I recently went to a craft show in New Brighton, Minnesota and I just wanted to share my experience with you all.
First of all, this was a three day event, August 7, 8, and 9th. I showed up on time and got set up in a timely manner on Friday. I was super stoked and had so much stock of my stuff I was up to my ears in bibs and burp cloths. I was really excited. I had done some figuring and knew that the expected turnout was supposed to be 10,000 people. This ten-thousand, I later found out, was the expected turnout of New Brighton's entire Stockyard Days event, not just the craft fair. But, I had based my inventory on this 10,000 people that should've showed up for the craft fair and I figured if I had enough stock to make at least 500 sales I could make over $2,000!!! I was VERY excited. I knew that getting my name out there was very important, even if I didn't make tons of sales!
My booth was placed back to back from a lady who sold embroidered/appliqued kitchen towels. I knew right away that I was going to buy several sets of towels if I made enough money from my sales. This lady was VERY kind and helpful and we got along great! I got her business card and I do plan on contacting her later to order some towels. I was also inconveniently placed next to another lady that sold baby stuff...hmm. Thanks **ALOT** craft show people. (**sarcasm) You'll see her booth a bit in the picture below. This gal, I found out, is a college student that doesn't plan on having children at all. How can she relate to her customers? I don't understand this. She made a few more sales than me, she obviously has more time on her hands this summer, however how can I compete with someone at the top of her physical shape and game when I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant and I can't work all hours of the day and night like I'm sure she's done several times? I found out that she also sells on Etsy, but being smug I was happy to know that she's only ever had 1 sale on etsy (she's only got 10 items listed!)
Friday evening went well. I made one sale and felt good, I consoled myself in the fact that tomorrow would be a long day and I would do really well.
Saturday, it rained. It POURED. We spent $147 on tarps and clamps for the $97 tent we already had. We should've bought the $200 tent with sides. Shame on us. At about noon, the sun decided to come out. It got HOT and HUMID around 2:00 until 8:30 pm. I made 10 sales. I was stoked. I made enough money to cover the space fee of $45 (not too expensive!) At about 9 pm a major thunderstorm hit the metro area and we had to quickly close up shop. Watching the news later with Aunt Sara and Little Cousin Max we learned of 8 reported tornados!! I'm glad we got out of there when we did!
Sunday, it was good weather, but sales were slow. I made 4 sales. I put my paci clips on sale. I had them marked at $3 each so I put a sign up that said "$3 each or 2 for $5." This helped slightly. I also gave $1 off on all bibs, burp cloths, and gift sets. This only lost me $1. Go figure. I did sell 2 grab bags. This was great!
I learned a few new things.
1. Plan ahead for any weather. Especially downpours, thunderstorms, and humidity (aka, have tarps, tiedowns and fans)
2. Make sure when you get your numbers for expected turnout that the numbers are for the actual craft fair, not the event surrounding the fair.
3. Be prepared to make $0. Or less. We came home with -$200 because of those darn tarps and gas costs. Thank the lord we stayed with family and didn't have to get a hotel room.
KEEP YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH!!! Don't forget that if they aren't interested that's all there is to it, it's nothing personal!
-Signing out for now because this post is so long I can't remember anything else I may have planned on saying.
