Craft fairs are a great way to showcase your own work, diversify your revenue streams, and create community with both small business owners and small business lovers. If you're interested in starting your own craft fair, there are a few things you need to know to make it a success. In this blog, we'll cover the basics of how to start your own craft fair and make it a hit. (And we should know, we're the experts! We've run craft fairs since 2016 in multiple cities all over the country!)
1. Choose a Location
The first thing you need to do is choose a location for your craft fair. Look for a place that is easily accessible to both vendors and customers. Consider factors like parking, foot traffic, and the overall atmosphere of the location.
2. Set a Date
Once you've chosen a location, set a date for your craft fair. Consider the season, holidays, and other events that might conflict with your chosen date. Try to schedule your craft fair at a time when people are most likely to attend and have money to spend.
3. Create a theme (We love a theme!)
Craft fairs with a specific theme are more likely to attract a dedicated following. Consider a theme that reflects the types of crafts you plan to showcase or the interests of your target audience. A well-chosen theme can make your craft fair stand out and attract more visitors.
4. Recruit Vendors
To make your craft fair a success, you'll need to recruit vendors who sell handmade crafts or other unique items. Reach out to local artisans, crafters, and artists to see if they're interested in participating. You can also promote your craft fair on social media and other channels to attract vendors from outside your circle.
5. Market Your Craft Fair
Once you've recruited vendors, it's time to start marketing your craft fair. Create a website or social media page for your event, and post regular updates to keep people informed. Use hashtags and other tools to promote your craft fair to a wider audience. We also suggest reaching out to press, creating fliers, and adding event listings in your local papers.
6. Plan for the Details
To make your craft fair run smoothly, you'll need to plan for the details. Consider things like electricity, lighting, tables, and chairs for vendors. You'll also need to make sure you have enough volunteers to help set up, run, and tear down the event. Also bathrooms! consider bathrooms!
7. Create a Fun Experience
Finally, make sure your craft fair is a fun experience for everyone involved. Consider adding food vendors, live music, or other entertainment to keep visitors engaged. Encourage vendors to interact with visitors and provide demonstrations of their crafts.
Starting your own craft fair takes time and effort, but it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your vendors. With these tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a successful craft fair that people will look forward to attending year after year.
Need more help? We've got a class for that! How to throw your own damn craft fair!
If you need some 1:1 coaching, you can also invest in a session with Phoebe.
Comments