My First Craft Show!

I did my first craft fair this weekend, it was definitely not how I expected it to be, but it was still fun and I cant wait to participate in more! The show went alright, I did gain enough to cover the booth fee at least with a bit of profit, but as my business boyfriend points out, for the hours put into creating the items, sitting at the craft show, etc., I'm technically probably in the negative! Its ok though, it was a great way to get my feet wet. I felt my items definitely catering to a different crowd though, as the majority of the fair goers were retired elderly, some of which thought my items that were $2.50-3 were too expensive, despite the hours it takes for me to make each item. I thought I did have a good variety given some were more youthful jewelry and others were tea canisters and gift tins for all ages, but it was hard getting any buyers. I did meet some nice crafters though who were very encouraging about my first show and said my items were very reasonably priced and well-made which made me happy, though I wish they pitied me enough to purchase something though! :P

I definitely felt prepared for the craft show by bringing:

-spare change/bills

-mirror

-extra inventory

-variety of inventory with variety of prices

-mailing list sign up

-knucklebuster, receipts, and laptop to process credit cards

There definitely are some things I will remember to do for the next show though!

-iron table cloth! perhaps buy a larger table cloth too

-prop up my magnets

-have more display trays and levels to my booth

-I need to remember to always offer business cards to those who drop by

-bring something to do, e.g., origami so people can see me creating as well as gives me something to do during the lulls in traffic

-different sized gift bags