Craft Fairs

Elphaba

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone knows how to go about running a stall in a craft fair coming up to Christmas? There was a fair in the Glenroyal Hotel in Maynooth last year and I'm really interested in getting involved this year. Any ideas much appreciated.
Thanks a lot

Marksie

What advice would you like?
What are you selling?
Have you contacted the organisers to see if they have spaces?
and the cost.

Ask if they provide the table or do you have to bring one.

Have a look at the pricing of competitors/shops.

Find out how many others are selling the same product as you, more than two then dont bother (depending on the size of the fair)

Make sure it is all crafts!!!!!!!!! and what the policy is on someone transgressing by bringin in factory made stuff. (I saw this in one fair ... it took half a day for the organisers to bother their arses stopping the person involved... and that because all the others selling jewellry complained and threatened to walk out, by that time she had taken a small fortune).

Yes, and make sure that they have a strict policy on what is being sold. If someone is selling jewellry for example, there is nothing worse than seeing them bring out a display stand of cards as well. Especially if you are selling cards!

Display: cover the table with cloth/linen and think of the layout of the stall. Dont make it look too "busy"
Make the stand split level, if you have space, put stuff at the back.

Check out the venue:
The glenroyal, I think i did that craft fair or one close to it (I think), isnt the hotel quite a way out of town.... was it october last year (halloween)?
Location can be very very important.

Find out how it did in previous years.

Check out what advertising is available, if it isnt being advertised it wont be well attended.

Be chatty and polite, dont hover but dont sit reading a book.

Having said all that.... enjoy it

Elphaba

Thanks so much for that. I make cross stitch cards, pictures, coasters etc. I'm trying to find out who the organisers are. The one that was in the Glenroyal was in December last year. There were lovely things at it but nothing like what I've been making and selling to friends for the past couple of years. I tried searching online this morning but couldn't find anything. I'll have another go this evening. I've never ran a stall before so I really appreciate all your tips. Thanks again

Marksie

have a look at the craft council or irelands website:
CCOI. The often have craft fairs advertised. But once you get going to them, then you learn that word of mouth is very important. I believe there is one in celbridge as well at some point for example.

if you are thinking of doing this regularly try to find a local group, they can help immeasuraebly