Selling Greetings Cards/Gifts & other goods at Fairs & Fetes

katchambers

Hi novagirl,

That sounds great! Do you sell your own goods or do you have a supplier?

Is selling at fairs your full-time job, that must be so fun.

How do you find the events? I get most of mine from local newspapers.

Kat x

novagirl

I sell a mixture of my own things as well as items from suppliers. Like some one said earlier, it can be a bit hit and miss as to what things sell so I tend to have a few of different items rather than a lot of only a few things. (if that makes sense!lol)

It's now my full time job but tbh I'm going to have to have to find another part time job soon as it is just not paying enough quite yet. (I've just had a baby so no longer have I only got myself to think about.)

I too get alot of my events by ringing up adverts in the local newspapers. I've also just sent a few letters to the local schools and groups asking them to keep me in mind when their next events come up.

AWinner

Just a quick thought

Make sure that everything you sell has your contact details on the item/box whatever. You never know who else may want to buy from you.

Excellent supplier is Able Labels, google for their details, good range/quality and delivery is usually quick

novagirl

Thanks..that's a great idea! Something simple that won't cost too much

katchambers

Thanks Awinner, I never thought of putting them on my products before, I always put them on my receipts and brochures but on the boxes themselves is a good idea also.

Thanks

I already get my labels from vistaprint.co.uk I find them cheaper than able lable as I just get them free and only have to pay postage, that's basically how vistaprint works and it works out cheaper.

Kat x

AWinner

katchambers wrote: »

Thanks Awinner, I never thought of putting them on my products before, I always put them on my receipts and brochures but on the boxes themselves is a good idea also.

Thanks

I already get my labels from vistaprint.co.uk I find them cheaper than able lable as I just get them free and only have to pay postage, that's basically how vistaprint works and it works out cheaper.

Kat x

Thanks Kat for your comments but I just looked at Vistaprint site and could not find any free labels? Am I looking in the wrong place

Crazychik

Ive been lurking for a couple of days reading this thread. Can I join in please?

Ive been making homemade cards for nearly 4yrs now.
I sell to family & friends, and many have been gratefully received.
I also sell my cards in bulk lot on ebay! Aswell as making my own card toppers.
I sell to various staff at work, by having a box in the canteen, as well as having a card holder, on a shelf in my local Beauty Salon.
I also sell the odd few at the local car boot.

Ive completed numerous of wedding stationary orders, with 2 weddings approaching for next year. The chap Im doing one order for, says that my samples are much better than the one's he's seen on show at wedding fayre's. And suggested why dont I do them?

The thought had crossed my mind many of times. But I lack confidence to say that they have the WOW factor and will sell. Despite people telling me different. I need a good shake to be able to believe in myself more.

My cards are classy with a touch of elegance, and I'm aware that people do have various tastes. And also aware of the competition out there regarding homemade cards.

I buy my stock in bulk, in order to keep the costs and the sale of my cards low. People do think I charge too little.

Anyhow, after reading everyone's attempt & efforts into selling at fayre's. Can I ask a ? please.
I'm aware you would have to pay up front for the cost of your stall!
With the profit made after the cost of the stall, do you have to share it with the fayre organisation? ie - we too have local fayre's for the RSPCA, and say for example, I call to hire a table and sell my cards. Pay them £10, and if I make £50, would I have to pay them back a % of my profit?

And say for example if I gave it a go with my wedding stationary at wedding fayre's. Do I call the hotel where the fayre is being held at to arrange a stall.

Im very motivated now by reading this thread.
I do hope you can help.
Thanks in advance

AWinner

Crazychik wrote: »

Anyhow, after reading everyone's attempt & efforts into selling at fayre's. Can I ask a ? please.
I'm aware you would have to pay up front for the cost of your stall!
With the profit made after the cost of the stall, do you have to share it with the fayre organisation? ie - we too have local fayre's for the RSPCA, and say for example, I call to hire a table and sell my cards. Pay them £10, and if I make £50, would I have to pay them back a % of my profit?

And say for example if I gave it a go with my wedding stationary at wedding fayre's. Do I call the hotel where the fayre is being held at to arrange a stall.

Im very motivated now by reading this thread.
I do hope you can help.
Thanks in advance

Well done to you as the ideal home business entrepreneur.

Regarding costs of stalls, I would either pay a fixed fee OR a % of your sales but NOT BOTH together!

Call the hotel to find out who the organisers are as it is very unlikely to be the actual venue doing it (simply just to hire the space and sell the coffees!)

novagirl

I agree with AWinner, I'd either do a fixed price for the stall or a percentage. Not both! (TBH I tend to prefer a fixed price so then I know exactly how much each day costs me )

katchambers

AWinner wrote: »

Thanks Kat for your comments but I just looked at Vistaprint site and could not find any free labels? Am I looking in the wrong place

It's not so easy to find, check them out here:

http://www.vistaprint.co.uk/vp/ns/splash/splash_return_address_labels.aspx?xnav=TsrItem&xnid=aReturnAddressLabelsRubberStampsLabels&dng=1021817

Kat x