My favorite tip I can offer: Set up your booth at home and get it exactly how you want it. Take photos of it and bring them with you the day of the show. Then you have a blueprint of your booth! No wasted time or trying to remember how it looked.

I was recently at a craft fair with my 85 yo mom. We were at one booth that had some really interesting items and I was in the process of narrowing down a couple of different pieces to which one I was going to buy. There was another customer asking if he could come into the booth and look. The owner looked at my mom (who was walking slowly with her walker) and rolled her eyes and told the guy, "she's taking forever." I immediately put down the item I was about to purchase and asked my mom to leave with me. I would never buy from someone who was so disrespectful to an elderly person. Mom obviously has difficulty moving around, but she got herself up and made the effort to go out to the craft fair. I'm still mad about that and it was two weeks ago.

We had so many people take photos of our booth and art and then leave. It was a negative thing. Then we made up a small photo-board sign that had our web page and info on it. Now when people whip the phone out, we smile and ask them, "Oh can you please include our photo board in the background? That way you will remember who's booth this is!" So, at least we get our web page out there, and we turn a negative thing into a positive.

"Comparison is the thief of joy" - Theodore Roosevelt

One time, a customer was playing with her own bracelet and being judgemental with my stuff and she said, "I got this at walmart for $3.00..." before she could finish, her bracelet broke! I said, "well Walmart is down the street". I couldn't help it but it was that moment and everyone else around me busted out laughing. She felt like crap! My sale went up. Very rare situation but I did great. LOL

I'm not a crafter, but I have attended many craft fairs in my life. I love buying well-made crafts and I appreciate the artistry that goes into them. However, I absolutely avoid any stalls where the artist is not engaged with their customers. If I walk in to look at an artist's goods and they don't greet me or even look at me, I am already turned off and will very likely walk right out. So, please engage your customers, even if it's just a greeting and a "thank you for looking" when they leave. Many times I have returned to stalls with friendly artists and purchased something later, once I have perused the whole craft fair.

I enjoyed your advice, Olivia. I learned one lesson at a craft fair years ago. Never prejudge your customers. We were at the State Fair Grounds and had a wide mix of people in attendance due to the other events taking place. The well dressed ladies were the harshest critics of the crafts and the nicest most complimentary customers were the bikers attending the nearby motorcycle races. The Goth kids were so sweet as well. It was a very interesting experience and I'm glad my young son was with me to share it and learn.

Maybe I'm just the kind that makes lemonade out of lemons but I did craft shows for 3 years while my kids were little and had a completely different response to all those situations. Talking to other vendors is a great way to network, partner and learn about other shows. Sure, if NO ONE is around, you can complain about how slow it is. But my response was always, "every show has its busy and slow times." In fact, I managed to get a second income going because, through talking to others, I met the editor of a craft show newsletter (one FOR crafters) for my area and began writing articles for it. (If there isn't one in your area, you might consider starting one.) I never thought of other vendors as competition and, rather than compare my own work to others, if I liked something someone did, or I think someone did something better than me, I'd learn from them. I wouldn't copy, but I would take that idea and put my own spin on it. I thought of it as part of the creative process. Don't know if it has to do with the time or the place, but when I did craft shows (NJ/PA area in the 1990's), no one ever traded crafts. That seems really weird to me. And sort of rude. I mean, just because I want something someone else has, that's no reason to assume they want something I make. And it's sort of cheesy to make that kind of offer, if you ask me. As for customers, yes, they can be thoughtless and rude. I've had some say, "I could do that," or "that's a lot to charge." I would cheerfully agree and explain that what they're paying for is my time (usually including the amount of hours spent). Also, without letting every comment get to me, I would make notes if someone criticized me-- because criticism is a way to learn. As a crafter you should always try to improve, both your craft and your selling techniques. So take every criticism as a potential suggestion. I don't mean you should take them to heart, but think about what they say. Here's a few tips I found helpful: 1. ALWAYS make some small item that you can charge $2-5 for and make a lot of them. MANY people who go to craft shows do not intend to spend the big bucks. But if they find some small item, they will snatch it up. It's just the way it is. I used to make hand-painted items, many of them clothes. But I always had at least 100 hand painted bibs (which cost $1 and took 10 minutes to paint) and I could charge $5 for each. I usually sold out so I always made some money, even at slow shows. I also made Christmas ornaments for the pre-Christmas shows. Again, cheap materials, quick to work up and low cost. They flew off my table. Heck, I'd even make up candy toys (using wrapped candy and a hot-glue gun, making toy trains etc.) and sell them for $1. People with kids would buy them just to give them "something." 2. DON'T just make one type of item. That limits your customers. While those little items are great, try to offer something in every price range. As for the really expensive items, only make a few and be patient. They WILL sell. It just takes the right customer. 3. DON'T go crazy with your display -- or feel you have to put every item you have out. Bring a lot, but only put out a few items of each and keep the rest in bins. As you sell, replace items. A stall cluttered with too many items makes it hard for customers to see anything. Also, having too many items out may make it look like you never sell anything. Not good. 4. Cheerfully agree with rude customers. -- IF they say they could do it themselves, agree and chatter on about where they can get their supplies, how much they cost and how many hours it takes to accomplish it. ;) This let's them know in a positive way WHY they might consider buying yours rather than making their own. -- IF they say, "the vendor across the hall does a much better job," (which is a really low blow), again, agree that they have lovely stuff and everyone has their own taste. This reminds the customer that these things are matter of taste, which is different for everyone. -- IF they try to haggle, again, remind them of the cost and time put into a piece. BUT- if you are getting a lot of negative comments about your pricing, re-think what you charge. Crafters cannot charge $10/hour for their work. No one would ever buy anything. Sad, but true. The rule I went by was to take the cost of materials and double or triple that, depending on the amount of time spent. 5. Keep any breakable items up high so small fingers don't ruin them. Parents are not the best at watching their children when they shop. It's not a good idea to be rude to them or their children so if a parent isn't watching a child, keep your eyes on them and be ready to step in and politely stop them from handling items. 6. At big shows you may want to partner up with another crafter. While asking a friend or family member to join you may seem like a good idea, the fact is, another crafter understands the basics better. And those big shows are no joke. You'll be busy from open to close, with no bathroom breaks. Just be sure you agree on all the basics before the day (set up, sales, etc.), keep separate cash boxes and you should have a really good time. In fact, partnering is a good way to do craft shows when you don't have that much to sell. 7. If you're really well organized you can make up a list of all the items you brought and check them off as you sell them. Then, at the end of the day, you can compare the list to the money you've made. This makes it easy to see how much of which items sell best/worst. 8. Consider taking specialty orders or making personalized products. This expands your sales potential. IF you do, be sure to get a non-refundable deposit that will cover the cost of your materials just in case they change their minds. Depending on your craft, you may even be able to build up a client list of your own. And make sure they understand it IS non-refundable. 9. KNOW the kind of show you're going to. A craft-show is a craft show is a craft show-- NOT! Obviously, street craft shows are different from Christmas craft shows. But there are more subtle differences, as well. For instance, I quickly learned that hand painted baseball caps and visors would sell REALLY well at street fairs but would languish at an indoor/school just a week later. Also, merchandisers often attend the larger shows. I actually had a stall next to THE person who first created the Scrunchie, long before you could find them in stores. And I was at a show when I first saw those decorative flags that have become standard. Merchandisers "might" steal ideas but rather than risk law suits, they often buy the idea from a crafter if they can prove it's their original design. Yes, many original ideas are merchandised directly from shows. 10. Because of #8 and #9, above, it's a good idea to have a business card displayed in your stall. Some crafters even print up their schedules and put them out as a flyer so people can follow them. Anyway, those are just the points that come to mind. I hope they're of some use.

"How long does it take you to make this?" That's a hard question. I'm not only the Manufacturing Dept, I'm also Product Development, Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving, Marketing, Sales, and...equipment Maintenance and Janitorial staff. "Oh, Honey, you could maker these!" yes, she could, with $6,000.0 of equipment and 10 years of experience, she COULD make these!

Nice video.. I had an incident right when we opened at a Flea MKT. Two women came up to my tables. I'm a quilter and a painter. Hubby would cut things out for me. I quilted table runners, wall hangings, placemats,stockings and etc... The one lady picked up a runner.she was inspecting it like # 9 operator !! I ask if I could help her?? She returned saying, I'm looking for the tag that you cut off!!!! Omg!!! Her friend said lets go! She said,No! I hate to see someone say they made something they didn't !!! Wow! My hubby stood up n told her I made everything here! People were starting to look, even the other vendors.... I took a deep breadth and looked her straight in the eyes and thanked her soooo much for the compliment.. That was the best thing anyone has ever said !!! Her friend grabbed her ,apologized to me and started walking. I did yell, thanks for the compliment , again... Come back anytime!!! The other vendors came over afterwards and said that was the best ever !!! Kill them with kindness...😁😁😁

Introvert here too!! I'm terrified to sell in person.Your video has given me some courage to get out of my safe zone and try a craft fair. Thanks

I always remember my first swap meet when I had to sell everything i owned to go to Australia. I ended up selling the pickup truck I drove to the meet with all of my stuff in, and when the meet had run its day and I had pockets full of cash uncounted yet, I gave away all the rest of my stuff, turned, and walked home, 10 miles away. When I enter the public, I always try to equate that day to a front to put on in the public.. Nothing could jolt me, because negativity was not important from ANYONE, getting on the plane in 24 hours was! The ends justify the means, and life has a way of balancing the best with the worst, allowing you to pass thru and onward. I love your honesty. Best of luck with all of it.

Great insight. I had never really thought about those things when I used to sell jewelry. I'm a Native American, and was born in Oregon. One year at the Pendleton Roundup my sister and I had a booth in a great location, our booth display was amazing and we were doing really well. But when a lot of people were walking by, one lady wanted to stop at our booth and her friend said "That's all fake stuff made in Japan. They all buy stuff from Japan and sell it here." I was absolutely horrified that anyone would think that let alone say it in our hearing, like we were invisible people. And then I got realy, really angry. There is already an invisible divide between different races in that town. I know, I grew up there. But to be treated so contemptuously, in the open, in front of a LOT of people was horrifying. As you can probably tell, it still upsets me to think about it. But I met some amazing people, got custom orders and sold jewelry I was wearing when we were tearing down our booth. But I never worked there again. And it's so true what you said about other vendors. Our booth was doing well, because I knew what price point people could afford to spend. And we provided quality for that price. And I knew how to engage with people. But a lot of the other vendors, with huge booths weren't selling as well. And at each place we sold, we learned what customers were looking for and it changed with different age groups. I had one very young lady bring her Father back to our booth because I had sold her something at a low price point, geared for her age group. He was the Assistant Director of the Roundup Association. Craft fair were an amazing opportunity for networking. But a lot of vendors didn't view us that way. But I did find it helpful, early on to look at different booths, at different events to see what they were selling, and selling well as well as who to gear the product to. I learned that some places just aren't worth setting up a booth at unless you had a lot of time to kill and wanted to sit and make jewelry with a rare sale, which I didn't. The best part was talking to people. But it was exhausting for me because I'm an introvert. Luckily my sister and I were able to trade off on who engaged with the customers. It was the personal engagement that makes a big difference.

We exhibit in the Chesapeake Bay area and my brother paints crabs on weathered wood. Once We sold out and the other crafters complained to management about us but guess who management invited back for their show this year? :)

Your number one advice about staying out of drama is absolutely key because I’ve had a fair share of people coming up to me being nice but FAKE at the same time.

I used to run an annual craft fair. These are great points from the “other side”. After 5 years and volunteering countless hours and no making a dime for all the work I did, I had to step down and email my crafters and tell them there was no more fair. The amount of crafter complaining before during and after every fair was too much for me.

Well said . Have you found that some people are rude about your craft simply to try and get an item cheaper.... Crazy. No need to compare yourself to anyone else . It is your personal style and I would hate to go to a show where everyone had the same exact things . It's the differences that make it a fun fair. Thanks formsharing

Excellent advice Olivia. I've been doing local craft fairs for 12 years and I've learned to have the mental attitude of loving the making of my product and if I make money, even better! I do it for the love of the craft and money is a bonus. Also, I go in honestly wishing everyone great luck in their sales and I stay happy meeting and greeting. I've learned not to take things personal, it's hard but it really saves your sanity! Good Luck in all you do!

So much depends on one's attitude. If you can stay positive and not take rude and ruthless people's ugly remarks personally, you are sooooo much better off. People who come by your booth have had all of that time before that you don't know what set them off, so don't let their bad behavior spoil your day. You're good advice is wonderful. Thanks for all of it.

Olivia, I made high end jewellery and often shared a table with a friend who brought in jewellery from China and Peru. She always sold her goods and I always struggled to sell mine. Every craft fair was an emotional time for me. My friend was sweet though and would always feel sorry for me which made me feel even worse. So I gave up.Then I got into paper crafting and decided to start up again. Last week was my first time back after years. It was not great. I sold one box. The owner told me that my products are a luxury in our very difficult economy. I reminded her that there was a stall selling precious stones for hundreds of dollars etc. Still, I couldnt help feeling terrible, that I wasnt selling the right product and beginning to doubt my product. Crafting is definitely not for the faint hearted. Ive decided to have another go and be positive. Im looking into stepping up my game a bit by improving on my display etc. Im going to go back this Saturday. Thanks for your advice. Cleopatra from Zimbabwe

Your way of dealing with nasty, obnoxious customers is spot on... of course your “art” is personal and your “babies” it’s difficult when someone criticizes them...I would only think as time goes on, an artist, designer, crafter, grows a “thick” skin and learns to deflect that negativity...

thanks for sharing. oh my goodness, yes, you hit the nail on the head when you said, "emotional roller coasters". Several times I wanted to burst into tears.

I'm coming up to my first solo craft sale (I've always been part of a family group previously), and this was AMAZING information! Thank you so much!

I love selling at Craft Fairs here in the U.K.! I particularly like outdoor events where I have my own gazebo, giving me a 3m square personal space to layout my items for sale. I can relate to all of the points you made, so I try very hard to keep all conversations, with other vendors and customers, upbeat! I can really relate to the comparison problem...I'm trying to train myself to appreciate other peoples talent whilst not demeaning my own. I think critical comparison can kill off your own creativity. Thank you for sharing via your videos!

I experience low sales, and everyone wants to trade with me. It gets to be very frustrating but I really love your tips on what to avoid. And what to do in situations. Thanks for doing this video I love it. And I look forward to more videos from you.

Thank you for sharing. All good points you've made here. I'm still new to craft fairs. I go to sell, not buy. If someone wants to trade I smile and kindly tell them I will consider it once I've made my table fee back. At some craft fairs, the fee can be as high as $75. Or, I just tell them that my business is just getting started and my business needs the cash.

All great advice! I'd add to that, to know you're patrons and competition. When I was doing craft fairs on a weekly basis, I always tried to make sure I was the only paper crafter there, or there was only one other vendor who was also selling paper craft items. And it helps to know who you are selling to. I used to live in a "country" area, and found that most of my "fancy" items didn't sell, but my practical items did. TFS your wisdom with us! 💗

This was great! Thank you!!

I watched this a couple years ago when I was thinking about starting a handmade small business and now I'm going to do my first show next month and I'm rewatching for tips! Such timeless advice! Thanks for posting!

Thank you for your thoughts and recommendations! Thanks for staying positive and passing on what you’ve learned. These are some great things that we can use in our retail-minded lives.

Thanks for sharing, you are right in what you say, especially when you talk about comparing, I always make the mistake of comparing myself with the other vendors, I do it all the time and sometimes that discourages me, we have to try not to do it, not It's easy but the idea of headphones is good, I like it!

I have done craft fairs and such for years and know your advice will be appreciated by those starting out....You were spot on about the types of people one encounters. Such good advice Thanks for sharing!

At quilt shows I often see signs that say "Photos $100" it seems to deter most people

I'm so glad I'm not the only one who finds craft fairs/art shows to be an emotional roller coaster!!! I've always felt it's the hardest part of the job. Especially the times when it's not going as hoped or expected. But somehow I always make it to the next one! Love the shirt you're wearing

Thanks for the tips and tricks. I am doing my second fair in November. I appreciate you providing an insider's perspective. I did my first craft fair in July . I made the mistake of signing up for one that was on July 4th weekend indoors, off the beaten path in the boonies. Not what I expected. It was very slow. But at the same time, it was a great learning experience. I did talk to other vendors. No one complained since they were seasoned and they knew the score. When they found out it was my first time, everyone was so helpful! Telling me about available resources, websites and social media pages geared toward craft fair vendors, good shows to sign up for and all about how the 'craft fair' and 'booth show' circuit works. However, I am glad you mentioned the 'trade' since I was unaware of that. Thanks so much!!

2:54. Agree. PERFECT ADVICE STAY AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVE VIBES. THANK U FOR SHARING YOUR TIPS AND ADVICE I'm a beginner.

Thanks Olivia. Had all this happen to me and I always say “Im never doing this again ! “ but family laugh because I am addicted to craft shows and I always go back. Your soothing and encouraging Thanks again Pat

Thank you for being so frank. I’m working toward my first fair and fighting my fears.

Thank you so much for talking about this! My husband and I have been planning on going to craft fairs, it's nice to have a realistic view about what it may be like.

I think it's also important to know that's it's not your fault when you don't sell many things, often it's the fair itself and the slowness/people just being in the buying mood. Don't take things personally. I did a fair just yesterday and though I had so much positive feedback I only made 1 sale. It was really disheartening but realizing it was the same for most of the vendors made me feel better!

you grow as a person by going out there and interacting with people - good or bad. thanks for sharing!

great advice and thanks for being vulnerable and sharing Yes, it is SO IMPORTANT to keep that energy up in your own little space

Wow. Thank you so much. I've been doing shows for years but never thought about some of these points. It's things that I kinda knew but good to hear and be reminded. Thanks 😀

Olivia, Thank you for being candid about your experiences and your willingness to share your tips. Actually, I am a psychology major and a major crafter; and your video displayed great points in staying "out of your own head" and how the craft fair can be very challenging to one's motivation, self-worth, and confidence in themselves and their product. Thank you so much. Best wishes and continued success to you.

Very, very well said. It is so difficult to disengage from negativity and comparison, but essential for success /longevity at fairs! Thank you for reminding me :) because I'm doing one in a couple of weeks!!

Thank you for making this video! I got so much out of it and realized the things i was doing wrong. You hit every good point!

Thank you for the advice!

Thank you so much. This is valuable advice. Thanks for being open about the challenges!

Great video!! I can relate to all of your tips.

Thank you for such a real and honest video, I am a little scared of my first fair on Saturday and now I know a little more what to expect I feel so much easier, thank you x

I ran into your video while working, and although I'm not at all interested in craft fairs, your advice helps with all walks of life. In general we need to focus on the task at hand and not compare ourselves to others. Your personality is adorable also. love from Tennessee, and good luck!

I forgot to say in the lengthy post earlier, we would try to sign up for the show very early and snag a booth close to the entrance. People are typically just looking at those crafters until they get a chance to see what others have. We would pass out flyers with our booth space and a map so they could find us again later. The flyers would also say something about our products and any show specials we had,and had our contact info for future orders. That gave us a chance to interact with the customers and I know it drove customers back to our booth and helped build our sales. That was the age before internet you know! If you can find something unique that others can't really duplicate, then you're going to get less people stealing your ideas. For instance, some of the florals I did were making "china flowers". I would take a silk floral, and using craft paints, duplicating the color in the flowers and leaves, paint the flower and leaves, adding a bit of shading to create depth. I would hang these upside down to dry, then when dry I would spray paint them with a clear high gloss paint. When dry, they look like handpainted china. They are so beautiful. This was never supposed to be a money maker, it was just something I liked to do to relax in the evenings after work. Some I would leave long stemmed, like the roses, and display them in a nice clear vase and sell them for about $4 each, depending on where the show was being held. I also went to antique stores and bought china cups and saucers cheap, small vases and what not, and arranged the flowers in those. The cups with tea roses were adorable and sold like hot cakes. PLUS, I added ribbon to evrything. Those I sold for around $20 and all of these items turned out to be some of the higher profit items I sold. I had plenty of people asking how I made the flowers look like that but I never would tell them. It was a proprietary secret. That really made a few women mad who were trying to duplicate what I was doing.🤗 Just a few thoughts on what brought us success. Blessings again. - Reese 💖🌻

I love your channel. You are exactly what we need in the KZfaq community from someone who could relate to crafters

I appreciate this video so much. Thanks for making it!

Thank you for your honest input. Good advice. I’m contemplating my first craft fair. Never thought about any of these components. Been focused on overhead expenses, display requirements & completion of paperwork. Never thought of the social aspects of crafting. Appreciate your tips.

I remember when I was doing Trade Shows (distributor selling to boutiques and such). We always did a walk-through to check our neighbors. For sure we had the biggest booth but some of the other ones were so much better in others ways. No one was competition because we didn't sell the same products but you could tell the manufacturers from the artists. We always had rude customers and I always had problems with that and really tried not to cry (!). Love your tips. I'm going to do a show on my own as an artist (cards/scrapbooking) and I appreciate you telling us these points - it really came from your heart.

Thank you so much for this insight. I'll be doing shows in the near future and you covered things I might not have thought till afterwards.

Some great tips - from you and the commenters. I really appreciate the time you’ve given us.

Thanks for the insights you shared. I think that staying positive and not getting caught up in negativity is important. Often, I will bypass a vendor with a sour expression, one who is on their cell phone, or otherwise looks bored or uninterested even if I like their product. Another important thing for vendors to remember is to greet each customer as soon as you can and thank them for stopping at your booth, even if they don't buy anything. So many vendors and merchants nowadays are texting, gossiping, or just don't even acknowledge potential customers. I have walked out of stores when I am not greeted promptly or treated courteously.

you are so positive, helpful & kind.thanks for great videos!

This was great info! Thank you!

Such a great and helpful video…thank you!

Goodness yes to the swapping! I've been to many craft fairs and while thankfully the vendors who ask to swap have great items and are super polite about swapping, I honestly would rather have cash than items. I haven't yet learned how to decline but I'm working on it lol. The booth I have is a crochet booth, yet you won't find any "normal" crochet items like other crochet booths and I do this purposefully as to not compete with other booths and I refuse to sell items you can find in stores. So like other commenters I do have people ask to take pics and I do get comments from some that will say "my so and so can make that for me". I just smile while knowing that even if your grandma or mom or whoever can make what I can, they more than likely won't because my items are pretty intricate and some are my own patterns so much luck with that lol. That's one comment that doesn't phase me at all because crochet is hard work and if someone is willing to put in that work, then I'm happy to have inspired that honestly. I do love though that when other crocheters visit my booth, they do nothing but give out compliments and ask "how did you do this?" and to me that makes craft fairs absolutely worth it. My advice to anyone doing craft fairs is this: have many price points to get sales from all costumers, have business cards on hand at all times, make friends with your vendor neighbors because you will need bathroom breaks lol, don't hold items for more than one hour, and do not get discouraged from a bad sale day. Most importantly, be kind to all customers, even if you think they are just lookers and not buyers. Many, many times I've had costumers come in, look around, give a polite compliment then leave only to come back later and make a big purchase. Some people like to look around the whole venue before making a purchase decision and if you're rude or not engaged the first time they're there then they won't return and you've lost a big sale. So always just be kind and enjoy showing off your talents and crafts :)

If you're at a fair, and you're by yourself, please put up a little sign that says be right back at x-time. Everyone needs a potty break, but some people just seem to 'disappear.

We're gearing up for our first festival. Thanks for the tips!

Good advice. Thanks for sharing your realistic and objective experience. You could have just said it is all fun and roses but you were honest and explained what to be prepared about - and it never hurts to go into a craft fair prepared.

Great video you got everyone to share their own little story. Engagement is off the charts.

Craft Fairs are really long hours and hard work. The public aren't always going to get bargains because craft takes big money do do. I just spent $200 on five tool this year, that is without the money for supplies. If you think crafting is easy and cheap to do, then get in line and start doing it.

Thank you so much for this! I am about to go to my first ever show tomorrow. It's only a small village fair but I've already looked my competitors up and my mind is playing me up so listening to your advice made me feel a lot more composed and prepared for tomorrow. ❤️❤️

This is ALL sooo true and helpful. Thank YOU!!

iv'e not done a craft fare.but i have sold my crafts at market stalls years ago and sometimes you got people stop at your stall for a chat with old friends so no one could see you because of the gathering so i just ask them to please move as i'm trying to do business. and other people asking me about how i finished my crafts i call it fishing so they can copy me. iv'e told them i'm self taught its the best way to be different so if you teach yourself you might be different or better than me as no body taught me and i don't do courses but its a thought. and i have had art students saying to me you must have went to art collage i don't believe you taught yourself. and on some days if you don't make as much money its because there is an event happening. or its holiday time or trades fort night so don't worry you cant make money all the time but if you are lucky to make stock all the time then you can trade every day.so don't worry about today think about tomorrow. .

Love your vids Olivia, always get great tips from you!

great tips on craft fairs. I've only been to a few, and I understand about the emotional roller coaster. Staying positive and focused is great advice.

Wow, very very interesting! I've never sold at a craft show, but you're right, I can't help but hear the vendors kvetching about this and that, and it kind of brings down the whole experience. Really excellent points all round!

i had a lot to take away from your video! thank you for being real!

Such wonderful advice. This also applies to farmer's markets. I have a craft booth at one and all 5 points you make apply to there as well.

Thank you for your tips! Good to know as I prepare for my first show!

Love your insights. I'm about to do my first holiday fair in a few years and these are excellent tips!

Thank you for sharing!! I totally experienced all these scenarios. 👍😄

thank you for all your advise. all valid points.

Oh man, did you bring back memories! I did a lot of craft fairs with a friend back in the 80's and it sounds like not much has changed. Dolls were all the rage then and that was the craft my friend did. Her work was exquisite. For instance, when you lifted up the dress on the doll, she always put little pantalettes with cute lace trim and ribbons on them, plus every seam on the clothing was finished properly. She sold her dolls in the bottom range of prices, but others at the shows had sloppy, unfinished work and their prices were exorbitant. Needless to say our booth was always successful and the other crafters couldn't understand how even on a slow day, our booth always had so many people hanging around. She also got tons of special orders. Just like anywhere else a group of people are congregated, you are going to have some very nice, good people with a sprinkling of whiners, complaints and gossips. Whenever we would run into the latter, whichever one of us wasn't being pinned down, would make an excuse to need to talk to that person about something urgent, i.e., stock missing, or the till not balancing, and so on. At least now with iPhones, you can just pull that out of your pocket and say, "I've got to take this call. Talk to you later." ** Picture taking has always been a problem, and people really eyeballing your craft to see how you did it. Talk about rude! And, theft of intellectual property. We didn't get too upset though, we had confidence in our designs and ideas. Whenever another crafter would come over to complain about the show, I would just say, "Oh, I am so sorry to hear that. We haven't had any problems; this is a great show for us. I hope your situation improves.", then I would change the subject and busy myself straightening displays. Soon they would wander away. Unless they had a valid complaint, then I might connect with them. ** For the most part our experiences were fun and we met some great people to network with, and more importantly, we made friends, some of whom we are still in contact with! ** I forgot my craft was silk flower arrangements, but my favorite were lighted pinecone baskets with florals for Christmas. I charged $35 ($70 in today's money) and they all sold out, everytime. I got my baskets at Big Lots, floral picks too, and went to the mountains with my dad for the pine cones. Had so much fun making those. ** Now that I'm retired, I'm starting to craft again but their are so many inspirational ideas, I just don't know where to start. I have property in the mountains with tons of pinecones but they are the giant ones. Thinking of doing something with those. ** Bless you and I hope you have nothing but positive experiences from now on. Craft fairs really are fun, especially if you have a good friend to do it with! Nothing like girlfriend bonding time. 💖🌻

Thank you so much for sharing. I'm relatively new to the craft fair circuit. I've felt the same on so many issues, like the feeling of complete exhaustion when it's done. I appreciate you sharing :)

I'm trying my first one this fall. Thank you for the advice.

Hi, Hun! Thank you so much for the tips! I have my very first vendor show coming up and appreciate the advice!!!!!

That was wonderful advice. Thank you!

thank you for having this video I am not able to work a normal every day job and am concerned I will not ever be able to. So I desire to paint and create items to sell. I think if i have someone to help me to do some lifting and setting up I could work at craft shows. I thank you for being so kind to share and help others to be successful.

I make a lot of things, including tabletop Christmas trees. I build a frame from wire hangers, add lights, greenery, and decorations. The materials are expensive and it's very labor intensive, but mine are quite nice looking. I tried to sell them a craft show and they had another vendor selling the exact same kind of trees. Their version used shiny, metallic garlands for the greenery, while mine were made to look more real. People loved my version and even came to me comparing the other vendor's trees. What was really upsetting was when people would pick up my trees, while commenting that they could make them, and they would turn them upside down to try to figure out how I made the frame. I was so shocked the first time someone did it, I didn't even know what to say! I couldn't believe they would handle my product so roughly or be so rude! My trees do sell well, but they sell better as custom orders.

Good video/ thanks for sharing this. I had bad experiences with arts and crafts shows so I have not done one since 2008

Thank you so much ! This was so informative I appreciated your tips 👍🏼

thanks so much! my first craft fair is in two days and im so nervous! first time ive actually helped ran it in our group. ill make sure to keep stuff in mind.

Thank you! I’m new to craft fairs (I’m a sewist) this was really helpful!

Thank you for being right on......real.......so many people are selling the IDEA....but what you walked thru is the real thing....these things are real feelings any artist at a craft/art show goes thru....lol really basic but real feelings......thank you for sharing

I so appreciate this video! Consciousness-raising is so important. Great hints.

Thank you for sharing so honestly. It’s refreshing to see. I wish you much success.

Thank you for making this video! It helped me get over my terrible first craft show👍👍👍

I plan on doing craft fairs and outdoor markets for the first time this year to sell my handmade goods. Sounds like it's pretty similar to my years working in retail. Excited to start this new journey thanks for the tips.

Your advise was spot on! Thank you for sharing!

I'm doing my first show this fall in over 10 years. Things sure have changed. I'm glad I watched your video and read the comments. I never even thought of people taking pictures...I guess we all have cameras on our phones these days. I've been stressing over display and set up and I still have 2 months to go before the show. Thank you for reminding me of the things that can happen and do happen.

amazing tips! thank you so much for sharing all your ideas! it really helped me prepare for the next market :)

Hello Olivia. Thank you for allowing us into your most enter feelings. We all needed this information that you have given us. We just did not know how to say it out loud without hurting others. I became a new Subscriber and hit the bell. I am truly glad that I found you. Again, thank you.