I’m now becoming a bit of an old hand at
craft fairs now that I’m into my third summer.
I wouldn’t call myself an expert but I have learnt a lot from experience
and have to say I’m still learning. I
don’t think people often realise the preparation that goes into a fair, and
I’ve found that really getting organised makes for a better fair. I have a list of things I take, it’s fairly
generic with a few things that I need specifically for my stall.
List of craft fair musts:-
·
Directions to the fair!! Remember your map or
sat nav.- don’t give yourself
unnecessary stress by getting lost on
the way
·
Pens
·
Pad of Paper for notes
·
Labels
·
Scissors
·
Receipt book- some people do asks for receipts
·
Bags- the size and type obviously depends on
what you’re selling
·
Business cards- I always have a few lying at the
front of the stall. People may not buy
from you then, but give them the opportunity to come back to you particularly
if you sell online. I always look at fairs as a marketing opportunity. I think
it is really important to remember that customers put a lot of trust in you if
you are making your own products and a fair is the chance to see the quality of
your work and to see YOU (it’s important to remember you are an important part
of your product- so it’s worth remembering to pack a smile on fair days)
·
Cellotape/ sticky tape
·
String
·
Safety pins
·
Table covering- some fair organisers insist you
have something that covers the stall to the floor on three sides of the table
just to hide the stuff you’ve hidden underneath it. It does in fact make the stall look tidier
and more professional.
·
Float- cash for change. I find the amount you
need depends on the size of the event and it is always as well to be prepared-
it is frustrating to lose a sale because you haven’t enough change.
·
Copy of your public liability insurance- the
fair organiser may ask to see it.
If you’re at a
fair in a tent, in a field, it is useful to have tarpaulin to put under the
stall to protect your stock and your feet.
Another tarpaulin is useful to cover your stall if you leave it set up
overnight, particularly if you’re in a tent- they are not always water tight
and even if it doesn’t rain they can get damp overnight just with condensation
or dew.
I always try to
keep extra warm clothes, waterproofs and wellies in the car- I’ve just been
reminded of this as I listen to the rain coming down in stair rods outside.
I find that the
clear heavy duty plastic boxes or crates are the best things for transporting
stock and storing it under the stall. They stack more easily, they are great
for protecting your stock and the clear boxes make it is easier to see what’s
in them when you’re looking for something.
Things to consider taking:-
·
Clothes pegs/ pins
·
Screwdriver- OK possible over the top but worth
considering. I have a clothes stand that needs to be assembled for the stall so
a screwdriver is quite important.
·
Chair- it’s worth checking whether or not a
chair is provided. Possibly more important check that a table is provided. It
may be that you are renting a space and the table is not provided or is
provided at extra cost. A chair you can manage without but it’s more difficult
to manage without a table. Most organiser usually do make it clear what you are
getting when you book a stall.
·
Drawing Pins
·
Stapler
·
Blu- Tac
The list could
be much longer I suppose and obviously you need to adapt it to your own needs
and requirements- it would be interesting to know what must haves other folk
have on their list.
I like to take a
flask of coffee, some snacks and a packed lunch- this is not to say they are
always eaten but it gives you options particularly if there is a lack of, or
limited, onsite catering, and (here’s the miser in me speaking) it also means
that you don’t go and spend your precious take on food. There is often enough
temptation to spend your money at other crafters stalls.
Now off to get organised for another
event...
