Craft Fairs... does anyone have a success story to share from a recent show?

As you may or may not know, I am working for an herb company. No medium or large items are moving very well. But catnip, balsom, sweet annie, and lavendar items that are small and priced at $1 to $4 are moving right along according to the person I'm working for. She goes to craft sales and farmers' markets. I've been stuffing lots of small stuff for her. She's cutting out and sewing small items. I'm stuffing and she's sewing the items. She grows the catnip, balsom, sweet annie and lavendar herself. Due to the cold and nasty summer and fall, she said tea is going pretty well around here, too. I don't do anything with the teas, she does it all, but she did have me cut all her mint plants to bring in. She's pleased that things have picked up and the market/fair is extended into mid-October, normally ends at the end of September, but I saw the extention in the newspaper. I'm pleased, too. I get to work for her for longer.

It's been well over a year since I did a craft fair. The last one was good and I was very content. Because of my aging back, had to slow down and stop carrying a heavy suitcase full of my crafts and card table. All the ones I did were outside which meant we had to deal with the elements of the summer heat. I do think the economy has had an effect on spending but at the same time people are always willing to spend for the holidays and special days such as birthdays. The people I saw at a recent fair were spending. I did notice purchases even though I was simply a craft goer at the time and not a vendor.

Well, it seems like when I go anywhere where people are selling their hand made crafts, it often depends on their price they are asking, and the type of item it is when you go there. I know lately things are tight so some people have reduced their prices a little to make up for it, but I have been noticing when it is an item someone really wants they will pay no matter what. But overall I think personally it does depend on the item etc. as to whether things are picking back up in areas or not.

I did one two weeks ago..and did okay. Not like in the spring when they had gotten their income tax returns but all the same I did just fine....so I can't complain. I do know that it was a three day show and two of the venders didn't sell one thing...but they had unusual items....one was soy candles and the other was the baby cakes made from disposable diapers....I do well because I sell many smaller items with my bigger ones like covered candies and greeting cards....I usually sell alot of both items.

I have not done any shows this season yet. My first one is coming up this weekend. I am really expecting it to be better than last fall season for me. I have noticed my online sales increasing more than I expected the past few months.

I would love to get into some craft shows but I don't have anything that I can sell. I need to get into something and then look into craft fairs because I do think that it is something I would really enjoy...I just hope I have the motivation. I think if I was able to get into something that I could create essentially and be able to sell a bit that I know my husband would definitely help me out on the traveling and carrying part....I just have to get into something and stick with it long enough to maybe make a little bit of money from.

I have been wanting to get into a show but have not really tried yet. I am thinking that my work isnt as good as some other people. But when I look at other peoples work I do find that mostly it is comparable. I guess I am still shy about it since I have not sold any yet. But craft shows I think tend to work a bit better where the sales of homemade jewelry is concerned.

I have not done any craft shows lately. I am glad you were able to exceed your goals. Hopefully people would spend more this holiday season.

I haven't been to a craft show in over a year - afraid my last few experiences were not good - didn't even make back my booth cost. I'm glad to hear that some are still doing ok though - I gave up on selling crafts for the time although I am trying to sell a few 'left-overs' online.