This is not meant as an exhaustive list, things change all the time so please don't take this as set in stone. However, the principles that apply to us probably apply to other shops and galleries so it may be useful to use this as a starting point for other sites.
Do some research!
Where possible visit the shop/gallery beforehand. Would you shop there? Can you see your work fitting in with what else is on offer? Do they already stock something similar to you? Which items are likely to be your biggest competition? Does their price range match your work?
As a general rule shops and galleries have lots to do in the background so just turning up with boxes of items with no prior warning will not get you the audience you would like. Try to chat to the owners first, find out how they like to be approached - or, if at all. And once you know this, follow the guidelines they give you. If they ask for 5 examples don't turn up with 20 - all this says is you can't follow instructions and therefore puts in question your ability to work with us.
Be aware of your prices - most galleries and shops will want to know your trade price. They then put a percentage mark up on to create the retail price. If you have really strong views about your sale prices say so, but be aware that if the gallery doesn't agree they are under no obligation to stock your work.
Don't be offended if they say no - sadly we say no to more than we say yes to. Mainly because we already stock similar work, it doesn't quite fit our audience or practical things like it would require specific display that we just don't have room for. It's not personal though. We are not saying we don't like you or your work is rubbish - we're just saying that at this time it doesn't fit in for a variety of reasons. Ask us for feedback on why not - is it something that can be overcome in the future? Also, please remember that sometimes our location restricts what will sell or won't sell. We have seen the most amazing pieces that would work in an urban gallery setting but not with us - each shop/gallery knows their own audience and can usually signpost you to somewhere where the customer audience would be perfect for you. We're not out to stop folk sellling - but need to ensure your work is sold in the most appropriate place for you.
Shops and galleries are in business - we need to know that the work we stock has a chance of selling because without sales none of us keep going so bear this in mind if you don't get the reaction you wanted. Listen to the feedback, it's not criticism it's feedback - big difference and it's there to help you. Sometimes we ask people to have a craft stall with us first because we're just not sure of public reaction. This is not a no - this is a genuine we're not sure so want to test your work out first before stocking it.
Also, and this is important try to do some research on what people think of the shop from a trader and customer point of view. If all the comments you see are 'what a lovely place to shop, so glad I found you' then chances are they will look after you too. If all the comments are 'please can you reply to my complaint' chances are something's not quite right. Use your instinct, you are about to leave work in the hands of strangers and trust that they sell it for you. We have come across some horror stories in our time which is why we always try to be as open and honest as possible.
Be clear on what you want out of the agreement - because it is an agreement between the shop and you. You as the crafter have the right to say sorry I don't want to leave this with you as equally the shop have the right to say I like the blue ones but not the yellow ones. Negotiation and communication are part of building a working relationship.
Visit the shop - everyone is busy, everyone has loads of demands on their time but just as you expect the shop to sell your work they expect some interaction in return too. Don't just turn up when you want your sales money, try to keep in touch or just pop in to say hello. We know from experience that the more folk pop in and check how things are going the more they get out of the arrangement. They can see customer reaction to their work, see what sells well and what's struggling. Also rotating and freshening your stock helps you and the shop. A strong relationship really helps in the future too, especially to those bribing me with cake :)
Be clear on what promotion you expect and ask the questions, again this is an agreement between two parties and you as the crafter have the right to query things. Without crafters we can't survive, without shops stocking work crafters would struggle - it's a two way process so remember that when you get all excited about being in your first shop then get home and think err I didn't ask whether they would actually put my stock out or just leave it in a cupboard?!
Wednesday, April 17
Tuesday, April 16
It's your first craft fair stall - don't panic!
This is not meant as an exhaustive list of things to do or not do, and those of you that are more experienced will probably chuckle at some of the things you forgot on your first outing!
Firstly - don't panic! Easier said than done when you are surrounded by fabulous stalls that seemed to take no effort, but everyone started somewhere. Each crafter had their first stall somewhere - however slick and organised they may look today.
If you get chance go to an event, look around, talk to the stall holders. We all borrow ideas - especially regarding display from each other but far nicer to say 'wow that looks really good, think I may need to borrow that idea' because chances are you'll bump into each other later.
Look at stalls and think about it with your own stock in mind. Do you need to show off smaller items, or would yours look better hung up? Do you need people to be able to try or taste work on offer? Also, don't forget we never stop learning new things so don't expect to get it exactly right first time out. Expect to use each event to learn something new.
One of the things often overlooked is making sure people know what your work is for or does. Might sound daft but if you sell chalk boards make sure one is hung up with a piece of chalk and something written on it - you have now explained the function without having to tell everyone! Plus if you are shy it saves you explaining each time.
Change - again might sound obvious but if all your items are rounded up to the nearest 50p do you really need lots of small change? Plus, make life simple for yourself - round sales figures up or down to make your cash handling simpler.
Card readers - unless you already have one do not rush into a contract until you are sure it's worth it. Sadly you might lose a few sales, but the costs are quite high until you know you can justify it. Make sure you know where the nearest cash point is and offer to take a holding deposit while the customer goes to the cashpoint if necessary.
Tables, chairs etc - find out from the venue what is provided and what size. Also, it is worth asking if you have access to wall space or back boards to hang work on. Many venues don't but if they do then take full advantage to create your display. If you have a bad back or need to be seated for any length of time I would always advise you bring your own chair to be sure you're comfortable.
Power - if you need power it's best to ask the organisers in advance. Depending on the size of the venue this is often something they have little or no control over but if they know they can work with you. Arriving with 20 minutes to set up demanding a power socket is not going to make you their favourite person!
Temperatures - might sound obvious but make sure you are warm enough! If a venue is likely to be cold take a piece of cardboard or old offcut of carpet to stand on to stop the cold striking up at you. There is absolutely nothing worse than being cold while trying to be pleasant to customers.
Practice getting your stuff in the car - will your table, chair, 5 boxes, dog, child going to Nanny's actually all fit in? Also, try and pack so that tables come out of the boot first to help you set up more easily (don't forget to take the child to Nanny's either).
Leaflets, business cards, flyers - it would be wise to print off some simple A5 leaflets that tell people who you are and where else they can buy from you with the details you want them to find such as your Folksy shop or facebook to contact you.
Layout - you will probably be stood behind your stall all day but have you looked at it through a customer's eyes? Stand at the front, make sure you can see everything, is it priced up, can you reach things to look at them, does it look interesting? Or, if you have a willing assistant set it up at home first and ask them to look objectively. Mixing height is a good way of making a stall look interesting. Concentrate on using your most attractive items to draw folk in, or maybe you have an unusual gimmick that draws conversation? Anything that gets folk to stop, chat and engage is helpful. Don't forget, you don't have to stand behind a table all day - you can often change layouts to make it a little different.
Talk to customers - craft fairs are a social outing for both you and the customer, they are usually really interested in how or why you make things so take the opportunity to share what you do. Sitting down all day with your nose in a book will not gain you the highest sales of the day! If you are able to actually demonstrate what you make then do it - people love to watch crafters at work, plus it proves that you really did make all the gorgeous things you have on display.
Share - make sure you take your details to share amongst the other stall holders and get their details too. It's surprising how many times the same faces pop up so it's far nicer to be able to chat to them between events and possibly share ideas or suggestions.
Be realistic about what you expect from events - unless you are very lucky and have a loyal audience you are unlikely to make your fortune on your first outing. Or, is it more realistic to use events to generate new business leads? If you have food products be sensible about quantities and use by dates. It is better to sell out of a smaller volume than have to take home 50 unsold cakes (however happy your 6 year old is with this idea!).
If there was something that was really bad make sure you tell the organisers - sometimes they are unaware of your issues and without being told they can't put it right for next time.
Above all - HAVE FUN!! You chose to do the event, you spent the time making your goods and you paid to be there. There will always be good and bad events, grumpy and happy stall holder, organised and disorganised event organisers. Trust your instinct, if you think it's not right for you then don't book. There are many different events for different audiences and in time you will find where you best fit.
Hope this helps, and if you have other bits to add in please do so. Hippo x
Firstly - don't panic! Easier said than done when you are surrounded by fabulous stalls that seemed to take no effort, but everyone started somewhere. Each crafter had their first stall somewhere - however slick and organised they may look today.
If you get chance go to an event, look around, talk to the stall holders. We all borrow ideas - especially regarding display from each other but far nicer to say 'wow that looks really good, think I may need to borrow that idea' because chances are you'll bump into each other later.
Look at stalls and think about it with your own stock in mind. Do you need to show off smaller items, or would yours look better hung up? Do you need people to be able to try or taste work on offer? Also, don't forget we never stop learning new things so don't expect to get it exactly right first time out. Expect to use each event to learn something new.
One of the things often overlooked is making sure people know what your work is for or does. Might sound daft but if you sell chalk boards make sure one is hung up with a piece of chalk and something written on it - you have now explained the function without having to tell everyone! Plus if you are shy it saves you explaining each time.
Change - again might sound obvious but if all your items are rounded up to the nearest 50p do you really need lots of small change? Plus, make life simple for yourself - round sales figures up or down to make your cash handling simpler.
Card readers - unless you already have one do not rush into a contract until you are sure it's worth it. Sadly you might lose a few sales, but the costs are quite high until you know you can justify it. Make sure you know where the nearest cash point is and offer to take a holding deposit while the customer goes to the cashpoint if necessary.
Tables, chairs etc - find out from the venue what is provided and what size. Also, it is worth asking if you have access to wall space or back boards to hang work on. Many venues don't but if they do then take full advantage to create your display. If you have a bad back or need to be seated for any length of time I would always advise you bring your own chair to be sure you're comfortable.
Power - if you need power it's best to ask the organisers in advance. Depending on the size of the venue this is often something they have little or no control over but if they know they can work with you. Arriving with 20 minutes to set up demanding a power socket is not going to make you their favourite person!
Temperatures - might sound obvious but make sure you are warm enough! If a venue is likely to be cold take a piece of cardboard or old offcut of carpet to stand on to stop the cold striking up at you. There is absolutely nothing worse than being cold while trying to be pleasant to customers.
Practice getting your stuff in the car - will your table, chair, 5 boxes, dog, child going to Nanny's actually all fit in? Also, try and pack so that tables come out of the boot first to help you set up more easily (don't forget to take the child to Nanny's either).
Leaflets, business cards, flyers - it would be wise to print off some simple A5 leaflets that tell people who you are and where else they can buy from you with the details you want them to find such as your Folksy shop or facebook to contact you.
Layout - you will probably be stood behind your stall all day but have you looked at it through a customer's eyes? Stand at the front, make sure you can see everything, is it priced up, can you reach things to look at them, does it look interesting? Or, if you have a willing assistant set it up at home first and ask them to look objectively. Mixing height is a good way of making a stall look interesting. Concentrate on using your most attractive items to draw folk in, or maybe you have an unusual gimmick that draws conversation? Anything that gets folk to stop, chat and engage is helpful. Don't forget, you don't have to stand behind a table all day - you can often change layouts to make it a little different.
Talk to customers - craft fairs are a social outing for both you and the customer, they are usually really interested in how or why you make things so take the opportunity to share what you do. Sitting down all day with your nose in a book will not gain you the highest sales of the day! If you are able to actually demonstrate what you make then do it - people love to watch crafters at work, plus it proves that you really did make all the gorgeous things you have on display.
Share - make sure you take your details to share amongst the other stall holders and get their details too. It's surprising how many times the same faces pop up so it's far nicer to be able to chat to them between events and possibly share ideas or suggestions.
Be realistic about what you expect from events - unless you are very lucky and have a loyal audience you are unlikely to make your fortune on your first outing. Or, is it more realistic to use events to generate new business leads? If you have food products be sensible about quantities and use by dates. It is better to sell out of a smaller volume than have to take home 50 unsold cakes (however happy your 6 year old is with this idea!).
If there was something that was really bad make sure you tell the organisers - sometimes they are unaware of your issues and without being told they can't put it right for next time.
Above all - HAVE FUN!! You chose to do the event, you spent the time making your goods and you paid to be there. There will always be good and bad events, grumpy and happy stall holder, organised and disorganised event organisers. Trust your instinct, if you think it's not right for you then don't book. There are many different events for different audiences and in time you will find where you best fit.
Hope this helps, and if you have other bits to add in please do so. Hippo x
Monday, March 4
Oh, you don't have a trampoline?
This is meant as a light hearted way of showing you some ways of how not to get your work in the shop (please don't get offended - and please don't bring a trampoline down!)
please do the following:-
please do the following:-
- Ensure you arrive in the middle of a busy craft fair day with 6 boxes and then place them in the middle of the floor and proceed to empty bubble wrap in the shop
- Bring a random selection of photos on your phone including one of the cat's birthday party and your Uncle Graham trampolining
- Ensure that you have accidentally brought the box containing your daughter's costume for her school play and left your samples with her head teacher
- You must at all times place yourself in the most awkward position to ensure the most customers are blocked from travelling around the shop
- You must at all times restrict our ability to make a sale while continuing to hunt for the photo of your current work while admiring Uncle Graham's skill at trampolining
- Guess a random figure for the sale price of your work - please make sure this is completely fictious and has no logic behind it
- Be offended that we have already stocked similar work and that we had made no effort to seek you out beforehand
- Be offended that we do not have a trampoline to entertain your 6 children that are playing paintball in the shop
- Tell us that you tried to come down but we were closed, and that you have tried several times but we are always closed on the Monday which is the only day you can get there yet make no contact with us so we remain clueless about you trying to visit
- Bring Uncle Graham's trampoline and tut loudly that we don't have the space to put it up, while collecting the 6 paintballing offspring who have just created an amazing mural which actually is rather good so we'll keep the mural, but not the trampoline if that's ok?
Monday, February 25
What a difference a week makes!
Wow, what a difference a week really does make! Last week I was a tad miffed at the lack of co-operation we were on the receiving end and this week it's like dealing with a different company - in a really good way :)
It would appear that me raising quite valid grumps was listened to, and actions are already becoming quite visible on site. Hurrah!! So, now we are back to a bouncy happy Hippo which is probably a relief to some. And then the most awesome people turned up with some new work for the shop so it was a double whammy of a good week.
This is a piece by Andy O'Boyle who creates the most fabulous pieces out of cast bronze, and according to his daughter Daddy is amazing (which he is) and that he uses earwax to create his work. Not entirely sure that bit is true, but the end results are simply stunning and the tactility is such a lovely thing to have in the shop. What was lovely about meeting Andy was that his daughter is right, Daddy is amazing, and because he was very much in agreement with us that art should be accessible. He was uncomfortable with folk not being able to touch his work, after all if you see something of this scale your first reaction is always going to be to touch it so he seemed quite relieved that you cannot find a 'do not touch' sign anywhere in our shop. Art should be accessible, it's not always something that should be locked away and merely admired by those in white gloves nodding and muttering 'yes I can see what he is trying to express here'. Andy creates fun in these bronzes, there is a subtle whimsy coming out of the fact that he is extremely good at what he does and therefore is comfortable in his own work. Next time you visit, come give the ducklings a pat on the head!
It would appear that me raising quite valid grumps was listened to, and actions are already becoming quite visible on site. Hurrah!! So, now we are back to a bouncy happy Hippo which is probably a relief to some. And then the most awesome people turned up with some new work for the shop so it was a double whammy of a good week.
This is a piece by Andy O'Boyle who creates the most fabulous pieces out of cast bronze, and according to his daughter Daddy is amazing (which he is) and that he uses earwax to create his work. Not entirely sure that bit is true, but the end results are simply stunning and the tactility is such a lovely thing to have in the shop. What was lovely about meeting Andy was that his daughter is right, Daddy is amazing, and because he was very much in agreement with us that art should be accessible. He was uncomfortable with folk not being able to touch his work, after all if you see something of this scale your first reaction is always going to be to touch it so he seemed quite relieved that you cannot find a 'do not touch' sign anywhere in our shop. Art should be accessible, it's not always something that should be locked away and merely admired by those in white gloves nodding and muttering 'yes I can see what he is trying to express here'. Andy creates fun in these bronzes, there is a subtle whimsy coming out of the fact that he is extremely good at what he does and therefore is comfortable in his own work. Next time you visit, come give the ducklings a pat on the head!
And then Katherine arrived! We've known Katherine for just over a year now, from doing a craft fair many moons ago where I had always admired her skill in both design and the quality of her products. And we're not the only ones to notice, since we last met she's racked up several major clients so we were extremely touched that she was happy leaving her work with us. Katherine uses her own designs to create the most gorgeous silk scarves, ties, glasses cases and basically anything else she can think of - and each with amazing levels of detail and quality of finish. Again, she was of the opinion that her work needs to be touched and felt so again she was relieved not to see 'do not touch' signs around the shop. Her attitude is very much one of it's silk, you need to be able to see it and touch it to appreciate it so please don't just fold them up in a cabinet. And already, in true Hippo style we've put her in touch with people that might like their own designs on some of her work. Almost forgot, she also runs courses and has offered to run some for us later in the year. With her skills and attitude I can see folk walking away with some amazing designs they didn't realise they were capable of.
So, a week really does make a big difference to a tired and slightly frazzled brain! We started the week feeling ignored and on the hunt for new sellers and ended the week on an even fuller shop of amazing work and inclusion on site posters. And the best bit is, it's only February so what else can we achieve in 2013? Apologies as there are loads more new sellers that I will be showcasing over the coming weeks, so please don't feel left out if I can't get to your favourite for a while! Hippo xx
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