Craft Tip: Craft Fair Info for the Newbie

Craft Fair season is upon us.  For many crafters preparations for holiday fairs begins right after the Christmas decorations are put away.  If you are new to craft fairs, don't despair.  There is still time to prepare and there may be a booth or table at a craft fair near you.   Try calling your local Chamber of Commerce, City Hall, Senior Centers, Community Centers, Churches, etc.  Start small and work you way up to the bigger fairs.

Here are a few quick tips for your first fair:

Cash Box: Make sure to have plenty of change...$1, $5 and $10 bills and an assortment of loose change. Remember most people will draw out of their ATM which dispenses twenty dollar bills.  If you don't have change, another booth will.

Cell Phone: Bring it in case of an emergency, but turn it off. A customer does not want to be interrupted in the middle of a transaction while you answer a call from hubby who has lost the remote control...again.
Apron: With your company name neatly embroidered or silk screened on the front. And preferably with lots of pockets. One for the cell phone that will be turned off. One for business cards that you'll need to hand out as you walk around to the other booths. Another for a couple of pens. And a couple for...well, you never know until you stuff something into it.
Business Cards: Don't leave home without them...ever! Place them prominently on the table. Be sure to hand one to every customer or potential customer. Put one in the bag with every purchase.
Network: Visit with as many other crafters as possible. You'll find out about the latest trends, upcoming fairs, successes and failures. Exchange business cards and utilize other crafters whenever you can.