My First Craft Fair Experience

The weekend came and went in lighting speed. After several weeks of preparation, worry and semi-panic, it is now over.

I had finally gotten up the nerve to do an actual craft fair. I chose my home town's biggest event - the Woodsmen's Field Days. My town's population is about 2,500 and when this event is going on, there are about 20,000 visitors. The town is hopping with loggers, trucks and chopping machines and the games begin.

But for me, the weekend was all about felted pottery, cute little booties and pony tail holders.

After raining every day in August, the day started out perfect. We did have one little rain shower that lasted 5 minutes... just enough time to send people scrambling. One fellow came under my tent till it stopped and I am sure that his purchase was a 'pity buy", but hey, I'll take it! The second day started out overcast, but never did rain. So all in all, the weather cooperated.

I met alot of people, near and far. It is amazing that even in a small town how many people you don't know. I found a fellow etsian who makes fabulous stained glass and I bought a great pair of earrings. I was also asked to participate in 3 more craft fairs! One for the DodgePratt Art Center in Boonville, one for the Methodist Church and one for the Cream Cheese Days in Lowville NY (home of Kraft Cheese).

All in all, it was profitable and I made alot of connections. I even had someone take down my information and is going to contact me about teaching a class. PDC (Pretty Darn Cool) if you ask me!

I do have a list of things to do better next time.

Packaging - I had most everything packaged (except for the pottery) on day one. No one could really see what the balls were and although the booties were so cute, people couldn't get that touchy feely goodness. So, on day two, I retagged them with out packaging and sales increased.

Signs - Although the hair ponies were displayed, people didn't really know what they were. So on day two, I made a sign "Felted Hair Ponies" and again, sales increased. Next time I will have signs stating what everything is.

Tarps - Although I bought a canape, I did not get any tarps. I just used some curtains, which were for looks only. It did get windy a few times and even once while Sara was giving change, she had to chase down a few dollars. I think tarps would have helped that.

Pricing - Adding sales tax is a pain in the neck! And people really didn't like the pennies I gave back to them. Next time I will reprice, so when tax is added it will round to a whole dollar or 50 cents.

New Products - So many people asked me for catnip balls - that is on my list to do. And I have a few surprizes up my sleeve for Christmas as Sara and I just let our imagination run away during the down times!

All in all, I exceeded my initial goal. I made enough for my daughter's first semesters text books and I had a great time doing it. I made alot of connections and promoted my on-line sites.

It was alot of work, but I came home with a very satisified feeling.