Here at The Fairy Tale Fair we understand taking part in fairs and selling your work can be a daunting prospect, especially if you’ve never been part of one before.
There is so much to think about - display, prices, how you interact with customers, packaging...
It’s not something you learn overnight, or that there is a strict formula for, but we hope these tips will help you on your way to successfully taking part in craft and makers fairs in Brighton and beyond.
Firstly here are our top 5 tips when applying for fairs:
1. Be enthusiastic! In your application write passionately about your creations - how and why you make them, what inspires you and why you’d like to be part of the fair.
2. Read the details and fill in the form in full! Asking questions to the organiser that has already been sent to them or is already answered on the form shows that you have not taken time in submitting the application. Also if it asks for web links or photos please make sure you send them, there won’t be many fairs that accept applications without seeing anything you have made.
3. Photography is key! Great photos really make your products more enticing and make the viewer want to know more. Think about sending a variety of photos rather than 5 of the same product. For example event organisers are looking for a good product, interesting display, a strong brand and something unique. Try sending photos that might capture your display as a whole (perhaps from a previous event you have taken part in), you at work making your product, a close up of the product and one that shows it packaged if appropriate.
4. Get social! It is not expected for craft fair sellers to have a full website or even blog but social media profiles are just as important and so easy for anyone to set up, even if you have just started making. They are free, build your customer and fan base and provide great feedback on your products and ideas. Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram profiles can be set up in minutes and are a great way of interacting with a wider audience before the day of the fair. You can ask the audience questions and their opinion which may help you decide what you take to sell on the day of the fair. As an event organiser makers with active social accounts are more appealing - it shows they are always active, working on new ideas and will help share the fair to a wider audience.
5. Be professional & Prompt! Fill in the application as you would a job application, not as if you were texting your friend. This is your chance to shine and show off your products so don’t waste it by only writing a one or two word description about your products. This tells us nothing about you or your products - and we want to know more! Also be sure to reply to the events questions and emails - if you have been accepted make sure you make payment on time and respond to any questions needed. There are often lots of other makers on waiting lists who are not as lucky as you to be offered the opportunity to be part of the event so be gracious of your part in the fair, reply, share and don’t be afraid to ask your own questions if you have them!
And finally here are our top 5 tips for being successful on the day of the fair or event:
1. Make your stall the best!! Okay, maybe not always possible but make yourself proud of your display and think about how you need to lay out your products to grab the attention of passers by. Think about creating height in your display (using boxes, shelves, hanging items etc), creating signs and clear pricing and showing your brand off. Think about brand colours and consistency - if someone follows you online and has visited the fair to find you make sure they’ll spot your logo or brand name so they know who you are.
2. Connect with your customers. If someone stops at your stall don’t just sit behind it and ignore them - say hello, be inviting and friendly and see where the conversation takes you. If they have an interest in your products they will want to know more - how you made it, what it is made from etc, so don’t be afraid to tell them all about your processes and hard work that has gone into making your creations! Not everyone will want to chat, but thats fine. It’s a good idea to have an ‘about’ poster as part of your display that explains all about you without you having to say it to every single customer.
3. Share, share, share! No matter how much advertising does only you can be responsibly for getting YOUR customers to the fair. Before the event make sure you share online about selling there, maybe entice your fans to come along with a special offer or incentive. If you have flyers take some to give out where you can- at work, school, friends, neighbors and any groups you are part of. This really will help. When you are at the fair take photos of your stall and products and share online- entice customers along and show them what they are missing by not being there!
4. Build contacts! Not everyone who likes your work will purchase on the day of the fair, but this doesn’t mean they won’t in the future. They may just of not had the money, or anyone in mind to buy for at the time. Be sure to give a business card to anyone who stops for more than 30 seconds, and have lots out on your stall too. Be sure to put a card in the bag of anyone who purchases too - so they can look you up when they get home, perhaps you could include a 10% off voucher for their next purchase too.
5. Offer exclusives! Bring something different and unique to each event you take part in. Perhaps launch a new design or product, or offer a one day sale or special deals. Make the customers on the day feel special and that they are getting something those online wouldn’t.
We hope this has helped those of you who are thinking of taking part in upcoming fairs and markets. Please check out www.thefairytalefair.co.uk for more details. Our next fair is Sunday May 24th at Brighton Open Market. Maybe see you there!
