SB - Arts and crafts stall locations

novagirl

I've only recently started up a small business selling arts and crafts. I did have the intention of running it from premises but have been outbid on lots of premises recently in the Cambridgeshire area :mad: I have done 3 stalls at schools, a care home garden fete and also a village gala. I was wondering if anyne knew of any other places that regularly allow small businesses to trade. I have created a letter to send to organisations such as schools and care homes but obviously these locations will only hold one-off events.

Thank you very much for any assistance whatsoever.

whitewing

Down in the Southwest, we have an arty magazine called 'Evolver'. In the classified ads there they often have groups of artists and craftspeople who get together to rent out premises. Possibly you have something similar where you live?

novagirl

ooh thank you, perhaps we might. That gives me something else to research. Thank you

Louiseuk25

Hi novagirl, am going to ask if you've tried carboot sales?Am getting into my cardmaking and wondered for myself whether doing a carboot sale would be successful if I could get some stock together?I haven't plucked up the courage to do fete's etc...am hoping I might in time for Christmas!

novagirl

Car boot sales look promising too then but the one I did enquire at said that they no longer allow pitches to people selling new stock! (yet they have people selling new clothes, tools etc each week.) Maybe I shouldn't be so much of a push over and not accept no as an answer lol

whitewing

I know a lot of people who would buy handmade goods who don't go to car boots. How about trying to rent some space in a nice cafe or a bookshop? May not be suitable for you, but I know a few people who work in Call Centres who take in boxes of cards etc to sell to colleagues. Have you got friends who could keep a small stash at work? Would let you know what sells and what doesn't.

novagirl

Alot of my stock at the moment isn't home made items though for example little sewing kits and candles. I suppose I could create a little basket of items though, at least it would promote my business and people would know I have items for sale. I would sell on ebay but posting the items would outway any profit

whitewing

I love prettily-packaged things like that. Perhaps that would sell from home either to get friends to hold parties for you to display your wares (eg Pampered Chef or Ann Summers kind of thing - slight difference!) or to have a regular Sat morning where you have an open house at home that people can just pop in. You would have to be regular though as people would need to know you're open if they pop by. I love to support local businesses but there is a gift shop near us that I won't use any more, although they sell truly lovely gifts, because they love their 'back in 5 minutes' notices - they never are and when you have made a special trip, it is really annoying.

whitewing

Also, just re-read your first post. I doubt that schools will respond to a letter as they will get lots of people asking for marketing through them. May be best to actually go in and speak to them (but not in the first week of term) and show them your goods, and ask the date of their autumn fayre etc.
Can I be nosy and ask what sort of money would make an afternoon worthwhile for you?

novagirl

The average amount that I've taken is about £100 (obviously this is takings, not profit). To be honest, any amount I can make will be of benefit at the moment. (I'm expecting a baby in September so as long as it keeps making money I'll be happy :d )

In some ways I do agree with you about the school letter thing but often they'd prefer it to be in writing as the people that actually organise the fayres won't be the receptionist that you'd get to see it would most likely be the PTFA.

cazmanian_minx

Have you tried this site:

http://www.ukcraftfairs.com/find-a-fair-advance.asp

?

I would think that Christmas craft fairs are starting to take bookings now, you could probably book yourself somewhere every weekend between mid-October and December.

Caz