Thanks for reminding me of that too Kathie, we also go around to craft shows and hand out applications and an informatin sheet on what we are about. We have our business cards stapled on them.
We also ask the crafters to donate for a raffle. Last year we had to run a raffle every 10 mins just to get the stuff gone. We held the big stuff for the very last raffle drawing.
Another thing is if you do get vendors like Avon, pampered chef, make sure you just have one of each. We just take first come first serve when the apps come in.
Hope this helps.
Originally posted by <kathiep>: I organized a craft show with both direct sales people and real crafty people several years ago. I got most of the crafters by approaching them at other craft shows that were held in the Spring. I had a flyer made up with all the information about our craft show and then talked to them and took their card. I tried to just pick the people whose stuff I thought would be saleable and told them that I would really like to have them. I also advertised in the schools. I did it as a fundraiser for a Kids Dream playground. It's also fun to have the crafters donate a small item and sell raffle tickets to sell the items.
I organized a craft show with both direct sales people and real crafty people several years ago. I got most of the crafters by approaching them at other craft shows that were held in the Spring. I had a flyer made up with all the information about our craft show and then talked to them and took their card. I tried to just pick the people whose stuff I thought would be saleable and told them that I would really like to have them. I also advertised in the schools. I did it as a fundraiser for a Kids Dream playground. It's also fun to have the crafters donate a small item and sell raffle tickets to sell the items.
Our P.T.O. has a craft show every year at our school. This year will be our 17th Annual. We always have it on the same date every year. Ours is the first Saturday of December.
We have about 90 spots available and 170 crafters on our mailing list.
A way of advertising this event is to start in the Summer months with newspapers. We do an ad for Crafters wanted for more info please call such and such. We also advertise around November for the event with the papers and through flyers. We have signs that we post around town with permission that state the event.
If you would like more info you can email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Around here there are alot of independant crafters that only do craft shows. My son is starting to make bird houses so we may end up renting a booth for our county Craft Fair. I think that getting the word out as Melissa suggested is a great start. Also check with local agents such as 4-H, high school clubs, and perhaps a community center where club meetings such as Quilting Clubs and Homemakers Clubs may be held. Those clubs may be interested in setting up at your craft fair too. Also your area florists that do silk arrangements and balloons.
[ 06-12-2005, 12:51 PM: Message edited by: C. Brooks ]
First, I would check with my parents to see if any of them would like space to set up. That way if you have a parent who sells Mary Kay, Avon, or whatever, you give them first chance over somebody outside of your school. If you don't, you may end up with some cranky parents.
Other ideas that will help you advertise your event as well as recruit vendors:
**Ask craft shops if you could place a notice at the checkouts stating that you are seeking crafters.
**Place an ad on the community bulletin boards at your local grocery stores.
**Advertise on your school's marquee. That will also be letting people (ie: shoppers) about your event.
We are going to have a Craft Fair where Vendors (crafters) come in and sell their products. This is going to be a fundraiser. We are selling booths to this for others to sell their items.
