Last March we did what we called a "Craft and Vendor Fair". Not only were there handmade crafts but direct sales company representatives also had booths. Our money making avenues were: 1 - selling chips, pop and hot dogs. 2 - Table rental fees of $10 each. 3 - Each vendor/crafter donated 10 percent of their sales to us at days end. Unfortunately for everyone's hard work we only earned about $350 dollars. I will stress IT WAS A TON OF WORK FOR $350!!!
We also had a raffle going on. Each crafter/vendor donated one item and we combined the items into four baskets. Customers received raffle tickets for entering the door and making purchases at each table.
Our experience with a spring raffle was verylow sales -- but I can see were a Holiday Bazaar could possible be more profitable. Good Luck with whatever decision you make!
You've described each. A 'Craft Fair' is traditionally just that: A Craft Fair. It is similar to a bazaar. You rent tables to merchants who sell their wares, usually homemade craft items. You usually see these in parks.
'Family Craft Night' is where your families do a craft or crafts. This involves the making of a specific craft or crafts during the evening to be taken home and adored by all.
We will be holding one of each this school year. At Christmas time, we are going to hold a 'one night only' Santa Shop and Craft Show. We will pick one of the craft vendors to come teach us a craft in the early part of the new year.
What is a craft fair? Is it a fund raiser or something like a Family Night where you make crafts? I'm just curious because our Parent Group does not really do this kind of thing and I'm trying to get the big picture of what other groups do. Thanks
Shelly
I was the chair for our Holiday Craft Fair in November. It was a lot of work. The hardest thing for me at first was getting the vendors. then after a couple of years I started building up a base list so then it was difficult to make sure that we advertised sufficiently for our vendors to earn money and want to come back.
Basically all we made on it was the booth rentals and the food. We served donuts, muffins and drinks in the a.m. and then a simple lunch.
I would think a spring craft fair would do well also. Especially if it is held before Mother's Day.
We are a first year PTO, so we do not have ourf undraisers already set for us. We are thinking of doing a craft fair in the spring. How do spring craft fairs do? I know that holiday ones can be very successful. Can a spring one do well?
