Craft shows can be an incredibly lucrative way to sell many types of products and even some types of services! They can give to a head start at a cheap price to try out your concepts and grow your small business. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just starting out, participating in a craft show can help you reach new customers and generate more of revenue than many might expect in just a few days.
How do you choose the right venue for your business?
What types of products can you sell? Are they safe? how can I get involved? In this blog series, we'll explore the key factors to consider when choosing a craft show and provide you with tips and examples to help you make the most of your time and investment.
First, let's talk about what a craft show is and why it matters. A craft show is an event where makers and small business owners can showcase and sell their handmade goods to a targeted audience. Many craft shows use hybrid models and their are many types of places to "show" your wares. Depending on the region, culture, and the specific event. Here are some examples:
- Artisan market
- Maker's market
- Art fair
- Art and craft fair
- Handmade market
- Handicrafts exhibition
- Handmade fair
- Craft bazaar
- Trade exhibition
- Trade expo
- Business conference
- Industry convention
- Product expo
- Vendor fair
- Home show
- Gift fair
These are just a few examples, and there are many other terms that may be used interchangeably or may have slightly different connotations depending on the context.
These events can range in size from small, local shows to larger, national events that attract thousands or even tens or thousands of visitors.
Craft shows are important for makers and small business owners because they offer a unique opportunity to connect with customers and get feedback on your products. Unlike online marketplaces or brick-and-mortar stores, craft shows allow you to interact with potential customers face-to-face, answer their questions, and build relationships that can lead to repeat business.
Another key benefit of craft shows is the potential for high earnings in a short amount of time. How much earnings? Depending on the show and your products, you could potentially earn thousands of dollars in just a few days. This can be a game-changer for small businesses that are looking to grow quickly and generate revenue to reinvest in their business.
Now, let's talk about how to choose the right craft show for your business. There are several factors to consider, including location, cost, and target audience.
Location:
Location can impact the attendance and demographics of a show. If you're located in a specific region, you may want to look for shows that are within driving distance or that attract visitors from your area. You'll also want to consider the overall vibe and atmosphere of the show, as well as any logistical details like parking and accessibility.
Cost is another important factor to consider when choosing a craft show. Booth fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the size and reputation of the venue. You'll need to weigh the cost of the booth against the potential earnings and exposure you'll get from participating in the show.
Finally, you'll want to consider the target audience of the craft market. Some only attract a specific niche or demographic, while others are more general in nature. Think about the type of customer you want to attract and whether the event aligns with that demographic. You'll also want to consider the competition and whether your products will stand out among other vendors.
Crafting events can be a valuable way to grow your small business and reach new customers. By considering factors like location, cost, and target audience, you can choose the right shows to participate in and maximize your investment.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we'll dive deeper into researching craft shows and finding the right ones for your business.
At Carver Maker we've attended many craft show over the years. We've spent lots of money and have had a number of failures and some incredible successes. In this Series we will tell you about our experiences and what to look for and what to avoid!
To get started selling at many craft shows you don't need much! A product, A brand name, A way to process money (e-transfer also works) You don't need a website or many other things to start!
Do you make limited product or need more products in your crafting inventory? Offer to sell another crafter's stuff!