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Hi everyone. I had a question, and I know there are probably lots of variables, but here it is. In the experience of all you seasoned veterans, do most craft show type venues charge money for you to have a booth? I emailed someone the other day about a local Fall Fest and they told me it was 50.00 to enter and you provide your own table and awning. 50.00 just seems kind of high. Any feedback would be appreciated. Lesly smileys/smiley1.gif

Hi everyone. I had a question, and I know there are probably lots of variables, but here it is. In the experience of all you seasoned veterans, do most craft show type venues charge money for you to have a booth? I emailed someone the other day about a local Fall Fest and they told me it was 50.00 to enter and you provide your own table and awning. 50.00 just seems kind of high. Any feedback would be appreciated. Lesly smileys/smiley1.gif


Hi Lesly! Yes, it does depend on the number of people that normally come through the fest, location, and there are many variables.


There is a wonderful website called www.Craftlister.com (http://www.Craftlister.com) where you can see what other shows in your area are charging and what they include.


I am promoting a show this November at our children's school. We are charging $30 for a 10x10 space which includes the 8' table and chairs. Electric is an extra $5. I have found the average prices in my area between $30-$45 for this type of show at a school/in the gym/ or smaller fairground area. HTH


Blessings,

I have been doing booths for years (with another company and a few with Mia Bella) The price should be in relation to the traffic. You can pay $5 for a booth and only get a couple hundred people or you can pay $100 and get 3,000+ people. It really depends on the event, what the traffic is, and also their advertising and main demographic who will attend.


$50 is high for a small local booth, cheap ifyou are in a big city and it is advertised well. The person doing the collecting should be able to tell you what the estimated attendence/traffic was last year.


Be careful outdoors -even with an awening, and no direct sunlight my votives faded a little.


Hope that helps - Good luck!

Thanks gals! That is helpful information. I appreciate it. Lesly

Hi Lesly-


Payingfor a booth is definitely the "norm". Just about every craft fair I have beento charges a booth/rental fee. The amount you pay will vary by location, season, traffic expected, etc. Some will provide tables and chairs, some won't. I have paid as little as $15.00 per day to as much as $150 for a weekend. Obviously, the"bigger" the event, the more they're gonna charge ya. Believe it or not, there are even some that will not only charge you a booth/rental fee but will also ask for a percentof your sales.

If this is an annual event, I'd ask for a traffic count. This is usually something the event holder has on record. Of course, this doesn't guarantee that that's how many people will attend but it'll give you a good idea.


Hope I helped some.

Gosh I must type slow....
I always think I'm gonna be the first one to post with some awesome information. Then I post and there's 5 above me already and I sound like an echo.....LoL

Well. I am new to this whole way of life, so all information is greatly appreciated! Lesly

The key is traffic. If they have done this show before, they should be able to estimate traffic. Don't be afraid to ask, this will make them better.


Good luck!

OK I found a couple on the Craftlister sight and the fees were around 40.00, more for inside... The traffic averaged at aabout 1200-1500. But, the information said that they would not allow buy/sell items, and the other said that 80% of whatever you are selling needs to be handmade. OK time to paint some more birdhouses!!! (kind of a hobby of mine). Have you all encountered that? Lesly

Some want homemade, some don't. Check carefully before you sign up and there are PLENTY that don't care!


For instance, there is a Pasadena show out here once a month in the Rose Bowl and they don't care. It's a HUGE show!


They are out there so keep looking and don't get discouraged.

Ya know? I just thought of something. I see some people who set up their own tables and wares in front of Grocery Stores and Strip Malls. Does anyone know whether you have to have a sellers permit or get permission from the store or is it the Property Management?


I'd like to give that a try too! Since during the holiday season people are going to department stores and grocery stores ALOT!





IreneEdited by: abbysmom

These are typically Fundraisers, and I have done this with a few fundraisers.

OK Walmart here we come!!! Lesly smileys/smiley32.gif

Jackie, are you in the Pasadena area? I just noticed your post. I am in Arcadia, so I was just wondering if you are nearby.


I am going to be at your Southern California meeting on Nov. 12. I look forward to meeting you.

Lesly, that is why I make the votive flowerssmileys/smiley1.gifThen I am also painting my votive holders (stencils), placing a votive inside and wrapping up in toulle or cello. Also if you place the candles in a basket - it is home made smileys/smiley2.gif Aren't our cinnamon buns hand made??


I was also thinking of trying the pinecone thing in the newsletter.


I notived a lot of them want pictures of theproducts to view/judge before hand. smileys/smiley5.gif 80% I don't understand that - people want candles, cosmetics, books too don't they?? I also make sure I say that they are Hand poured candles and soaps (ok, not by me but they don't have to know that) on the application.

I am up in Lake Arrowhead, so about 1 1/2 hours from Pasadena!


I look forward to meeting you on the 12th! We are going to have some fun.


I would like to start having a quarterly meeting in Southern California. So, I am working on the organizational stuff!

Hi Lesly:


I have four craft fairs coming up. When I call the contact person I always ask if they allow products not handmade. If they don't I just move on. I am in one craft fair that said homemade items. She said as long as I have some homemade items (I do gift baskets and votive flowerpots) I could do it. I did this one last year and they had some other NWM companies with no handmade items. I prefer to do only the ones that allow non-homemade items.


Craft fairs are a lot of fun and a great way to get your name out. Make sure you have some kind of drawing so you can get contact information and leads.


Barb


www.BurnForSuccess.com (http://www.BurnForSuccess.com)


www.CandleSuccessInfo.com (http://www.CandleSuccessInfo.com)


Edited by: BarbB

Thankyou very much. Debra, I had the thought as well, with the votive flowers. You are handmaking them. And the Bella Buns, if you dress them up your own way. I am going to try the pinecone thing,too. Thanks Barb for reminding me about the drawing. That is very good info! Thankyou for taking the time out of your busy lives to help me out! Leslysmileys/smiley1.gif

I have a question for those who do Flea Market booths. I did TWO flea market weekends. I am experiencing sometihing I am not sure how to handle this.


At flea markets, people are usually looking for a good price. I was "haggled" by a few customers for a cheaper price than the Suggested Retail Price. I felt I had to down from 18.00 to 15.00! The votive roses were a hit, the votive candles....well....I stood firm at 3 dollars.





I am thinking maybe I SHOUDLN'T sell at Flea Markets anymore and just do Art's and Crafts Fairs. What do you think?

Flea markets and garage sales people are used to negotiating everything. I think that is how they do business (at least the ones I have been at) These are usually better for leads than sales anyway, but if everyone was nogotiating, try raising the price $1 so You have room tonegotiate and not lose a ton. It depends on the cost of the booth Iguess but even at $15 you are still making money. Now craft fairs they don't usually negotiate with you but they cost more to attend usually.