How to Make a Large Profit Selling Goods at a Craft Fair

Selling items at a craft fair can either be very profitable or a complete flop. Some aspects of the venture cannot be controlled by the vendors, such as the date, the weather and parking. But there are other aspects of a craft fair that vendors can control, and it's these aspects that, with the proper preparation, can lead to making a large profit.

Things You'll Need

• Tablecloth
• Shelves
• Credit-card machine

Instructions

1. Choose wisely the craft show you would like to participate in. You want to be sure that the items you are selling fit in with the other types of merchandise being sold. For example, if you are selling custom-made jewelry with a higher price tag, a craft fair whose vendors are selling Christmas ornaments made from empty soda cans may not be the place for you. Either attend the craft fair you are considering participating in before you sign up, or obtain a list of vendors who have already signed up and search for them online to see the quality of their products.

2. Upon signing up for the craft fair, request a booth near the entrance. Location is key: Customers will see your craft booth first, giving you the opportunity to make the first connection with them as they walk in the door. You can greet them and ask if there is a particular type of craft they are looking for--and in the meantime, see if you can interest them in your craft.

3. Get the word out. Contact everyone you have an email address for to let them know about the craft fair you are participating in. You may even offer an incentive for attending, such as a 10 percent-off coupon or an entry into a raffle.

4. Advertise at the craft fair. If this is a large event and you are not stationed by the entrance, some attendees may be out of money by the time they reach our booth. Take pictures of some of your items and have a professional poster made that includes the name of your business and your booth location. Place the posters close to the entrance, snack bar and rest rooms.

5. Create an attractive display. Tablecloths, shelves and pedestals are a must. When items are placed at varying heights, customers tend to slow down and browse more. Once they slow down, you have an opportunity to engage them in conversation. Create logo signs that coordinate with the items you are selling but make you stand out from the rest of the vendors.

6. Demonstrate how your items are made. Actually making some of your crafts on-site allows craft fair attendees to marvel in your talent. By seeing the hard work you put into the crafts, they may be more likely to admire not just your work but you, and end up purchasing more.

7. Accept credit cards. Even if craft fair attendees run out of cash, they are still likely to spend if you take plastic.

Tips & Warnings

• You may want to bring along a friend or family member to help man the booth if you will be spending time demonstrating some crafts, so that your customers are not neglected.

• Offer cookies for customers to nibble on while they browse. Everyone is drawn to food.

• If this is a seasonal craft fair, display a sign reminding people who they might have to buy for. It could read something like this:

• Did you remember your:

• neighbor

• child's teacher

• babysitter

• mailman

• hair dresser?