Handmadeology

If you are doing an outside show you will want to prepare for the worst. We did a load in once in a freak downpour and I was wearing canvas shoes. All my signs and table cloths got soaked, and I had wet feet the entire day.

  Here is a post o get you thinking about warmer days! The summer craft show season is fast approaching and for many of you that means replenishing inventory. Here are a few tips for streamlining your production that you can use this summer and all the way through the busy holiday season. Spring is [...]

The more visitors get to spend time with you and understand why you create, the more likely they are to buy your work and tell their friends about you.

I’m a shy introvert, so in-person selling is not exactly my fortay. I’m a rock-star at online communications, but often get accused of being a mute in the “real-world,” with the exception of karaoke night.

Last week I wrote about my best tips for selling at craft shows and promised to provide this big checklist of items to consider taking with you to a show. While not every item on the list is a must, I hope it will be helpful to have a list for all the aspects of your booth to take care of, including you!

Today, we will move onto some of The Bag’s most important contents: The Box. I consider “The Box” my crafter’s tool kit, complete with all the knick knacks.

One of the things I found most stressful about prepping for my very first few shows (several years ago) was the worry that I might forget something important.

Keeping track of your finances at a craft show can be complicated. That’s why we’ve been working the past month developing the ultimate craft show solution to make your craft show season go so much more smoother!

If you have no idea of how to display, especially with art and craft shows are starting to pick up, then here are some ideas to help you out.

A common dilemma is what to do with your Etsy shop during that time, and whether or not it makes sense to put it in vacation mode.

I’ve been to four craft shows so far, and thought I’d share some of the lessons learned and valuable observations for the future.

Dinah Coops launched her line of modern, hand silkscreened home and personal accessories in 2007 and already has several tradeshows under her belt. This Q & A will give you a sneak peek at the tradeshow panel discussion featured at this years School House Craft conference happening this September in Seattle!

Yes! You should sell at a craft fair. There is no better way in the world to learn more about your target market and your customers. You have instant feedback as you watch your customers browse your products. Who stops by? Who lingers? Who buys?

Keeping track of your finances at a craft show can be complicated. That’s why we’ve been working the past month developing the ultimate craft show solution to make your craft show season go so much more smoother!

I recently witnessed her sell the roof off a lovely community center at a local holiday show. I had a front row seat from my Energy Shop booth and plenty of time to watch the magic of her day unfold.

One of the questions I hear most often is whether exhibiting at trade shows is still worthwhile. The answer is definitely. Attending one of the thousands of trade shows happening across the country every year is still the best way to meet new customers face-to-face and get your product on their radars.

While a woman was looking at my $6 coin purses, she said, “I love these! And I can afford one because I still have a little cash left.” I said, “I take credit cards!” She ended up buying about $34 worth of merchandise.

So, for those of you looking for some tips on how to have a successful craft fair, here are my favorite links from the last year or so, with tips for having a successful craft fair: