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I have been to lots of local craft fairs, but I have never been to a large national fair. However, if you have never been to a craft fair these following tips should help you, and I would advise attempting a small fair first, so that you will be better organised for 'the big one'. How do I choose a craft fair? How much is a stall? Getting prepared Other items to take Setting out On arrival Outdoor events How do I choose a craft fair? There are normally lots of organisations asking for craft stalls, especially at Christmas. I have found that the events advertised as a 'Craft Fair' will get you more sales than having a stall at the 'Bazaar' or 'the fete'. I would ask the following questions: How big is the table/space? What will be supplied? Where is the event being advertised? How many visitors will they be expecting (they may not know - but it is worth asking)? How long is the event? Will they be taking on any crafts or are they trying to be selective so that many crafts are covered and not lots of the same? How much will it cost? If you have a free standing rack/rail ask if it can be accommodated What other activities are planned? - I went to one once where the local Lower school sang carols and all the Mums and Dads turned up with their money, along with a local brass band. Is there any catering there? In my opinion those local events lasting all day can often mean a slow trickle of people throughout the day. Often the membership of the club/group organising the event can determine the potential customers. How much is a stall? This really can vary and will depend on the answers to the previous questions. I think most events are asking for a minimum of £10 now, some if you are lucky will ask for a smaller fee and commission, which is better for the first few you do. They can be up to £30, but bear in mind how much you will need to sell to cover this cost. Getting prepared You will need some items to make your stall attractive, and obviously at this stage at a minimal cost. Have a look around when you are at other craft fairs and see what sort of items are being used to 'dress up' the stall. Here are some thoughts: Tablecloth - this should be large enough to reach the floor so you can put your empty boxes underneath, once you have set up. I use a double sheet, you can always get a cheap one and dress it up with a good tablecloth just on the top. Height - where ever possible try to organise your stall on some different levels, here are a few ideas, depending on what you are selling: Two cheap notice boards joined together with hinges and perhaps covered in fabric. A garden trellis sawn in half and joined with hinges, and then clamped to the stall - you can pin things on, hang them from cup hooks, use paper clips and bulldog clips. Shoe (or other) boxes covered in fabric or paper, make sure they are sturdy enough. Lakeland, Wilkinsons, Woolworths may be good places to have a look around. Receptacles - You may need to put items in things - again shoe (or other) boxes covered in paper or fabric, baskets are a good idea particularly if they have an open feel - wicker, chrome or plastic can all be suitable. Make sure you have business cards, descriptive signs and prices, written clearly and neatly or produced on the computer. You may even want some contingency plans for prices if there is someone selling similar products at a cheaper price. Other items to take A list of all the items you need to take! I have a tin of essential items which includes:

Small Scissors Pens and paper Drawing pins String Safety Pins

Business Cards Blue Tack Price Labels Sellotape

Then you will need Change - the first customer never has any change! Note the amount down Something to put your money in - a box, tin, or bum bag Bags - I use the sandwich bags on a roll for the small stuff and keep all plain carrier bags that I have been given ready for the occasion. Warm clothing - take a few layers, halls can often be cold draughty places when you are just sitting around. You may want to take food and drink. I always take something crafty to keep me occupied - and it can often attract visitors to the stall. Setting out Pack all the items in boxes/holdalls/trolley with the tablecloth somewhere on top. You may find that you will have a little walk to your table from the car - and it may be raining - so make sure you can make as few trips as possible. On arrival Locate the organiser and find your stall. Make sure that the table is sturdy and the size you were promised, get a chair as well. Sometimes the table by the door is a good spot, but make sure it is not in a draught and with less space than some of the others. Set your stall out, make sure the tablecloth is neat and tidy just touching the floor, pin any extra away, this is something you cannot change after you have started putting your stock out. Then make sure that breakable items are somewhere near the back. Sell loads! Talk to your customers, find out what they like. Good Luck Outdoor events For outdoor events, you will need to make sure you can cope with wind and rain. You probably will not have a table or chair provided either, but your pitch can normally be quite big. You really need a gazebo and a strong sturdy table before considering one of these. Or if you can just turn up on the day if the weather is good. Post a message on the forum for any other tips.