've been to a few and always seen that jewellery does really well.. Good luck and hope all goes well for you