It has come to my attention that it's not always easy to figure out what we're up to. Not in a horrid secretive way but because we don't really broadcast it that much. We figured you would rather shop and trade somewhere with lovely things and fabulous makers rather than listen to my political beliefs all day! So, if you don't do politics or mission statements look away now and coo over some of Silver Ether's bunting (which I have to admit is rather gorgeous).
Firstly - we aim to make a profit. Profit in community ventures is not an evil thing, however what you do with that profit potentially is. Any profit made goes straight back into the shop, events, or advertising for everyone. Like me paying for a website to show off everyone, or getting new banners done to say 'craft fair here today' as they all cost and need paying for. No one person ever profits from someone else's work or takes a wage.
This is a grass roots group - our main target group is the start up artist or crafter. The ones that have made a few things for their friends who have said 'you ought to sell that' and thought err how do I do that? We run low cost events so that everyone can have a go, and even if it doesn't work for them at least they got the chance to try.
We intend to grow and stay around for a while - we know it's starting to work. We get a lot of interest from other community groups such as WaveLength in Telford who asked us along to their event to show how disabled people might start working for themselves if that's their choice.
Choice - it's all about your choice. We don't tell you how much to sell for, we don't tell you what to make or how. That's down to the makers themselves - we have absolutely no right to challenge their creativity or desires, just as they don't have the right to tell me not to watch Emmerdale!
Makers - we don't really care about your background or what drives you to create. We just like working with creative people who have a passion for what they do and want to improve and meet like minded. We have a wide mix of self employed artists including artists who use it to top up pensions, crafters who use it to bolster self esteem after mental illness, crafters that need an extra income on top of disability benefits. Your background is your story, if you choose to share it that's fine but we would never judge or discriminate. Some of our most talented crafters have had a varied life journey with many bumps along the way, but they found us somehow and we love working with them. Also, we don't believe in putting up signs saying this person is disabled - why would we? What does that achieve? The customer is looking for a present for Margaret's birthday, not a back story.
Support - one of the over-riding things coming back to us constantly is the support we offer. So many of our crafters arrive with hugs and presents saying 'thank you for all your help'. Truthfully we just see it as helping someone be the best they can be, and if tweaking branding or saying maybe that would be better in yellow helps then we will. We don't have all the answers, but we certainly have a growing communuity that might!
Community - the Hippos are growing fast and solicitors are working with us to become a legal Community Interest Company which is where we ultimately want to be. We like the challenge we place on the High Street, we like the speed that we can change at because we are grass roots and a bunch of small makers. We like the community spirit we're building which was brought home today from an event where the venue said 'we tried this before, but obviously having the right people running it makes it work - thank you'.
If you think you could get involved, or have something to share then get in touch - and as many of the crafters already know bribery with cake will always get you an excellent first hug! Hippo x
Friday, April 26
Wednesday, April 17
A basic guide for putting work in the shop
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?!
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?!
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?
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