Find Success At Your First Craft Fair With These Tips

For artists and other types of creators, making a living from your creativity is a common goal. While the road to being a full-time artist is difficult, it's not impossible. Local craft fairs are an excellent way to get started in the art business, and with a little work and ingenuity, you can turn a nice profit. Here are four tips you can use to find success at your first craft fair:

1. Make sure prices are clearly visible.

Many people are too reserved to talk to strangers, and that includes talking to you in order to inquire after prices. Your goal is to make the purchasing process as easy as possible from start to finish. Make sure the prices on your wares are clearly visible, so customers know at a glance how much they can expect to spend.

2. Offer items at a range of prices.

If you're a painter, you probably have large original paintings that are quite expensive, due to the time and effort you put into them. There's nothing wrong with offering expensive items, but be realistic; remember that many people won't be able to afford your most expensive items, so offer things at lower prices as well. Small prints can be sold for lower prices, giving thrifty art enthusiasts a chance to purchase your wares.

Personalized die-cut stickers featuring your art are another good item to offer. They're small enough to make excellent impulse buys, which will net you more sales. Consider including your name or website address on the stickers so they will also serve as free advertising when your customers use them.

3. Be ready to answer questions.

Some people enjoy knowing the history behind the arts and crafts they buy, so make sure you're ready to answer customers' questions. They may want to know more about your process or the materials you work with. Remember to be as open and friendly as possible. Be approachable in order to leave a positive impression on your customers.

4. Pay attention to booth design.

At craft fairs, you're often given a small, plain table in a designated area. What you do with your booth is up to you. Make sure your booth is inviting to prospective buyers. Use a clean, decorative tablecloth to hide the table legs and provide extra storage. Bring small decorations that fit your brand in order to make your booth visually appealing.