Craft Show / Art Fairs etc?

Question

I am interested in some opinions on craft/art shows. I hand make pacifier holders-but also bottle/sippy cup holders (nobody else makes them around here)-- the pacifier clips go for 4 dollars each or 2 for 6 and the bottle holders go for 12 dollars each. So my question is- there are lots of shows around here (grand rapids michigan). The smaller craft shows at schools and churches charge much less for a boothj (between 50-120 dollars) and all of the big outdoor festivals etc charge at the minimum $150 for a booth. (most are closer to $250 for 2 days). Is it worth it for me to try some of the larger outdoor festivals? I'm hesitant- but i know you need to invest money to make any-- am i better off sticking with the smaller ones? Also- I have yet to sell at any craft shows (only been selling them off ebay) what would be a good number of each item to bring for a weekend? Any ideas or tips and pointers? My aunt does stained glass (i know- a totally different area) and she spent

$80 for a booth at a schools arts and crafts show- and only sold 1 $5.00 item.== Im just hesitant. Single mom of two can[t really afford to not make money-- as most people can't. So any advice ? tips? thanks in advance!

here is a link for pictures of the items i want to sell- Also any advice on pricing? Am i pricing too high? Too low?

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i75/bruiseviol3t/50044869_tp.jpg
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i75/bruiseviol3t/20ff_1.jpg

Answer 1

The best show to get into is Immaculate Heart Of Mary on Plymouth. It's a juried show in November.

Garfield Park has a great show too. Making Money with crafts is a tough gig. Stay away from Junior League's "Beneath the Wreath'. Besides a huge booth fee, they take 15% of your sales. Kentwood Community Church has a nice show too. Ottawa Hills High School and Grandville HS Harvest Festival.

If you don't have a lot of product, you can make items to order. Your crafts seem well made and reasonable. Outside shows can be tough. Often you have to deal with the elements.

Answer 2

The trick to having a successful show is to know your market. I don't think a school would be the best place for you since most students are young, single and not typically parents. Students who have young children probably don't have any money to spare for non-necessities. A church might be a good choice.
Attend some of the bigger shows and see what they're selling, what they're charging, and who the clientele are. Ask the vendors how they're doing. If that's not possible, contact the show management and ask them questions.
Most craft shows don't allow sharing of boothes, but if you could find someone who also does baby or maternity or gift items, you may be able to go in together under one name. You could share expenses and the work.
Don't forget that you need a table, displays, etc. and it is essential that you display your work in a flattering way. A professional look goes a long way.
Some other ideas that might be helpful-
1. Try selling the items as a set, maybe 2 pacifiers and a bottle strap that match or have a theme. Or sell the pacifiers and bottles with them. I can only imagine how many mom's might buy just because they need a clean binky! Put together small gift baskets or just wrap them attractively as a quick and inexpensive shower gift. It's amazing how much value you can add to an item by presenting it in a creative way.
2. Try selling a few to some local baby or maternity boutiques. They might like to try them out on consignment. Try hospital gift shops- they would make a great last minute gift and you don't see a lot of baby stuff at the hospital. Also, any place mom's or pregnant women gather would be a good place to try- Exercise studios, gymboree, hair salon, park, chuck-e-cheese- all places where binky's and bottles get lost and dropped. They all have a front desk and I often see unexpected things for sale there. Baby expo's, etc. are great, too.
3. Use your friends and family as word of mouth advertising. It doesn't hurt to show a picture around the office, or to someone they know who might need these things. You could offer them a sales commission.
Good Luck to you!

Answer 3

Oh, and I was going to write such a short answer!

You are selling yourself short. You'd do very well at craft shows because it's a useful item. Don't go in without a hundred per day on display, because you want to look prosperous.

Plus, since this is not a craft item, you could do well on your own website or in shops. You could look for a successful high-end baby goods website that does not have these items, and ask them to rep you for a consignment fee. You'd be doing them a favor. Or, go in with your friends who make other high-quality baby items that do not compete with yours. You can start with a freebie website whose ads are unobtrusive, then upgrade as the money comes in. That's what I did. I'm now paying $7.00 a month for web space, plus a one-time $75.00 for web design software.

If you go with a website, write it with lots of general phrases that people will use when shopping for classy baby stuff. In fact, I just checked, and classybaby.com is not taken!

The issue on pricing is, how much do the importers charge? They are your biggest competition. For example, for a couple of years I made $12.00 each on decorator Christmas stockings. Mine were lined and one-of-a-kind. But when Big Lots began selling less durable ones for $4.00, I dropped my line. The majority of craft fair customers and department store shoppers don't care about durability, handmade, or American-made. Price will win every time, so ignore the majority. . You need to go right to the high-end consumer, wherever she may be.

Editing: I just read the response below mine. How does the Junior League get away with that! How greedy.
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Answer 4

You can get some corkboard and cover it with black fabric and hang the jewelry on it, pinning it on very securely. Best practice is to put it in glass cases so it cannot be touched unless you are looking at the person. Yeah!!! I lost some of my daughter's beadwork stuff at one of the faires!! It just got up and walked away on its own two little legs!!! I have used christmas trees to hang stuff on, Dead limbs that were interesting, and made a jewelry display tree as well. Since you are just starting out, get a couple sheets of plexiglass and lay them over your table, of course, cut to fit your table!! Black cloths work best to show off most jewelry. Velvet or velveteen prevents sliding, but you can use what you can afford right now. I have a handwoven piece of fabric on a dowel rod now that I use for displaying a lot of lessor expensive necklaces. The necklaces are pinned top and bottom from behind the tapestry. Last item!!! have a friend come booth sit for you for about 15 to 30 minutes every 2 or 3 hours!!! You cannot look at your stuff while you run to the Necessary Chamber!!! or while you eat. Eating in the booth is very unprofessional. Most of all have a really good time!!!