I recently conducted a very unscientific survey. That is, I went to a few craft shows in my area and made a special point to notice what was selling. I wasn’t vending, just wandering around seeing if anything struck my fancy with a mind to report back here with some observations.
Keep in mind that there is no reason to change what you are doing. The items that sell in your area may be different. You may have ZERO interest in making some of the items I noticed.
Jewelry – Jewelry always seems to sell no matter how many vendors at the show are selling similar things. It seems that folks are buying early for the holidays as I heard a couple of remarks about pieces being purchased for gifts. Jewelry with initials, words or phrases seem to be particularly popular. Everything from a necklace with a single typewriter key or metal initial to spoons stamped with words like “lucky” or “dream” and bracelets with lines of poetry stamped in them.
Food – especially artisan, gourmet or organic food items seem to be selling well. If you are a honey farm, organic herb grower, maker of fine jams or jellies you might find that sales are good this summer. Keep food safety in mind during hot weather and if you can set aside some product for customers to sample. Attractive gift baskets seem to be pretty popular too. Maybe you can get together with a couple of other food artisans you know and create baskets for the foodies at the craft shows.
Sewn items – sewn items made with vintage fabrics or quilts seem to be really popular right now. Small pillows, dolls, tote bags, aprons and the like made with faded, much loved fabrics and trims seem to make people feel nostalgic and comforted at the same time.
Personalized items – if it has your best friends’ new baby name on it and it doesn’t cost a small fortune it makes a perfect baby gift. Everything from jewelry to dog bowls to wall art. The good thing about this is that lots of things creative business owners make can be made to include some form of personalization. Names, wedding dates and birth dates are just a few of the ways to personalize items. If you can offer personalization be sure to place a few signs in your booth stating the fact.
Bath Products – People are not only fussy about what they are putting IN their bodies but also what they are putting ON their bodies. Body washes, shampoos, scrubs and lotions made with natural ingredients were hot sellers at a couple of the shows I visited. Again, if you can have some out for shoppers to try you may convince someone who is hesitant. Just be watchful as flowery scented items can attract stinging insects. If you notice the bees hanging around a little too much you may want to keep the cap on the items until someone asks about trying it.
Have you attended many craft shows so far this summer? What did you notice was selling?
By: Vicki O’Dell , The Creative Goddess
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Crochet dishcloths were hot!
I would love to get some of those crochet dishcloths. These are great for a verity of uses. How can I get some?
LaRae
Hi LaRae!
If you are still interested in getting crocheted dishcloths, I could make some for you! Feel free to contact me at ndussard1@Gmail.com or hilyblsd1@yahoo.com and we can go over the details of what design you like, etc.
Have a great day!!
LaRae, I crochet. How many dish cloths would you like and what color? Please e-mail me. thanks!
I have about 5 or 6 dishcloths made. I like to use them in my bath instead of on my dishes. You can reach me @ greetingsbyjan@live.com.
Learn to make them.
I make them.
They are for the 80 and up crowd. Probably hotter at the beginning of the 20th century lol.
how is a craft show juried
Have seen anyone with crochetted items? I crochet babysets, blankets, bibs, kitchen towels and wash or dishclothes. My dishclothes have been good sellers besides my kitchen towels.
I have been trying to leave out my baby sets and find a great seller to replace them. I have been looking at craft mags and other sources but have not found anything.
How many baby sets do you have and are you willing to sell them all. Is it possible to email me pictures of them?
I went to a craft fair today and there were no baby items there at all. A lot of the people were from a senior community so that may have been the reason. Only holiday items were present
Dishcloths and scrubbies are great sellers for me at shows along with crocheted sponges.
I’ve found that recycled items are HUGE, especially at school craft shows. Kids love seeing what you can do with found objects, cans, bottlecaps, etc. I also use drapery swatches to make small coin purses and chapstick keychains that always sell out!
What are chapstick keychains? Do you use fabric or crochet a holder for them?
Chapstick keychains are a holder for your chapstick that attaches to your key ring. It keeps your chapstick handy.
We’re new at this, but the few that we’ve done show me that your items above are right on target. Our product is extremely different and hasn’t been seen – or so we keep being told! Shellybeans makes multi-purpose hangers. What started out as jewelry hangers expanded to kitchen, bath & bedroom, everywhere hangers. Something that you didn’t mention that I saw selling like mad was seasonal items like corn stalks in the fall, Team color items, & saying signs. I’ll let you know what I see in the Christmas shows!
Crocheted scrubbies were hot all summer at the weekly Farmer’s Market, along with dishcloths and gift sets with mugs. Also hot all summer was home made fudge, breads, bagels and my husband’s homemade snacker crackers. As people began thinking gift giving time, scrubbies and dishcloths remain hot, along with crochet topped kitchen towels, hats, slipper socks and baby bootie and hat sets.
How much are crocheted kitchen towels going for these days
Another super hot seller all summer were jumbo scrubbies with scrubbie mesh on one side and cotton thread on the other made for washing cars!
Do you have to have any special permits or inspections when you sell food at a flea market?
I crochet baby blankets, but have also started to add recycles of silverware into key chains and wind chimes. They will be in the first craft show in November. Anybody out there tried this? We are in Upstate NY.
I’m a firm believer that people should specialize and only sell the type of thing that they specified on their vendor application so that show producers can manage the mix properly.
My friend makes silverware jewelry, but was undercut at a poorly managed craft show by the woodworking guy who also had a tray of spoon rings. I crochet and was annoyed at the same show when I saw that the hot dog vendor was allowed to display a basket of crocheted scarves on the counter.
I am reading this and I have to say that as a Soap Maker sometimes I have to use gimmicks like bake goods to get people to talk to me about Natural Soap. But then I also noticed that no matter what you sell, if you don’t believe in your product the customer won’t either. Sometimes it’s not about being the only one selling a certain product, but about the part of yourself you put into it.
I understand where you are coming from. But I also understand that in this day and age everyone is trying to make a little money wherever they can.
As a former accountant, and craft fairs I have been involved with in the past, I can say that you always need a business license, and there may be other requirements depending on the state, city and organization.
I too make crochet dish cloth’s. You can place an order on my Facebook page facebook.com/mc5creations
I can make crochet into dishcloths, doll clothes bears of the month , monthly wreaths with crochet decorations. I make beautiful things and people just walk by. I need HELP
Have you tried different colors?
When we use to go to the shows in South Dakota we would check out the prices and see how we could lower ours to beat the other guys prices.
Just a thought
I have had luck with selling glass beaded wind chimes, U started making them for friends and branched out from there.
I am so bored with what I see at the craft sales. Always the same old things.
My Biggest seller is keychains fobs, bracelets, and dog collars. Oh yeah, and my scarves were a hit. I did over $1000+ on them last winter season.
When I lived in PA and made fake foods i did really well at craft shows and I was the only one with that type of craft. Since moving to Georgia there really isn’t a want for fake foods. I miss creating my cakes and cupcakes.
Nice article. I make fake food jewelry and magnets and hope to be hitting some craft shows soon. Glad jewerly is up there on the list 🙂
remember that to sell food. you must have a license from the State./county etc from the health dept. Actually it is your kitchen that has to pass inspection for this license.
I would also like to add that the items that sell also depends on where you live. I live in southeast central Florida and crochet items don’t sell very well here, even dishcloths. I crochet and have for 30 years and never seem to be able to get rid of what I make. I’ve even tried to make layettes for Christenings and they don’t seem to go far. What sells here is bath items, especially natural organic stuff, and jewelry. Food items don’t sell well here unless you’re selling out of a food truck. Many of the craft shows and flea markets I’ve frequented both on and off season do pretty good selling team sport items (pro and collegiate), jewelry. I guess the bottom line is, go to the shows and see which booths have the most people flocking around them, then you’ll know what’s selling and what’s not.
Just a piece of advice if selling sports team items, be sure and check if you’re required to have a crafters licence for that organization. It’s required in my state and agents do frequent craft shows too check for them.
I too sell at craft shows – all over Central Florida, and now I little bit into Georgia……… I am finding that Craft Shows are changing dramatically; it used to be you went to and bought at a craft show the kind of things you couldn’t find in the “mass Market”, and people were willing to spend the $$ ( not overpriced) for the hand made and unique items. I have found now, that “most” are “looking” for a “deal” and will walk right by if you don’t have rock bottom pricing or if you won’t sell it “cheaper” that what you have it marked. Very important to mark your items.
I find we have to be constantly evolving, and should try ( if possible) to carry enough of a variety that you can appeal to (1) one that appreciates the hard work we do and is looking for good quality, (2) the “average shopper” who is looking for good deals (without undercutting everything), and (3) the total cheapskate. ( sorry, they are out there)………..
I sell Stainless steel and Sterling Silver jewelry, Women’s and Men’s, many with Swarovski elements, and larger size women’s clothing that I embellish ( add to the basic design with embroidery, beads, sequins etc. I also have some silver plate jewelry, and some “end of season” dresses available for those who want to spend very little.
My Standard response for someone who wants me to “cut a deal” or lower my prices is:
“Thanks for your interest. My pricing is based on my costs of materials, show fees, time and advertising. I am pricing everything to make it fair for all. ” There is no shipping and you can take it home with you today!! Note: I also have a printed sign that I hang in my tent that says : THIS IS NOT A FLEA MARKET……
It works 🙂
I too have noticed that people at certain types of craft shows/ fairs for example ones at schools or even the church bazaars really don’t want to even pay you for the cost of materials let alone any time spent on handmade items. One year I made wreathes that I only calculated my cost of goods and people still didn’t want to pay the price. Crocheted items of all sorts just sat there and I was getting annoyed after the 18th person asked for combos like 2 for 10.00 scarves, hats etc… Ummm no thank you as I don’t use red heart yarn so the yarn itself was 10.00 each item but seemed like most people wanted pretty things on a dollar tree budget… Or just being ignorant of the fact that I sat there during chemo and crocheted my little heart out but it seems people have forgotten “crafts” and craft fairs are where artist of all sorts go to showcase their talents and I spent 25.00 on a table plus donated a 50.00 Christmas wreath ( just COG) and went home negative $70.00 because I sold one school color/team beanie for 5.00 to a kid that was freezing otherwise it was 10.00 so I cut out and never did that again… Burned twice… So now, where to go? I’m horrible at actually shipping things so like to do local but I’m chronically ill and don’t have time for games lol!!
You might have better luck at the more expensive craft shows. Plus, nurses have a lot of spending money. You could let the nurses you see know that you sell these items you are working on during your visits. Carry of bag of finished products with you. Best wishes!
Jess, I can sympathize with you about the fact that people want to buy things for $.50 -$1.00 for handmade products. I had the same experience with a small town “Fall Festival” type day and I paid 35.00 for the spot, had ALL TYPES of handmade decorated grapevine wreathes with many different decorations for different holidays, sports teams, etc. at $5- $10 and I sold NONE! I had even collected and hand wrapped the grapevines myself. Seems like they’d rather pay $ 50- $80 for a wreath at the local big craft stores. I don’t get it, but I noticed that jewelry, food and live plants sold better than anything. I tried the wreathes at a farmer’s market along with some gluten-free baked goods and the baked goods paid for the booth and again-I sold NON wreaths…and they were beautiful.
I have been doing craft shows for a little over a year now. My sister-in-law, niece, and I do primitive crafts and goats milk soap and crochet items, we haven’t been doing much selling at all. The best one we did was in the fall we each made a little over $100. People seem to be looking and not buying. I think advertising for the event is a big thing too. We keep plugging away, but it is frustrating when you spend a lot of time and talent and money on making things and people just walk by. I may try the crochet dish towels (I love mine), sponges, and dish cloths.
I do “mostly” papercrafts…I find that women LOVE a “complete” gift – packaging, tag/card, and contents. I do lots of little things that are great for teachers, office/co-workers, etc. Most of my items are under $5. I don’t do many greeting cards…people will spend $6 at Hallmark, but they won’t pay “me” $6 for a hand-crafted work-of-art.
I appreciate PHYLLIS C’s comments about “This isn’t a flea market” … I too have had people (WOMEN) ask if I’d “take less” for this, or discount for multiples…once I talked myself out of punching them, I say “no, I’m sorry…I spend the same amount of time making EACH item. I believe my prices are fair.” (My hubby says I don’t charge enough!)
It can be discouraging, but I made up my mind that I craft because I love it, and have a NEED to create. Some will appreciate and value that.. The rest can buy crap at Dollar Tree or Walmart.
HAPPY CRAFTING!
I love making my hair accessories and I don’t know how to even started on a web site. Yes I know all about zesty everybody and their mother (lol) are selling them on there. I make dish cloths and towels to hang on a stove handle also. My best customers are my grand daughters (non-paying) of course lol. But from time to time I do sell to people i know. I also make ear warmers in many colors
I make 18″ doll clothes and tooth fairy pillows and have the same problem. Some people actually tell you that your prices are too high. If they shop at the American Girl Store, they would pay an extremely higher price, plus tax. And if they order online they will pay for shipping as well and wait to see how the item actually looks like. Fabric, lace, ric rack, Velcro and elastic are not cheap. Oh well I still love to sew and it is a great pass time for me.
The problem is people don’t appreciate handcrafted items! The feel because its handmade its cheap. Far from it
I sell vintage inspired jewelry and agree that a big seller is the letter necklace, singe letter on a bar or the letter itself on a chain. Pearls are also selling well. My web site is http://www.vintagespiritandsplendor.com and I have a facebook page with the same name, but with spaces between the words.
Lobed the ideas here, and I too have felt the sting– of people pawing through my things, and then putting them down and asking for my best price! I’m in So. central coastal CT- kind of an “old money” country club, traditional values— demographic (no offenses intended).
The Mood of my booth, is Bohemian, and I have purple and orange as my background colors. Mom and I greet people, but back off, the 3 tables are on the tent perimeter, we’re behind, working/knitting, etc. We made about 30 tissue flowers on 2 and 3 ft bamboo stakes in all sizes in those shades, and they were for sale, but also helped set the mood, too. I make a variety of recycled fiber items, tiny bags, big bags & backpacks, and some flowered headwear, and festival wear (fun, funky), waist bags, in metallics, with feathers & beads.
I also make wristwarmers – in wool, alpaca, handspuns, camel, buffalo! some acrylic & blends, too, in lacey crochet, or vintage stitching, some double strand, some Halloween colors in the fall, knitted with an eye to intricate stitching and quality. Christmas colors, etc. Nothing I make looks like a vintage granny square! Wipe those images from your mind! I make them for men & kids too. A few slippers— a lot of scrap and remnant yarn turns into the most funniest blends of colors- but everything seems to work. I take apart old sweaters too, for the yarn. I inherited –a drawer of vintage buttons! and I use these for most everything.
My grandparents owned a woolen mill; I grew up in yarns, fabrics, designers, art, and they were the nicest, most helpful teachers. I like to also make mobiles from painted driftwood and seashells and beach glass. Recently, we helped take down some invasive bamboo, and I’m currently working to make “chimes” and also to use painted or natural bamboo and gourds in making nightlights. I also take oyster shells and paint them in series of colors– for home dec.use.
But, back to your thoughts too, about pricing, people talking the price down, demographics, and unique-ness. It breaks my heart when I have to justify my work. In particular, paying $75.00 for a generous spot in a “Repurpose/Maker Fair” for 2 Autumns, now. Everything has to be repurposed. I price according to what each thing is – grouping together- for ease in pricing. Most wrist warmers are, for example, as beautifully made (in my opinion) as they are–are $8.00/$12.00/and $15.00. And I get, “Are these 2 for one?” From people walking around with Coach and Louis Vuitton bags, with knuckle dragging diamond rings. … drinking and eating high end beverages and treats. And my backpacks & bags, the larger ones are$50.00– and up.I’ve done research, and attended many shows. These are big, fashion magazine inspired, boho looking–gorgeous multi-strand blended yarn; lined, with pockets, and leather handles, and-again, beautifully made–no slip-shod knitting or crocheting. I’m very picky! But still,one person asked my mom (my helper), why are these so expensive? Kills me! My price supports the demographics.
Most people are wonderful, and I ended up giving away the big flowers as advertising. Gonna do more teenage focused items–they buy things, and then tell moms! Thank you for letting me talk, and vent a bit!
Please excuse typos- Kindle hates me! 🙂
Part of the issue with food items is you usually must have a food handler certificate, work out of a certified kitchen, and carry liability insurance.
I’ve found that most of the shows have become so commercial and so expensive that it isn’t worth it to go. Shows I used to do well at I no longer do as well. This is because the shows have too many of the same kind of booth. It’s difficult to compete when there are 30 booths selling soap and one of them is Melt & Pour, selling at $2/bar.
One thing to understand is that your booth needs to have plenty of light and glitter to attract customers. That can be challenging when you are outside!
If any of you are near Eugene, OR, I am the Organizer for a show taking place Sunday, Oct. 14th. Contact me to be a Vendor — booth fees are $20 plus a donated item worth at least $10. jillybeansisme@hotmail.com for more info and reference Autumn Gift Show!
I read all the posts and in so many ways I related to everything said UNTIL the day my son-in-law was sitting in my studio talking with me and admiring my items. When he saw my pricing he stopped, put an item down and told me very seriously that if I don’t put VALUE into the items that I make NO ONE WILL VALUE THEM.
He owns his own business and shared that when he goes out and does an estimate for services he quotes his price for his materials, his work and his time. He does not squabble or set his pricing low. He feels he can sit home and be broke, if he is going out and doing a job or selling his services it will be for a price to make it worth his time.
People LOVE his work and word of mouth from satisfied customers are his advertisements. I thought about his words and asked myself if this was a hobby or a business. I then raised my prices and incorporated an ‘attitude’ into my business persona when I am talking about my items that people are lucky to be able to purchase an item of this quality for this pricing.
I make sure that I look the part of a successful business when I am out and about and I wear many of my own items. I have yet to go anyplace that I am not stopped by someone admiring either my coat, jacket or purse….whatever the ‘original’ product is that I am using to draw attention that day. I always stop and talk to the person about the item and give them my business card.
Hope you can take something away from this comment that might help. IF YOU DO NOT BELIEVE IN YOURSELF AND YOUR ITEMS…who will?
If you sell pet items, visit your local pet day spas for a tour of their facilities, of course bring along your dog dress to the hilt in your items. When they fall all over their self about how adorable your dog looks, offer your card and tell them you would be willing to put a display of your items in the spa and talk terms. ‘If you sell adorable crochet kitchen or bath items, take a wrapped in see through wrapping set to your hairdresser, your nail salon etc. and ask if you could place a display in their store. Mark your pricing up accordingly as they will want a % of your sales.
If you sell precious children’s items….your local day care, your church gift shop, the places are endless.
You just have to believe in yourself as a BUSINESS not a craft maker with a hobby.
I have see some of the beautiful work other artist’s do out there and believe me…The Public Is Lucky you are offering them a way to obtain many of these items. One thing I will add….if you are doing the same items that you know are flooding the craft shows….think how you can change yours up a little….Use plain towels with embroidered saying to fit your area on the towels instead of standard dollar tree towels cut in half. Look at your items and come up with something to make yours unique and different so that they stand out in the crowd.
i don’t do craft shows but I do a lot of crafts. i make Naive America beaded earrings, necklaces, and sets. I also make chokers, fabric dolls, etc. My husband makes dream catchers. Best sellers are my earrings and necklaces and my husband’s dream catchers.