Craft Shows - by Helen Nicholson

So, you are interested in doing craft shows eh? Ok...here are some tips from doing an average of 12 shows a year for over 8 years. I hope you find these helpful! :-)

Buy a large calendar book with plenty of room for jotting down detailed show information. Make sure the calendar has plenty of room for notes in the weekend area.

Why:   When you have lots of weekends booked for shows...it's easy to lose track of your time. Use the calendar to list the dates of the shows, setup hours, last minute things (gotta go to the bank before the show or I won't be able to make change...stuff like that)

Buy a 3 ring binder with plastic sleeves.

Why:   Store each shows information in a separate sleeve. Most of these documents will include...set-up hours, contact names and numbers, booth size requirements, rules, parking passes etc. Paperwork gets lost rather easily when you do lots of shows!

Get on the list for every show that has been in existence for at least 5-10 years.

Why:  The best shows have been around for years. They do their homework...usually advertise extensively, offer a variety of entertainment to the consumer and have a track record of good to excellent attendance.

Get on the list for every show (5-10 yrs only) NOW!

Why:  On average...the best shows book at least a year in advance. So...if you want to do shows next year...you'd better get on their list now...or you'll miss out for another year. Also, if the show is juried, it takes time for the process of approval. Planning well over a year ahead of time for a good show is your best bet.

Visit the shows that you would like to be an exhibitor.

Why:  Does your work fit what others are selling? Is your work better? If the show is juried...do you think your work will be accepted? If you are selling crocheted doilies and booties, you will probably have difficulty getting accepted into a show selling mostly fine art.

Avoid shows in existence for less than 5 years.

Why:  Poor attendance usually...which means your sales will be off or non-existent. Also, quite possibly the show will be poorly managed. You show up and expect your booth to be 10x10 and it turns out 6 x 8. You wait 3 hours to setup and there are no port-a-potties for miles around and to top it off your booth was placed on top of a patch of poison ivy. (All of which has happened to me...the poison ivy one...I asked nicely...and they moved my booth. I was on a slope but it was better than poison ivy any day!)

Read the other craft articles on this site.

Why:  Remember the saying..."Knowledge is Power"? Well, by reading these articles, you will gain lots of knowledge plus discover some of my secrets for having a successful craft business.

This should be a good starting point for you to begin your adventure into the business of doing craft shows. Good luck and happy crafting!