Selling Expression Products at Craft Fairs

By Stephen Bucaro

Craft fairs are a profitable way to sell expressions products because you are selling directly to the customer. A fair also provides you with an opportunity to see which of your products people seem most interested in. Make sure that the products you intend to display at the fair fit in with the type of products exhibited at that particular fair.

There are more than 6000 fairs held across America each year. You should try to enter as many appropriate fairs as you can, just to try them out. Then, stay with the ones that pay.

The decision to participate in a specific fair depends upon whether you think you will sell enough to cover your expenses and make a profit. Consider added sales you will receive by distributing sales materials, such as your catalog. The first several times you participate in a specific fair expect your sales to be low. Experience will guide you as to what type of products sell at that fair and therefore increase your sales at later fairs.

You should take inventory at the beginning and at the end of each day. In order to determine which items sell best, keep a record of every sale at the fair. Compare your inventory to your sales records to determine if anything is missing. A record of sales is also required for tax purposes. In most states, you must collect sales tax on every sale, which must later be paid to the state.

You may require an assistant to do a craft fair. If you are alone, you will not be able to take a break when "nature calls", or to have lunch. If the crowd gets large, you will need help to watch for shoplifters.

You will need cash box and sufficient small denomination money to make change. A fishing tackle box or toolbox can be used as a cash box. When a customer gives you currency, keep it out of the cash box until the transaction is completed. This will prevent the customer from claiming you did not return the proper change. Keep your moneybox closed when you are not making change. You will also need a stock of bags to place purchased items in.

Decide whether you will accept checks or not. If you accept checks, determine what identification you will ask to see. If you will not be accepting checks, post a clear sign indicating that the customer can place an order with a check. The order can be shipped after the check clears. In this case, it is best to provide free shipping.

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