Your First Craft Fair
Write a check list, write a check list, write a check list... get the point, you need to write a check list!You will probably be setting off early in the morning on the day (first day) of the show, you will have 100s of things to remember and the only way to deal with this is by writing a check list. This list should be made up of things the organiser has said you need, things you know you need, things other exhibitors have said you need and clever suggestions friends have made. We have put a few suggestions at the end of this article but this is by no means a definitive list. If you do forget something its not the end of the world although your ability to deal with it will depend on what it is. Can you borrow off another exhibitor! MOST exhibitors are friendly and helpful and will help you out if they possibly can, as will the organiser. Are you close to shops, can you replace it or can you do without. Although will take lots of stuff the real basic are your stock, a float and a table cloth (assuming tables re provided).
Everything about the first day is common sense, give yourself plenty of time to get there and set up, make sure you know your route and check if you need to go somewhere other than the public entrance.
When setting up make your stand look as inviting as possible, hopefully you will have practised this at home. Don't forget to leave a gap so you can get in and out of your stand. Say good morning to your neighbours but generally the serious chatting and gossip is left until everyone has their stands ready!
During the show:- Pay attention and say good day to people who approach you stand but don't pounce. Be prepared to answer lots of daft question about your craft.
- You may find it strange that you are in the middle of a conversation with your neighbour when they suddenly walk away or turn round. They are not being rude, they are doing what they should, paying attention to their stand and potential customers. They would expect you to do the same when someone is at your stand.
- You may well be expected to cover your neighbours stand whilst they have a loo break etc if they are on their own, and hopefully they will reciprocate :-)
- Never be tempted to approach customers when they are in front of someone else's stand even if you are giving free samples or something, its just not done.
- Don't start packing up early even if its very quite (unless the organiser says its OK)
- Always be diplomatic when people talk about taking, say "It was a slow day" rather that "***ing hell that was c***" and "Not a bad day" rather than dancing up and down when you've taken a lot. This is because you don't know how other people have done and you don't want to risk rubbing anyone's nose in it. (Whilst we're on the subject don't always believe what others say about their taking, some people are incapable of saying they've had a poor day). In the end taking don't always matter as there can be a big difference between takings and profit.
- Packing up time can be a bit hectic, everyone wants to get home as soon as possible! Try and be polite about car parking spaces etc and try not to put lots of stuff in the isle so no-one can get by.
- Be nice to the other exhibitors and the organiser (but don't pretend it was great if it wasn't, be honest, it helps the organiser), if you stick with it you don't know who you'll be next to at the next show!
- Stock
- Float*
- Price Signs
- Bags/ Carrier Bags
- Business Card / Leaflets
- Table Covers
- Shelves
- Backdrop (some organisers require)
- Display Rack / Cabinet
- Lights
- Extension Lead
- Something to work on / demonstrate (plus tools etc)
- A small "Extra Kit" in a tool box ( drawing pins, tape, pens, pencil, paper, scissors etc.)
- Mobile Phone
- Clipboard
- Chair/Table (if not provided or extra)
- Flask
- Sandwiches