Signatures Festival of Crafts 2021
Did you learn a new craft or art over the last year, and now you’re ready to enter the craft market world? (First time Market-er? Click HERE)
Have you been absent from markets the last year and itching to get back, but wondering where to start?
I have participated in craft shows and markets for over 11 years. I have participated in some amazing ones! And I’ve participated in some train wrecks. I had record breaking sales at markets that cost me $25 for the table, and I’ve lost money at larger, more expensive markets. So I hope my learnings help you make the best decision for your craft! The most important thing to realize, one persons gold mine might be another persons bust.
How do you decide what to apply for? For anyone starting out, or reentering the market world in 2021, I have a really good feeling this is going to be an amazing fall and holiday season for markets! Everyone is itching to celebrate and I truly feel it will be a great year for all of us!
Start Here!
First, ask yourself the following questions:
- Who is my customer?
- What is my average price point?
- How much inventory can I make?
Then, research what find of markets are around you.
- Community/Church Hall
- Farmers Market
- Weekend Pop up
- Large Scale events
Market Fees
There are many wonderful community style events, where the tables/booths will range from $25-$50. This can be great events for all makers. I highly encourage your to join one in your community. You can then post and advertise on your neighbourhood Facebook page, have family and friends stop by to support, and after a long day, its a short drive home!
Farmer Markets and Pop ups can range from $25-$500. These are usually outside, need a tent and can be affected my weather ( good and bad!).
And your BIG large scale markets are anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple of thousand! I LOVE these markets, however do your research and ensure you are dropping a thousand dollars with the right company where your product is the right line up for the clientele that will show up!
When its under $50, and I feel good about it, I just sign up! For anything more than that, look into a couple of thigs:
- How many years has it been running?
- If multiple, it has a good turn out rate for people!
- If first year, does it appear organized and what are they doing for advertisement?
- If you get the sense they are unorganized or lack experience… stay away..
- How many hours is the event running in total ?( might be multiple days) Divide this by the fee. How much do you need to sell an hour to break even? How much do you need to sell an hour to make money?
- What other vendors will be there? Who else is selling items like yours?
- Since my products are pet related, it be easy to assume all pet markets would be ideal. If there are already 7 treat companies, do I actually want that much competition? That will decide on the size of the event.
Most Important:
Most importantly, go with your guy and have fun! If you find yourself in a bust of a market… ( it happens to all of us) keep smiling. No customer wants a grumpy vendor! I realize a show is a bust, this is my cue to go mingle more, meet more makers…. and one of my favourite things… trade!!! Trade your goods for other goods! Makers love doing this!
When I know the show is a gold mine, take notes, find out if the organizer has more coming up, and celebrate with the bottle of wine you may or may not have under your table…
2019 Spruce Meadows Masters event
have fun!